Student seeking internship

I received the following email today:

Good Morning Danny,
I am currently a Recreational Therapy student at Florida International University. In Spring I will be completing my last full-time internship. I have been desperately searching for facilities to do my internship but it seems like Miami's Recreational Therapists are slowly disappearing. I follow you on myspace and I have seen that you network with a lot of other therapists around the country. Can you please help me out in finding a Recreational Therapists here in Miami? It is sad to see how such a great profession is not getting the recognition it deserves. With so many budget cuts and problems I am afraid that the lack of internship sites might put students to start switching careers :(. I really hope to hear from you soon. Thank you
-Vanessa Dibujes

Please email Vanessa if you've got information.
Here is her email: vdibu001 (at) fiu.edu (notice the "@" was replaced to prevent spam)

Thanks,

Danny

Wheelchair backflip

Aaron Fotheringham is my hero. He was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheel chair since he was young.

Aaron Fotheringham was the first person to do a backflip in a wheelchair. Aaron even coined the sport, “hardcore sitting.” He was 16-years-old in this video. (Below, I’ll attach a picture of me when I was a 16-year-old skateboarder.

Please note that I’d never recommend this sport (hardcore wheel-charing) as any type of recreational therapy intervention. Nor would I recommend it to anyone as a recreational pursuit. I think this is dangerous.

I’m very hypocritical in saying that I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing these type of activities in a wheelchair.

As many of my close friends know, I was an avid skateboarder during my youth. I skated up until about 2003. I’ve been a recreational therapist since 2002. Recreational therapists provide treatment services for people with disabilities.

Skateboarding was my passion. It offered freedom, autonomy, self-expression, social interaction with friends, solitude enjoyment, physical fitness, and creativity, and so much more. I'd say that skateboarding was very therapeutic for me during my teen years.

Danny Pettry (age 16) in 1996.

Gratitude

Picture taken on Thanksgiving (2009)

at the Pettry Family House.

Front row left to right: Jimmy Pettry (my brother), Danny Pettry (holding my nephew Gage), Emily Pettry (my sister-in-law).
Back row left to right: Danny Pettry (senior – my father), Teresa Pettry (my mother), Carrie Pettry (my sister), Matthew Lively (Sister’s boyfriend) and his daughter (Haley).

Family is one thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. As you may already know, I work with children who come from broken families. Some of these children do not have any families at all. I’m fully aware that I’m fortunate to have a family.

Gratitude is something I teach every day at work. All the children who take my self-esteem building group session have a gratitude journal. Each day, they’re allowed to write something they’re glad about in their journal and they can share aloud what they’re thankful for, too. Based on my experiences, new children at the hospital often have a hard time focusing on things to be glad about. They can easily focus on all the negatives that have happened in life. Sometimes, I’ll hear them say, “Nothing, I don’t have anything to be glad about.” Their face even shows despair. I ask if they’re glad about having a meal to eat for breakfast, eyes to see, hands to use, being in a group session with the other kids, and so on. Even finding one little thing to be glad about it a lot more powerful than several negatives (at least I think so).

Self-improvement experts are big on gratitude. They believe this is the way to get better. It is just a change in focus. Here is just a small list of self-improvement experts who recommend daily gratitude: Marci Shimoff, Jack Canfield, Wallace D. Wattles, Joe Vitale, Bob Proctor, John Gray, and of course, so many more. It is the key to the "law of attraction. (LOA)" Google search LOA for more info.

I’m glad about everything.

What is the real reason for doing something?

A review of:
Zupek, R. (November 26, 2009). 5 ways to stay motivated after the perks are gone. CNN.com. Retrieved November from: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/11/23/cb.perks.disappear.motivation/index.html


Rewards are an extra motivator. An external reward will never be a good substitute for internal motivation and reasons.

“5 ways to stay motivated after the perks are gone,” by Rachel Zupek was an article on CNN.com today. The first thing that came across my mind was “external motivation vs. internal motivation.”

