Lisa M. Kelsey, MFT

05/15/2026

Reflections Day 1902: The depression is so heavy and thick. It’s a pressure and weight on my shoulders, on my heart and on my chest. It takes away my motivation, it’s takes away my energy and it can take my joy. I know I have to ride through it but it is so hard to ride. Prior to my trip I felt it a bit but on my trip I’m so grateful I didn’t. I was busy, I was having fun, I was exploring, I was seeing new things, I was so enjoying time with my travel partner and depression was not with me. The moment I got back home I was hit by heavy jet lag. I felt like a freight train ran me over. I thought I had the flu. A few days of rest and I was back to myself from the jet lag. Then the depression hit me and it hit hard. I’ve felt this before in my life many times but each time when it hits it catches me off guard. I used to do everything I could to avoid it. Be really really busy and maybe it will go away, but that’s not how it works. I know I have to acknowledge I’m feeling it, process it, sit with it, reflect on it, move my body and put one foot in front of the other. I felt this heavy many times over the past year and 5 months in waves like an emotional roller coaster. Then a few months ago some things shifted and I was so grateful and blessed. Then 3 1/2 weeks ago something happened that shifted things back to how they were and the depression began. I have done all I can and been the true person I am throughout this time. I hope that is known and remembered. I hope each day that the shift that occurred a few months ago will occur again. I have hope and have unconditional love always.

05/03/2026

Reflections Day 1901: Feeling very grateful and blessed right now. I arrived home last night to a little surprise. A friend had surprised me with some roses to say thank you. The thoughtful note and roses were such a warm welcome home and so sweet. Her kind words warmed my heart. Today my mom and cousin picked me up and handed me a few cards. We went to see the Devil Wears Prada 2, such a cute movie and filmed in Milan, I said 2-3 times I was just there, that was fun. When I got home I opened the cards and they were thank you notes. The words were so heartfelt I almost got teary. They were thanking me for my generosity from a birthday trip for my cousin and gifts. Generosity comes right from my heart and knowing how much it meant to them, makes it even more special for my to give. I loved that they loved it. The note and flowers from my friend and the cards from my mom and cousin remind me of how grateful and blessed I am and are such feel good moments. Remember everyone deserves kindness, to be and feel blessed and to know you are loved. Thanks to my friend, to my mom and to my cousin for reminding me.

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05/01/2026

Reflections Day 1900: Day 5 of our cruise, port Genoa, however we took off to Milan. We bought train tickets prior to our trip to Milan and we all ready for our adventure. We got off the ship and the train station was supposed to be less than 10 minutes away. When my friend told me this we both laughed as Google Maps has been a challenge. It takes us one way and then the other and then we do our usual and ask. We see a metro sign but none for the train. We walk down a hill to a tunnel and finally see train sign. I can’t even make up how the navigation went. We follow the signs to gate 18. There are two sides to the track and we look at each other and say which one? Turns out one of them was an elevator lol. We are waiting on gate 18 and guess what it changes to 17 luckily it was right behind us. We get on the train and didn’t realize that not only do we have a seat number but we have a train number. We are asking and rushing and finally five our seats. I am sitting and the train is going backwards. After a few minutes h have to switch seats. We get to Milan and we know we are taking a taxi to Galleria Vittorio. Our taxi driver was great. He shared the sights as we were driving and dropped us off right by the Galleria and the Duomo. We walked through the Galleria and it was gorgeous. The details throughout are incredible. The same for the Duomo. We walked around the area browsing in shop windows and looking at souvenir shops. The taxi driver had recommended the restaurant Pizzeria Restaurante Sophia Loren. We wanted a Milanese traditional meal and the veal Milanese was to die for as well as the carbonara, both so good. Our original train ride was set to leave at 5:05. Earlier when we were at the train station in the morning we had asked if we wanted to leave earlier was our ticket changeable abd they said yes. An earlier train was at 4:05 and we were trying to catch that one. We didn’t make it however when we asked then if there were any other earlier trains they told us we can’t change our ticket, of course we can’t lol, guess that’s why we didn’t make it for that one. We did some more browsing in window shops and then took the train back. When we got off the train we exited a different way than we came in. This turned us around and we had about 25-30 minutes to get to the boat. After a quick pace and getting back to where we came from we made it back. A little stressful. After dinner we saw an incredible Arial show on the cruise. This couple was so strong and the moves they did both in the ground and in the air, wow! We tried a comedian but we weren’t laughing. Off to the casino. Looking forward to what and where the next day will take us.

