It is great to meet you! I am excited that you are here. Let me tell you a little bit about who I am, and what I hope to do. Sit back and relax, I hope that you stay awhile.
Over the past twenty-two years, I have worked to bring positive change to others in my community. I have worked as an elementary school teacher, a middle school teacher, a licensed psychotherapist, a Girl Scout leader, and a Sunday school teacher inspiring others through love, support, and education. Currently, I am counseling children, teens, and adults in a private practice setting. My experience also includes working for a nonprofit organization, a community mental health center, and an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. Recently, I decided to expand what I bring through social media, hoping to reach a much larger section of society.
What I believe: God loves us. We are never truly alone. We have worth and we are lovable, but we often get in our own way. I believe that life ebbs and flows, and that bad times will pass. I believe in the power of positive thinking combined with faith and action.
My Mission
My mission is to ENCOURAGE, MOTIVATE, INSPIRE AND EDUCATE people to live more fulfilling lives, one baby step at a time. Let’s make one change, no matter how small, and let’s build on it. Let’s take baby steps. Let’s keep going. Let’s look at things in new ways. Let’s expand our vision. Let’s learn new skills. Let’s grow.
My philosophies about happiness, success, peace, love, and change
Happiness: Our happiness is not 100% dependent on other people. Much of our happiness depends on our outlook and on the activities that we pursue in our lives. Some studies have shown that 50% of happiness is due to predisposition, 10% life circumstances, and 40% actions and attitudes. This is good news! Our attitudes and intentional activities are four times more important than our actual circumstances when determining our overall level of happiness. Studies have shown that activities such as praying, attending religious services, exercising daily, keeping a gratitude journal, and reframing hardships as blessings can really influence a person’s level of happiness. So one of my WAKE UP call questions to those that believe that their happiness is 100% dependent on others is… What are YOU doing to improve your overall well-being?
Success: It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think of the story, The Little Engine that Could. Think of Walter Wintle’s poem, The Man Who Thinks He Can. Think about The Tortoise and the Hare. The tortoise just didn’t give up! You would be amazed at what we can learn from children’s books. (Is it obvious that I used to teach elementary school?)
Peace: Living with integrity brings peace. When our actions match our values, we are able to experience peace.
Love: God loves each of us. God wants us to know that we have worth. God wants us to love ourselves and love others. Learning to love ourselves enables us to better love others. Without self-love we go around projecting all of our own self-contempt (harsh judgments, criticisms…) onto everyone else. If we love ourselves, we spread love. If we are full of contempt, we spread criticism, negativity, and judgments. True self-love is rooted in security. Narcissistic love is rooted in deep feelings of inadequacy. Individuals who are filled with true self-love are able to spread genuine love to others.
Change: Change is hard. I think I should say that again. CHANGE IS HARD! But by making one small change, it becomes less overwhelming. That small change will get the momentum going for more change to occur. I call this the snowball effect. You do not complete the puzzle until you put down the first piece. It doesn’t even matter which piece you put down first. Just put it down- it is a start. Many times our fear stops us from making needed change. Fight fear with faith and take the first step.
WELCOME! I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU DECIDED TO JOIN ME AS WE IMPROVE OUR LIVES, ONE BABY STEP AT A TIME, ONE BLOG POST AT A TIME!
Kristin,
Your blog looks great! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts, it’s given me pertinent reminders! Sounds like you are enjoying your work/family balance. Hope to run into you soon! Elizabeth Dye
Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement and for following the blog. If you sign up to follow or hit the facebook ‘like’ icon, I think you should get an e-mail when I post. We are all a work in progress and I remind myself of important things in life as I am reminding others. Thanks for reading.
I like this blog, nice to see good advice about life, thoughtful and insightful. You’re right, it’s always room for improvment. Look forward to following…
Thank you. It is nice to meet you, blog stlye. I look forward to reading your blog.