I actively promote: autonomy, free choice, self-direction, and internal motivation as a recreational therapist practitioner. I am opposed to behavior modification (b-mod). Alfie Kohn has presented the disaster results of b-mod in his books. Amazon search or Google search Alfie Kohn for more information. Basically, Kohn argues that behavior-modification is not effective at long-term behavior change. It is only effective for a short term period (until the reward ends). A person who is only motivated to do something because of rewards is not being authentic and real. They’re being manipulated or bribed into doing a behavior. The big question is: will the new behavior continue once the b-mod plan ends? In other words, will the person continue doing the behavior without a reward? Or, will a person need to be on a b-mod plan for the rest of their life?

Monetary rewards have not been a strong motivated in my own life. I had read job postings at several places that paid more than my salary that didn’t require a degree. I could have left my job to get the “reward” more money. However, my reward is internal. I get an internal satisfaction and pleasure from being a recreational therapist.

Last Wednesday, I read in the paper that there was an unclaimed million dollar lottery ticket. My co-worker, a mental health technician said it wasn’t hers and that she checked her tickets twice just in case. I don’t play, so I know it wasn’t mind.

The school teacher said, “Danny, if you won, you’d still work.” She went on about how I wouldn’t know what I’d do with myself.” She is right. I would still be doing the work I love with or without the money.

Companies are cutting back rewards and other perks for employees due to the economy. They may cut free coffee, free ice, holiday parties, holiday gifts and bonuses. Many times the company is cutting these extra perks to pay for your (the employee) salary. If you had to make a choice between reductions of salary versus a reduction in free coffee, I’d imagine most people would rather keep their salary. However, salaries may be cut, too, in some places.

Here are the five basic tips suggested by Zupek:

a.) “Get over it.” Basically, let it go. Release your negative feelings about it. This reminds me of the book, “The Sedona Method” on letting things go.
b.) “Find motivation.” Seek internal motivation. Think about the real reasons you decided to work at this job.
c.) “Create your own perks.” Bring in a reward for the office. You could bring coffee and doughnuts one day. A different employee could do it the next day.
d.) “Understand what is till being offered.” Be sure to be aware of what perks the company is still offering. Use them.
e.) “Focus on the solution and not the problem.” By taking on this challenge you’ll become a better person (i.e. improving your own skills).

Here is Danny’s 6th suggestion:

Be grateful. This is what I use. No matter what happens at the place I work, I can be grateful for many things. I have a job. I’m glad I get to help children. I’m glad I’ve got several friends at work, I’m glad I live close to my job. I’m glad my job is in my home state. I’m glad I’m building experience. I’m glad for many more things. I think gratitude is the best answer.


Online: Source:

Zupek, R. (November 26, 2009). 5 ways to stay motivated after the perks are gone. CNN.com. Retrieved November from: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/11/23/cb.perks.disappear.motivation/index.html

List of 50 Top Self-Improvement Authors

Danny Pettry’s List of 50 Top Self-Improvement Authors

I had read blog todayAlex Mandossian’s (Thanksgiving.).

Alex recommended everyone to create their gratitude list of 101 best-teachers. I think Alex really cares about people. He is a helper. I heard him speak at Mark Victor Hansen's mega-book marketing university (2007). For some reason, Mandossian doesn't inspire me like others. His tele-seminar courses seem great -- but I think they're over priced.

Currently, Shakira is on Larry King Live. They're talking about heroes in this edition. She said that “teachers” are her heroes. She talks about brining education to all children. I’m very glad to hear her talk about this. I believe she has a good heart. Carrie Ann Inaba (a dance therapist) was shown on Larry King Live. She said that kids are her heroes.

All of the teachers in this list are authors.
Some of them are still alive today.
Some of them have already passed away.

Albert Schweitzer
Alfie Kohn
Anne Frank
Anthony Robbins
Bob Proctor
Brian Tracy
Carl Rogers
Charlie Jones
Dale Carnegie
Daniel Goleman
Daniel Pink
David Austin (Therapeutic Recreation)
David Burns
David Lieberman
Denis Waitley
Earl Nightingale
Eban Pagen
Esther Hanks
Fred Wolf
Gary Chapman
Hale Dwoskin
Jack Canfield
James Pennebaker
Jeffery Gitomer

Jim Rohn (added 12/22/09). I can't beleive I didn't have Rohn in this list. In my recent best-selling book, I had even written that Rohn was my favorite motivational speaker.

