Last weekend with 100 friends and family, I celebrated my 70th birthday as well as the launching of my memoir book called DOIN WHAT CAME NATUR'LLY, the merry, madcap n' moxie memoirs of Mimi Scott. It was one of the most special and wonderful nights of my entire life. And the reviews of the book are coming in and delighting me.
I'm still amazed that it all took place. I felt like Job in the Bible all Fall. I was plagued with one ailment after another...three procedures/surgeries; about 1000 doctor visits, and a body that just wouldn't perform. Much of the time, I simply couldn't walk. BUT...I knew I had to get better, because I was looking toward that silver lining that was my special birthday, and the arrival of 100 of my brand new memoir books.
The whole experience taught me that one can get through anything if one has a goal, or if one can see 'the silver lining' in the cloud. Just the continual work putting the book together and completing it, and then seeing that the party would be the best ever (with great participation from my son Jeffrey and his wife Lisa), gave me something to concentrate on and to distract me from all that was going on physically. With a little help from something magical called 'cortisone' injected into my shoulder, my back (in a few places) and two doses into my knee, I was indeed able to enjoy that most terrific event...performing and dancing the night away!!
If anyone out there is having a really bad time healthwise, set some goals for yourself. Writing is a wonderful way to occupy one's self, as is painting which I began doing last year (my entire apartment is now covered with my canvasses). Maybe there is something you've been thinking about inventing, or putting together...now's the time to do it. And there is always all that reading you have had no time to do. Pick a date and tell yourself what you want to have accomplished by it. If there is some weight you want to lose or gain, be creative about it and use that same date to set as your goal toward that accomplishment. This is more than the resolutions that we will all most definitely make next week to begin the New Year. This is a way of 'getting through' when mentally or physically you feel down...which happens to us all.
Take my word that these past few months have allowed me to see what a beautiful silver lining there is no matter how dark the cloud...you just have to know it is there; find it and enjoy it to the fullest when it appears.
I wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with only pink clouds!!
Hope you enjoyed this session. And, by the way, I've begun practicing now that I'm really settled back here in New York City, so please contact me if you or anyone you know would like some (very reasonable) help. I'll also be starting a group for women of any age who are alone (or not)...my number(s) are below. Thanks for your help.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
KNOWING WHEN HAPPINESS HITS...
Have you experienced the thrill of seeing your desktop cleared recently (I mean the real one, not the computer one)? Or have you recently resolved issues with your spouse, kids, parents or best friends? If so...shhhh...you may be on your way to some happiness. Don't jump for joy yet...just keep it close to the chest.
Have the headaches subsided a bit? How's the back? Still need the cane? Is the rash still there? Of the 8 physical problems you've been having, are maybe 1-2 going away? If so you may think about celebrating soon.
Ever since you've found yourself unable to shop in the same stores you were a year or two ago, have you noticed the Merona line in Target? Or the grocery level at Walmart's?
I guess what I am trying to get across, is the fact that our bills and paperwork can keep us in a constant state of stress----so take a day and clean up your desktop (the wooden one). Realize that of the 10 crises that the family issues daily, maybe the ability to fix one, or by some stroke of luck even TWO, you are actually sitting pretty! Same holds true for ailment numbers...if you are not scheduled to die from cancer---you're not just sitting pretty, but standing there strikingly gorgeous! And if you can find a $20.00 black dress that takes you to a formal affair (as I recently did)---you are in good shape in every sense of the word!
A clear desk, an ability to stand and walk, something to eat and to wear which make you
feel good and look great, and friends and family who generally are doing well, all may just be what equals that which is known as HAPPINESS! Recognize and enjoy it!!
Hope you enjoyed today's session as well as the holiday turkey!
Respectfully submitted*
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
*Check out the new headshot
Have the headaches subsided a bit? How's the back? Still need the cane? Is the rash still there? Of the 8 physical problems you've been having, are maybe 1-2 going away? If so you may think about celebrating soon.
Ever since you've found yourself unable to shop in the same stores you were a year or two ago, have you noticed the Merona line in Target? Or the grocery level at Walmart's?
I guess what I am trying to get across, is the fact that our bills and paperwork can keep us in a constant state of stress----so take a day and clean up your desktop (the wooden one). Realize that of the 10 crises that the family issues daily, maybe the ability to fix one, or by some stroke of luck even TWO, you are actually sitting pretty! Same holds true for ailment numbers...if you are not scheduled to die from cancer---you're not just sitting pretty, but standing there strikingly gorgeous! And if you can find a $20.00 black dress that takes you to a formal affair (as I recently did)---you are in good shape in every sense of the word!
A clear desk, an ability to stand and walk, something to eat and to wear which make you
feel good and look great, and friends and family who generally are doing well, all may just be what equals that which is known as HAPPINESS! Recognize and enjoy it!!
Hope you enjoyed today's session as well as the holiday turkey!
Respectfully submitted*
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
*Check out the new headshot
Sunday, October 31, 2010
WHAT'S REALLY SCARY...
Today is Halloween, but it's not the flying witches that scare me. I'm scared of the 'monsters' posing as 'bullies'. And they are not 'out' just on October 31st. 'Bullying' has recently become a year round epidemic.
A year ago in Florida the news was all about a young fellow around 14 who was set on fire by classmates. This year here in New York, we're hearing about all the bullying of gays, whether
it be by video or by beatings. Of course for years there have been women (and no doubt men too) who are being 'bullied' by their spouses. What can we do about it? How can we save these souls from torture and abuse?
No question counselors and educators are working to put programs together in schools and other community venues that address the problem. Hopefully our legislatures and congress are thinking about drawing up bills for punishing bullying. But I have an additional thought.
This will sound very elementary and naive to all of you who are more sophisticated technically than I. But I've had an idea that I thought I'd throw out and maybe a reader can take it to the next step.
Being of a certain age and living pretty much alone, one is advised to get a medical alert if they are hurt in any way or if they are feeling sick. What it is, is a hook up to a center that responds the minute the person presses the button that he or she is wearing either around the neck or as a bracelet.
I'm wondering, after watching Criminal Minds, and seeing how they have equipment to trace the immediate whereabouts of suspects, if our police departments could not be available to private individuals who feel that they are in danger, and who are willing to wear discreetly, some mechanism that alerts help in an instant. These individuals would be those fearful of spousal abuse, molestation, and bullies, either in the schools, the community, or the deadliest--the home! Lives may be actually saved if this could be put into place. I mean think of those placed in trunks of vehicles, or mothers holding kids in a closet...you get the idea. Cell phones are a start, but I'm talking about a virtual 'button' on one's body.
I know we have home alarms to defend against 'break-ins', but I believe we need an alarm on our actual person, especially if we live in fear. Maybe there is a way for all of us to 'get registered'. I dunno---I'm just one voice who invites your participation.
Not quite a session, but perhaps someone will nevertheless be helped down the line.
Happy Halloween!
Dr. Mimi Scott
212 721-2979
mscott13@aol.com
A year ago in Florida the news was all about a young fellow around 14 who was set on fire by classmates. This year here in New York, we're hearing about all the bullying of gays, whether
it be by video or by beatings. Of course for years there have been women (and no doubt men too) who are being 'bullied' by their spouses. What can we do about it? How can we save these souls from torture and abuse?
No question counselors and educators are working to put programs together in schools and other community venues that address the problem. Hopefully our legislatures and congress are thinking about drawing up bills for punishing bullying. But I have an additional thought.
This will sound very elementary and naive to all of you who are more sophisticated technically than I. But I've had an idea that I thought I'd throw out and maybe a reader can take it to the next step.
Being of a certain age and living pretty much alone, one is advised to get a medical alert if they are hurt in any way or if they are feeling sick. What it is, is a hook up to a center that responds the minute the person presses the button that he or she is wearing either around the neck or as a bracelet.
I'm wondering, after watching Criminal Minds, and seeing how they have equipment to trace the immediate whereabouts of suspects, if our police departments could not be available to private individuals who feel that they are in danger, and who are willing to wear discreetly, some mechanism that alerts help in an instant. These individuals would be those fearful of spousal abuse, molestation, and bullies, either in the schools, the community, or the deadliest--the home! Lives may be actually saved if this could be put into place. I mean think of those placed in trunks of vehicles, or mothers holding kids in a closet...you get the idea. Cell phones are a start, but I'm talking about a virtual 'button' on one's body.
I know we have home alarms to defend against 'break-ins', but I believe we need an alarm on our actual person, especially if we live in fear. Maybe there is a way for all of us to 'get registered'. I dunno---I'm just one voice who invites your participation.