Nice to meet you too, see you around;-)
I love your blog, so I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, see the details here:
http://enjoymyadventure.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/another-good-sign/
Hello, I too think your blog is cool, so I nominated you for the very inspiring blogger award.
Have a lovely day.
http://currierose.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/id-like-to-thank-you-and-you-and-you/
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the likes
Will follow
Thank you, Jenny. I plan to go back to your blog today. Have a great day!
Thanks
Hi Kristin! Thank you for visiting my blog “Reflections” and liking my post “Doubts and Troubles.” … A agree with your notion that life is a work in progress. When you have a moment, please check out my poem “Work in Progress” posted earlier in my blog. Here is the link. http://dorothymcdonall.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/work-in-progress/ … I’m going to follow your blog. Be well, Dorothy
Thank you. I look forward to reading more of your poems.
Kristin, thank you for visiting my blog. YOU are true inspiration, if you don’t mid I will follow ; )
You are very welcome! Thank you for following. I am glad that you are inspired!
Hello Kristin, if you feel inclined do go to the home site of my writings because they will add another dimension to your work; a dimension not taught in universities etc.
May you benefit many through your work,
Ian.
P.S. There is no need to reply to this
Kristin, your blog is awesome! I have just begun a blog of my own for the very same reason as you! Except, from a patient’s perspective. I have been on the other side of those group sessions, learning all kinds of lessons that saved my life. I won’t lie, I owe the hospital enough to buy a good-sized home, but having the kind of help that you have been offering throughout your career was more than worth it. You can’t put a price on life! I’m glad I found your blog! My hope is to share what I have learned in mine as well!
I admire your courage. I am looking forward to reading your blog. That is great that you are writing a book from a patient’s perspective.
What a gift you are to those who are touched by your life and example! Z
What a kind thing to say! My clients truly inspire me. I am sure I learn as much from them as they do from me. Thank you so much for your inspiring words.
my art students have always taught me a lot as well. it’s obvious that you’re one of the good guys. the world needs more good guys who don’t keep a score card; they spread goodness because it’s the right thing to do! z
The feeling is mutual. I look forward to following your blog. Thank you.
Dear Kristin,
It gives me great pleasure to nominate you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Please go to my post of May 10 for more information about receiving this award.
http://thetruthwarrior.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you for inspiring me!
Namaste,
~ TW
Thank you, I am honored! Keep inspiring!
May your children rise up and call you blessed on Mother’s Day…
Thank you, Todd. Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by my latest post and liking it
A wonderful and inspiring blog, like a place to retreat to when times get a little manic, thank you
thanks for stopping by my blog, and leading me here! look forward to your future posts!
Your blog looks great. Sharp, caring and helpful. -Renee
Thank you, Renee.
It will be interesting to here about your experience,please do tell us.
I am sorry for the delayed response. I just came across your comment. Through my blog, I will share with you some of the things that i have learned. Thank you so much for your interest.
You are always welcome dear. I’m sorry for a little spelling mistake ,it’s hear not here,hope you didn’t mind.
Thanks for your Like.I loved receiving it!
I’m glad you stopped by my blog otherwise I daresay I wouldn’t have found yours.
May I say how much I love your work?I have just been reading your post on expectations in a marriage.
I hope to revisit many times and enjoy myself vastly.
I am sorry for the delayed response. Thank you so much for all of your kind comments.
Not at all.Please don’t mention it,
What a well written blog so full of practical, useful information!! I’m not sure how you stumbled upon my blog but I’m thrilled that you did because now I’ve connected to yours
Thank you~
Hi there, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Check out the details here: http://truthletsandthoughtbits.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/its-one-lovely-illuminating-world/
I am honored! Thank you so much!
Kristin, is there a way to navigate your site so I can read your posts from start to finish? I’m not finding a link to the next post…
Shelly,
I just made some adjustments to my site. Go to the homepage and look over in the sidebar for my older posts, beginning in January. You can also scroll to the bottom of the homepage screen and hit older posts, but that will give them to you beginning with the most recent. Let me know if going to older posts on the sidebar helps. Thank you for asking. Have a great day
yes, thanks! The really good blogs I find I want to read from beginning to present so I’m ‘caught up’! I hope you’re having a great day as well.
