Friday Silliness

Written by: Debbie

I do my best to remain professional, on this blog and in my work. Much of the time, I can at least say that I maintain some modicum of professionalism. In fact, having just been sent feedback from my seminars in Daytona Beach(with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists), I had a momentary burst of pride in this area. However, life is meant to keep me humble. What is more, I have sons and a husband who help me remain humble (for lack of a better term.)

As I was showing off my rave reviews, I was reminded of a time, not all that long ago where I taught one of the classes to another group, The Hypnosis Education Association, at their convention in Orlando. It started out so very well, too.

I had prepared all the handouts for my little class, bought the chocolates that I give out as bribes and even purchased the surprise gift for one lucky participant. Normally, when traveling, my darling husband (ever so aware of my capabilities and lack there of) will check the oil and tires for me, check to make sure I have driving directions and even double check reservations. When we travel as a family, those are all his domain. When I travel alone, he acts as my back up. On this particular trip, he was otherwise directed. However, I was so proud of myself. I checked oil and tires, I had packed all my clothes, arranged reservations (even printed them out) and printed directions to the convention. There was to be a social function the first night I was there that included a gift exchange. I had bought and wrapped my gift.

I arrived at my destination, without problem. I checked in, freshened up and attended the evening function. My gift was wildly popular. I was feeling hot. I knew I was prepared for teaching the next morning, life is sweet.

So as to be fresh and ready in the morning, I went back to my room early to retire. I read over my notes and fell asleep. I must have been asleep for an hour when suddenly, I sat bolt up right in bed and I was wide awake. it couldn’t be true, no I had not done this. I checked my bags. What I was looking for was not in them. I went down to my car, what I wanted was not there. So, with trembling hands, I dialed my husband’s cell phone. It rang twice and he answered, “hi honey, what’s up?”.

I asked him if he was able to check something out for me in our bedroom. He agreed, so I said, “Did I leave clothes hanging together on the bedpost?” He answered, “I wondered if those were meant to go with you!” My heart sunk, my clothes for the weekend were still back at my home. I had nothing but what I wore up and jammies to wear for the next several days! However was I going to present?

My husband kindly offered to drive up with my clothes. A 2 1/2 to 3 hour trip, late at night! I said no, I will figure something out. Then the two of us laughed at my silly predicament. Leave it to me. He had a neighbor over, who was worried that I was upset, he was ready to leave with hubby to bring me my clothes. He thought I was crying and upset. My husband explained to him that not only was I not crying, I was laughing my fool head off.

The next morning, I put my old clothes on and drove down the road. Thank heavens for Wal-Mart. It is open 24 hours in Orlando. I found clothes that would carry me through the weekend (although I did find a mall later in the afternoon to get proper dress for a more formal function I was to attend.) There was still time for me to go back, shower and dress properly and even eat breakfast! I was able to incorporate my adventure into my class. All things happen for a reason, even if it is just to give people a chance to laugh.

Ironically, I was awarded the Hypnosis Achievement Award by this group at the convention. Good thing the plaque had already been made, they might have changed their mind’s otherwise.

Perhaps, you no longer see me as the ultimate professional, but then again, if you have been reading this blog for any length of time you realize I am very human and live to laugh. I hope you are able to make your mishaps into adventures as well.

p.s. I did manage to pack and bring all the shoes I needed for the weekend.
After all, it is all about the shoes, right ladies?

Daytona Beach

Written by: Debbie

One of the best parts about going to the International Association of Counselors and Therapists convention was connecting names and faces. There are many of my colleagues whom I admire. Perhaps it is a posting of theirs I have read on a message board or maybe an article they have published. It is always someone who is dedicated to helping create a better understanding of hypnosis. I was able to sit in classes with some of these magnificent individuals. Then, there were those I just met in the hallways or during an event.

Seth Deborah Roth is one such individual. She is a registered nurse who has worked in oncology nursing and later became a Nurse Anesthetist . She became aware of hypnosis during her training in anesthesia. She is married to a physician. Her hypnosis training has specialized in various forms of medical hypnosis. She stated to me when we chatted, how she is a logical, analytical type individual. That is part of what I admire about her.

Meeting Seth Deborah was wonderful. She is a lady in every sense of the word. I only regret I did not have more time to spend with her. Therefore, I wanted to share her blog with you. It is excellent, she is always up to date on the latest in medical hypnosis. Perhaps you have had a question about how hypnosis is applied to these matters. Take a moment and enjoy her blog. I sure do!

http://hypnotichealth.blogspot.com/

Driving Towards Peace

Written by: Debbie

On my Monday post, I received a comment from a reader asking if hypnosis can help her with her driving anxiety. In short, the answer is yes. I know personally about this, because I have experienced the same thing. Please allow me to explain.

Many years ago, I had a job that required a lot of driving. I thought nothing of it, in fact, I loved it! Over the years I have driven with my sons on trips out of state. I enjoyed those trips and felt very comfortable. Then, suddenly, as if out of no where, I began to hate driving distances. Next I began to hate driving on busy highways and the Interstate. Finally, I began to hate even riding with another driver on busy roads. This was all last year.

There was a convention I was planning on attending for the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. It was being held in Miami, across the state from where I lived. I put off making reservations, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get there. I thought seriously about flying in and taking a cab to the hotel. I thought seriously about not attending. Very seriously.

Robert Otto, the President and CEO of IACT called me to remind me I had not made my reservations. He was quite insistent that I attend. He told me there was someone I had to meet. Quite reluctantly, I made my reservations for the conference. I knew that I would learn so much once I attended and I was curious who I was to meet. (Robert wouldn’t tell and that was driving me crazy!)

How was I going to get to the conference? I couldn’t admit to my colleagues that I was afraid to drive there. They would laugh at me, or would they? Perhaps they would tell me to get hypnosis for this fear. What was that thought? Hypnosis for fear? Hypnosis for driving? Could I have found an answer?

I asked a colleague of mine to give me a session for my driving fears. One session, that’s all. I was so embarrassed to ask, yet she never flinched. We did the session. I realized what the real reason was that I had developed this fear. It was totally unrelated to the actual drive. We then created suggestions for driving with confidence and awareness.

I asked a friend of mine to go to Miami with me. (Back up, just in case?) I drove the whole trip, and drove into a strange city and it was easy! I actually enjoyed it. I have a convertible and we drove with the top down, even when it rained at one point! We had a great time, she is a good traveling companion.

Well, the night of the banquet, awards were being given out. I lost a ticket and so I wasn’t going to go to the banquet without my buddy. Those in charge of the conference insisted it was fine, just attend. We did. The awards were being announced and it was a fun evening. Then Robert Otto began to talk about an award for the Hypnotist of the Year. As he began describing this person, I thought about how it must feel to be that person. Suddenly, I heard my name called. I looked around, unsure of why. Robert was calling my name, I was that person! I burst into tears and I must admit everything after that was a blur. The person he wanted me to meet, was me!

I am still honored and in shock. I am delighted that I overcame my fear of driving through hypnosis. I think this is the first time I have shared my little secret. (I hope they don’t want the award back now.) I just want to share that my colleagues are some of the most incredible and caring people in the world. Call your local hypnotist if you have fears to overcome. Hypnosis works and hypnotists love their work!

p.s. This year (May 14 -20) I am giving a couple of talks and a workshop on my Love Potion Number 9 at the convention. I will gladly drive to Daytona (where it is being held to see so many of my friends again.) I also look forward to Dan Cleary, Michael Watson, Gerald Kein and Michael Ellner to name just a few of the very wise individuals who will be speaking and teaching. Here is a link to the convention:

http://www.iact.org/conference.php