WCIW 2022 logo with dates

ADResolution Tuesday Reveals Why This Picture Is One To Know

World-Creativity-and-Innovation-Week-logo

If you follow my blog, you might recall my post from February 15th, where I teased you about this image.

Are you ready to find out why it is important?

Are you sure?

Okay….here you go…the image I showed you in February is the logo for World Creativity & Innovation Week (WCIW) for 2022.

In alignment with my goal to become more active in international and national events,

I am excited (and nervous) to announce I will be presenting my FIRST Webinar!

I will be presenting a webinar on Collaborative Divorce!

History of WCIW

Canadian resident Marci Segal identified a “creativity crisis” in 2001. She thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if people knew how to use their natural ability to generate new ideas, make new decisions, take new actions and achieve new outcomes, to make the world a better place and to make their place in the world better too?” And so she set off on a journey to make a bigger place for creativity in the world.

The following year Chicago, was the first U.S. city to participate in what became a worldwide endeavor. In addition to Chicago, three other countries followed Canada’s lead and held events. These countries included the Netherlands, Thailand, and Brazil.

According to the WCIW website, A Yahoo-group also formed. People joined from all over the world – the US, Brazil, Argentina, France, Italy, Thailand. Over the years celebrations emerged in other countries including Belarus, India, Australia, Egypt, Peru, Chile, India, Malaysia, UK, Italy, France, El Salvador, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Ecuador, Columbia, and Slovenia.

Then, in 2006: World Creativity & Innovation Day extends to a weeklong celebration (WCIW), beginning on Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, April 15.

In 2017 April 21st was To become the United Nations

International Day of Observance.

Their mission is simple.

We seek to inspire and enable others to live a more creative life​. The United Nations wants to encourage people to use new ideas, make new decisions, and take the steps towards making the world (and your place in it) better through creative thinking. 

WCIW website

How I connected to WCIW

For 2022, the United Nations has decided to pair with the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

With the shared goals of:

  • Collaboration
  • Empathy
  • Empowerment
  • Mentorship

Collaborative Divorce relies heavily on creativity.

  • The use of a team is a creative approach to divorce.
  • Keeping your information out of court until all is finalized is a creative way to maintain privacy.
  • The agreement to share openly and transparently is a creative approach to the negotiation process.
  • Having a neutral Financial Planner is a creative way to work with a couple to gather information and run various scenarios, which helps the couple decide what can work for both of them.
  • Using a Collaborative Coach is a creative way to help manage the emotions of divorce, particularly during meetings. Coaches also teach communication skills and add other benefits to the process.
  • Choosing to add a Child Specialist helps keep the focus on what is best for the children. We also help with creative solutions for parenting needs and concerns.

Details of the event

There is a lot more to know about Collaborative Divorce and I look forward to sharing that information with you. The webinar will be held on Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 p.m. C.S.T. I’ve chosen this date because of it’s designation as World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID).

And, even better, the webinar is being offered for FREE! All you need to do is register here.

Please, share this blog and forward the information to anyone who you think could benefit from learning about Collaborative Divorce. This could include someone considering getting a divorce or someone in the position to help guide people in this direction.

Think creatively!

Those who are in the position to help guide others includes, but is not limited to:

  • Clergy
  • School counselors
  • Hair stylists
  • Nail technician
  • Doctors
  • Real estate agents
  • Mortgage brokers

Don’t forget to register for this free webinar! I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Please reach out if you have any questions. Email or call me at 630.912.2908.

CELEBRATE YOUR CREATIVITY EVERY DAY!

Relationship Solutions Center logo and tag line
SAAM-Sexual-Assault-Awareness-Month-2022-theme

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM).

For 2022, the theme is Building Safe Online Spaces Together

https://giphy.com/gifs/NSVRC-saam-nsvrc-saam2022-imqGoygOOoxUf29ikb
SAAM 2022

During SAAM month, we take time to honor the voices and experiences of victims and survivors. The month is also when we concentrate effort on educating the public. 

Did you know that in 2017, Pew Research Center found that 41% of Americans have been subject to online harassment?  And, that 66% have witnessed online sexual harassment?

