Our reaction to American's wanting to legalize marijuana

More and more conversations are stirring about the legalization of marijuana. According to a recent Gallup poll almost half of Americans are in favor of the concept. News Sources are asking Stephanie her professional take on the matter.

We Need More People at the Table

We continue to be a part of more conversations about the problems in the Western suburbs related to drugs. It seems that the more we learn the more we realize we have a long way to go to uncover more remedies for this large issue. Upon hearing from a few community leaders I continue to find myself wanting more people at the table to share their ideas and experiences so that more light can shine on the missing pieces. I’m hoping that more people will join the dialogue.

The Word is Spreading

It seems that the news in the Western Suburbs are taking the Addiction issues seriously. The Daily Herald also ran our Guest Commentary. Start dialoguing more in your communities about this issue and let us know about your conversations. We are also over  on Tumblr, Twitter, & FB.

Exciting Media for WillisCC

We had an amazing opportunity to write a guest commentary that is being run in three different papers over the next couple of weeks. We would love for you to check out this link! Thanks for your support and we welcome any feedback!

Moving

After much careful thought and consideration  . . . . we have created a tumblr which we are enjoying much more than the blogspot. The jury is still out but you may want to go on over to WillisCC on Tumblr and see what you think. I'm not so sure that I've figured out all the features yet but, here's to giving it a go!
Cheers!

Women Entrepreneurs

Recently I've found great support, friendship, & empowerment from sharing some networking moments with two amazing women entrepreneurs. It has been such a pleasure to learn more about other forms of Experiential Therapy out there and to join with other inspiring women!


I'm looking forward to another great lunch with them next week. Kudos to all the great work happening at Adventure Works of Dekalb and Chicago Adventure Therapy!!

Vounteering

Recently I found this awesome resource to help others get involved with volunteering in the city. Check it out: ChicagoCares . There are so many options of ways to help. Hoping you will start off your New Year thinking of others! Cheers.

Obama's Words from Tucson

"I believe we can be better. Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us."

I agree too that what matters is how much we love and what small part we play in bettering the lives of others. Thank you for this reminder to us.

Wisedom from a 16 year old

Visit this Blog by Andrea an incredible 16 year old Chicagoan!

MP: Marvelous People

A few nights ago I had the priviledge of taking part in an amazing evening of communal dialogue with some Marvelous People. I most enjoyed the ease of their conversation and the lack of pretentiousness about their gathering.

I found the preliminary forum thought provoking. Take a look at the first sets of prompts and decide for yourself if they warrant any pondering in your life.

I often find it so interesting how some people integrate their life goals & missions into their career and others integrate it in their personal time. Then their are those select few marvelous people who strive to infuse their life goals and missions into every breath of their being.

Follow the next portion and reflect on how much interdependence you allow for in your life. Whatever answer you uncover. . . Consider carving out more.

A Few of My Favorite Things

In the last couple of weeks I have been reminded of some of the amazing aspects of life in Chicago that I most love. For those of you who haven't braved the lower temps lately, consider a few of these options. . .

 The Cristkindlmarket down in Daley Plaza. One can never get enough of the marzipan! We shared the dark chocolate skewered strawberries & bananas.

Intelligentsia's Americano with steamed soy. I didn't see one PC user in that place last weekend :)

Hot Yoga. I'm calling it that because let's be honest. . . who ever remembers how to spell Bikhram correctly? I'm pretty sure this new discovery of mine is going to help me survive this budding winter. Just don't practice right under the humidifier machine or you'll get spit on all class. Note taken.

2 in 1 : My Hipstamatic meets My tomato & fresh mozzarella dinner

If I'm being honest then you should know that I really dislike paying for apps on my phone. When I'm bored, I'm guilty of browsing every category's top FREE list before deciding on whatever random new free lonely planet travel app I can acquire.