Hi Kristin,
You are on my blogroll! Spectacular!
Best wishes,
Jim Amos, MD
The Practical Psychosomaticist
Dr. Amos,
Thank you! I really appreciate your interest and am honored to be on your blogroll. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I have nominated you for the Mrs. Sparkly’s Ten Commandments Award. Please follow this link and copy the logo and questions. Paste them to your site and fill them out along with 10 blogs. Have fun! Congratulations! http://littleboxofbooks.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/mrs-sparklys-ten-commandments-award/
Liz,
Thank you for the nomination. I am honored. I will follow the link.
Sounds like a really inspiring blog! i look forward to reading more posts
Hey Kristin! I know you get a lot of these, but I love your blog and nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Keep up the inspiring posts! http://georgemhayward.com/2012/07/28/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
George,
I am honored that you nominated me for an inspiring blog award. I am so glad that you find it inspirational. You, too, keep inspiring.
Thanks Kristin, will do!
As an educator and therapist you must have had remarkable experiences with you, Kristin. Great meeting you in the blogosphere!
Many blessings and much love to you.
Namaste,
Subhan Zein
The individuals that I have had an opportunity to work with have taught me a great deal. It is nice to meet you too. Blessings to you.
Your blog is interesting and inspirational Kristin.
Thank you for dropping by mine earlier and leaving a response.
You are welcome. Thank you for the kind words.
I have nominated you for a FAMILY OF BLOGGERS AWARD http://sugarandspicebaking.com/2012/09/26/family-of-bloggers-award/
Mariateresa- I am honored. Thank you so much for the nomination. I will go to your site and check it out.
My pleasure! You are more than welcome. I think you have an important and lovely blog so it’s well-deserved!
Thank you!
hey, i would like to connect with you on facebook….pls provide me ur facebook profile link…:) or i’m sending you the link of my facebook account ie. https://www.facebook.com/iharshitchauhan
add me if your facebook doctrine allows
Harshit Chauhan
Hi Kristin, Nice to meet you. Thank you for following my blog. You have a terrific blog as well and I will follow your blog as well. I will be back to read more. Have a wonderful Saturday. Renee
Hi Kristin,
Your blog is inspirational. Keep all the great stuff coming, my friend! I am happy to have followed your blog. And I also am honored to have you following my blog. Thank you!
I hope my blog is not disappointing for you. Many blessings and much love to you, my friend.
Namaste,
Subhan Zein
Thank you! Your blog is no disappointment. I look forward to reading more.
I feel so privileged that you came by my site. I look forward to reading your blogs and finding hope in your words.
Thank you, Yaz. I enjoyed reading your post about The Five People You Meet. I look forward to reading more.
Your blog is too sweet, hence I am nominating your blog for Super Sweet Blogging Award ! You can check it from http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/super-sweet-blogging-award/
God bless. Keep Smiling
Thank you for this nomination. It means a lot to me. I will go check it out. Have a great day!
Thank you too.
and life smiles.
I appreciate your blog and have nominated it for a Liebster Award. If you accept the “tag” you can find the details at http://tinylessonsblog.com/2012/11/18/awards-%e1%8a%a0%e1%88%98%e1%88%b0%e1%8c%8d%e1%8a%93%e1%88%88%e1%88%81
I have nominated your blog for Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Please
check it here http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/very-
inspiring-blogger-award/
Congrats
I am honored! Thank you so much. I am grateful for readers like you! Have a terrific weekend.
Thank you.
Hello Kristin,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Paul Barton. I came upon your blogsite while reading another blog. Lately I seem to be finding Bartons all over the place…, Indiana, California, Kentucky, Texas, and now I must ask…, where are you from? Like your site and find much of the information you provide helpful and interesting. Please feel free to visit on my site if/when you may find time.
