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Life is like a river…
Life is like a river…
Like our lives, rivers are created to flow freely, clear of any rocks or debris that block the way. Let me ask you…is your river flowing freely?
All my life, I’ve felt there was something keeping me from achieving a sense of purpose and happiness. A therapist once told me at 22 years old that I had “lots of energy, but low focus”. I was diagnosed with PMDD (aka depression associated with symptoms of my menstrual cycle). She recommended a prescription medication. Did this help me reach my sense of purpose? …No.
As I grew older, I continued in the search for my purpose. I wanted so desperately to be happy, but I didn’t know how to “find” it. I also knew I wanted to help people feel the same way.
When I found out about occupational therapy and learned that, not only can this type of therapist specialize in helping people recover from conditions affecting the hands, they are trained to help people improve health and happiness in life. Occupational therapists are trained to analyze people, their daily activities, and the places in which they live, work and play. I thought, “this is what I have been looking for!”…helping people to be healthy and happy through the use of their hands in all areas of their lives!
After 18 years as a clinician, I’ve learned that the key to our physical, mental and spiritual health IS in our own hands. That’s right…WE hold the key to our own health and happiness.
Stop and think about the things you do with your hands.
How, when and where do you use your hands to focus on YOU?
How are you holding back from living a life filled with LOVE FOR YOURSELF?
In 1963, Mary Reilly, a famous occupational therapist, once said that people, “through the use of their hands as they are energized by their mind and will, can influence the state of their own health.” I know this to be true.
Every day, I use my hands to clear the rocks from my river. I no longer allow the pain of depression to interfere with my flow. I try my best to fulfill the responsibilities of being a mother, wife, clinician, teacher and PhD student. I do this by engaging in activities that help me focus on all of the blessings I have in my life. When we do these things, we attract, create and allow love to flow into our lives…for ourselves and for others.
This is how I choose to live…and I am here to help you do the same.
I invite you to fill out out your KAWA River Model in the attachment below so you can identify the obstacles and blessings in your life.
How can you use your hands to clear your river and live with love for yourself and others?
You may post your comments below or contact me via email at
570-820-5900