Until Thanksgiving Day. That's when I stumbled upon My Hipstamatic Photo app which has brought me every dime's worth of $1.99 of creative enjoyment I could have imagined. So I'll say buona notte by posting a couple pics of our delicious veggie dinner in regular & Hipstamatic glory. Olive Oil straight from Rome with Stanley's bought goodies. Ciao!

T3: Taiwan Towers & Temples

I had no idea there were so many unique & fascinating Towers in Kaohshiung, Taiwan! Taoism/Daoism, Confucius & More inspired the many along Lotus Lake.

Luckily, I had a few great hosts take me around Lotus Lake to view many of the Towers the day prior to the workshops. I continue to be so impressed by what I learn in other areas of the world. There is just so much uncovered ground out there, we cannot believe we know it all. As RG reminds me back home "After all we are living on a planet that is literally floating in space and we can't even figure out how that is happening". And look what remarkable imagination and creativity is here in Taiwan:

FYI, what is interesting as well is that in these two towers above, you must enter through the Dragon's mouth for Good Luck and exit through the Tiger's Mouth for safety & protection. Great imagery isn't it?

Here are a couple more ornate temples along the lake.

And finally we ended our walk at Confucius Temple which was perhaps my favorite. More because it felt so incredibly peaceful and the grounds are so lovely. They've converted a portion of it now into some offices but just imagine sitting here to journal! So tranquil!

And of course lunch! So many continue to ask me to put up photos of the food :) I just won't show you my poor skill at the Chopsticks, though I continue to diligently use them at every meal in an effort to master it, I still am in need of practice. My gracious staff of volunteers & hosts were so amazing to have me try SO MANY Traditional Taiwanese dishes! I am so grateful for you all-Thanks so much for expanding my palate! 

P. S. Just so you know-it is sooo hot in Taiwan! No scarves for me, not to mention that a Typhoon came through while I was there!

Ackerman Taiwan with Photos!

Thank you sooo much to all those who attended the workshops in Kaohshiung, Taiwan! We had an awesome turn out both days! I really enjoyed my arrival greeting by Eunice & John & Joss at the airport. You all are super kind.

Our first day of workshops focused on Experiential Learning. The participants were so flexible and curious to learn about Sensory Tools & other Experiential Activities for Teens. I am also so impressed with all that Ackerman Adventures has to offer youth. I really enjoyed my tour around the Cheng Chung Lake area & the Adventure Facilities. Your high ropes courses look incredible!

We learned a lot together the first day. I was so excited to see so many people wanting to try some new activities.

Thanks so much for all your kindness & generosity! Tina & Joss you all are so awesome and I really appreciate all your hospitality.

My Big Buddah & the Unplanned Moments of Life

After finishing the workshops in Hong Kong I was introduced to some possible site seeing opportunities in the area. Some of my new friends were sharing about a quick ferry ride from HK to an island near by where one can take a bus or cable car up the peak to a Buddhist Temple. Evidently at the top of the peak there is an incredibly large statue of Buddha.

That was enough to inspire me towards the adventure. The following morning I decided to casually go about my day with no plans other than to attempt this ferry ride & see how far I would get.

Now may be a good moment to mention that when I travel I tend to find the idea of having minimal plans fantastic. Needless to say, I found the ferry launch and while awaiting the boarding time I happened to sit next to an incredibly friendly couple named Yvone & Michelle from Seoul, South Korea. Here is a picture of them:

Come to find out, Yvone runs a Pastoral Counseling center in Seoul called Seoularium Counseling. It was such a nice surprise to connect and learn about their work & life in Seoul. Michelle is a jazz pianist! It seems that the universe continues to direct me to connect with amazing people who are helping make the world a more peaceful place!

After our leisure stroll along the beach I found out the departure center for the buses leading up to the Temple. That’s when I decided to give my new friend Irvin a call; Irvin works at Treasure Island and adventure therapy site on Lanteau. He was just passing by the bus center in time to scoop me up for a ride around the island! My surprise adventure landed me on an incredible beach at sunset where the staff of TI greeted me with incredible friendliness & hospitality.

