…this was the phrase I came across within the same week from two leaders whom I admire: the Reverend A. Charles McElroy from Friendship Baptist Church in Flanders, NY, and Michael Skinner, Executive Director of Surviving Spirit and musical entertainer.

From both there was the acknowledgement of deep suffering in life, but, that an “attitude of gratitude” offers redemption. Mike went a step further by describing the challenges posed by having endured trauma, but makes clear the great payoff in adopting a thankful mindset. Like many, I can relate personally to the devastation that trauma wreaks.

Here’s the thing, we are not in this alone. Being thankful reprograms our thinking, and, hence, fills in our emotional wellsprings. I, for one, believe in renewal, rejuvenation, and rebirth. Sometimes we just have to hang in there.

So…I am thankful for my family and feel privileged to know and raise all but one of my five gorgeous children. I am thankful for the support of my husband, my parents, and Creative Explorations colleagues and friends…you are all worth gold…you know who you are and I love you all.

By name I want to mention the community members who have made the growth of Creative Explorations possible: Special thanks to Mike Stoltz of Clubhouse of Suffolk, MHA in Suffolk and United Veterans for his unflagging encouragement and support; to Colleen Merlo, of MHA in Suffolk for being a great new associate; to Marilyn Tucci, my friend and extraordinary advocate at SILO, and the Executive Director of SILO, Joseph Delgado, for offering to host Creative Explorations for an additional meeting a month. To Leon Marquis, at OMH Recipient Affairs for reaching out in his friendly, humble manner and offering to help. To John Reidy, thanks for your expertise and we’ve missed you! To Bob Spiotto, Executive Director of The Suffolk Theater for giving us the break and opportunity of a lifetime.

Also, I cannot leave out those I’ve worked with for years at ADD, Inc. To Darryl Johnson, my level-headed and recovery-oriented colleague, thank you for the assistance you and your family have extended to Creative Explorations; to our Executive Director, Don Rieb, thanks for allowing Creative Explorations to flourish under your auspices; most especially, thank you to MH Program Director, Sue Parrinello, my always supportive supervisor, invaluable friend, and professional partner. Thank you to the best assistant in the world, Shea Love, and to my colleague, Maxine Love, for going out of her way repeatedly to offer her support.

I cannot fail to mention two more by name: Kimberly Turner and Yvonne Johnson-Fasset. Both have been with me since the inception of Creative Explorations. Kimberly’s community outreach and artistic talent are without parallel, and, without Yvonne’s encouragement and good horse sense, we would not be who we are today.

Surely you will all be hearing much more from me. Warm and well wishes to all.

Namaste,

Julie