Joe Vitale
John Gray
Ken Robinson
Leil Lowndes
Leo Buscaglia
Les Brown
Louise Hay
Marianne Williamson
Mark Victor Hansen
Martin E. P. Seligman
Napoleon Hill
Norman Vincent Peale
Og Mandino
Oprah
Paulo Coelho
Richard Carlson
Robert Fritz
Russell Simmons
Sean Covey (Steven Covey’s son)
Shakti Gawain
Steven Pressfield
Tim Sanders
Victor Frankl
W. Clement Stone
Wayne Dyer
Zig Ziglar

Of course, I’ve had many personal heroes in my life.

These include: my parents, grandparents, and many teachers. I’ve admired teachers since I was young. They’ve had a great impact on my life. I always knew I wanted to grow up and be one, too.

Dreams of flying boats -- What is the meaning of this?

I had a dream that there was this man who was flying a boat with giant tires. It was a race boat. The tires were huge like the ones you’d see on a gigantic 4x4 truck. I’m not certain how this boat could fly. There is no reason for a thing like this to fly. I was the first to see it. He did a loop-de-loop in the air and then he landed in a green field beside my parent’s house. No one else say. The man was dressed like the person who is put in a cannon ball at the circus. He said that legally he was only allowed to do one loop-de-loop in an area at a time, but said, he’d do one more for me to watch. He floated off in his boat and never came back. It became dark. So, I knew I couldn’t see him. I had overheard or became aware that there was some sort of show in Charleston, West Virginia. I assumed he’d be going there or was coming back from that event. I did notice a license plate on the boat that said, “Ohio.”

My curiosity is: why do I dream of flying things so often. I dream of balloons floating quite often. Sometimes they float down and I play with the balloon with my nephew Gage. Sometimes, I dream of giant barges (like the ones in Rivers) flying in the sky. They leave giant shady spots when they fly over. I dream of interesting looking space ships. Sometimes I think they’re U.S.A. made and sometimes I think they may be U.F.Os. On a few occasions I dream that I could float, not necessary fly, but I could float up.

One of my earliest dreams was when I was very young. I’d say I was about 5-years-old. I dreamed of a cloud that had something shiny sticking out of it. I discover that it is a small Mausoleum hidden by a cloud. I believe Jesus lives in there. A free floating helium balloon gets caught on the Mausoleum. I was on the swing set watching the balloon. I tell my father that I want it. Super dad can fly. He flies up there and he grabs that balloon for me. He talks to Jesus for a minute up there. I wonder what they’re talking about. Dad gets the balloon and flies back down. I’m still on the swing set in the back yard at my parent’s house. Dad gives me the balloon. That is the end of that dream as I can remember it.
Please tell me what you think. What could these dreams mean? I've had dreams of things flying all my life, especially of helium balloons and space ships.

Here is what dream dictionary had to say:

Spaceship To see a spaceship in your dream, symbolizes your creative mind. It denotes a spiritual journey into the unknown and signal self-development and self-awareness. Alternative, the dream suggests that you may need to take on a different perspective, no matter how bizarre or unusual it may be.�
**See The Meaning In Action: "Spaceship In The Old West" & "End Of The World

ATRA Newsletter!

Dear fellow Recreational Therapists,

The latest ATRA newsletter is out! Go to the ATRA page and log-in to read it.

If you're not already done so, then I highly encourage you to become a member of the leading association for us, recreational therapists. I'm a member.

Here is the link for the newsletter below. I always enjoy reading the ATRA newsletter. Several of the pictures from the annual conference in MN shown in the newsletter were taken by me.

Link for newsletter:

http://atra.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=29

your friend,

Danny.

P.S. I'm an ATRA addict. I love our association!

Here's The #1 Way To Learn Anything

Jack Canfield posted the following quote on his Facebook page today:

“For virtually everything that you want to do there are books and courses on how to do it.”

Jack Canfield is the best-selling co-creator of the Chick Soup Series and he’s the author my all-time favorite self-improvement book: The Success Principles.

