It’s time!!
I have procrastinated writing this to you but… it’s time. Hearing that phrase makes me think of the anticipation of getting up to speak, of walking on stage, of getting on a plane to travel, or of walking into an office for an appointment. Last May I sent you a letter letting you know that February 28, 2025, would be my last day of counseling. I felt it important to create space for myself to see what is next. Most of you know my parents lived into their 90’s, I am curious as to what my next 20 years might bring. How might I invest my time? Well, this past year just flew by and now it’s time.

For 35 years, 10 years here in Boone, I have loved working with people and counseling. We have worked and crossed many paths together. Your courage and honesty to be vulnerable in sharing your shame, pain, and fears is inspiring and brings great hope. I will carry your stories and secrets in my heart. What a privilege for me to know you this intimately and watch you work hard, read books!:>), grow, and transform. Thank YOU, isn’t big enough! But please know, it was/is an honor for I have been changed, too.

What might be in the future for me, I’m not sure. But will take this next year and ‘pause’. For 35 years it was a continual process of taking the classes needed and renewing my license every 2 years. Now is the time to stop, unplug from task, communication and involvements and be more conscious of what I will do next. I will certainly be sitting at my sewing machine making clothes and quilts, and traveling to visit family and friends, and at some point I’ll be getting on a horse!! There are several places I want to volunteer but where, I do not know. There is the possibility of Family Constellation work and the group EMDR with EMDRIA’s Humanitarian Assistance Program. Since Helene and now these fires, and other traumatic events in different communities, there is a great need. I have a friend who gave me a Hebrew phrase, Tikun Olam. This literally means “repairing the world”. It infers that all of us bear a responsibility to care for the welfare of others.

So this is not goodbye, for after a year if you want to just touch base, I would love to hear how you are doing. I wish you each the very best as you continue to grow and love others well in your sphere.

Very Sincerely, Patricia