Santa Rosa Grief and Loss, Trauma Counseling, by Frieda L. Ferrick, MFT

07/26/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

TURTLES

When I think of turtles,
I think of that old story
of the Tortoise and the Hare

Remember the hare was ahead
most of time but he was
fooling around
while the tortoise was moving
slowly but surely

And the tortoise won the race!

Turtles are my metaphor
with the work
I do with clients
meandering but getting
where we need to go

07/12/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

TEARS AND MEMORIES

Grief brings us
sadness, longing
and memories
of those we love

When someone we love,
dies, it is hard
to breathe
and move through
life again
And yet, we do,
I know this to be true
as a witness
to my family, friends and clients

Here is to life and love,
tears and joy,
silliness and strength

Tears and memories
are what we
are left with

06/23/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

BROKEN GLASS

We are all broken pieces
of glass
each piece unique
and together that
makes a beautiful mosaic,
that tells stories
of loss and redemption,
grief, heartache and joy

There can be sorrow
so deep
we can feel
cut by the glass,
and yet,
we come back
to the surface of life,
ready to try again

I know this to be true,
I am a witness
over and over again,
with my family,
my friends
and with my clients

Together we make
a beautiful piece of art
and become united
whole and thriving

06/21/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

Wisdom from the young

06/16/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

WHAT IS IMPORTANT?

What is important for us
to live our best lives?

1. To be kind, but not a pushover
2. To listen but not swallow our words
3. To be open hearted
4. To realize that we are one race, the human race
5. To stand up for ourselves and others who are being bullied.

What is important to you?

06/14/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

Today’s card
Making a Difference

We all can make a difference
in our own way.
It can be a small action
Or a large one
We can be kind to someone who might need
a kind moment.
We might make someone laugh
who needs that moment of humor.
So never underestimate
What you bring to the
to the people around you

05/30/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

REMEMBER

Remember,
that your heart,
that holds grief,
can also hold joy

Remember,
that your body
that can feel
dark and heavy
can also hold lightness

We humans,
are more capable
then we sometimes
recognize

So as you cry,
you can also laugh

Remember all things
change,
and "this too shall pass."

05/25/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

Wonderful piece by Dr. Gabor Mate about addiction.

Global addiction expert Dr Gabor Mate delves into the deep-seated trauma that underpinned Dr Brian Pennie's long-term addiction to he**in.

05/24/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

PIECES OF OUR GRIEF

Grief sometimes tiptoes
on small feet,
sending shock waves,
across the bed
our lives

And sometimes, it is
a furious hurricane
throwing us down
without any warning

We will all experience
loss in our lives,
no matter how rich or poor,
young or old,
loss cuts through race,
and religion
and leaves its mark

We are all on this journey
of life
perhaps giving and receiving
kindness and smiles
can help while
we gather the pieces
of ourselves
and hang on
for dear life

05/18/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

To Your Own Self Be True

Being Authentic in a busy world is challenging. Some days all we can do is get up, and get out of the door to go off to school, work, being at home with children or whatever else we may do in the mornings. So why is being authentic so significant, and what does that actually mean?

Being authentic means knowing who you are and what you want. What do you want to do with your life, your heart, your resources. There are plenty of people out there willing to tell you what you should do and why its important to do it in the way they think is right for you. I am here to tell you, that one path, one way does not fit everyone.

Being true to yourself is so important because, if you are going to be content, accepting and have some happiness in your life, you must listen to your own inner wise person.

There really is enough to go around, even though we are told that this is not true. We are set up to be competitive, independent and self serving. I believe that you can take care of yourself first and have the time and energy then to be helpful and kind.

There may be many bumps on the road, there may be detours, closed doors, but if you do the best you can, and pay attention to who you are and what you need, you will find a way to make a life that is meaningful and rich for you.

One other thought is to unplug every day for awhile, let the sorrow and the news of the world go for awhile while you recharge your own batteries, listen to your own voice and come around full circle to being true to yourself.

05/17/2025

WISDOM FROM THE SLOW LANE

GO GENTLY

Go gently
into your morning
before the work
of your day begins

Be kind to yourself
and to all that
cross your path,
because kindness
helps us
to heal
from previous wounds
and creates harmony
from within

As we awake
all we can do
is our best
and then joy
will follow us
from room to room