Online sexual assault can be any type of sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse that takes place through screens.   The 2021 Pew study identified six key ways people are assaulted online.  This includes:

  • Purposeful embarrassment
  • Offensive name calling
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sustained harassment
  • Stalking
  • Physical threats

Highlights

In the four years between the studies, the type of assault has become more serious. For example, sustained harassment, stalking, and physical threats.  There was a clinically significant increase in politics as a motivator for being targeted for sexual assault.  About two-thirds of adults have experiences online sexual harassment, with the highest population being adults ages 18 – 29.  Sixty-eight percent of folks who identify in the LGBTQ+ community report being victims of online sexual harassment as compared to 39% of those outside the community.

Preventing Online Sexual Assault

Just how can we prevent online sexual assault?  According to NVSRC, we prevent online assault by making our online environments safe.  This falls on the hands of leaders and companies that provide online services, such as social media. They need to put policies in place for how to address sexual (and non-sexual) harassment and take allegations seriously.  As a community, we need to make our voices stand out and heard.  Every voice helps push larger organizations to take steps.  Silence is their friend!

Education As a Form of Prevention

Think about diverse ways to get the word out.  School and workplace education can reach a lot of folks.  Check in occasionally. Ask for accountability to act.  Maybe, even supporting individual action steps through an incentive in the workplace.  Townships, villages, and cities can offer education and advocacy opportunities as well.

After The Assault

Harassment and bullying have long-term impact on its victims.  We know they suffer from depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.  If you have been following my blog, you might remember that in August of 2020, I read Chanel Miller’s memoir.  Chanel’s experience was in-person; however, the impact on her is shared by many survivors.  Moving through the trauma of the assault, and then getting help legally, emotionally, psychologically, and academically/occupationally, can take years.

There are several types of resources to help.  You can find in-person and virtual options, including education and advocacy, support groups, and ways to find psychologists, therapists, and organizations that are ON YOUR SIDE!  I highly encourage folks to visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) website.

NSVRC provides for all of our needs from prevention/education to finding help.  We are all in the position to help in some way. 

  • If that involves sharing this blog as a resource for others, you have done enough.
  • If you have confronted someone when you hear negative comments about another person or sexual assault in general, you have done enough.
  • If you have been a sober buddy, you have done enough.
  • If you have listened to a “no” and made sure to get a “yes,” you have done what is expected.
  • If you believe someone when they tell you they have been assaulted, you have done enough.
  • If you go to the hospital with someone, you have done enough.
  • If you help someone get counseling, you have done enough.
  • If you help someone find legal counsel, you have done enough.
  • If you can listen when they need to talk, you have done enough.
  • If you go to court with them, you have done enough.

Yes, we need to do better as a community and country.  Do what is in your capacity and bandwidth to do.  If everyone takes those steps, we will be doing better!

Sexuality Sunday Shares the History of the Polyamorous Pride Flag

I’m spending some time today going through my email and was reading the newsletter from the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF). One of the articles, on the History of the Polyamory Pride Flag, caught my eye and I want to share it with all of you.

Matthias Walsh originally had this article published on the website LBGTQ Nation.

My Thoughts About the Polyamory Pride Flag

Polyamory Pride Flag original

I enjoyed learning the symbolism of the colors Jim Evans chose:

  • blue represents the openness and honesty among all partners in multiple relationships
  • bright red represents love, passion, and desire
  • black bar represents solidarity between people who have to hide their relationships from the outside world

It saddened me when I read the Greek letter “pi”, π, was used to symbolize the ability to love many. It reminded me how minority groups have to fight for recognition and respect. At the same time, I feel grateful Jim Evans found a way to create a voice and bring together a community.

Love infinity symbol

Personally, I like the polyamory pride flag. I understood the use of π before reading this article. The idea of replacing π with the infinity love symbol is also more appealing because it is an open representation of polyamory.

What are your thoughts about the flag? Share them in the comment below.

Relationship Solutions Center logo and tagline

Honoring Transgender Day of Visibility

Transgender Day of Visibility with Transgender Pride flag and Relationship Solutions Center logo and tagline

History of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)

Transgender Day of Visibility was originally founded by transgender activist, Rachel Crandall, in 2009. Her goal was increase awareness of trans people and their contributions to society. Rachel won the support of President Joe Biden in 2021 when he officially proclaimed March 31st to be Transgender Day of Visibility.

