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