Not quite a session, but perhaps someone will nevertheless be helped down the line.
Happy Halloween!
Dr. Mimi Scott
212 721-2979
mscott13@aol.com
Sunday, October 10, 2010
SURVIVING THE SH**@ THAT HAPPENS
Well we can always whine and walk around saying "ohhh woe is me" (better known as, 'Oy Vey' in Yiddush), and keep drinking from the cup that's 'half empty', (or maybe we can just plain keep drinking). OR...we can focus on what we have that still works. For example, after losing a job or losing our money, we can still thank the Good Lord for the arms and legs and the other parts of the body that are still intact and that may allow us to work at something else--if the brain is still in shape consider yourself really lucky!!
I've been walking around bemoaning the fact that 'getting old' really sucks! In the last few months, after resettling in good old New York City with the intention of renewing my 'Auntie Mame' role here, it's as though a huge invisible leg was placed in my path to 'trip me up'!!
It all began about six weeks ago with my left knee becoming intensely painful (of course it gave me an excuse to walk around with a beautiful pink cane I found in one of the catalogues for old people). Then the shoulder that was operated on last year for naught, really kicked in to cause me to let out a scream again with every movement. Following this I noticed some horrible looking skin thing on my arm and a scab on my nose that simply would not disappear. For frosting on the caske, the most recent blood work done indicates that I have a staph infection lurking in my body somewhere. (This would be the 3rd morphing of the one that came with the breast cancer operation in 2006)
It's reminded me of my favorite phrase "Other than that Mrs. Kennedy, how was Dallas?"
But here's the real message today...
Obviously the first thing to do is to find out what is going on from the medical standpoint (and I believe I wrote previously about how frustrating that can be), and then to determine what can be done. This past week I had my knee operated on for what was diagnosed as a torn miniscus. This was followed by a cortisone shot for the shoulder (which I'm keeping my fingers crossed about--at least they still work), and this week I'll be seeing the head of dermatology at Cornell Weil for what is called MOHS surgery where they keep scaping away layers of skin until all cancer cells have disappeared (hopefully it will be pronounced clear before the bone is reached). The good news is that I may be the first Jewish girl to have a nose job that she never needed or wanted!
The flip side of the coin is that needing to spend so much time in bed has allowed me to really work on my memoir book which should come to complete fruition in time for my big 7-0 birthday in December. And...by working on this book I have realized how lucky I have been throughout these past 69 years. I have indeed been blessed and should be slapped if anybody out there hears me complain (which you no doubt will).
Futher, I have had time to enjoy my painting and as a result there is barely an inch of space left on my walls. But I have the happiest, most colorful and artsy apartment in New York I'm sure. Every magazine or catalogue I get my hands on gives me more inspiration.
And, I have the stamp of approval that I made the right decision in returning to New York City as I cannot imagine going through all this in Florida without my family, who are here all the time, and my beloved friends here in New York who continued the tradition of celebrating with me at home after every time another procedure was performed. As I'm virtually next door to an Ollies now, it's been that much more fun. And they are still encouraging me to do a Zagat on the New York hospitals since I'm now beginning Round Two of them.
Of course, wouldn't you know I've gotten more hits than ever on the dating website I'n on, but I've had to tell them all that they will just have to wait until I can walk again, shake their hands without yelping, and finish getting my face rearranged by the Italian doctor I'll be seeing.
Hope you are all well and have enjoyed my therapy session that I've shared with you!
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
Mscott13@aol.com
I've been walking around bemoaning the fact that 'getting old' really sucks! In the last few months, after resettling in good old New York City with the intention of renewing my 'Auntie Mame' role here, it's as though a huge invisible leg was placed in my path to 'trip me up'!!
It all began about six weeks ago with my left knee becoming intensely painful (of course it gave me an excuse to walk around with a beautiful pink cane I found in one of the catalogues for old people). Then the shoulder that was operated on last year for naught, really kicked in to cause me to let out a scream again with every movement. Following this I noticed some horrible looking skin thing on my arm and a scab on my nose that simply would not disappear. For frosting on the caske, the most recent blood work done indicates that I have a staph infection lurking in my body somewhere. (This would be the 3rd morphing of the one that came with the breast cancer operation in 2006)
It's reminded me of my favorite phrase "Other than that Mrs. Kennedy, how was Dallas?"
But here's the real message today...
Obviously the first thing to do is to find out what is going on from the medical standpoint (and I believe I wrote previously about how frustrating that can be), and then to determine what can be done. This past week I had my knee operated on for what was diagnosed as a torn miniscus. This was followed by a cortisone shot for the shoulder (which I'm keeping my fingers crossed about--at least they still work), and this week I'll be seeing the head of dermatology at Cornell Weil for what is called MOHS surgery where they keep scaping away layers of skin until all cancer cells have disappeared (hopefully it will be pronounced clear before the bone is reached). The good news is that I may be the first Jewish girl to have a nose job that she never needed or wanted!
The flip side of the coin is that needing to spend so much time in bed has allowed me to really work on my memoir book which should come to complete fruition in time for my big 7-0 birthday in December. And...by working on this book I have realized how lucky I have been throughout these past 69 years. I have indeed been blessed and should be slapped if anybody out there hears me complain (which you no doubt will).
Futher, I have had time to enjoy my painting and as a result there is barely an inch of space left on my walls. But I have the happiest, most colorful and artsy apartment in New York I'm sure. Every magazine or catalogue I get my hands on gives me more inspiration.
And, I have the stamp of approval that I made the right decision in returning to New York City as I cannot imagine going through all this in Florida without my family, who are here all the time, and my beloved friends here in New York who continued the tradition of celebrating with me at home after every time another procedure was performed. As I'm virtually next door to an Ollies now, it's been that much more fun. And they are still encouraging me to do a Zagat on the New York hospitals since I'm now beginning Round Two of them.
Of course, wouldn't you know I've gotten more hits than ever on the dating website I'n on, but I've had to tell them all that they will just have to wait until I can walk again, shake their hands without yelping, and finish getting my face rearranged by the Italian doctor I'll be seeing.
Hope you are all well and have enjoyed my therapy session that I've shared with you!
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
Mscott13@aol.com
Sunday, September 19, 2010
ATONEMENT
My friend Bill recently brought me a book called Heart of Wisdom. It is the kind of book one reads a page of, almost as a meditation, every day. As it begins according to the Jewish calendar, I began it on Rosh Hashanah, the new Jewish year, last week. Through these last 10 days, one theme was repeatedly mentioned. The theme of humanity, or as it clarifys further, being humane.
During and following Yom Kippur, while atoning, my mind was on this theme of humanity.
I, while caught up in all the events of the year that dealt with relationships, and with pleas to the Lord regarding all the trials, both physical and mental, that I and family members wish to heal and to overcome with His guidance, one thought kept intruding. It was a question really, and it was: What are you doing that is humane?
I believe that I shall focus on this more in the coming year. I just started by giving my wonderful challah bread, and Babka bread to the homeless. No real sacrifice as I was getting bigger and bigger with each holiday meal! I've had ideas already, regarding what to do for others and perhaps some will come to fruition. If my voice returns, I hope to perform my one woman show for assisted living facilities once again. If I get any response to an ad I placed in Back Stage, I will attempt to help struggling actors with both their material and their issues in 'the business'. And for what it proves to be worth for my family's future generations, I am dedicated to getting my memoirs, that I've been writing for the past six years, published one way or another.
All of this is 'planned for' in the hopes of bringing something to others. But for the most part, being 'humane' is unplanned. It is those unexpected moments when our spontaneous help makes a difference in the life of another. It is reminiscent of the moments after 9/11 when we here in New York, and all over actually, ran around begging to find out what we could do to 'help'.
Any newscast today shows us what is needed on a moment to moment basis each day. This year I suggest not burying one's head in the sand. Take being 'humane' seriously. Plan some things that you may be able to do as a gesture of humanity, and don't plan others, but become more cognizant of when and how you are needed every day.
The beautiful part of all this, is that all the petty thoughts we spend our time with, become really secondary. And each success in this direction, fills us with positives, so that the depression we all seem to be feeling so much of the time, is lifted, as is the spirits of those we have helped.
You see...the fasting and the 'atoning' sometimes produce some good effects not just for the 'atoner', but for the rest of the world.
Hope you enjoyed the session.
Respectfully submitted,
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com
During and following Yom Kippur, while atoning, my mind was on this theme of humanity.