In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility , consider these options:

  • Do not to out your friends.  It is their choice and remember safety can be a significant issue.
  • Attend a local or virtual event.  Tag yourself on social media using #TDOV, #TransResistance, or #MoreThanVisibility
  • Learn about Trans History.  Did you know Jack Williams, a.k.a. Frances Clalin Clayton, bent gender norms to fight in the Civil War?  How about Stella and Fanny, a.k.a. Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park, who were arrested in 1870 by London police and charged with “conspiring and inciting persons to commit an unnatural offence.
Stella (left) and Fanny, a.k.a. Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park. Arrested in 1870 London for “conspiring and inciting persons to commit an unnatural offence.”
Stella (left) and Fanny
Jack Williams, a.k.a. Frances Clalin Clayton, who bent gender norms to serve in the civil war.
Jack Williams, a.k.a. Frances Clalin Clayton
  • Support LGBTQ+ and/or trans-led organizations that provide education, advocacy, and events for the trans community.  We are fortunate to have the Kenneth Young Center right here in Schaumburg.
  • Know the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and emotional attraction, and sexual activities.
  • Get comfortable asking folks what pronouns they use.
  • Recognize the same-ness of trans folks and other identities.  Our humanity ties us together.  We all deal with issues of race, mental health, disabilities, economics, and more.
  • Learn trans terminology.  One of my favorite resources is itspronouncedmetrosexual.
  • Call someone out when they say something that is transphobic.
  • Give a shout out to your favorite transperson (if they are out)!

As a country, we are making strides toward inclusion, appreciation and valuing of the trans community and you can help.

Share your social media posts in the comments below.  I would love to join us together and destigmatize the transgender community.

Mental Health Monday focuses on positivity

So often we focus on the negative. It’s easy to do. The negative causes hurt and pain. To counteract the negative, we have to train ourselves to focus on the positive.

Young boy wearing a black shirt pointing to a cup that says "See the good."

We can start taking care of our mental health by answering these questions:

  1. What do people say you are really good at?
  2. What’s working in your life?
  3. What do you think you’re good at?
  4. What do you enjoy doing?
  5. What’s important to you?
  6. What are you looking forward to in the next two to three weeks?
  7. What are you proud of?

Hopefully, these are easy questions for you to answer. If they aren’t, it could simply mean you are stuck and could benefit from brainstorming with someone else.

It could also mean your mental health is suffering.

Whether you are feeling depressed, or suffer from low self-esteem, therapy can help. By working with a psychologist, we can help identify what is blocking you from being able to answer these questions, think about your values and goals, and decide how that could translate into living an authentic life that leads to an improvement in your mood.

If you have trouble answering these questions, contact us to schedule a time to talk. At Relationship Solutions Center, P.C. our goal is…

Relationship Solutions Center logo psychologist's hand reaching out to and holding your hand

Transforming Relationships From the Inside Out

Thursday Thoughts on Mental Illness

Gives an update on RSC’s #NEDAWalk.

Hi everyone!

There’s still plenty of time of donate to such a great cause! I am participating in a #NEDAWalk on April 23rd.

Eating Disorders effect girls, boys, women, and men of all races. This is video shares the varied experiences of folks who suffer from disordered eating. Please watch and learn more about eating disorders.

Did you know that…

Those are horrifying numbers and we can make a difference. Thank you for your support.

Mental Health Monday

Shares body-affirming art by Jessi @JessiJeannn

I just love her body affirming art and messages! Do you have a favorite message or art to share?

Self-esteem Saturday is dedicated to Women’s History Month!

Hi everyone.  For this week’s Self-esteem Saturday, I thought it made sense to talk about Women’s History Month.  This is a month that highlights women and their contributions to family, politics, literature, all the forms of art, science, math, psychology, technology, and so much more.

Before we had Women’s History Month, the recognition of women was limited to International Women’s Day (March 8th) and in the U.S., Women’s History Week in Santa Rosa, California.  As the movement spread across the country, there was a call for national recognition.  In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. This continued until March 1987 when Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.  Since 1995, each president has issued this annual proclamation. 

The majority of the text in this blog comes from (https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month).  There are too many amazing resources to share here, but I encourage you to check out their events, videos, social media cards, find activities for children, to name a few.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias!

Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
We can break the bias in our communities.
We can break the bias in our workplaces.
We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.
Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond.
Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.
Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?
Will you help break the bias?

Cross your arms to show your solidarity!

Strike the IWD 2022 pose and share your #BreakTheBias image, video, resources, presentation or articles on social media using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.

                        Credit to https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme