K. Dool Social Work Professional Corporation
Online Services Only Sault Sainte Marie, ON, Canada

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou It’s a powerful quote filled with truth and wisdom. I was out biking today reflecting on this and just how important our relationships and our connection to others really is, especially during this time.... We are constantly exchanging energy with others for the good and the bad. We have to really reflect on what our dominant energy is and how that is impacting our relationship with ourselves and with those around us. If we see the world through a negative lens, we tend to have more negative interactions with others. If we step into our day with hope and gratitude, well, that is contagious too (in a wonderful way) and it can cultivate deeper relationships with those we care about. People are more inclined to open up in their communication with us when we feel like we are receptive, kind and open to sharing. Communication is key by the way to healthy relationships! Sometimes we tell ourselves that we aren’t deserving of these connections or that we will get hurt if we let our guard down. These are the false narratives that keep us feeling lonely, isolated and deprived of the love we deserve. It can keep us surrounded by people who don’t have our highest good as a priority as well. It’s possible though to shift our of this feeling and take a small step forward with a positive vibe that invites others in. What is your dominant energy and what can you do to see the opportunity for connection with others that always surrounds us? We have to hold ourselves capable of this each and every day. It’s vital to how we feel and how others feel around us. Happy Saturday! #connection #relationships #wellness #gratitude #dominantenergy #love #healing #gratitude #energy #happiness #itstartswithus #selflove

First paddle of the season! Amazing! #girlswhopaddle #lakesuperior #settingsail #easterweekend #saultstemarie #northernontario #nature #beauty

So I know a lot of us weren’t planning on some further downtime for the month of April (aka lockdown) and it may have some feeling well... a little down. I think it’s important to have things to look forward to in times of uncertainty. Creating activities or projects that we can make certain in our lives can alleviate the stress and disappointment of what isn’t in existence. Personally, I’m looking forward to camping season, 2021. ... My Boler vintage, moon hubcaps arrived in the mail yesterday in all their glory. It is sooo exciting because of what it symbolizes for me. I’ve had some great moments imagining what it will be like to go out and enjoy the freedom and adventure that awaits this coming season in that amazing trailer and to just be a happy camper for awhile. What are you looking forward to? What can you start working on today to make future fun and enjoyment part of your reality in the coming months? Seize the day, create the moments that bring happiness! Kerri

I’ve been in creation mode these last few weeks with the Wellness Studio. It’s a passion of mine to develop meaningful options for our clients to realize their goals and to step into the best version of themselves. When someone first contemplates doing their own self work, the thought of change or what that will require them to uncover emotionally, can feel overwhelming and elusive. I want to share a story of inspiration with you though that highlights why doing this typ...e of self work is so vital to our personal happiness and success. Rewind the clock to four years ago and I started working with a young adult who was just embarking on a University career. They were the first in their family to ever go onto post-secondary education and if I listed all of the life challenges on paper, anyone could see the odds were not in their favour for completion of this degree. But something told them from deep within themselves that they could do this. There was a tenacity in their spirit that I could clearly see. They kept persevering, coming to see me weekly and later, my Wellness team embraced them in our holistic services. They wanted to do the emotional work because they knew in their heart that the alternative would mean a life governed by negative messaging from the past and a low self-concept that was rooted in mistrusts and mistruths about themselves. They would be stuck emotionally. Fast forward to present day and this individual is set to graduate with their University degree this Spring. I am immensely proud of them and their commitment to themselves, their future and their well-being. They are truly an inspiration (and yea, I get a little teary when I talk about this because they have touched my heart too). The lesson for all of us is to never underestimate the ability we all have to change our lives for the better, to overcome life’s adversities and to forge a path that is aligned with our dreams. It doesn’t just happen though, we have to be willing to make the necessary changes in our lives and reach out for the supports that will help us get there. It starts with us, but it isn’t a solo journey! We are here for you too Kerri

Lots of love found around the Christmas tree! #bekind #makesomeonesmile #welcomehome #doglovers

So thankful for all the wisdom and support my mom has given me over the years. She’s one in a million, for sure!