I, while caught up in all the events of the year that dealt with relationships, and with pleas to the Lord regarding all the trials, both physical and mental, that I and family members wish to heal and to overcome with His guidance, one thought kept intruding. It was a question really, and it was: What are you doing that is humane?
I believe that I shall focus on this more in the coming year. I just started by giving my wonderful challah bread, and Babka bread to the homeless. No real sacrifice as I was getting bigger and bigger with each holiday meal! I've had ideas already, regarding what to do for others and perhaps some will come to fruition. If my voice returns, I hope to perform my one woman show for assisted living facilities once again. If I get any response to an ad I placed in Back Stage, I will attempt to help struggling actors with both their material and their issues in 'the business'. And for what it proves to be worth for my family's future generations, I am dedicated to getting my memoirs, that I've been writing for the past six years, published one way or another.
All of this is 'planned for' in the hopes of bringing something to others. But for the most part, being 'humane' is unplanned. It is those unexpected moments when our spontaneous help makes a difference in the life of another. It is reminiscent of the moments after 9/11 when we here in New York, and all over actually, ran around begging to find out what we could do to 'help'.
Any newscast today shows us what is needed on a moment to moment basis each day. This year I suggest not burying one's head in the sand. Take being 'humane' seriously. Plan some things that you may be able to do as a gesture of humanity, and don't plan others, but become more cognizant of when and how you are needed every day.
The beautiful part of all this, is that all the petty thoughts we spend our time with, become really secondary. And each success in this direction, fills us with positives, so that the depression we all seem to be feeling so much of the time, is lifted, as is the spirits of those we have helped.
You see...the fasting and the 'atoning' sometimes produce some good effects not just for the 'atoner', but for the rest of the world.
Hope you enjoyed the session.
Respectfully submitted,
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com
Sunday, September 5, 2010
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WHOLE PERSON?
Ok, so the last six weeks I've had trouble walking...actually been using a cane. Out of the blue I felt like a band wrapped around my left leg at the knee. PAIN!! Then it moved all around that area. Somehow I wound up at a neurologist who felt it was coming from my hip and my back where MRI's have proved there are definite problems....but my hip and my back were not keeping me from moving around. In fact I was still swimming every single morning. My knee was the problem!
Finally, pain is so intense I wind up in the emergency room. They tell me I've ruptured my 'baker's cyst'...does anyone out there know what that is? it seems we all have a bump behind our knee on the back of our legs known as 'baker cysts'. I was told that the fluid would be moving around for several weeks until it dried up and that in the meantime I should take the oxycodone that they gave me in order to keep on moving....Ohhhhh Kayyyy. No one seems to feel I should "get off my leg!"
Found a primary care female doctor who was something else! She has a formula that she goes by...first the examination, then a wait back in a waiting room...then what she calls an interview in which only she talks and inquires about medications only. Admittedly she did not like the look of my swollen leg (which I omitted to say was blown up like a balloon), and gives me a name of an orthopedic group.
A call there has them asking me what part of the body am I being seen about. I say basically the knee, but... NO BUTS!---they assign me a knee orthopedic guy. I see him. Prior to his entrance into the examining cubicle, I show the nurse the stuff I have brought with me: A CD from my back MRI's taken last spring; the hip MRI, and the results of the nerve test which the neurologist had done..(he claimed I have pinched nerves coming from my back and he also wanted me to see a hip surgeon ASAP). As soon as I begin my tale by uttering the word 'back' I hear the doctor in the hall say "I don't do backs!".
"Fine, but just maybe you want to know what's going on in my body that just may help you determine more about my knee", I say to myself.
When he actually enters the cubicle, I have had a knee x ray which he looks at (not me just the picture hanging) and he says it's simply arthritis. He then grabs the left side of my left knee and shoots me up with cortisone. He has never even looked or felt my knee or watched me move around before giving me the needle. Ten days later the leg is only a mite bit better.
My point here is...what the hell has happened to treating the 'whole person'??? Is not the "knee bone, connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone connected to the hip bone..." as the song went. Pretty soon these orthopedic guys will only treat the index finger or the thumb or the pinky.
I have a 'Gynie' who has become very dear to me. That once a year visit still involves me talking about my life, year, etc. He treats me as a whole person.
Now I know most of you aren't trained therapists, but in any attempt to help the next person, one must inquire about other aspects going on in the person's life that may be impacting the problem. Certainly a back issue just may have some impact on a knee, a hip...maybe even a toe!
Now I'm looking forward to a top ortho guy who is from my hometown of Albany here at NYU Med...maybe he'll wanna know about my back, my hip, my ass or whatever else may be causing my knee to explode...if you see some knee parts floating on Broadway on the upper west side---it's probably mine.
PS: Whenever I stay off the leg for awhile...IT FEELS BETTER!!
Thanks for listening! And L'shanah tovah to all my wonderful Jewish friends.
Hoped you enjoyed this session.
Mimi Scott, Ph. D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
mimi@drmimiscott.com
Finally, pain is so intense I wind up in the emergency room. They tell me I've ruptured my 'baker's cyst'...does anyone out there know what that is? it seems we all have a bump behind our knee on the back of our legs known as 'baker cysts'. I was told that the fluid would be moving around for several weeks until it dried up and that in the meantime I should take the oxycodone that they gave me in order to keep on moving....Ohhhhh Kayyyy. No one seems to feel I should "get off my leg!"
Found a primary care female doctor who was something else! She has a formula that she goes by...first the examination, then a wait back in a waiting room...then what she calls an interview in which only she talks and inquires about medications only. Admittedly she did not like the look of my swollen leg (which I omitted to say was blown up like a balloon), and gives me a name of an orthopedic group.
A call there has them asking me what part of the body am I being seen about. I say basically the knee, but... NO BUTS!---they assign me a knee orthopedic guy. I see him. Prior to his entrance into the examining cubicle, I show the nurse the stuff I have brought with me: A CD from my back MRI's taken last spring; the hip MRI, and the results of the nerve test which the neurologist had done..(he claimed I have pinched nerves coming from my back and he also wanted me to see a hip surgeon ASAP). As soon as I begin my tale by uttering the word 'back' I hear the doctor in the hall say "I don't do backs!".
"Fine, but just maybe you want to know what's going on in my body that just may help you determine more about my knee", I say to myself.
When he actually enters the cubicle, I have had a knee x ray which he looks at (not me just the picture hanging) and he says it's simply arthritis. He then grabs the left side of my left knee and shoots me up with cortisone. He has never even looked or felt my knee or watched me move around before giving me the needle. Ten days later the leg is only a mite bit better.
My point here is...what the hell has happened to treating the 'whole person'??? Is not the "knee bone, connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone connected to the hip bone..." as the song went. Pretty soon these orthopedic guys will only treat the index finger or the thumb or the pinky.
I have a 'Gynie' who has become very dear to me. That once a year visit still involves me talking about my life, year, etc. He treats me as a whole person.
Now I know most of you aren't trained therapists, but in any attempt to help the next person, one must inquire about other aspects going on in the person's life that may be impacting the problem. Certainly a back issue just may have some impact on a knee, a hip...maybe even a toe!
Now I'm looking forward to a top ortho guy who is from my hometown of Albany here at NYU Med...maybe he'll wanna know about my back, my hip, my ass or whatever else may be causing my knee to explode...if you see some knee parts floating on Broadway on the upper west side---it's probably mine.
PS: Whenever I stay off the leg for awhile...IT FEELS BETTER!!
Thanks for listening! And L'shanah tovah to all my wonderful Jewish friends.
Hoped you enjoyed this session.
Mimi Scott, Ph. D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
mimi@drmimiscott.com
Sunday, August 15, 2010
THE CONCEPT OF COURAGE
The concept of courage is most frequently associated, and not inappropriately, with our beloved soldiers who put themselves in danger as they face the enemy. They are our heroes because of the courage they show. But the demonstration of courage is not reserved for our soldiers alone. We all demonstrate courage in a variety of ways.
As children we learn to be courageous when we encounter danger from that first 'injection'. We are told to 'keep a stiff upper lip' and most likely 'not to cry'. We go on to learn to be courageous when we suffer losses...whether they be in the ball park, in the classroom or even at home. Sometimes our physical or our mental capacity prevents us from doing or becoming that which we had dreamed of becoming. It takes courage just to 'move on' and not to just 'quit'. It takes courage sometimes just to stand up to those who would bully, and later on to grown up bullies who would like to prevent us from simply stating our point of view. It often takes courage just to 'stand up and be counted'...not to be cowed by others.