Best to you,
Paul
Paul, Thank you so much for reaching out. I look forward to checking out your site. We are Bartons from Virginia. I will get back to you after I have had a chance to view your website. Have a great day!
Virginia…, another state added to the list. I have been doing genealogy for years and it’s a funny thing. I have traced 3 sides of my immediate family but the Bartons (mine) are just a dead end thing. I can get to my great grandfather and that’s all. I have a connection to Virginia through the Meade family of that state that goes back to the late 1600s of colonial times. There was a plantation home in the far southeast part of the state (almost North Carolina). I know…., I’m rambling. Enough!
Paul
Thanks Kristin for visiting my blog, be in touch with my blog browse through the categories, u will find it interesting maybe on Psychoanalysis or Spirituality.
Be in touch
I look forward to reading more. Thank you.
merry christmas
Merry Christmas to you too!
thank you
I have nominated your blog for Blog of the year Award. Kindly check it at http://andlifesmile.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/blog-of-the-year-2012-award/ Congratulations.
and life smiles- You make me smile
I am truly honored. Thank you so much for nominating my blog for Blog of the Year. I will check out the link.
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Read about it here: http://yogawithmaheshwari.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/wow-more-awards/
Thank you so much! I am extremely grateful for this nomination. Keep inspiring!
You’re welcome. It’s much deserved!
I am excited to have found you! I love your blog! It is sooo inspiring! Can’t wait to get into it more!
Great to hear from you, Diane. Thank you for the kind words. I look forward to future contact!
So not only are we both Barton’s. We are also both LCSW’s! What a small world! Wonderful blot & Happy Holidays to you!
Both Bartons and both LCSWs- It is a small world! Happy holidays to you too. Look forward to checking out more of your blog.
I am surprised about how secular your “About” is. Have you never noticed that you have spoken as if the human person controls all? Ironically, this is the dominant illusion and creates real disorders. We are not omnipotent. You might want to think about this.
R.
Robert-
Kristin
Thank you so much for your comments. You have given me a lot to think about, and I have gone back to read my “About” page. I really do appreciate the feedback. I agree with you that we as humans are not omnipotent. We are not all powerful, perfect, or all knowing. I do, however, believe that we have the power to accept God into our lives or to reject His love. I also believe that we have free will. I personally believe that strong faith leads to a happier life, but people do have the power to choose. God opens the door, but we have to let Him in. Many people come to counseling with the belief that they have no power at all. They believe that their happiness is 100% dependent on other people. They are not aware of the many things that they can do to improve their lives- growing in faith is often one of them. I do not have a formal education in theology- as you do. You could probably teach me a lot. Thank you so much. Your feedback is appreciated. I will continue to think.
Hi Kristin, your blogs looks really great with some good posts and i really liked your blog!! Glad to meet you and you’ve a new follower. Happy to follow you.
Hugs and love
Happy New Year 2013
Hi Aadi. It is great to meet you, too. Thank you for commenting and following my blog. I am so gald that you like it. I look forward to future contact. Happy New Year to you!
Hello Kristin,
I hope it is not too late to wish you a wonderful New Year. May 2013 bring you more happiness, love, and success. I would like to thank you because you continue following my blog. I hope my short stories and poems do not disappoint and that your visits in there have been a joyful ride. I need to let you know that my subscription went messed up, and now I am resubscribing, looking forward to reading more of your posts! Thank you again, many blessings and much love to you, Kristin..
Subhan Zein
Subhan, Great to hear from you! Happy New Year.
Kristen, today you are the recipient of the Super Sweet Blogging Award! (http://abundelic.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/super-sweet-blogging-award/). I love your photos of unique places around the world and your quotes. Thanks for your inspiration!
Thanks so much for stopping by and liking my post ‘Early morning glistening icicle’ – your support is appreciated!
You are welcome!
