Ramona K Clifton, LCSW, CPC

Sometimes being "fiercely independent" is a way of protecting yourself. It's about trust... This post may resonate with people who haven't heard this explanation before: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4422140131189247&id=100001799114408

I had the pleasure of speaking with #ObadiahParker about music, mental health, and finding new ways to connect during this challenging year. This is the final show in a series presented in September by Only Human, for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, in partnership with Sounds of Saving. I was nervous, but he's great (and if you're a fan, yes, he plays his version of Hey Ya near the end!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F69TDkqmiPU

September is suicide awareness month. And today is World Suicide Prevention Day. If you're in doubt about whether you should reach out, just reach out. Hearing from a friend is always good! If it's hard to know what to say, here is some language that might be helpful: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/mental-health-suici/

Hello folks! I appreciated CA Gov. Gavin Newsom's message from last night. Seems to apply to the personal AND the political. "The future is not just something to experience, it's something to manifest. It's inside of us, not just in front of us. It's our decisions, not our conditions, that will determine our fate in the future". Our choices now are determining how the future unfolds - we are never just at the mercy of other people's decisions. The future doesn't just happen to you - you're creating it. Have a great weekend and stay safe, all! ("summer dreams" art work by my niece)

Does time feel strange to you? It does to me. Some days fly, but weeks seem endless. Or days are slow, but suddenly another MONTH has passed. Some fun observational exercises that (partly) describe why time seems to have strange properties this year: https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAV//gjnvwwjegvw/