Indeed it takes courage to be a leader. To grab onto an idea and to manage to convey what you want to do to numbers of others who will then follow your lead and bring whatever it is to fruition. You must fight the battle of negativity from those who would defeat you.
This takes courage.
And it takes courage to bring about change both in your own personal world, or in the world around you. With all that is going on today in our country as well as in the world at large, if you have an idea that just may bring about change...show the courage to voice it!! It takes courage not to just 'bury our heads in the sand'. A hero is one who makes the commitment to voice his thought, and to keep voicing it until someone listens.
Most importantly, it takes courage to create a change in one's own life. And it can be very scary. If you find yourself in a 'rut' (and they are often dangerous as well as depressing), find the courage to somehow make the change. If you are not where you think you ought to be, find the courage to change your path.
Being in the midst of a major change right at this moment has it's frightening aspects. Just moving from anyplace else into New York city is a shock to the system...a system that's been surrounded by a more peaceful atmosphere for a while. New York city is not peaceful. But it is the most energizing and invigorating place in the world. I am garnering all my 'courage' up to both experience all that I can just by living here, yet at the same time to keep the sense of peace that just the coziness of one's living and working atmosphere can provide. It is exciting and frightening at the same time. But I have my 'courageous' self to rely on.
Wish me well as I do you...and if you are someone who is around to take and hold my hand for a moment I would be delighted to have you do so. You see sometimes it takes a kind of courage just to ask.
Hope you enjoyed this session. Looking forward to your comments.
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mimi@drmimiscott.com
As children we learn to be courageous when we encounter danger from that first 'injection'. We are told to 'keep a stiff upper lip' and most likely 'not to cry'. We go on to learn to be courageous when we suffer losses...whether they be in the ball park, in the classroom or even at home. Sometimes our physical or our mental capacity prevents us from doing or becoming that which we had dreamed of becoming. It takes courage just to 'move on' and not to just 'quit'. It takes courage sometimes just to stand up to those who would bully, and later on to grown up bullies who would like to prevent us from simply stating our point of view. It often takes courage just to 'stand up and be counted'...not to be cowed by others.
Indeed it takes courage to be a leader. To grab onto an idea and to manage to convey what you want to do to numbers of others who will then follow your lead and bring whatever it is to fruition. You must fight the battle of negativity from those who would defeat you.
This takes courage.
And it takes courage to bring about change both in your own personal world, or in the world around you. With all that is going on today in our country as well as in the world at large, if you have an idea that just may bring about change...show the courage to voice it!! It takes courage not to just 'bury our heads in the sand'. A hero is one who makes the commitment to voice his thought, and to keep voicing it until someone listens.
Most importantly, it takes courage to create a change in one's own life. And it can be very scary. If you find yourself in a 'rut' (and they are often dangerous as well as depressing), find the courage to somehow make the change. If you are not where you think you ought to be, find the courage to change your path.
Being in the midst of a major change right at this moment has it's frightening aspects. Just moving from anyplace else into New York city is a shock to the system...a system that's been surrounded by a more peaceful atmosphere for a while. New York city is not peaceful. But it is the most energizing and invigorating place in the world. I am garnering all my 'courage' up to both experience all that I can just by living here, yet at the same time to keep the sense of peace that just the coziness of one's living and working atmosphere can provide. It is exciting and frightening at the same time. But I have my 'courageous' self to rely on.
Wish me well as I do you...and if you are someone who is around to take and hold my hand for a moment I would be delighted to have you do so. You see sometimes it takes a kind of courage just to ask.
Hope you enjoyed this session. Looking forward to your comments.
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mimi@drmimiscott.com
Sunday, July 25, 2010
IMPORTANCE OF VACATIONING!!
If you haven't taken yours yet---please do it!! And if you have a choice take it by the water, preferably the ocean or my favorite--the lake. Don't make it an obligatory vacation in the sense of taking it with people who keep you tense rather than relaxed. Serenity is what to search for in making your plans.
That doesn't mean to say that partying is a no no. If that's what takes your mind off all the issues you're struggling with---go for it. But keep it to a minimum...otherwise you're trading one problem for another. But do bring along a diversion.
Good conversation, books, painting and water splashing truly are restorative. If you need constant activity, just take only a short time out to enjoy the above, but do give yourself the gift of removal---removal from all those bills, health worries, unwanted emails, texts, and of course people!!
I personally need the break from paperwork. At times I have really been totally overwhelmed by these kinds of demands. So sitting here at my lake home and peacefully working on the documentation of the memoir I've been writing for over six years (obviously with some very long breaks), and doing some swimming and sunning each morning, have all been unbelievably helpful in resting my mind so I'm prepared for the pace of New York city which I have loved so very much as well.
In the past I never took advantage of this place as the getaway it can be. Now, with age, I realize its importance and I'm happy in the knowledge that there is a place for me to go to return to a quieter sense of self.
If you cannot take the time to travel to serenity, here's a way to 'vacation' sitting right in your office. Take out five to seven minutes and sit down and do the following:
With your eyes closed imagine yourself at the beach, or the lake. Talk first to your toes and then travel up your legs telling these body parts to simply relax and to feel like jelly. Continue up to your pelvic and stomach area, to your chest and arms and into your neck and your head. Think of yourself as a limp rag doll at the beach. Hear the water splashing and just concentrate on your breathing...nothing else. After awhile, send a message to all these body parts of energy, and then slowly let the good feeling take you over. Open your eyes, stretch, and return to life with a renewed sense. It is a great way to take a vacation any time you need one. You can even shorten the process so that you can do it while waiting for an elevator!
Finally, if you cannot get away by water, go someplace with just yourself even for a day or two. This too is restorative. But folks...it's still summer---take a vacation!
Hope you enjoyed the session...Be back in NYC on and off until the 15th when life down there really starts for me!
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
917 846-2449
212 721-2979
mimi@drmimiscott.com or mscott13@aol.com
That doesn't mean to say that partying is a no no. If that's what takes your mind off all the issues you're struggling with---go for it. But keep it to a minimum...otherwise you're trading one problem for another. But do bring along a diversion.
Good conversation, books, painting and water splashing truly are restorative. If you need constant activity, just take only a short time out to enjoy the above, but do give yourself the gift of removal---removal from all those bills, health worries, unwanted emails, texts, and of course people!!
I personally need the break from paperwork. At times I have really been totally overwhelmed by these kinds of demands. So sitting here at my lake home and peacefully working on the documentation of the memoir I've been writing for over six years (obviously with some very long breaks), and doing some swimming and sunning each morning, have all been unbelievably helpful in resting my mind so I'm prepared for the pace of New York city which I have loved so very much as well.
In the past I never took advantage of this place as the getaway it can be. Now, with age, I realize its importance and I'm happy in the knowledge that there is a place for me to go to return to a quieter sense of self.
If you cannot take the time to travel to serenity, here's a way to 'vacation' sitting right in your office. Take out five to seven minutes and sit down and do the following:
With your eyes closed imagine yourself at the beach, or the lake. Talk first to your toes and then travel up your legs telling these body parts to simply relax and to feel like jelly. Continue up to your pelvic and stomach area, to your chest and arms and into your neck and your head. Think of yourself as a limp rag doll at the beach. Hear the water splashing and just concentrate on your breathing...nothing else. After awhile, send a message to all these body parts of energy, and then slowly let the good feeling take you over. Open your eyes, stretch, and return to life with a renewed sense. It is a great way to take a vacation any time you need one. You can even shorten the process so that you can do it while waiting for an elevator!
Finally, if you cannot get away by water, go someplace with just yourself even for a day or two. This too is restorative. But folks...it's still summer---take a vacation!
Hope you enjoyed the session...Be back in NYC on and off until the 15th when life down there really starts for me!
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
917 846-2449
212 721-2979
mimi@drmimiscott.com or mscott13@aol.com
Sunday, July 4, 2010
NEW BEGININGS...LETTING GO
This past week I experienced the high school graduation of my only grandson Dylan from High School; my move back to my beloved New York City from Florida; and the loss of my 98 year old Uncle Moe. It was quite an emotional time.
For all of us it will be a 'new beginning'. For Dylan of course he will begin that wonderful period of life at college. For me I will hopefully bring new participation to the world of show business as well as to the world of my new passion of painting. For uncle Moe he has shed the cloak of this world in order to 'begin' his sojourn into the heavenly sphere. All of us must actually 'let go' in some way in order to experience that 'new beginning'
Uncle Moe and my Aunt Gert, who will be 98 this August, celebrated their 75th anniversary this past Fall. Indeed their milestone was noted in the US congress. As such they have been idols of mine. Together since they were 12, they truly were a pair throughout their time here. And certainly for the moment this will be a 'new beginning' for Aunt Gert whom I expect will be around for another 10 years...she is perhaps the strongest woman I know...a real pisser! When told that her beloved Moe was about to pass, her response was: "What do you expect. He's 98 years old!"
