Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

LEGACY AND THE GIFT OF FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

Having grown up surrounded by majestic alpine mountains with the beautiful red rock deserts of Utah close by, I consistently felt that there was nothing more I could ever desire in the “natural environment” which surrounded me and my family. But then, I was introduced and became acquainted with the seashore – the beach – that magical place where ocean and dry land find each other. I found another place of wonder, and serenity, and a place of nourishment for the soul.

One of my favorite experiences and rituals on the beach is the making of “footprints in the sand” which are visible and real, yet also symbolic. In the journey of life, who has not received benefit from the footprints of loved ones, mentors, or heroes. I have certainly been so blessed.

April 2014 Footprints

We not only learn from the footprints of others, but we also can make “footprints in the sand” which touch, guide, or inspire another human soul. An instructive quote by an unknown author teaches ” It is important to leave footprints in the sand – especially when they are pointed in a commendable direction.” As long as we will be leaving a footprint, we may as well be conscious and deliberate about what kind we will leave. I wonder sometimes what kind of footprints I am making, and whether they are worthy as an example to follow for family members or any pilgrim who may travel alongside, or after my journey. This question captures a larger portion of my self-reflection as the years pass by.

Thankfully for us all, a desire to leave a worthy footprint requires no perfection – in fact, footprints are better if they are not perfect. What about the footprint of a child – it is beautiful! I have never thought of a footprint in the sand as an achievement, or something that could be judged or compared, nor something “better than” or “worse than.” They are simply footprints. I don’t want to compete or compare my footprint against another’s. The reality that “I have a well-intended footprint” is more than enough. For each one of us, I hope and pray that our footprint will guide those who may for a time, need influence or direction.

There is something important about making a footprint. There can also be something healing about allowing a footprint to fade away. There can be healing in allowing the waves to come upon the sand, at the right time, and wash away a mark, a print, and something which was written in the sand for us. Two pathways of such healing come to mind: 1) We can write our troubles in the sand, and allow the waves to wash them away. That may bring forgiveness, self-forgiveness, acceptance of hard realities, or the letting go of worries and fear. We can all benefit from letting our troubles disappear, wash away, leaving a new and unmarked beach. 2) I hope also that my footprints might be washed away and disappear in those times when those who have once followed me, need to mark out their own unique path.

Finally, a Native American Indian tradition suggests that life is “A Walking,” and that walking backwards hurts us, while walking forward helps us grow. No matter the breadth and depth of our footprint, the ability to “let go” and start anew, or the trajectory of our attempt to “walk forward” – let us keep putting one foot in front of the other, taking one step at a time, with our eye on the dream which is worthy of our desire and our sincerest efforts. You know what your dream is. That is where the footprints lead.

Sincerely,

Michael (Dr.B)

Michael E. Berrett, PhD

Psychologist, CEO, Co-founder

Center for Change, Orem, Utah

 

Did You Know?

April 2014 Music

 

Did you know the Recreation and Experiential Therapies Program at Center for Change plays a role in addressing the specific needs of adolescent girls and adult women with eating disorders?  Each week all recreation and experiential activities are centered around the same “theme’ to help guide clients towards recovery.  Themes include Self-Discovery, Trust & Relationships, Passions, etc. and are explored through interventions such as experiential activities, outings, music therapy, movement (Yoga & RIMBA), ropes course experiences, service opportunities, and expressive art.  Through these interventions, Center for Change clients have opportunities to increase personal self-efficacy in social interactions, challenge fears, practice behavior management & coping skills, express emotions, learn about available resources, discover who they are without an eating disorder, and experience the benefits of play and laughter.

 

“Wall of Awesome”

Center for Change is starting a new tradition! Check out our first “Wall of Awesome”. Our adolescent unit started us off with our first theme of “What lifts you UP?”  Last month patients and staff wrote positive words and phrases that describes what “lifts them up”.

April 2014 Wall of AwesomeStay tuned for future “walls of awesome”!

 

Upcoming Events

Austin Eating Disorder Specialists Annual Conference
May 2, 2014
Austin, TX
Michael E. Berrett, PhD, CEO, Executive Director, and Co-founder of Center for Change will be presenting.

IECA Spring Conference
May 7-10, 2014
Indianapolis, IN
Say hi to Tamara Noyes and Kari Jacobson.

American College Health Association Annual Meeting
May 27-31, 2014
San Antonio, TX
Look for Tamara Noyes, CFC’s Business Development Director, at this event.

Utah Chapter-iaedp Educational Seminar
June 6, 2014
Salt Lake City, UT

Exciting Events in Nashville, TN
June 11-12, 2014
Nashville, TN
Come visit with Dr. Berrett and Jenni Schaefer!

SEED Conference
June 13-14, 2014
Tampa, FL
Watch for our Business Development Rep Kari Jacobson!

 

Workshop for Professionals

June 19, 2014

Victor, ID

Michael E. Berrett, PhD, CEO, Executive Director, and Co-founder of Center for Change will be presenting

 

Workshop for Professionals

June 20, 2014

Jackson, WY

Michael E. Berrett will be presenting

 

Center for Change is a place of hope and healing that is committed to helping women and adolescent girls break free and fully recover from their eating disorders. The Center uses a multi-disciplinary approach with specialized and intensive treatment for eating disorders under the care of a supportive and experienced staff. The Center offers a full continuum of care with inpatient, residential treatment, day & evening programs, and outpatient services. Insurance is accepted and multiple funding options are available.
Center for Change is proud to be a founding member of the Utah IAEDP Chapter.
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