04/28/2026

Reflections Day 1899: Cruise Day 4, docked in Corsica and we took a pool day. We needed to rest and relax and a pool day was the best plan. I got to the pool at 10 and found the perfect spot with the sun just right and watching the most recent Karate Kid movie. The sun pretty buses me with warmth, joy and I always feel recharged and energized after. My friend joined a little after 11 and we had a relaxing time. Lunch was at the pool with some salads with carne asada and pork from the taco bar yum. There was a saxophonist that played for a set and he was really good. Then the DJ played some really good old school R&B feel good songs, some took us way back. Next up was gelato but gelato was not open yet. Then I was headed to my massage and couldn’t wait for more relaxation. I got there early and rested in the relaxation room. It was so peaceful. I was the first one in the room and then it started to fill up. People were getting called to go get their massage
and I was still in the room. My appt was supposed to be 4:30 and now it was 4:45. Someone comes in and asks me if I’m ok and then this woman comes rushing in and frazzled. She says to me she went over with other client and will be right back. And then comes in looking for something and runs out again, then she comes in again with the guy and they are both looking for something. Now it’s 4:50 still she isn’t back. I am getting a really bad feeling at this point and no longer relaxed. Finally at 4:55 we are walking to the room. She is still scattered and her energy is off. I share how I got the massage and add one from the raffle. She looks confused and I ask her if she’s done it before and she said yes but I again didn’t get a good feeling. The rest for your head was high and she adjusted it. She started the massage and I’ve had a lot of massages and she didn’t know what she was doing. Finally I said to her something seemed wrong with the headrest as the cushion for your face was spreading out and I felt like my head might fall through. I said maybe u can just put my face on the table. Then I realized I wasn’t continuing and needed to see a manager. At first the person doing the massage was hesitant but she got the manager. I said I needed to speak to her in private. I told her everything and she apologized and wanted to make it up to me. Unfortunately we don’t have another day to do it. What a fiasco. It’s that lesson to listen to our gut. I knew at least 3 times that something didn’t feel right. I’m glad I spoke up abc listened to myself. Got ready and headed to Family Bingo. I was the big winner of Blackout and won a water bottle and luggage tag. It was fun and the caller was funny. Next up dinner, it was ok. Then we played Snowball Bingo for cash prizes. It was my first time using the bingo machines, lots of fun, no winners. Next up a magic show that I could not get into and gelato. Ended the night in the casino with a budget and time limit. I did well and won my money back that I gambled for tonight. Looking forward to tomorrow!

04/28/2026

Reflections Day 1898: Cruise day 3 in Marseille! We started the day off sleeping in a little and having breakfast at the buffet. Had a cinnamon roll, yum! We headed off the ship on a cruise shuttle to drop us off right at the port. On our way to the port we got stopped in front of one of those bridges where it splits in the middle and goes up. I had never seen one of those, super cool. We got dropped off right in front of Cathedral de la Major. It was gorgeous inside and out. I had said that it would be great if the hop on hop off bus was right there and guess what it was. We stood in line for a while and were grateful to not have to find the stop like in Barcelona. We waited for the next one to come to be on the top. This one didn’t have headphones so that was a bit of a bummer. It brought us by the coast with beautiful waters and views. Then we started to trek up to Notre Dame de la Garde. It was gorgeous high up on the mountain. The bus was working it to get up and I joked with my friend it’s like the little engine that could accept this was a double decker. They stopped and then you had to hike up the hill. We decided not to as we could do another loop. I wanted to but also wanted to see what else we’d see. Turned out there was only one other stop we wanted to get off and explore. We looked at shops and had gelato and then decided we would go back up and see Notre Dame. We went to the stop and waited like 45 minutes only to face the bus drive right by us and not stop. My friend and I in unison said “What the F or Are you going kidding me or both as we were so upset!” We were so angry and shocked. Now there wasn’t enough time to go as we also had to get back to the port where the shuttle was. We went to the next stop and finally a bus came by and started to stop then waved at us and said no and pointed to the next bus. We were again so upset. Here we were just trying to get back now and be done with the town. We got back to where we started and spoke to the manager. He apologized but it didn’t do anything at that point. We were glad to get back to ship and I rested my eyes on that ride. There were a few shops right by our ship and I found a cute souvenir. We decided to eat at a different restaurant that night as we were hungry earlier. My favorite was the French onion soup and caramel tart. We then headed to the casino to wait for it to open. Our plan was to be there for a little while then see some shows but didn’t make it out. Neither of us were big winners but my friend hit some bonuses so that was fun and we played some machines I’ve never played. Fun day and some drama. Tomorrow we are taking a day on the ship, we both can’t wait.