Canfield has been a strong influence in my life. I’ve read many of his books, listened to his courses on audio, and have watched him speak on DVDs. He is on my list of must-meet people, too. I’ve enjoyed Canfield in The Aladdin Factor (book and audio), Dare to Dream (book), The Secret (DVD and book), and many, many others.

Canfield is also a West Virginian. He grew up in the small town of Wheeling, West Virginia. As you already know, West Virginia is often behind the rest of the nation in rankings. If a Canfield can become a world-record holder for having the most books on the New York Times Best-selling List and he’s from West Virginia – Then a person from anywhere can get almost anything they want, too.

Canfield made it clear in his quote: “There are books and courses on how to do it.”

I take the same approach to success. In my recent book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom,” I encourage people to become lifelong readers and learners. “Read to succeed and become great at anything” is the common motto in my book. In fact, it isn’t about the book. It is about the mission to promote literacy and reading. Portion of the funds from my book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom: how to become great at anything” is donated to the non-profit, First Book. They provide free books to children in need – addressing one of the biggest factors for literacy: access to age-appropriate books.

Here is my web-page that is dedicated to Jack Canfield:

http://www.hiddensecretwisdom.com/page_jack_canfield.html

Enjoy it.

"How Rude" - Stephanie Tanner

Jodie Sweetin (who played Stephanie Tanner) on Full House has written a book!

Her book is called “unnSweetined” and Jodie reveals behind the scense of Full House. She had become addicted to drinking and drugs. I, Danny Pettry, had no clue she had a problem with these issues. Do you think it is true? Maybe. I'm not sure.

I’m definitely going to read this book. I miss Full House and Jodi (Stephanie) was always my favorite growing up. All I can say is, How rude?

Recreational therapists: Do you work with people with additions and recovery? If so, this may be a good book for you to read, too.

Fascinating, Jodie said, “I didn’t really watch much television when I was younger. I still don’t. I’m more of a bookworm.” Go Jodie! I’m so glad to see that you’re a reader. If you’ve read my book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom: How to Become Great at Anything,” you’d know that I’m a big advocate for reading. In fact, I claim reading is a key element in a persons path to self-discover and self-fulfillment in life.

Meet Logan Olson

Logan Olson has been a strong inspiration in my life. I admire her.

She’s a writer and the creative director of, Logan Magazine. It’s a magazine for youth with disabilities. She knows what it is like to live with a disability.

Logan was born with congenital heart disease. She survived a heart attack, but fell into a coma, which left her with traumatic brain injury. Logan had to relearn many basic motor skills like swallowing and combing her hair.

Logan is a fighter. She hasn’t given up, which I find inspiring. Many people would understand if she wanted to give up and quit. They’d understand if she didn’t try. She could easily have blamed the world for the hand she had been dealt in life.

Logan kept going and striving. Logan realized that youth with disabilities needed a magazine that addressed their issues. So, she created it.

How I Use Logan’s Magazine as a recreational therapist

I provide treatment services for children at a residential treatment facility located in one of the two Virginias. These children have suffered abuse and have learned to act-out the same abusive behaviors on others These children (in general) don’t have any physical disabilities. However, they’ve suffered emotional trauma and physical abuse and sadly, sometimes, sexual abuse, too.

Based on my experience working with this population over the last 7-years, I’ve found that many of these kids use “blame.” They blame the world for everything. Many people would think who’d blame them. However, I take a different approach. I do my best to teach these kids to take responsibility to turn their own lives around and to create a better future. I use examples from Logan’s magazine. I tell the children that if teens in Logan’s magazine can turn their life around after a disability then they can surely turn their life around, too.

You can and should subscribe to her magazine at this link:
http://www.loganmagazine.com/

You can add Logan Olson as a friend on facebook.


Here is her link:
http://www.facebook.com/loganmagazine

Do you want to hear Logan speak?

She'll may be a keynote speaker for the Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association's 11th annual conference. For more information, go here: http://www.wstra.org/professional_development.htm

Ask Danny Anything

Ask Me Anything Question and I'll Answer It!

Go here to ask question:
http://www.hiddensecretwisdom.com/_mgxroot/page_ask_danny.html

Thanks,

Danny

Therapeutic benefits of stories for children!

