Writing is my form of meditation and prayer.
It is how I process what is happening inside of me…not by forcing an answer, but by placing the thoughts somewhere outside of myself so that I may see them, feel them, process them…and sometimes…let them go.
Love and blessings,
Wendy
Through both my lived experiences and my field experiences, I have learned that those who lack emotional intelligence are often emotionally immature people, lack self-esteem, and experience accountability as an attack.
Accountability threatens the narrative when someone’s self-image depends on being the innocent, misunderstood, or “always right” person.
Taking responsibility for their words and behaviors is unlikely because it threatens the story they need to believe about themselves and portray for others…
When the truth threatens their story, they are sticking to it…
“NEVER LET THE TRUTH INTERFERE WITH A GOOD STORY.”
Love and blessings,
Wendy
September is Suicide Awareness Month…
I had the opportunity to implement my training as a Mental Health First Aider and Suicide Safety instructor yesterday in two separate incidents. And last month, I was called to use both of these trainings for a dear friend who just lost his wife to suicide. 
I am a certified trainer and would encourage you to take this 8 hour MHFA training.
In today’s culture and climate, we all need to practice our own self care in order to live with mental and physical health, and to know how to support someone else who does not have these tools.
“Mental Health First Aid gives you the skills to recognize when someone is facing mental health or substance use challenges — and the confidence to be their first source of support. Whether you’re helping a loved one or handling your own stress, MHFA offers real-world training and tools to cope with mental health challenges.”
I had experienced a physical health emergency Thursday after work requiring steroid treatment and complete bed rest, and Friday morning as I was recovering, I received two (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) requests for assistance.
Both are doing well this morning.
Sometimes words can guide and support, and as a Mental Health First Aider and teacher, I knew exactly how to use my words as my guidance and support for these precious souls.
For information on becoming a Mental Health First Aider, go to https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
In addition, IN HONOR OF SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, I AM AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING TRAINING:
SUICIDE SAFETY FOR SCHOOLS
APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
I am a certified trainer licensed by the Suicide Prevention Center of NY State.
This workshop offers the following goals in prevention and awareness:
To review the importance of suicide prevention
Describe characteristics of at-risk students
Outline your critical but limited role
Clarify your building referral process
Identify school and community resources
Talking about suicide in the classroom
What every teacher should know
Understanding warning signs
Understanding protective factors
Understanding a “warm hand-off”
Email me at wendyblanchard044@gmail.com
Text TRAINING to 845-263-4094.
Love and blessings,
Wendy
Remind yourself daily and often “I do not need anyone’s permission to experience peace. It is my choice and my right…and I mindfully cultivate peace in every decision that I make and every person that I engage with…
”Peace begins with me.”
Do not cower, do not apologize, do not deny yourself your birthright to live in peace and wellness.
If they don’t understand your journey and they choose to abandon you…their loss…
Keep going forward with humility and grace.
Love and blessings,
Wendy
Character is revealed in how you treat people whose choices are not aligned with our own beliefs and values.
Love and blessings,
Wendy