Not too long ago I tried to get information from Aunt Gert about which I could write. In asking what it was that made her partnership last so long, she replied: "You learn to let go' This adage helps me feel that Aunt Gert will somehow be able to "let uncle Moe" go and to 'move on'. But there is very much more to the process of 'letting go'.
Of course Dylan will be 'letting go' of the safety and security of his wonderful parents, sister and home. I will be 'letting go' of the beautiful surroundings and weather I enjoyed in Florida, plus my two beloved pups who died there this past year, and Uncle Moe will 'let go' of all that this world represented in order to pass into the next one free of the pain and stress of this life.
But all of us would do well to learn to 'let it go'. Certainly in our relationships where we often harbor the slights and offenses of our partners, relatives and friends. What good is it to let the anger 'eat us up' when we can choose to 'let go' and thus open the door to new understandings and, in some cases where the situations are truly toxic, to new partners, friends, etc. I try to remember Aunt Gert's words when I get 'petty' about utterances and deeds of those with whom I have been involved. On occasion I actually succeed.
So I want to take this moment to say "So Long" to the wonderful, kind man that my Uncle Moe was; to my beloved Dylan as he 'flies the coop' and to the many friends that I found during my somewhat short stay in that beautiful land...stay in touch.
And all you guys in New York...here I come! It won't be long before I get you all over to my new digs and we babble about all our 'new beginings'
Hopefully you enjoyed this session.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
917 846-2449
212 721-2979 (Sound familiar? Believe it or not, I got my same number back!
For all of us it will be a 'new beginning'. For Dylan of course he will begin that wonderful period of life at college. For me I will hopefully bring new participation to the world of show business as well as to the world of my new passion of painting. For uncle Moe he has shed the cloak of this world in order to 'begin' his sojourn into the heavenly sphere. All of us must actually 'let go' in some way in order to experience that 'new beginning'
Uncle Moe and my Aunt Gert, who will be 98 this August, celebrated their 75th anniversary this past Fall. Indeed their milestone was noted in the US congress. As such they have been idols of mine. Together since they were 12, they truly were a pair throughout their time here. And certainly for the moment this will be a 'new beginning' for Aunt Gert whom I expect will be around for another 10 years...she is perhaps the strongest woman I know...a real pisser! When told that her beloved Moe was about to pass, her response was: "What do you expect. He's 98 years old!"
Not too long ago I tried to get information from Aunt Gert about which I could write. In asking what it was that made her partnership last so long, she replied: "You learn to let go' This adage helps me feel that Aunt Gert will somehow be able to "let uncle Moe" go and to 'move on'. But there is very much more to the process of 'letting go'.
Of course Dylan will be 'letting go' of the safety and security of his wonderful parents, sister and home. I will be 'letting go' of the beautiful surroundings and weather I enjoyed in Florida, plus my two beloved pups who died there this past year, and Uncle Moe will 'let go' of all that this world represented in order to pass into the next one free of the pain and stress of this life.
But all of us would do well to learn to 'let it go'. Certainly in our relationships where we often harbor the slights and offenses of our partners, relatives and friends. What good is it to let the anger 'eat us up' when we can choose to 'let go' and thus open the door to new understandings and, in some cases where the situations are truly toxic, to new partners, friends, etc. I try to remember Aunt Gert's words when I get 'petty' about utterances and deeds of those with whom I have been involved. On occasion I actually succeed.
So I want to take this moment to say "So Long" to the wonderful, kind man that my Uncle Moe was; to my beloved Dylan as he 'flies the coop' and to the many friends that I found during my somewhat short stay in that beautiful land...stay in touch.
And all you guys in New York...here I come! It won't be long before I get you all over to my new digs and we babble about all our 'new beginings'
Hopefully you enjoyed this session.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
917 846-2449
212 721-2979 (Sound familiar? Believe it or not, I got my same number back!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
YES...YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN!!
When I was in my early thirties I hosted and produced a morning TV talkshow on the upstate New York ABC affiliate. Never was there as exciting a day as the day they asked me to do that show. And it was a fabulous experience every single day that I did it. Nevertheless two years later, I made the decision to leave that show and to spend several days a week in New York City where I would proceed to make numerous TV commercials. At that time, I had a psychologist friend who told me that I was one of the 'lucky ones' as I knew when it was time to 'move on'. So many people either do not know, or if they do, they do not have the courage to do so.
In December of 2007, I made a move from New York City where I had spent the last 16 years, to Hollywood, Florida. I was convinced, following breast cancer, that I could no longer handle the weather of the North. For two seasons (each summer I have returned to spend a few months at my lakehouse outside Albany), I had a wonderful time. The groups I found myself leading for two years were immensely satisfying. During the first season they led to saving the life of a sixteen month old, and the second year found some women living alone making important changes in their lives. This past year, however was a different story.
It began with a number of financial issues which left me very stressed. Physical illnesses followed, and then I had surgery to repair a tendon in my rotator cuff, which was less than successful in terms of alleviating pain. In addition, the healing involved wearing a football sized bandage under my armpit for six weeks which I now know is responsible for the immense back pain that developed. Add to this the loss of two beloved dogs, and you probably get the idea.
But, I believe, it all happened for a reason.
If I had not fallen 'under the weather' which is somewhat inevitable at my age, I would have gone on believing that one can recover and return to a sense of well being without the presence of family and some very, very special friends. You see, I was gifted during my years in New York city. Theatre involvement brings people into one's life that are like no other. There is a different kind of bond. It doesn't come from 'lunching'. It comes from working together to bring about a significant 'work'. You become a family, and when one is down, so are the rest.
I therefore thank the good Lord, for showing me where I truly belong. And I am 'lucky' once again to know that it is time to 'move on'. Yes, I am 'moving on' by going 'home'.
I am going back to the life and 'energy' that awaits me in New York city. Indeed I will be living, as I have in the past, on the upper west side right on Broadway. Friends, projects, and family are waiting for me there. I won't be alone even if I stay inside and watch the crappy weather.
I write this in order to encourage any of you reading this, who may be feeling that there is more to life than what you are currently experiencing, to find the courage to 'move on' and to make the necessary change. Surrounding yourself where there is love, I believe, is the most important consideration. It affords one the strength to 'carry on' doing whatever it is that makes one continue to feel 'alive'.
Those of you fortunate enough to have a partner, may have an easier time 'wherever', as you begin your jouney with a loved one at your side no matter where you are. I never even considered all the above during the thirty years I had Barry Scott as my partner. And I believe that if either of us was not 'living' to the fullest wherever we were, a change would have been agreed upon. And for those of you with partners in whom you do not have this kind of trust, have the courage to examine that.
Proceed with love wrapped around you, so that you can feel free to offer your love to the world, and so that you will be aided and inspired in accomplishing all your magnificent efforts.
Hope you enjoyed this session, and please know that I will continue to be there for you in this therapeutic framework wherever I am.
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
In December of 2007, I made a move from New York City where I had spent the last 16 years, to Hollywood, Florida. I was convinced, following breast cancer, that I could no longer handle the weather of the North. For two seasons (each summer I have returned to spend a few months at my lakehouse outside Albany), I had a wonderful time. The groups I found myself leading for two years were immensely satisfying. During the first season they led to saving the life of a sixteen month old, and the second year found some women living alone making important changes in their lives. This past year, however was a different story.
It began with a number of financial issues which left me very stressed. Physical illnesses followed, and then I had surgery to repair a tendon in my rotator cuff, which was less than successful in terms of alleviating pain. In addition, the healing involved wearing a football sized bandage under my armpit for six weeks which I now know is responsible for the immense back pain that developed. Add to this the loss of two beloved dogs, and you probably get the idea.
But, I believe, it all happened for a reason.
If I had not fallen 'under the weather' which is somewhat inevitable at my age, I would have gone on believing that one can recover and return to a sense of well being without the presence of family and some very, very special friends. You see, I was gifted during my years in New York city. Theatre involvement brings people into one's life that are like no other. There is a different kind of bond. It doesn't come from 'lunching'. It comes from working together to bring about a significant 'work'. You become a family, and when one is down, so are the rest.