“Story Time” always grabs my attention as a headline in a newspaper. As you already know, I’m a strong advocate for reading and literacy. You’d especially know this if you’ve read my best-selling book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom, which suggests that a person can become fulfilled in life by reading more books. Even a portion of the profits from this went to the non-profit, First Book. They provide free books to children in need addressing the number one factor facing literacy: access to age-appropriate books.

Laughing, smiling, and attentive children were shown on the front page of the Register-Herald Newspaper (Beckley, West Virginia) on Nov. 21, 2009 with the caption, “story time.”

Puppet show performances were provided for children last Friday at Stratton Elementary (Beckley area). These shows were based on various children’s stories.

I enjoyed the note in the picture caption that read:

“The stories are used to illustrate self-esteem, vanity, greed, tolerance, bullying, and stranger danger.”

It appears that there are several therapeutic values from these stories.

I’m very pleased that these puppet performances are being provided for children in Beckley!

Here are some activity ideas:

a.) Volunteer to read to children
b.) Develop a puppet show for children
c.) Have your kids read books and develop their own puppet show (with use of paper-bag puppets).
d.) Discuss the story with the child. How did that story make you feel? What do you think is the major lesson in the story? What did you learn from the story? How could you use this lesson in your life?
e.) Buy a child a book.

Source:

http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_324230340.html

Beckley basketball

Greatness is discussed in my new book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom: How to Become Great at Anything! Naturally, I like to talk about people who are living their lives to their best.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see my hometown school university’s basketball team play.

Mountain State University (MSU) Cougars (Beckley, West Virginia) beat Salem International University (Salem, West Virginia). I think the final score was 99 to 39. I remember that Beckley didn’t score over 100 points.

MSU is currently ranked # 2 in the NAIA division and they could easily be ranked # 1 in their division after this game. I’ve heard that the # 1 ranked school Robert Morris University (Chicago) has lost a few games recently. So, I’d imagine that Beckley could easily become # 1 in the division!

Beckley also got the tallest basketball player, “Tall Paul,” who is the 5th tallest person in the world and an inch taller than the tallest person in the NBA.

Beckley’s Register-Herald Newspaper claimed that MSU coach, Bob Bolen is ranked #2 among active coaches with over 500 wins. He’s ranked #3 overall among all coaches.

Love and passion is in the players and coaches of Beckley's MSU team. They're dedicated to their interest.

Salem University’s team didn’t give MSU much of a match tonight. Beckley won by 60-points.

Salem is known for one of my favorite all-time people. Former U.S. Senator, Jennings Randolph (b. 1902 – d. 1998) graduated from the former (Salem State College, Salem, West Virginia). Napoleon Hill has given the commencement address at Randolph’s graduation. Randolph had written a letter to Hill about how inspired he was about the speech and encouraged Hill to turn it into a book. Hill had written one of the best-selling self-improvement books of all-time, Think and Grow Rich, based on the West Virginian’s suggestion. The letter Randolph had written is included in Hill’s book.

If you want to become your best then I highly encourage you to read N. Hill’s classic book, Thank and Grow Rich! This book is based on the law of attraction.

Soucre:

http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_325004311.html?keyword=topstory

My dad found me a new job (in a dream).

Supernatural, mysterious, uncanny, eerie, or just plain strange things have been happening in my life. These events have occurred during the time prior to and while reading Dossey’s book on premonitions.

I’ve had several premonitions that I’ve not told anyone about. Naturally, I feel hesitant to post these premonitions for fear of ridicule. I’m afraid that people will lose faith in me or think I’m not credible for posting about taboo subjects like premonitions.

Premonitions aren’t something I’d ever discuss at work or with my patients for certain.

However, I do believe that I have a slight gift in this area. I’ve always had it.

Here are three examples that I’ve had within the last few weeks:

I had been wondering about two women who I had known from Marshall University. I had not seen them in nearly 10-years. I’ve seen or heard from both of them within the last week.

I had discovered a letter written from one in an old shoe box. Days later I ran into her at the post office.

I wanted to do a facebook search for the other woman, but I couldn’t remember her name. Today, I received an email from her.

I had a gut-feeling that I shouldn’t take I-64 because it was dangerous. I hear on the radio and see in the newspaper that a bad accident occurred there (two days later).