So I turn 41 tomorrow! I don’t really know where the decades have gone in terms of how fast it has passed by and yet I do remember each chapter, if that makes sense. It’s been a journey, an evolution of self, life experiences, highs and lows and for all of it, I’m really thankful. I’ve become really intentional in these last few years about how I take care of me-mind,body and spirit. It’s probably my biggest accomplishment because of how it has allowed me to give back to oth...ers and strengthen my connection to them. Caring for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s a gift you give to yourself and your external world. I got on my bike this a.m. to start the day with a daily practice of exercise and it felt invigorating! Set some time aside and show up for yourself in whatever way feels meaningful to you. A quote I heard during my workout that I’d like to share w you today was: some people are rich in spirit, but poor in money. Others are rich in money, but poor in spirit. I truly believe that if you feed your spirit, the rest falls into place. Caring for yourself is the first step in all of this. Have a wonderful December day!

Our Wellness Studio has something for you! We aren’t cookie cutter in our approach. We individualize services that are specific to your needs and help you to feel well again!

I find I often get the question well what do you do as a social worker to take care of your own stress levels? It’s a valid question and I’m honest with my clients about it. I try to eat a healthy diet (minus a few treats here and there), I exercise regularly, I spend a lot of time in nature and I show up for myself for the things that are important to staying well. I once read something that really stuck with me. It said, you wouldn’t keep cancelling on a friend and not... showing up when you say you will do something, so how is it o.k to do that to yourself? This resonated with me and I’ve made a concerted effort to do what I say and say what I do when it comes to maintaining that balance between work and relaxing. It sometimes means saying no, it sometimes means opting for down time instead of the pace that others keep. It’s been good though and it keeps me grounded and more connected to who I want to be and how I want to be present for others. The other thing I try to do more often these days is to tap into my creative side. I’ve always enjoyed writing, the arts and being creative, in general. Recently, I took on a creative venture in renovating my vintage Boler trailer. The painting and creative process was an amazing way to delve into a more expressive part of self (me in front of my freshly painted trailer cupboards!) I invite everyone to try a creative outlet as a way of finding your own emotional equilibrium! Be Well, Kerri Www.kdoolwellness.com #bolertrailer #balance #creativity #lifestyle #showingupforyourself #trusttheprocess #enjoythelittlethings

We often underestimate the changes that can take place in our lives with just a few small steps forward. Even something minuscule can be a foundation for a transformed future..... and... as I recall, it was the turtle that persevered in the story. Keep going, keep doing, be proud of your efforts and enjoy the journey. This life is not a race. Savour it!

It’s hard to believe that a day out at Lake Superior could be so beautiful and snow free this time of year. There’s always been something so calming and serene about being near the lake for me. I’m grateful to have enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the natural beauty that surrounds us today. What were you grateful for today? #lakesuperior #gratitude #naturesbeauty

These two always make me smile ... what brings a smile to your heart? #goldenretrieverlove #love #soulfood #spendingtimetogether

Join us for an online Happy Holidays group for caregivers transitioning their families through divorce and separation. We’re here to help you create a great holiday season for your kids, while learning to put your differences with your co-parent aside. #co-parenting #healthytransitions #divorce #children’smentalhealth #familyfirst

This is actually something I often ask my clients are you a fortune teller? They often look a little perplexed by the question and then respond well.. no. Then we laugh a little. I think we try to be this in our lives though. Far too often we’ve written the outcome or next chapter in our story (usually with a catastrophic ending) before we even get started. Most often, what I hear from clients when the crystal ball gets put on the shelf and they step into the opportuniti...es that present or the relationships they would like to have without a preconceived notion of what’s to come, is that they are pleasantly surprised by how different it feels and actually is in reality. If you do want to have a little fun with fortune telling, then I’d encourage you to imagine the best outcome possible, the happiest moments and the greatest joys in taking those next steps! That’s the kind of future that is worth imagining. Best! Kerri

We are offering a "Happy Holidays" parent group for co-parents transitioning their families through divorce/separation. We want to help you have a good holiday season and most importantly, to ensure that your children do too. Pls email: [email protected] or call: 705-575-3298 for further information. This is an online group and attendees are welcome from all geographic locations. Pls share with your network. #supportingyourkids#separationanddivorce#co-parenting#emotionfocussed#Holidays# #parenting #mentalhealth #support communication

I’m pretty excited about this little Boler bug and all the adventures that are in our future!

I think sometimes it’s not only what we want to do, but who we want to be. The two are closely connected. Make that list, be that person. Happy Friday!