Karen Patterson Muskoka Family Works

08/18/2025

I have a vulnerable self -disclosure to make. Here it is: I'm a little weird.
Don't get me wrong! I mean this in the most self-loving and self accepting way possible. It did take me years (and years, and more years) of self analysis, feeling like a square peg trying to fit into the round holes of life, to finally come to accept that the most authentic me, the most "real me" has a weird side. With that acceptance and realization came so much relief; and a freedom to own my authentic self in a way that I never had.
Why am I sharing this? Particularly in a post about love and relationships?
For the first time I think I fully realized what an amazing gift that I have in the man that I've chosen to live my life with. This man not only accepts ME and all of my WEIRD; this man is willing to join in!
I realized that not every husband would go "all in" on Anniversary Olympics and be willing to do the "side stroke challenge" in the Unicorn Pool or play left handed Corn Hole.
I realized that not every husband would follow along with fun and laughter and be willing to put the rest of life aside for a weekend to have fun with his wife.
I realized that, for all of the little things that can drive me crazy, this man who shares my life shows up in Big Ways when it matters.
And, most of all, I realized how very important and valuable it is that I have a husband who fully embraces my weird and, in fact, loves me more for it.
So, there's the lesson: Take a moment. Step back. Look at the BIG picture and ask....Am I missing the "forest for the trees"? Am I so caught up in picking apart and noticing the little frustrations that I'm no longer noticing some of the best parts of our foundation? If your answer is yes, I challenge you to find your way back (even just a little bit at a time) to some of those things that made you fall in love in the first place!

08/18/2025

08/15/2025

It's hard to keep things fresh and fun after 31 years of marriage so what do you do?? You grab a Unicorn pool and plan Yard Games Olympics! There may be some Corn Hole and Ladder Ball and possibly a slip-n-slide (if this middle aged body can handle it!).
Life doesn't always need to be about grand, lavish, expensive gestures! Sometimes, remembering how to laugh together is all you need ❤️

08/09/2025

Always feels great to do some ME stuff!,
❤️

08/05/2025

There's something about spending time in nature that clears out the mind muck!
Had a fabulous session today with a client !

08/01/2025

Take some time to fill your SOUL!

07/30/2025

This day has the chance to be a GREAT day! Bring out your ROCKSTAR and make it MAGNIFICENT! ❤️

07/23/2025

I've go a secret. ALL relationships go through peaks and valleys. Part of being a Human who lives with another Human is having the ebb and flow of each of you feeling different ways at different times. It is OKAY to have times that you're out of sync. It is OKAY to have times where you feel less connected. It is OKAY to "get your GRRR on". But....you don't want to stay there. If you want a fulfilled relationship , you've got to find ways to get your Blob Brain back on track! You've got to reign it in and send it off to look for the GOOD STUFF and not stay hyper focused on the bad!
Here's a simple step to get started.
Tell your brain to seek out 1 thing each day to be grateful of with your partner. It doesn't need to be HUGE. It doesn't need to move mountains. Just seek out 1, small, meaningful act or word or thing that your partner did that day that you can be thankful for. And then (step 2) TELL THEM.
Now, take a deep breath and try it. Start today. Try it for a week and see if you start to notice any shift.

07/22/2025

They came to see me. Each one ready to share their laundry list of "things the other is doing WRONG!".
"He NEVER take out the garbage anymore!"
"She is ALWAYS B*tching at me about stuff!"
" In the last week, I've asked him to do X, Y and Z. He hasn't done ANYTHING!"
"She DOESN'T take care of herself like she used to"
And there was more; LOT'S more.
It didn't take long for me to figure out where their Blob Brain's were set.
They were set to see the negative
They were set to be upset and angry
They were set to be critical and judgemental.
That type of setting does not lay the groundwork for a content and happy relationship! But, what can they do about it??

07/21/2025

That sneaky little Blob Brain! We now know how it can affect our thinking about OURSELVES every day. Let's see how that Blob Thinking can make or break a relationship!

07/19/2025

What kind of day will your brain create?
How did you wake up today? What will your Brain Blob be looking for??
Remember....the thoughts we feed ourselves are POWERFUL! Make them thoughts of strength and positivity!
-awareness

07/18/2025

Make it a HAPPY Blob Brain day!!
What will you tell your brain today? Will you send messages of Power, Confidence, Knowledge or....BLAH??
a good day