Last night, I had a dream that my father had found a new job for me. He showed me a career posting on a sheet of paper. I think it was for a school recreational therapist that works along with a special education teacher. I’m not certain if this was the position or not.

Interpretation isn’t my strongest ability. I didn’t know that seeing a letter would mean that I would run into the woman who had written it 10-years earlier and who I had not seen since about then.

This dream could indicate that my father may discover some type of career or position that he’d like for me to take-on. But that does not mean I’d be interested in leaving because I enjoy the work I do now. My father is a mentor to me. I’d imagine that maybe another mentor (an older and wiser recreational therapist) may present a career posting to me in the near future. I have no intentions of leaving my current position.

However, I wanted to post this comment now so the date will show on it. I wish I would have pre-posted about the I-64 accident that I had a hunch about, too, but I didn’t. This time, I’m not going to make the same mistake. I’m going to start posting my gut-feelings and predictions.

Here is another prediction. There has been a debate over the American Therapeutic Recreation Association vs. the American Recreational Therapy Association. I met a woman online tonight. She’s a friend of friend who I work with. Her last name is Artayet. She pronounces it: Are-tay-it.

I noticed it can be broken down into ARTA yet?

Yet could mean = as in some future time, eventually, or, “ARTA so far.”

Added note on 11/23/09. I've not heard anything new from my father about a new job. Maybe I read my dream all wrong. I did notice that my dream was at Crescent Elem. School. My father pulled me out of a classroom to talk to me. On Fri., Nov. 20th, my father had shown a print out of a picture of my brother standing in the same hall. My brother was in 5th or 6th grade at the time. He had won a poster contest for Fire Prevention week. Someone had placed the picture on my father's desk. He didn't know who put it there. Maybe - this is what my dream was really revealing. I still had a strong intution that my father had found me a job, however. I'll keep waiting.

Premonitions (a book review)

Dossey, L. (2009) The power of premonitions: how knowing the future can shape our lives. Dutton: New York

Larry Dossey, M.D. explores the taboo subject of “reading the future” in his new book, The Power of Premonitions. I’m pleased to say that I’ve read the book and enjoyed it. Praise for Larry Dossey’s came from several of my favorite authors, including: Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson. Their praise (on the back of the book) was one of the reasons I decided to buy it (or maybe it was fate that I was meant to find this book lying in the stack of used (buy one – get two free books). Physicians usually don’t undertake unmentionable subjects such as premonitions. Dossey had the courage to do it.

How do people receive premonitions?

Dreams (sometimes) foretell the future, but sometimes dreams are just dreams. It could be a clear dream that shows exactly what will happen. An example is the case where a person has said to have revealed winning lottery numbers in a dream. Symbols or signs may be revealed in the dream, which have significant meaning. These symbols or signs may be revealed to the person in real life, too. An example is the concept that seeing vultures is a sign that something is dead or about to die (usually a small animal) that the vulture plans to eat. But, it could mean a sign that a person may pass away (as discussed in one section of Dossey’s book). Intuition or gut-feelings could help a person to perceive what is about to happen, too.

Premonitions aren’t a new concept. They’re biblical. The Holy Bible has stories where people have received foreknowledge of the future through dreams. Joseph (in genesis) interprets dreams for a butler, a banker, and pharaoh. These are shown in the two of my favorite Disney DVDs: Joseph: The Prince of Egypt and Joseph: King of Dreams.

Witch trials were once popular. It’s a common belief today that we know there is no such thing as witches. I personally feel empathy for the people who were trialed. I’m certain many of these trials were based on false accusations. Were there cases where a person revealed the future (through dreams or symbolism) which ultimately happened? In this case, the person may have been called “a witch.” How else would that person have known?

Stories in the news today also reveal premonitions. USA Today had reported on a cat that can predict deaths in a nursing home. Oscar, a cat will curl up on the bed of a patient who is about to die. Animals are often known for having strong senses than humans. They’re known to see and hear better. Dossey believes they’d also have a strong ability for premonitions, too. Dogs are known to have the ability to sense when a person is about to have a seizure and they can even sniff out cancer cells. (See my course Therapeutic Outcomes for Using Dogs as a Pet Therapy Approach) for more information on pet therapy).