I therefore thank the good Lord, for showing me where I truly belong. And I am 'lucky' once again to know that it is time to 'move on'. Yes, I am 'moving on' by going 'home'.
I am going back to the life and 'energy' that awaits me in New York city. Indeed I will be living, as I have in the past, on the upper west side right on Broadway. Friends, projects, and family are waiting for me there. I won't be alone even if I stay inside and watch the crappy weather.
I write this in order to encourage any of you reading this, who may be feeling that there is more to life than what you are currently experiencing, to find the courage to 'move on' and to make the necessary change. Surrounding yourself where there is love, I believe, is the most important consideration. It affords one the strength to 'carry on' doing whatever it is that makes one continue to feel 'alive'.
Those of you fortunate enough to have a partner, may have an easier time 'wherever', as you begin your jouney with a loved one at your side no matter where you are. I never even considered all the above during the thirty years I had Barry Scott as my partner. And I believe that if either of us was not 'living' to the fullest wherever we were, a change would have been agreed upon. And for those of you with partners in whom you do not have this kind of trust, have the courage to examine that.
Proceed with love wrapped around you, so that you can feel free to offer your love to the world, and so that you will be aided and inspired in accomplishing all your magnificent efforts.
Hope you enjoyed this session, and please know that I will continue to be there for you in this therapeutic framework wherever I am.
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
Sunday, April 4, 2010
PULEEEZE TAKE NOTE!
Today is Sunday, Easter Sunday, so I would like to wish you all a Happy Easter. I would also like to say that I hope everyone has had a happy and healthy Passover. That said, being a Sunday I was able to listen to several of the talk shows on TV. I realized that there is a lot to address. Some of what I have to say may come across as political, but I must say it nevertheless.....so here goes.
First I was upset to learn that most of our GM cars are sold in China. This goes hand in hand with the fact that there is still so much employment from our country sent to other countries to perform as it appears to be cheaper. Well, we now have over 4 million people out of work! I would like to ask all of you to really be on the lookout for jobs that become or could become available. If they aren't forthcoming---create some. I know most of you reading this will feel that you are not in a position to do so. Perhaps however, you know someone who is. Talk to them whenever you can.
I further believe that the unemployment is directly related to the amazing crimes that are being committed. Here in Florida it is like nowhere else I have ever lived. The anger is so great. Especially amongst the young people. Having money and all that it affords, indeed takes away our greatest stressors. Not having the money and all that it affords, is creating havoc with our society in terms of crime being used, perhaps, as release of this anger. Once again, please do what you can to get our workers back to work!!
On a more personal note I am very concerned about Israel not remaining a Jewish state.
My father was a member of the Hagannah, the Israeli underground. I, as an eight year old remember him talking about getting men into his office in order to raise enough money to get 300 children out of Poland that night! He had a part in obtaining the generators to guide ships filled with Holocaust survivors into Israel. There was tremendous excitement in our home in 1948 when Israel became an independent Jewish state.
Folks, antisemitism hasn't gone away. It probably never will. For this reason I was shaken to the core when a cameraman working on the set of my tv show, Coffeebreak, in 1972-73, told me during the oil crisis that was taking place: "If I'm cold this winter, I'm going to burn you!"
My first reaction was to ask myself where we would go if this kind of antisemitism were to grow in the USA. Only the word "Israel" came to my mind. And if you look at a globe you will have to plan for some time to even find Israel. It is a speck in this world. But a speck that has shown the rest of us so very much. So much of our intelligence comes from Israel. From an arid desert, they have made the most beautiful land. So please let Hillary know that once we open the borders, Israel, as a safe Jewish state will be gone! We all are aware of the Palestinian track record and we've all heard from Hamas and from Iran that they would like to erase Israel from the face of the earth. Israel has managed to stand up to all the scapegoating and bullying. Please convince our government to remain solidly in their corner as they always have.
Thanks for listening to my outrage...I'm just trying to do my part in bringing some order to the chaos around us. Hope you enjoyed the session...I look forward to hearing from you.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
mscott13@aol.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
954 926-0133
First I was upset to learn that most of our GM cars are sold in China. This goes hand in hand with the fact that there is still so much employment from our country sent to other countries to perform as it appears to be cheaper. Well, we now have over 4 million people out of work! I would like to ask all of you to really be on the lookout for jobs that become or could become available. If they aren't forthcoming---create some. I know most of you reading this will feel that you are not in a position to do so. Perhaps however, you know someone who is. Talk to them whenever you can.
I further believe that the unemployment is directly related to the amazing crimes that are being committed. Here in Florida it is like nowhere else I have ever lived. The anger is so great. Especially amongst the young people. Having money and all that it affords, indeed takes away our greatest stressors. Not having the money and all that it affords, is creating havoc with our society in terms of crime being used, perhaps, as release of this anger. Once again, please do what you can to get our workers back to work!!
On a more personal note I am very concerned about Israel not remaining a Jewish state.
My father was a member of the Hagannah, the Israeli underground. I, as an eight year old remember him talking about getting men into his office in order to raise enough money to get 300 children out of Poland that night! He had a part in obtaining the generators to guide ships filled with Holocaust survivors into Israel. There was tremendous excitement in our home in 1948 when Israel became an independent Jewish state.
Folks, antisemitism hasn't gone away. It probably never will. For this reason I was shaken to the core when a cameraman working on the set of my tv show, Coffeebreak, in 1972-73, told me during the oil crisis that was taking place: "If I'm cold this winter, I'm going to burn you!"
My first reaction was to ask myself where we would go if this kind of antisemitism were to grow in the USA. Only the word "Israel" came to my mind. And if you look at a globe you will have to plan for some time to even find Israel. It is a speck in this world. But a speck that has shown the rest of us so very much. So much of our intelligence comes from Israel. From an arid desert, they have made the most beautiful land. So please let Hillary know that once we open the borders, Israel, as a safe Jewish state will be gone! We all are aware of the Palestinian track record and we've all heard from Hamas and from Iran that they would like to erase Israel from the face of the earth. Israel has managed to stand up to all the scapegoating and bullying. Please convince our government to remain solidly in their corner as they always have.
Thanks for listening to my outrage...I'm just trying to do my part in bringing some order to the chaos around us. Hope you enjoyed the session...I look forward to hearing from you.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
mscott13@aol.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
954 926-0133
Sunday, March 21, 2010
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?
I'm glad the country is beginning a campaign to fight youthful obesity, but we need another kind of campaign started that should be aimed at the kids as well. I'll tell you why.
Last Fall a high school kid here in south Florida was burned almost to death by his school friends. This past week a young girl was beaten so that she is hanging on to her life by a thread in the hospital. What is going on and what are we going to do about it?
Our kids seem totally desensitized to violence. And why not? The video games which they play repeatedly are filled with it. Even shows on the Disney channel have surprised me. ( I keep it on for my pups to listen to the fun voices). Guns are so easy to come by that if one gets mad at someone all they have to do is go home, get a gun and shoot them. They don't even have to go home. In some neighborhoods, I recently learned, they are kept in a trash bin on the street. We have lost our character and our morality. And kids are not afraid to go to jail. They get their three meals and better health benefits than we do, plus the training on how to be a better criminal.
And the internet!! We have to warn our kids repeatedly not to expose themselves on the internet...it can easily return to haunt them. And if those in authority (parents, school administrators, community leaders ---if there is such a thing) find out about sexual explicitness or threats that are being made on the internet what are they doing about it? There appears to be no real retribution for the criminal type acts that are being committed in cyber space.
On tv this morning were scenes of protestors walking the halls of Congress while shouting and spitting at members of whatever party. These were not kids. How did they get in there in the first place? Wow are our government behaviors setting wonderful examples for the kids! If you don't like something then yell, spit, shove or probably soon---just beat them to a pulp. Or worse yet 'shoot' 'em!
What can we do? I say organize town hall meetings. Bring in some respected leaders (there must be some that are out there not cheating on their wives), psychogists, PTA presidents, whomever, and let's get some ideas as to what to do about this problem. We used to have to take seriously any kid who says something about killing themselves. Now we have to take even more seriously any kid who says something about killing anyone else.
Of course these things are happening because parents are out of jobs or not around altogether. Obvioulsy many factors from family life play a very important part in what's going on. And our moral code still begins with the first people who take care of us. And it sure doesn't help if they are abusing one another either. How many families sit down to a meal together and actually talk? That would be a good place to start.
What has simply happened to the teaching of right and wrong? Where are the healthy outside games? Who's playing sports after school, or taking an art class, or one in theatre, or chess? Maybe these activities can make the kids feel good about themselves and dispel their anger toward others while at the same time keep them occupied away from the grounds where crimes take place.