I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Congratulations!
http://healthyazblog.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/very-inspiring-blogger-liebster-and-blog-of-the-year-awards/
Thank you so much. This really does mean a lot to me. I will go over to your site and check it out!
Love your mission and your beliefs Kirsten. Great to connect with you
Carolyn, It is great to connect with you, too!
Kristin your face is so full of compassion. I love that face
You are so kind!
its genuinely full of compassion, look at your eyes,
both of them are full of compassion & love
I love your beautiful pictures!
thank you, you are like a sister to me, younger or elder I don’t know, I am 52
sorry not to offend you but indeed
You do not offend me. Thank you for the kind comments. Keep sharing your amazing pictures.
thank you
Nominated you for “Inspiring Blogger” … just click back to http://lipstickandchaos.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/inspiring-blogger-thank-you-said-in-earnest/ Thanks for the great reads!!!
Thank you so much for this nomination! I am honored! I will head on over to your blog to check it out. Thank you!
Greetings Kristin, I love how you are trying to impact people in a healthy way so that they can look to life in a more positive frame of mind. I sincerely wish you all the best in your life’s’ journey of helping others, a true labour of love.
God bless you in every way.
What kind words! Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face! Have a wonderful day.
I admire this uplifting passage and I enjoy reading your blog(s). I’ll be back. God bless you and your ministry in Jesus’ name, amen.😊
Hugs to you!
Hi, Kristen! I enjoy your blog so much… I nominated you for the Liebster Award! Head on over to my blog and check out “Well would you look at that… / And now… the nominees to follow what to do next!
God Bless!
I am honored! Thank you so much for this nomination. I really appreciate it! I will go to your site and check it out. Thank you!
You’re very welcome! It was my pleasure!
Kristin – just to let you know that I have nominated you for the prestigious HUG Award. Details at http://tinylessonsblog.com/2013/03/18/1489-words-of-thanks/. Congratulations!
Wow! I am honored by this nomination! The prestigious HUG Award. Thank you so much. Hugs to you!
So proud of you, my friend! Miss ya!
You are so sweet. We are way overdue- let’s get together soon! xoxo
Greetings from a kindred spirit… may the path before you, be sprinkled with the enrichment of love’s empowerment, as your inner guide continues to lead you to your heart’s enlightenment.
Great to hear from you! I will check out your site!
I have read your comments on Marty’s blog C PSTD A Way Out and he shared your link with me. I have enjoyed your comments on his blog and am so happy to be a part of yours. What I am most impressed with is the fact that you, from what I’ve seen always acknowledge those who comment. That is so thoughtful to know that our words and thoughts are read and you must be overwhelmed with the number of your followers to keep up!
From a woman’s standpoint I really appreciate the various topics you cover, especially the one about loving someone and fall in love.
Thank you.
Jennifer, It is great to hear from you. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that you like my blog. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Congratulations ~ I’ve nominated you for the WP Family Award! Please stop by to pick up your award ~ Hugs to you! http://misifusa.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/a-la-familia-wp-family-awards/
I will. Thank you so much! I am honored!
Just found you through a re-blog of one of your posts by a blogger I follow. There is definitely light here…in you and what you offer! Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Life is good…and the ways in which we engage its challenges can make the difference in the very texture of our path ahead.
So true! The way in which we engage its challenges does make all the difference! Thank you so much for these comments. I hope that you have a great day.
Todd,
Thank you for putting my post into your blog. Have a great day.
Thanks for sharing, Todd. Have a terrific Thanksgiving.
Todd, Thank you for sharing this list with your readers. Awareness is key when it comes to relationships. It is difficult to have a healthy relationship if we do not know what healthy looks like.
Kristin, I’ve nominated you for the 2012 Blog of the Year Award @ http://davidkanigan.com/2012/12/08/blog-of-the-year/#more-13084. You are under no obligation to accept. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your inspirational posts in 2012. Happy Holidays. Dave
Happy Holidays to you too, David. You always inspire me. I am honored that you nominated my blog. Thank you. Keep inspiring!