Counselor’s Corner: Neurotic by Nature
On an otherwise undistinguished day, I found myself in an engaging encounter with the affable Bill at our local haven of healthy nibbles, the Good Food Store. Bill is an endearing character, whom I hold in high regard. He was ensconced in the quieter corner of the store, engrossed in conversation with a stranger. An invisible wall of reluctance stood between us, because I didn't want to interrupt. But they
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month in Montana: A Tour of Acceptance, Joy, and Love
June marks an exciting month for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies across the globe, and this is no different in the beautiful state of Montana. The big sky state, best known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, is also home to a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ community that comes alive during Pride month. This year, celebrations in Missoula, Butte, Kalispell, Billings, and other Montana cities are guaranteed to
Counselor’s Corner: The Silent Symphony of Mentorship
My mom was a maverick educator in Helena, not your typical textbook tutor. You wouldn't find her children cramped in straight rows of rigid vertical desks! No, she rebelled against the norm, introducing special "horizontal desks" to her kids in their pursuit of knowledge. Granted, they were more perfect for spitball than learning, sometimes - but they were great! She understood the rhythm of young minds, knew that they thrived
Counselor Corner: A Tale of Daytrading Addiction
"The fact remains that getting people right is not what living is all about anyway. It's getting them wrong that is living, getting them wrong and wrong and wrong and then, on careful reconsideration, getting them wrong again. That's how we know we're alive: we're wrong.” -Philip Roth Meet Nick, who felt kind of lost. It all began innocently enough, a co-worker's computer screen serving as the portal where financial
Counselor Corner: The Transformative Power of Morning Pages
We all have our ups and downs, and navigating through it all can get pretty tough. One tool that's consistently been in my toolbox is a little practice known as morning pages. Coined by Julia Cameron, the concept is as simple as it gets - just three pages of your thoughts, scribbled down every morning. You just kinda keep that pen moving! When a thought comes up, you keep writing!
Social Media, LGBTQ youth, and a Better Life
I often start these articles by dating myself: early 40s now, grew up in the 80s and 90s, graduated college in Missoula in the early 2000s. This is partly a nice opportunity to reminisce. But it also helps to let you know where I’m coming from. And it lets you know that I know that different generations are facing very different challenges today. Social media and a Ray of Hope