Irvin introduced me to Currin Cooley, an American born but International minded gentleman who is doing fantastically exciting research in New Zealand. Currin’s dissertation is focused on Cross-Cultural aspects of Adventure Therapy .What a treat to sit and chat about Adventure Therapy across cultures! I am so impressed with the work he is doing and the partnership between he and TI which has led them even now to mainland China to incorporate more community work and adventure therapy for youth. Currin. . . Wherever you are in the world: Please keep us posted on your findings and Thank You for doing this exciting research!  Your stories and experiences are an inspiration

While enjoying the time at Lanteau Island I was so content meeting such kindred spirits. And I was reassured that sometimes the best and richest moments in life are the ones unplanned. It was an amazing lesson for me that my Big Buddah on Lanteau Island came in the form of a Phillipino, an American-Kiwi & a gorgeous beach sunset! Live in the unplanned moments!

Taiwan

In Taiwan and giving a lecture today on Experiential Activities!! It's going great and the participants are awesome!!! :) More to come!!

Stages of Change

After 6 hours of teaching, Dim Sum lunch, lots of great discussion the weekend was a success!Thanks so much to Wellness First Workshops & Anthony Cheng for all your kindness and organization. Here is a quick pic of my super host:

I conducted three different lectures during the day. We covered our foundation for the day in the morning: Stages of Change. The feedback from the afternoon indicated that all the participants most benefited from beginning with that material. We had some incredible discussion about how to work with our clients in Denial. We also spent some good discussion on helping those in Contemplation do a Cost/Benefit Analysis of their behaviors. Here is a really great picture!

In case some of you have never had proper Dim Sum please go to your nearest China town to give it a try! Incredible assortment of foods! Thanks so much to my gracious group for lunch. I tried at least everything that was ordered-what an adventure! And of course loads of hot tea!

Of course we finished the afternoon with a lecture covering Addiction. More on that & what I learned from my participants later! Closing the day out, we reviewed elements of Compassion Fatigue & Burnout. It was great to lead a few minutes of Mindfulness with the participants! Such a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment we are in right now!

I was so excited to have them take me to Mongkok after the workshops. That was a totally interesting experience. Tons of people, tons of lights, tons of shopping in the Ladies Market and really authentic and unique foods. Check us out in our traditional dining establishment.

Thanks so much to Anthony, KY, Casey, Brenda & Irvin!

HK Lights

I had an incredible time meeting up today with my host Anthony and finishing up our preparations for Sunday. He was so gracious to give me a small tour of part of Hong Kong today. A few of the places are below

The Jade Market was super neat! Tons of beads, pears & of course jade everything. Such great colors and shades!

Then we picked up some street food. . . .



And check out this Glitzy mahjong game center!

Hong Kong

I've officially arrived in Hong Kong! Aside from some slight time vertigo of uncertainty what day I'm currently in-things are great! My awesome hostess & friend took me to a fantastic Chinese restaraunt with a great group of folks! So far all is well and I'm very much looking forward to learning about the area and culture.

The city feels safe and its so interesting to see the Chinese characters on all the signage. Tomorrow I go to meet the conference coordinator Anthony near the Man Mo Temple and then we will have tea & prepare further.

Exciting days to come!

Quick Heroin Facts

Did you know: that the average heroin user has witnessed at least 4 overdoses one of which end fatal.

Deaths of peers do not teach actively using heroin addicts to stop using heroin.

Kayaking Intuition

Last week I was practicing some of my paddle strokes while kayaking. My kayak master was trying to help me practice something called a "brace" stroke in an effort to help learn how to avoid tipping over. It was interesting because he was trying to help me understand that in order to practice saving yourself from tipping over you've actually got to allow yourself to essentially tip yourself over thus initiating the "brace" stroke. 