Evolution has developed our premonitions

Premonitions could be based on evolution. Survival was necessary for our ancestors during the hunter and gather periods. Ancestors who had the ability to foretell the future would have had a better chance of survival than those who didn’t have this ability. Even today, we, have intuitions about dangerous situations. Knowing this can help us change our route (or path in life) and do something different. Here’s an example: I can predict that that something bad is liable to happen to me if I go to four and half alley in Huntington about midnight on a Friday night. So, I avoid situations and places like that. I can predict that going to a local bar that has had many shootings could be dangerous, too, so I avoid places like that. Other people who don’t have these types of premonitions may go to these places and are more likely to get shot or hurt. Ancestors who didn’t have intuition and premonitions were more likely to die early and not pass on their genes to the next generation.

Complete knowledge of the future has pros and cons. Dossey argues that evolution hasn’t give us that in order to protect us. Here are some examples that Dossey explains. If a crook could predict that he could not get caught then he’d commit a crime. Many unethical people may do things if they were able to see-ahead and know they wouldn’t get caught. Gamblers would be able to bet ahead of time knowing they’d win. Our complete society would fall apart if all people had complete knowledge of the future.

Not knowing the future is beneficial. Dossey explained how mice that completed new unfamiliar mazes were more likely to live longer and be healthier than the mice that didn’t complete new mazes. These studies prove that not knowing is beneficial. Here is an excerpt from Dossey on the importance of not-knowing:

Women who regularly engage in mini-mysteries – reading books, doing crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and taking on novel experiences that get them out of a familiar routine – preserve their mental faculties later in life to a greater degree than women who stick to familiar habits (p. 198).

People wouldn’t engage in these types of activities if they already knew the outcome. There wouldn’t be any reason to see a new movie or to do an activity if you knew the outcome. Dossey argued that sports could become obsolete. People wouldn’t complete if they already knew the outcome.

Free will verses fate debate

Free will is my personal belief. I think we have the power to create our own futures. Some people argue that everything is already pre-determined and that fate will happen regardless. If this were the case, people wouldn’t have to take any self-responsibility. They could just argue that it was “meant to be. Fate had it that way.” I’m personally disgusted by lack of self-responsibility. Dossey said, “free will does not envy premonitions, but is its friend.” He says this because a premonition doesn’t tell us what is going to happen for certain. It tells us what could happen and then we take responsibility to change our course of action to prevent something. Of course, the “fate-people” would argue that the event was still “meant to happen,” because what didn’t happen – just didn’t happen (even if we took a pre-action to prevent it).

I recommend Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Timequake. In this novel, there is no freewill. People’s lives are predetermined. A timequake sends people back in time. However, people can’t do anything differently. They make the same actions they did the first time. Everything is the same. People continued to do things even if they knew it would be disastrous. They had no control. It was almost robotic. Finally, the people reach the point in time where they were at first (a point which they do not know the future). People had become apathetic by this time. They stopped taking actions by that time. Car crashes happened.

How to develop premonitions

Dossey explains how to develop this uncanny ability. I found his suggestions to be in alignment with The Einstein Factor: A Proven New Method for Increasing Your Intelligence by Win Wenger Ph.D., Richard Poe. Dossey says:

“Dabble in poetry, play with metaphors, shun literalism. Avoid habits, ruts, and routines. Make a place for variety, risk, novelty, playfulness, generosity, and mystery in your life (p. 137).

Dossey argues that some people should not try to become premonition-prone. People with severe psychiatric disorders should think twice before trying to develop this ability, such as: hearing voices or having other hallucinations. This reminds me of the movie, A Beautiful Mind, which is based on a true story of John Forbes Nash, Jr (who was born in West Virginia). Nash was a mathematical genus and he won the Nobel Prize. The U.S. Government asks Nash to help break a Soviet code. Nash becomes obsessed with it, grows paranoid and turns his life upside down.

My personal experiences with premonitions

I’ve had many premonitions throughout my life, which I’m skeptical about sharing. This isn’t something that I’d ever discuss with my patients at work.

