Dear Reader:

The other day a talk show was discussing the four components to raising well-rounded, secure children…it doesn’t time, money, an expensive car or home…it simply takes adults giving up their personal  “Presence” time to share thoughts together with others. (the most powerful gift of all adults can give their children.)

The authors list the four components as:

• Safe: We can’t always insulate a child from injury or avoid doing something that leads to hurt feelings. But when we give a child a sense of safe harbor, he/she will be able to take the needed risks for growth and change.
• Seen: Truly seeing a child means we pay attention to his/her emotions—both positive and negative—and strive to attune to what’s happening in his mind…beneath the behavior.
• Soothed: Soothing isn’t about providing a life of ease; it’s about teaching your child how to cope when life gets hard, and showing him/her that you’ll be there with him along the way. A soothed child knows that he’ll never have to suffer alone.
• Secure: When a child knows he/she can count on you, time and again, to show up—when you reliably provide safety, focus on seeing her, and soothe her in times of need, she will trust in a feeling of secure attachment. And thrive!

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I am giving a much appreciated shout-out to Dr. Montoya for “Showing Up” for me. She went the extra mile yesterday. I called and talked to Linda, one of the receptionists, and explained that I was slowly improving from my chest congestion with the exception of a wicked cough I could not only, not get rid of, but it kept me up all night every night…I was totally exhausted. Could she please find me something that would start knocking that cough out…my insides were sore from so much coughing.

I left a message…”Surprise me with your magic.” Dr. Montoya knew my body needed help to fight this congestion with the side effects of the drugs I am on… so she gave me two armed “body guards”- Amoxicillin and Benzonatate….two “body guards” that hopefully will kick “arse” and bring me back to “normalcy” peace and healing. Thank you so much ….I have never been so happy to start on drugs that will boost my energy level and healing capabilities.

How many of us have had to “show up” for a very difficult conversation in life- particularly involving serious conversations with loved ones? It isn’t easy is it…in fact it is downright scary. But we do it…we show up for life…because that is what life gives up…the ups and downs and everything in between.

The most important thing we can all do is keep showing up for life to let it know…regardless of what is going on…life is the most precious thing around and always worth fighting for…along with those who care for us. Invincible! *Hugs leaving for Cyberspace! 🙂