Branches Counseling PLLC

03/01/2024

Sometimes, we think that allowing others the freedom to be themselves somehow, lessens our ability to be or remain who we choose to be. In truth, it strengthens our ability to be ourselves, because we have removed the stress and time related to managing how we believe others "should" be.

01/23/2024

I was reminded tonight by someone special a message that I think is important to share. We must make every effort to work on those things that are ours to improve, but to also work hard at shedding those things that are not ours to carry. Hurt people often hurt others, and we have no control over others' actions, but we can work diligently at working to love through it and not hurt back. THAT, we have control over. One of my favorite books written by Melody Beattie.

09/23/2022

A funny and true story about the Queen:

Around 2005, the Queen and her Personal Protection Officer, Dick Griffin, were walking alone one afternoon in the hills near the Scottish royal castle, Balmoral.
Two tourists approached them, and engaged in conversation. Griffin recalls:
"There were two hikers coming towards us, and the Queen would always stop and say hello.
Follow 👉 Royal Family Page
"They were two Americans on a walking holiday.
"It was clear from the moment we stopped that they hadn't recognized the Queen, which was fine.
"The American gentleman was telling the Queen where they came from, where they were going next, and where they'd been in Britain.
"I could see it coming, and sure enough, he said to Her Majesty: 'And where do you live?'
"She replied: 'Well I live in London, but I've got a holiday home just the other side of the hills.'
"He said: 'How long have you been coming up here?'
"She replied: 'I've been coming up here ever since I was a little girl, so over 80 years.'
"You could see the cogs whirring, so he said: 'Well, if you've been coming up here for over 80 years, you must have met the Queen.'
"Quick as a flash, she said: 'I haven't, but Dick here meets her regularly.'
The hiker then asked Griffin what the monarch was like in person.
"Because I was with her a long time, and I knew I could pull her leg, I said: 'Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour.'
The next thing I knew, this guy comes round, puts his arm around my shoulder, and before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera, GIVES IT TO THE QUEEN, and says: 'Can you take a picture of the two of us?'
"Then we swapped places, and I TOOK A PICTURE OF THEM WITH THE QUEEN.
"And we never let on, and we waved goodbye.
"Afterwards, Her Majesty said to me: 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to his friends in America, and hopefully someone tells him who I am'."
Rest in Peace Your Majesty ❤️👑🇬🇧

09/27/2020

I’m sure one or two of you will relate to this one! ❤️

08/31/2020

06/03/2016

Just a little smile to brighten the moment...

06/03/2016

Just take a breath--say "I can do this, and then go out there and just do it!"
Well, what else is there to say after that?

06/03/2016

And then---there was a light......

06/03/2016

It is my prayer that each of us would immediately respond and take a stand for what is right when faced with similar situations. ❤️ Remembering that bullying doesn't just happen with children...

06/03/2016

Just because we live in the same world--doesn't mean we live in the same world.... Time and space shift experiences so dramatically that even sharing the same space doesn't mean that we share the same experience. So many unspoken needs and feelings--If only our words could be a little softer, our hearts a little more open, & our approach a little more gentle. If only we could see with a little more understanding, and share our moments with a lot more love...imagine the impact. Think about it...

06/03/2016

You are not what you were. You are not what words say you are. You are what you decide you are! ❤️ Strong

06/03/2016

Aww Moment....

06/03/2016

This is important. This child could easily be a young girl hearing the comments against women and be afraid to speak up or stand out, a family caring for an undocumented parent or child fearing deportation, a child with same s*x parents afraid that they could lose their family, a sick child, or a child with a sick parent feeling frightened of not being able to get the medical help they need. As adults, we know, all too well, how difficult it is to shake some of the messages that we hear during childhood (and beyond). We know how easy it is to feel intimidated and frightened by those who stand in power positions in our lives. We know that, sometimes, it takes a lifetime to retrain our hearts to trust again. (This video just happens to focus on Trump, but he is not the only one sending these messages.) There is not a political platform, party, or campaign important enough to risk sending these messages. If we need change--can't we create change, and build a momentum without the need to create and perpetuate fear/anger?

06/03/2016

When the media fills our minds with discouraging news that consistently takes our breath away--remember--deep within, there is a powerful heart here... ❤️

06/03/2016

Majestic animal--simple gesture--speaks volumes ❤️