04/26/2026

Reflections Day 1897: Today was Day 2 of our cruise. Our first port was Mallorca. We had an excursion set up to visit the Caves of Drach. The caves were absolutely incredible. The tour guide shared how it can take many years for each of the formations to occur. I took so many pictures and it captured some of it but there is nothing like being there in person. The tour ended with a live classical music performance with the musicians on a boat that was lit up in the cave. They played beautifully and the moment was magical. We left there and went to a beach where a band was marching and the people, energy and vibe was so fun. There were little shops and a farmers market. We only had 15 minutes there and wished we could stay longer. Next up was our nap, my friend and I knocked out on the ride to the Pearl Factory. We got a tour and had time for shopping. The story of the factory and how they make the pearls was really interesting. They are known in Mallorca for pearls. We headed back to the ship and had a yummy lunch. Next up time listening to a live band at the pool. Sun and live music, perfect afternoon. Next up we thought we’d check the casino. The night before lost more than won. Today was different. I was hitting bonuses and then more than doubled my roulette winnings. I left while I was ahead. On the cruise you get to bring one bottle of wine per person so it was time to open that bottle. My friend and I blinked cheers and headed to dinner. Much better meal tonight, crab corn chowder, beef tenderloin and blueberry cobbler. Thumbs up for dinner! We checked out the shops and they watched a live show that while entertaining we both weren’t able to follow what was going on. We laughed a lot. There were great costumes and sets, some good singing. Next up was the live band which were so much fun. We ended the night at the club, you know me. My first request was Bliw the Whistle and he played it right away, yay! Then he went downhill for awhile and then he came back with a bunch of good songs. We had a lot of fun. Look forward to tomorrow in Marseilles.

04/26/2026

Reflections Day 1896: Said goodbye to Barcelona and hello to my first Princess Cruise. The 3rd times the charm for this cruise. We had an interesting morning trying to pack up our stuff and get out here 11 am. The Housecleaner was a little upset with us as we were cutting into her cleaning time. We did our best and were on our way. Not sure if I shared that we had noticed a strong smell at the air bnb, turned out it was 3 incense displays so we put them in the extra bedroom. We also had some stubborn fruit flies during our stay. We would try to swat them and miss lots of laughing as we tried and they got away. Our taxi promptly picked us up and we were on our way to the cruise. We dropped off our luggage, went through security and got our medallions which is our key for our stay. We checked out the decks of the cruise and what each floor offered. At the pool there was a wall of hearts just for me. We sat at the pool a bit then our rooms were ready. We were supposed to be next door neighbors each in our own room and the joke was on us odd was one hallway and even was the exact hallway on the other side of elevators SURPRISE! We laughed for sure. The rooms are gorgeous. We entered a raffle for the spa at the start of the cruise and joined to see if we would be the big winner, we weren’t but we did get a discounted massage. Next up safety meeting then the pool party with singing, dancing and more dancing. The best was the horn as we departed played The Love Boat song. We walked through the casino to check out their games. Next up was listening to live jazz, and then checking out jewelry store with a raffle. The staff wasn’t friendly and they were super rude to both of us, we skipped the raffle. Dinner was ok. We loved our table it was in a great spot and just the two of us, but unfortunately our short ribs were bone dry, luckily the salmon replacement’s were better. Next up can you guess yes the casino. We played a bunch of slots, they were tight and a few we hit some bonuses. You use your medallion to log in like what we know as the rewards card. There are no vouchers when you cash out, it gets added to your medallion. Crucial you log out each time so no one is using your account. We got used to it by the end of our time. I tried some roulette too, no bueno my numbers didn’t come up. Ended the night with a snack. Tomorrow is Mallorca.

