Spiritual Life History Part 1

I cried when I was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Baptism didn't effect me as much as the Confirmation. When someone is confirmed in our Church, many men form a circle around you and place a hand on your head and one of them gives you a blessing and confirms you a member of the Church. My Father gave me the blessing. This was such a powerful experience that after it was over I ran crying to my mother on the front row.

Max

Max is a third grade autistic student that I have known for three years. He is difficult. He doesn't want to participate in group activities, is devastated when he loses a game, and whines and complains the entire time. He spends most of the time with his head laid on the table, or his entire body under the table. Just a few days ago I told a colleague that I hadn't seen any progress with Max and was discouraged. This week I was making a video for the morning announcements. It was a skit modeling a social skill, and against my better judgement, I asked Max to be in it. He said he didn't want to. I said, "I don't care, you are student #4." So we practiced and the more he practiced the better he became. He was actually cooperating and following directions. When the camera girls came, he performed beautifully. I was amazed! Later I learned that he was so excited about doing the skit, he told everyone he saw! The cockles of my heart are warm.

Happy Game

I love being a school psychologist because I am a moody person and when I'm down, I follow my own advice and do mood elevators in my groups. Sometimes I do yoga stretches, deep breathing and meditative visualization. Last week I was a little down so when the cute little boys came for group, I suggested we play the Happy Game. We went around the table and told about things that make us happy. We did this for the entire time and those little guys thought of the most wonderful things. I did, too. When it was time for them to leave, a little autistic boy, not giving me eye contact said, "I like the Happy Game." It made me feel better, too.

It snowed today. It's cold, and windy. Last winter was dismal and lasted well into Spring. Winter seemed claustrophobic last year. We're probably not moving to Redwood City, California which was on the Top 5 Climates in the World, no less. So I'm trying to brainstorm ideas to make winter tolerable. Here goes:

1) Go outside anyway.
2) Eat winter foods
3) Light a fire
4) Enjoy winter clothing
5) Write
6) Meet up with friends
7) Have a summer hobby and.......a winter hobby.
8) Observe the weather, it's fascinating