Self Growth
You've heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". Well, I think that's a self defeating and limiting perspective! I believe aging is part of living. I believe in living as full a life as possible until I die. This means I'll continue to learn and grow all along my life span. And, I believe this experiencing and growing is what will give my life meaning.
Later this month I will travel to Raleigh/Durham to attend the third 3 day training to become a Certified Gottman Couples Counselor. This is a certification I've been working on for over 1 1/2 years. It's very important for me to stay current on new models, techniques and theories on counseling people, couples and families. I believe I can never know it all!
 Another way I stay current in my profession is by providing LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) supervision to new interns and associates to the field. They are fresh out of academia and have tons to teach me as I supervise them. This sharing of knowledge between these interns/associates and me is a collaborative process that benefits everyone.....interns, supervisor and clients.
In this ezine, I will write an article about Grace and how Grace can work in your life.
Included in this ezine will be a Dear Candy Letter.
If you have family or friends whom you think can benefit from this ezine, please forward it on to them.
Lastly, if Stonewall Behavioral Health or I can help you in any way, please contact us. 214-521-1278
Sincerely,
Candy
Couple Communication Workshop
Candy Marcum and Jimmy Owen will be offering this popular workshop. The format for the workshop is 8 hours in 2 hour increments over 4 days. The dates of the workshop are:
Friday, May 4th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, May 5th, 10:00am -Noon
Friday, May 11th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, May 12th, 10:00am-Noon
YOU AND YOUR PARTNER MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL FOUR DAYS!
Each workshop will be limited to 6 couples. The price is $450 per couple which includes the cost of the Couple Communication Packet. The Packet consists of:
- 2 Collaborative Skills Workbooks (one book for each partner)
- 2 Skills Mats (one for talking, the other for listening)
- 2 Sets of 4 Pocket Cards to prompt skill use
- 2 Awareness Wheel Pads
Communication is the key to happy, healthy relationships. Good communication consists of learned skills. This workshop will teach you the skills you need to help resolve conflict by speaking for yourself and listening to your partner. 
We learned how to communicate by watching how our parents communicate--and therein lies the problem!
Come learn how to better understand yourself and communicate that awareness to your partner. By listening to your partner, you will come to understand what makes him/her tick and why conflicts arise.
Look at your calendar and give Candy a call. 214-521-1278. She'll visit with you and your partner about the next steps to take to sign up for this remarkable workshop. You deserve to experience the love and satisfaction that can be found in a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Communication skills can help make that happen.
Remember space is limited. Call today.
Benefits of Grace
Although traditionally thought of as a religious concept with benefits only for believers in God, the experience of grace is available to and benefits all people, whether you are religious, spiritual, agnostic or atheist.
- Grace is a state of awakening to the gifts of existence, life and love
- When you are in a state of grace, your mind is liberated from mental oppression
- You enjoy happiness, a relaxed mind, and boundless energy
- Grace is the antidote to spiritual dis-ease, to anxiety, to paranoia, and to depression
- In a state of grace, you know your purpose and you effortlessly succeed in creating a life that benefits not only you, but an ever growing circle of those around you
- Because grace helps you and others thrive and survive, in grace lies the salvation of the world.
 Grace Awakens
Awareness is the beginning of liberation, abundance, and kindness because:
- When you know better, you do better
- In a state of grace, you are in an ongoing state of ever greater awakening to the many gifts of existence
- When you are in a state of grace, you see events from many points of view
Statue of three graces in front of the temple of three graces near the town of Lednice in the Czech Republic.
"Dear Candy" 
Dear Candy,
My question today is about safety. With all the unrest, the multiple shootings, the hatred, racial and homophobic discrimination, and rabid political divide, how does anyone live serenely?
I find this uncertainty difficult to comprehend.
The political vibes in this country are overwhelming. They permeate everything! If you watch tv, listen to the radio, or read the paper you see it, or hear it.
Please help me to ignore this negativity and live with calmness and fearlessness.
shaky ground
Dear Shaky,
Your perspective on world events is not alone. Many people are feeling the angst and pressure from seeing the violence and chaos being reported throughout the media. People are being polarized by the fear these images and messages portray.
What control do you have over the images and messages? You can start by knowing you have little control over what happens in our world but tons of control over how you respond to and manage your emotions. Besides using self calming techniques  such as deep breathing, being among friends and using positive self imaging and affirmations, you can also step away from the news and social media for a while. Set limits on the amount of time you watch the news on TV or connect to social media.
Give back to people in need or organizations that support helping people. There are community gardens close to your neighborhood. There are public schools in need of volunteers. There are organizations that build houses for people that are in need of volunteers. These types of activities not only nurture others but also you.
Good luck!
Candy
Send a Dear Candy email to Candy and she'll answer your question here in this E-Zine.  It will be of interest to Stonewall Stories readers. Send it to: Candy@CandyMarcum.com In the subject line write: Dear Candy. Your personal identity will be anonymous.
Candy Marcum has been counseling, training, writing, supervising and advising people since 1981. She has a special way of touching people's lives that positively transforms them. Her passion, professionalism, enthusiasm and people skills have helped guide her in her life's work as a healer. www.candymarcum.com |