Lets write or talk to our Mayors and schedule some time to work on this very dangerous pattern that is growing. Let's take some kind of action, or who cares about terrorism? We're destroying ourselves with the terrorism of the bullies that appear to make up our youth.
'Nuff said' Maybe this session will do some good somehow. Love you all...
Dr. Mimi Scott
954 926-0134
917 846-2449
Mimi@drmimiscott.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
Last Fall a high school kid here in south Florida was burned almost to death by his school friends. This past week a young girl was beaten so that she is hanging on to her life by a thread in the hospital. What is going on and what are we going to do about it?
Our kids seem totally desensitized to violence. And why not? The video games which they play repeatedly are filled with it. Even shows on the Disney channel have surprised me. ( I keep it on for my pups to listen to the fun voices). Guns are so easy to come by that if one gets mad at someone all they have to do is go home, get a gun and shoot them. They don't even have to go home. In some neighborhoods, I recently learned, they are kept in a trash bin on the street. We have lost our character and our morality. And kids are not afraid to go to jail. They get their three meals and better health benefits than we do, plus the training on how to be a better criminal.
And the internet!! We have to warn our kids repeatedly not to expose themselves on the internet...it can easily return to haunt them. And if those in authority (parents, school administrators, community leaders ---if there is such a thing) find out about sexual explicitness or threats that are being made on the internet what are they doing about it? There appears to be no real retribution for the criminal type acts that are being committed in cyber space.
On tv this morning were scenes of protestors walking the halls of Congress while shouting and spitting at members of whatever party. These were not kids. How did they get in there in the first place? Wow are our government behaviors setting wonderful examples for the kids! If you don't like something then yell, spit, shove or probably soon---just beat them to a pulp. Or worse yet 'shoot' 'em!
What can we do? I say organize town hall meetings. Bring in some respected leaders (there must be some that are out there not cheating on their wives), psychogists, PTA presidents, whomever, and let's get some ideas as to what to do about this problem. We used to have to take seriously any kid who says something about killing themselves. Now we have to take even more seriously any kid who says something about killing anyone else.
Of course these things are happening because parents are out of jobs or not around altogether. Obvioulsy many factors from family life play a very important part in what's going on. And our moral code still begins with the first people who take care of us. And it sure doesn't help if they are abusing one another either. How many families sit down to a meal together and actually talk? That would be a good place to start.
What has simply happened to the teaching of right and wrong? Where are the healthy outside games? Who's playing sports after school, or taking an art class, or one in theatre, or chess? Maybe these activities can make the kids feel good about themselves and dispel their anger toward others while at the same time keep them occupied away from the grounds where crimes take place.
Lets write or talk to our Mayors and schedule some time to work on this very dangerous pattern that is growing. Let's take some kind of action, or who cares about terrorism? We're destroying ourselves with the terrorism of the bullies that appear to make up our youth.
'Nuff said' Maybe this session will do some good somehow. Love you all...
Dr. Mimi Scott
954 926-0134
917 846-2449
Mimi@drmimiscott.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
Sunday, March 14, 2010
COPING WITH LOSS
As many of my readers know, I recently lost two of my four dogs. Kramer, my 14 year old Lhasa Apso, had been handicapped for 10 years, and was getting more and more difficult to handle. The vet and I both agreed it was time to put him down. Kramer went to sleep peacefully on Wednesday morning February 24th.
Somehow I was unprepared for the grief I would feel. Kramer had been my companion for the many years since my husband died, joining me in New York City when I was alone. He watched as I put on make up to go to each performance. I always told him I'd be back, and I always took him out the minute I got home. After he ruptured his disc, I learned that I could keep him with me at all times by putting him in a cart. I was tortured with these memories after he was gone. Each day I could not control my tears every time someone asked me where Kramer was....and then
Exactly one week to the day of Kramer's demise, on March 3rd, my little Coconut collapsed, had seizures, and was gone by that evening. It wouldn't surprise me if you heard the 'howling' that came out of me. A heart already in two just broke into pieces. I could not look at virtually anything in my apartment without seeing her there. I truly could not stop crying....and then
I knew there were better ways to look at all this that would help me. I realized while meditating (the absolute best thing one can do) that I had been blessed with an extraordinary life. So blessed, that the good Lord had seen fit to find me a little companion who would be with me as I journeyed alone after losing my mate. I thanked Him for giving me Kramer....and then
Knowing what an extremely precious puppy I had been given in Coconut, I marveled at the fact that of all the dog owners in the world, I had been blessed with the best...my little Bolognese, whom I called Coconut. She had been not only a gift to me, but to everyone with whom I came into contact. Everyone wanted Coconut, and she was mine. Thank you so very much Lord. Realizing all this took me out of my uncontrollable grief, and helped me to move on to the next stage of mourning.
Having turned into a painter in recent months, I took out a canvas right away and placed on it a poem I had written to friends, first about Kramer, and then about Coconut. On a sky-like background I found some significant pictures and placed them on the canvases as well. And then....
I went through all my pictures on the computer of the dogs and selected those to print out for an album to have around. After this I went with my other two dolls, whom I have neglected to talk about, but will, to my favorite store 'Michaels' and picked out frames and an album in order to complete my memorializing tasks.
After being in so long....I was still recovering from shoulder surgery and a continual laryngitis, and the weather was very cold and gray even here in Florida... it was time to step out. And finally I did. I dressed, made up, and went out and enjoyed the past two days which have been beautiful. And I have lavished attention on Lucie and Lorilu who I'm eternally grateful for. Along with the groomer, I cut their hair around their faces on his last visit, and now everyone thinks they are twins. And walking with just the two in my cart still brings smiles to all who see them.
I guess what I want to convey is that it is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to be depressed. If one feels the freedom to do that, then they can get past it that much sooner. And getting past losses may be helped by activities which memorialize those lost. And to sit and to meditate on all that is not lost and all that is still precious, will also take you to a new 'place'. I
thank the Lord for guiding me to this new 'place'.
Hope I've been helpful to all of you by sharing my own experience with you. Don't hesitate to write or call me at any time.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
954 926-0133
917 846-2449
mimi@drmimiscott.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
Somehow I was unprepared for the grief I would feel. Kramer had been my companion for the many years since my husband died, joining me in New York City when I was alone. He watched as I put on make up to go to each performance. I always told him I'd be back, and I always took him out the minute I got home. After he ruptured his disc, I learned that I could keep him with me at all times by putting him in a cart. I was tortured with these memories after he was gone. Each day I could not control my tears every time someone asked me where Kramer was....and then
Exactly one week to the day of Kramer's demise, on March 3rd, my little Coconut collapsed, had seizures, and was gone by that evening. It wouldn't surprise me if you heard the 'howling' that came out of me. A heart already in two just broke into pieces. I could not look at virtually anything in my apartment without seeing her there. I truly could not stop crying....and then
I knew there were better ways to look at all this that would help me. I realized while meditating (the absolute best thing one can do) that I had been blessed with an extraordinary life. So blessed, that the good Lord had seen fit to find me a little companion who would be with me as I journeyed alone after losing my mate. I thanked Him for giving me Kramer....and then
Knowing what an extremely precious puppy I had been given in Coconut, I marveled at the fact that of all the dog owners in the world, I had been blessed with the best...my little Bolognese, whom I called Coconut. She had been not only a gift to me, but to everyone with whom I came into contact. Everyone wanted Coconut, and she was mine. Thank you so very much Lord. Realizing all this took me out of my uncontrollable grief, and helped me to move on to the next stage of mourning.
Having turned into a painter in recent months, I took out a canvas right away and placed on it a poem I had written to friends, first about Kramer, and then about Coconut. On a sky-like background I found some significant pictures and placed them on the canvases as well. And then....
I went through all my pictures on the computer of the dogs and selected those to print out for an album to have around. After this I went with my other two dolls, whom I have neglected to talk about, but will, to my favorite store 'Michaels' and picked out frames and an album in order to complete my memorializing tasks.
After being in so long....I was still recovering from shoulder surgery and a continual laryngitis, and the weather was very cold and gray even here in Florida... it was time to step out. And finally I did. I dressed, made up, and went out and enjoyed the past two days which have been beautiful. And I have lavished attention on Lucie and Lorilu who I'm eternally grateful for. Along with the groomer, I cut their hair around their faces on his last visit, and now everyone thinks they are twins. And walking with just the two in my cart still brings smiles to all who see them.
