Jive and Thrive Studio's
lindsay crescent T4S2R1 Sylvan Lake, AB, Canada

Wishing all of the wonderful dads a very happy Father’s Day!

A reminder of the how precious life is (and the importance of Child CPR )

9 years married! Today marks a day that one decision changed the course of my life! Friends, marriage isn’t easy. Me and my spouse sure had our share of challenges to face. But if you and your spouse are willing to lay pride aside and work through all the things (i.e. issues of the character, of the heart and of the mind, and let’s not forget all the things we bring from our own family of origin ) that need some re-working - it is so worthwhile. It takes a willingness on ...both parts and a whole lot of patience and positive regard for both yourself and your spouse. And also a great therapist Actually I’ll say this - as a therapist myself I still get the sense that so many couples fear getting help or working through things. I know it is a highly private journey and one to be guarded. But stepping out of denial is really the first step towards progress. Telling ourselves that no one else struggles, that we can work through it ourselves, that it is the other person that has the problems or needs to change, is often just giving into self-deceit. I mean we all have our share of excuses as to why we aren’t the ones who need help. I’m so grateful that the marriage we had on our wedding day is far from the one we have today. I’m so grateful that we were both willing stick with one another through the valleys of the heart. Now I will say given we are unique individuals, no one marriage is the same. Anytime there is violence and safety issues involved in a relationship, therapy requires a different course of action. So in no way am I condoning or saying that staying in unsafe relationships is ever ok - and that includes marriage. I never judge anyone for determining what they need, which could be leaving an unsafe relationship. Oh and ps: if you’re reading this and are open to some good reads check out John Gottman and Sue Johnson on YouTube, audible or in the form of a good ol’ book. You won’t be disappointed for the time you take to work on your discovery! Finally, as a Therapist, I have completed the level 1 Gottman Couples Therapy Course. So, stay tuned as I will be sharing more in the upcoming weeks about parenting and relationships!

Comment below What parenting and relationship topics you would be interested in knowing more about?Comment below What parenting and relationship topics you would be interested in knowing more about?

Well folks - the canines are coming in (the teeth ones that is) and today they were relentless. FYI, I also should be posting a picture of me at my worst - to be fair to this sweet gem. Maybe you can relate. Some days I feel like I’m conquering this mom thing! Other days all I can do is let go of the to do list and try to hold things together so I can be present for my children. When you have these days, the days where your child or children are facing painful moments, ...how do you manage? How do you respond to your child’s pain and discomfort? What strategies do you use? You know , on a deeper level we all have painful moments in our stories. Ones that may sting less over time but we still remember. In moments like these I also find myself reflecting on my own childhood. My needs that were met and also my needs that were unmet at times. This inner reflection helps me go deeper so I can discover how much patience I have to love on my children when they are at their worst (or not their best). I hope that these days of the relentless canines are just a quick fading memory. My hope is my children will remember that I took time to comfort and hold them. That I put aside some expectations I had on myself for today and I stopped. I stopped to listen, to sit and to be. To pause so I could be present. Present so I could sit with them in the pain of their day. So moms and musical friends, I’d love to know what are your thoughts? What does this bring up for you? How are you navigating the days of the relentless canines? I’d love to hear from you

A great reminder for the mommas out there raising 2 year olds! Comment below on what you have been learning (or have learned) about your child during the 2s!