04/25/2026

Reflections Day 1895: Day 3 of Barcelona was all about our Barcelona on and off city tour bus. We were determined to get on it and stay on it lol. It was a journey to find the stop again, I bet you are very surprised. It took asking a few, as Google Maps was not helpful. We almost walked right by it. We got on it and rode and rode the full green line. It was so damn windy up there my hair was crazy. The sun was out though so a trade off for some tanning. We got off the green line and then rode the red line. We got to see many sight seeing spots, some we didn’t know about. I know people usually ride that type of tour on their first day and I can see why. It gives you a great idea of the city then you can see what you’d like to see more of. Our reward for the bus ride a churro at my favorite spot and let me tell you that Biscoff churro was to die for. I had a better idea of how to eat it as the first time the filling dripped all down my hand and on my rings. This time I took my time and had smaller bites so yummy! Next was live music in front of Sagrada, all I can say is wow. They played Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Brittany, rock, Latin, pop, they played it all even Flashdance. Some may be saying what song yes Flashdance. They played for over 2 hours and the crowd was huge from younger teens, to adults to older people. Music brings people together and it definitely did. It was another great day, great sights, beautiful weather, lots of laughs, and live music. Also a great tip, there are many ways to get around Barcelona, taxis were our best friend. They were convenient, and direct and worth every penny. Can’t wait to see what fun we will have on our cruise.

04/24/2026

Reflections Day 1894: Day 2 of Barcelona was incredible. The Familia de Sagrada is unbelievable from the outside to every stain glass window on the inside. It was windy as hell outside around it and my hair was blowing like crazy and so grateful to have been able to see it. As for our transportation there and almost not making it that was a crazy story. We had a hop on hop off Barcelona pass that was a pain in the you know what to figure out. We tried to find the bus stop and walked forever. Our time window to get in to the segrada was closing so we hopped on a city bus that was going the wrong way, then hopped on another that was actually going toward the right direction but not close enough. We walked some more then finally found our right bus only to find out it dropped off a few blocks away. Slightly stressed we hustled to get to the entrance and made it in. The workmanship on the outside is really only something you can see in person. Each time you look you see something different. Next up was our churro comparison and so yummy to taste those. The Biscoff one won out. Next was another crazy journey to find Park Guell. We were determined to use our free pass and let’s just say it took asking more than 3 people how to fund the stop, Google Maps turning us around and then finally finding a stop and realizing we had received the wrong map from one of the buses. We finally find stop 8 and guess what it brings you to the park however you are still blocks abc blocks away. OMG Barcelona. The Park had a time window and wd thought we only had like 20 min to explore and luckily we were able to take our time. We walk up stairs and hills looking for the view I thought was up there but it wasn’t. We just had to laugh. As we walked down we found the spot I thought was at the top. The park was gorgeous and all the detail of stone and glass work so unique. By the end of the day we did Taxi’s and had walked 23,000 steps. Such a fun day seeing incredible things. We ate at a Venezuelan restaurant per a recommendation and it was yummy. Our waiters tag line was one minute every time we asked for something. We were cracking up. We ended up getting home and talking until 5 am. Can’t remember the last time I did that. Looking forward to what today will bring.

04/23/2026

Reflections Day 1893: Hello Barcelona, we made it after 14 or so plane hours we got here. Planning for this trip has definitely had some ups and some downs especially when it came to our airfare OMG. We are in Barcelona for the next few days and then head on a cruise through Spain, France and Italy. We won the cruise portion from Graton Casino and booked through Princess. Airfare throughPrincess EZ air but let me tell you EZ it wasn’t. Lots and lots of patience. Last night once we settled into our AirBnB we took a walk around the neighborhood, stopped in some shops and had dinner. We both couldn’t wait to get some sleep and be fresh for the next day. Looking forward to exploring more and finding the many churro spots that were recommended to us as well as tapas.