I guess what I want to convey is that it is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to be depressed. If one feels the freedom to do that, then they can get past it that much sooner. And getting past losses may be helped by activities which memorialize those lost. And to sit and to meditate on all that is not lost and all that is still precious, will also take you to a new 'place'. I
thank the Lord for guiding me to this new 'place'.
Hope I've been helpful to all of you by sharing my own experience with you. Don't hesitate to write or call me at any time.
Mimi Scott, Ph.d
954 926-0133
917 846-2449
mimi@drmimiscott.com
http://www.drmimiscott.com/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
THINGS I'VE RECENTLY LEARNED...
For the past five weeks I have basically been confined to my apartment. I had shoulder surgery on the 6th of January and the pain I felt both from breast cancer and the accident I had in 1992 when I collapsed and punctured both lungs and broke all my ribs, were 'a piece of cake' next to all this. Under my right arm is a football sized bandage that is strapped to me in various ways. After five weeks of carrying this weight around, I may just jump off my balcony.
The neighborhood has become somewhat used to me. Thankfully I had a large baseball jacket that I could wear out---but this is Florida and it can get really hot wearing a jacket in the sun. In Walgreens they looked at me as an escapee from a hospital ward when I walked in jacketless. The discomfort has been immense, and upon emerging from the hospital I was accompanied by a 'bug' of some sort that has taken three different antibiotics before two days ago when I felt normal for the first time. Indeed I actually now have the energy and enough mobility to make this blog entry.
As always however, God has sent me angels to help me through.
My friend Melody stayed with me upon my release from the hospital and was amazing in her love and care. My friend Laura, who is devoted to my dogs, lights up each day for me. And a gentleman, Bob, whom I met the Sunday before the operation has been an absolute gift, being here often; getting me out to a dinner, and even taking me to doctor appointments. Several in the building have visited, as have a very few women whom I now treasure. My truly good friend Lynnia found time to make me an album and a CD of a party I'd had here in December, and of course those of you who have found time to call me have virtually 'made my day'.
What I would do without the voices of my kids and grandkids I have no idea. Karen has had to have a phone permanently attached to her ear in order to accomodate her kids, her mother, and sometimes even her husband. Jeffrey who was present for my operation, has had to help me deal with some amazing business/financial events which will be the subject of a future blog. Each week another issue provided me with untimely and unwelcome stress.
My beloved friends such as Jaid and Bill in New York have as always been there for me. A cousin, Diane, who lives here in South Florida and who also has had health issues has become a soulmate---visiting, calling and making soup for me. An old friend from my youth who contacted me when he read about me in the Miami Herald a year and a half ago, has also become something of a soul mate, sharing with me his victories over health issues and making sure he's there if there is anything I need. All the above have been blessings.
This is what I have learned however, is now my respsponsibility to impart.
If y0u feel someone is your friend---be there. Not just to party with that person, but to care when they are down. A simple call makes a huge difference, even an email helps, and a visit is a treasure. If you really value the friendship it is worth putting yourself out for them...I know now how much it means and will continually remind myself when the situation is reversed. It was especially difficult for me as my family are basically all up north, and I live alone. For a woman in my position a mate makes a huge difference at these times. So if any of what I've said sends you readers out there over to visit or call an ailing friend, I will have succeeded in what I've imparted. And that will make me very happy.
Stay well and please let me know when you are not, so I can be there for you. You deserve it.
With love and gratitude
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
954 926-033
www.drmimiscott.com
mimi@drmimiscott.com
The neighborhood has become somewhat used to me. Thankfully I had a large baseball jacket that I could wear out---but this is Florida and it can get really hot wearing a jacket in the sun. In Walgreens they looked at me as an escapee from a hospital ward when I walked in jacketless. The discomfort has been immense, and upon emerging from the hospital I was accompanied by a 'bug' of some sort that has taken three different antibiotics before two days ago when I felt normal for the first time. Indeed I actually now have the energy and enough mobility to make this blog entry.
As always however, God has sent me angels to help me through.
My friend Melody stayed with me upon my release from the hospital and was amazing in her love and care. My friend Laura, who is devoted to my dogs, lights up each day for me. And a gentleman, Bob, whom I met the Sunday before the operation has been an absolute gift, being here often; getting me out to a dinner, and even taking me to doctor appointments. Several in the building have visited, as have a very few women whom I now treasure. My truly good friend Lynnia found time to make me an album and a CD of a party I'd had here in December, and of course those of you who have found time to call me have virtually 'made my day'.
What I would do without the voices of my kids and grandkids I have no idea. Karen has had to have a phone permanently attached to her ear in order to accomodate her kids, her mother, and sometimes even her husband. Jeffrey who was present for my operation, has had to help me deal with some amazing business/financial events which will be the subject of a future blog. Each week another issue provided me with untimely and unwelcome stress.
My beloved friends such as Jaid and Bill in New York have as always been there for me. A cousin, Diane, who lives here in South Florida and who also has had health issues has become a soulmate---visiting, calling and making soup for me. An old friend from my youth who contacted me when he read about me in the Miami Herald a year and a half ago, has also become something of a soul mate, sharing with me his victories over health issues and making sure he's there if there is anything I need. All the above have been blessings.
This is what I have learned however, is now my respsponsibility to impart.
If y0u feel someone is your friend---be there. Not just to party with that person, but to care when they are down. A simple call makes a huge difference, even an email helps, and a visit is a treasure. If you really value the friendship it is worth putting yourself out for them...I know now how much it means and will continually remind myself when the situation is reversed. It was especially difficult for me as my family are basically all up north, and I live alone. For a woman in my position a mate makes a huge difference at these times. So if any of what I've said sends you readers out there over to visit or call an ailing friend, I will have succeeded in what I've imparted. And that will make me very happy.
Stay well and please let me know when you are not, so I can be there for you. You deserve it.
With love and gratitude
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
954 926-033
www.drmimiscott.com
mimi@drmimiscott.com
Sunday, January 17, 2010
LIFE IS A FIGHT!
Initially we fight for that first breath. Then we have to deal with the bullies all through our school years that want us to be losers so they can be winners. Somehow we have to win them over so that they do not destroy our spirit.
We must fight to be able to study through all this so that we can get to the right school in order to fight our way to the right university where we have to fight to stay in until we win that degree. All this so that we can engage in the fight for the job that affords us the right to live without worry. And with success comes the fight to stay on the top.
We have to fight our way back to happiness after the heartbreak of a lost romance, mate, or child. We have to fight our way back from illness and we have to help those around us fight their way back from whatever disaster they are experiencing, as no fight can be won without support.
We have to fight those who would terrorize us all through our life. And sometimes the terror comes from a natural disaster, such as our Haiitian friends are fighting right now. We must do what we can to support them. God bless those who are fighting their way through the muck and stench just to be able to give that holy kind of support.
And ya know what?? Ya can't win 'em all!! Sometimes ya have to fight to realize 'just that' so that you can move on. Some of us are lucky enough to be winners and others of us are destined to fight the fact that we are losers....and ya know what? Maybe that ain't so bad. Ya can always find other losers and form a group that sticks their tongues out at the winners!
And sometimes we have to fight to grow old with dignity...not to 'give up the fight' but to stay alive and breathe in the beauty that is there when we open our eyes and look outside. Use whatever tools are available to carry on life's fight...so that indeed you can wind up a winner!
We must fight to be able to study through all this so that we can get to the right school in order to fight our way to the right university where we have to fight to stay in until we win that degree. All this so that we can engage in the fight for the job that affords us the right to live without worry. And with success comes the fight to stay on the top.
We have to fight our way back to happiness after the heartbreak of a lost romance, mate, or child. We have to fight our way back from illness and we have to help those around us fight their way back from whatever disaster they are experiencing, as no fight can be won without support.
We have to fight those who would terrorize us all through our life. And sometimes the terror comes from a natural disaster, such as our Haiitian friends are fighting right now. We must do what we can to support them. God bless those who are fighting their way through the muck and stench just to be able to give that holy kind of support.
And ya know what?? Ya can't win 'em all!! Sometimes ya have to fight to realize 'just that' so that you can move on. Some of us are lucky enough to be winners and others of us are destined to fight the fact that we are losers....and ya know what? Maybe that ain't so bad. Ya can always find other losers and form a group that sticks their tongues out at the winners!
And sometimes we have to fight to grow old with dignity...not to 'give up the fight' but to stay alive and breathe in the beauty that is there when we open our eyes and look outside. Use whatever tools are available to carry on life's fight...so that indeed you can wind up a winner!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)