I was struggling with the stroke because I had a difficult time pushing myself to attempt to tip myself over. My own fear and uncertainty was holding me back from learning the very tool that would help save me. The metaphor stuck with me throughout the day. Why is it that sometimes we let our fear hold ourselves back from embracing the tools that could offer more safety and security?

Pieces of Wisdom

Here are just a few of my favorite sayings from working with people in Recovery:


"If you have one foot in the past, one foot in the future, you end up peeing in today."


"Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies."


"Once a cucumber is a pickle, it can't go back to being a cucumber again."

Living Amends

I’ve been working with people in recovery since 2003. Specifically, the last few years I’ve had the privilege of treating individuals with Substance Abuse related issues. Before I knew much about the 12-step Recovery Programs (i.e. AA & NA) I had many mis-perceptions which largely stemmed from my own ignorance. Today I feel blessed to have seen first hand these programs changing the lives of recovering persons every day.

One aspect of the 12 step model focuses on making amends to those we’ve wronged. This starts first with taking a moral inventory of one’s self, making a list of personal defects and wrongs committed against others and working towards making amends to those individuals.

That kind of character analysis is courageous if you ask me. And countless recovering addicts attempt this sort of challenge in their sobriety. How many non-addicted persons dare to take such a microscope to their character?

People in recovery talk a lot about learning to make amends for their past wrongs. They often admit that making amends has to be more than just a promise to change or an apology. They say “You have to make a Living Amends. I can say to the people I love that I’m going to change but I’ve said that before so why should they believe me? I have to live the amends.”

When we want so badly for others to show us the change we want them to make, let’s ask ourselves “How am I living the change in my life?” We can’t keep promising change and then waiting for our action to catch up to our intentions.

Roman Brain Power

Recently while flying back from Rome I was trying to beat jet lag by keeping myself awake. I came to realize after watching episodes of 30 Rock and The Office that there was an option to listen to Audio Books. I can't tell you what a relief this was to stumble upon given my displeasure for television shows.


Luckily, I was able to jump into Chapter 2 of Getting Organized in the Google Era which was remarkably intriguing. The premise involves using our brains effectively and utilizing the internet & other tools to essentially organize what doesn't stick in our long term memory (i.e. reason #176 why you need an iphone).


As a side note, I appreciate how he uses musical lyrics throughout the book as a way to connect his thoughts and keep our interest. That was clever Douglas.


So the part that I keep coming back to is this notion of our Constraints. The emotional, psychological, physical kinds of obstacles that impact our reactions to life. He talks about Assumed versus Actual constraints. And it made me think of working with people, how so often I feel that my work is helping people make sense of this: is what I am facing an Actual obstacle to my life, or a road block I am Assuming to be an obstacle?


I don't always have the answer to that question. In fact, who can really judge that for certain but the person experiencing this? But given how easy it is to lie to ourselves and potentially underestimate our own capacity to take risks, it makes me wonder again about the importance of feedback and honest observation from those we trust so that we can decipher a little more clearly this difference of assumed vs. actual constraints.


What am I assuming to be an obstacle in my life that may actually just be fear?

Root of the Problem

I recently attended the SAMHSA conference in downtown Chicago where I had the luxury of hearing from Francine Ward talking about esteemable acts. What I appreciated most, besides her incredible ability to speak candidly about her own recovery, was her focus on action.


For people in recovery, whether that be from addictions, mental health issues or the scars of our own pasts, action is often barred by so many obstacles. Sometimes for good reason people get overwhelmed by those obstacles whether they are self-induced or external. I really enjoyed Francine's lecture because it reminded me that no matter what we are facing there is some form of action that we can take.


At one point in her lecture she made a comment that was something like this: If I'm not the problem, then I won't change. There is something very empowering about the notion of looking for ways that I may be holding myself back from whatever piece of life I am wanting to have more of. Today let's try to look at ourselves and ask honestly what small piece of action can I take.


In the meantime, I can't stop listening to French music and am finding myself wondering what kind of action I need to take to hear it in person :) Ciao- SW