faith – Harry L. Estes

The Trip Home Part 2

The biggest difference I noticed on my travels today was the weather. Southern California has fairly predictable weather. Worland, my hometown for those of you just tuning in, is not necessarily that way. It was a beautiful drive through Utah, with gorgeous white puffy clouds and the occasional sprinkle on the interstate. Once we gotContinue reading “The Trip Home Part 2”

Predators

A friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in about four years visited southern California this weekend. We talked a great deal about many things, but since he knows that I’m a survivor, our conversation did talk about childhood sexual abuse. He was uncertain if he had been molested by his priest as a childContinue reading “Predators”

Male Shame

I’ve recently been listening to a podcast on the topic of suicide and suicidal ideation. Today, the host made a very profound statement, at least for me, about how men view shame. For us (and I’m generalizing here), males feel the most shame when they are perceived to be weak. As I pondered that statement,Continue reading “Male Shame”

Dealing with Change

This fall, I will begin my 30th year teaching! So much has changed since I first started, which I’m sure is what happens with any job. But even from year to year, I have to adjust to changes in my routine. And if you know me, I value my routines highly! I’ve enjoyed a fewContinue reading “Dealing with Change”

Bad Days

Yesterday was not a good day for me emotionally. I didn’t get great sleep the night before, which I’m sure had a significant impact on my feelings. On my drive to work, my mind spiraled with negative thoughts about my performance at work, my significance to others regarding friendships and relationships, my workout life, andContinue reading “Bad Days”

Fatherly Approval

I ran across a post recently that talked exactly how my father parented me. He would have been considered part of The Greatest Generation, being born in 1911. He was considerably older than my mom and was 60 years old when I was born. Typical of many men at that time, he considered his greatestContinue reading “Fatherly Approval”