Here are a three examples for your enjoyment:

a.) Monday, November 16th, 2009, I woke up and took a shower. While taking the shower I decided I’d go to the mall. Instantly, I got this gut-feeling that said, “No, Interstate-64 is dangerous.” I wish I would have posted my promotion on that date. Tuesday, on my way home from work, I hear an announcement about a bad accident on I-64 on the radio. I had goose-bumps as you can imagine. Wednesday, I saw a picture in the paper. I believe my ability for premonitions has been enhanced from reading Dossey’s book.

b.) Recently, I found myself thinking about a woman, Joy, who I knew from college. I did a Facebook search about a month ago, but couldn’t find her. Two weeks ago, I took a shoe box with brochures and pamphlets to work for some patients. Amazingly, I discovered a letter from Joy dated about 2001 from her. I was shocked to find it after recently thinking about her. Last week, I change my routine and go to the post office during my lunch break and I run into her. Finding her previous letter and envelop could have been a symbol that I’d see her at a post-office. We catch up with each other. I learn she is now married.

c.) In high school, I had a dream that this girl would ask me out. I didn’t even know her name at the time, but I knew what she looked like. Amazingly, I ran into her and we got to know each other in school one morning when classes were combined. I never asked her out (mostly because I was shy at the time). She did ask me out and we went out a couple of times.

References

Dossey, L. (2009) The power of premonitions: how knowing the future can shape our lives. Dutton: New York

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-07-26-foreboding-feline_N.htm

Social workers most underpaid

Social workers were listed as the # 1 underpaid and overworked position in an article by Jessica Dickler on Nov. 16, 2009 at CNN-Money. I know they’ve got a tough job to do. I work close with social workers every day. I prefer being a recreational therapist over a social worker any day.

I enjoyed the quote listed by Heather Giffith. She’s a social worker for children in Boston. Heather said:
"You're getting paid $12 an hour and kids are screaming at you, telling you that you are just in it for the money and you're just like, really?" I know how that is. I have children scream and curse at me quite often at work.

Here is a funny story that recently happened. A patient yelled, “Danny, I want to tell you to go to h*** (and add a few more obscenities here), but I’m not going to tell you that because I know you don’t like that kind of language, so will you give me a side hug before you leave today?” Laugh aloud. The boy had already said all of the obscenities and curse words. I gave him a side-hug before I left. Some people said that I was rewarding his negative behavior. I argued that I was taking an unconditional approach to let him know that I still care about him even if he makes mistakes (like he had with the curse words).

Salary comment: I’ve read career postings for social workers in West Virginia with a starting salary of less then $20K a year. It’s tough, I know because recreational therapists earn around the same salary as social workers (at least I’d imagine). I don’t have any facts or stats to support that. Kids have told me that I only work there for the money. I remind them that I am fortunate because I got to choose the kind of work I do. However, they do have me on this one. I won’t tell them that, but I do depend on the salary for my livelihood. I’m fortunate that I have a position I do enjoy and one that I had predetermined to do and become.

People in the human service field usually don’t enter to become rich. They do it for a greater reason. They find a purpose and meaning in their work. I had once read an ad for a position at Starbucks that paid more than my recreational therapy salary (about 5-years ago). I felt stressed over it at the time. Of course, I could have left my job to brew and serve coffee. And I could do that work if I had to. However, I know that I want to help people, especially, children with special needs to have a greater life. And I know that I can do this best as a recreational therapist. I don’t see myself doing anything else.


Recreational therapists were not listed in the report of underpaid and overworked positions, however, # 2, was in the leisure services and recreation profession: Special Events Coordinator.

Source:
Read the full article here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/108148/stressful-jobs-that-pay-badly?mod=career-salary_negotiation

Turn photos into coloring sheets

Lights, camera, color is an amazing program at Crayola.com.

It allows you to turn photos into coloring sheets.

You can add fun and interesting backgrounds, animals, Disney characters, and more.

I wish they would have had this when I was younger. I would have had a blast creating coloring sheets.

I believe you may need to pay or enter a code to print the pictures, however.

I hit the “control” botton and the “SysRR/ Print Scrn” at the same time to copy the full page.

I then opened the paint program on my computer.

Then I went to Edit and I hit paste, which pasted the full web-page/ screen shot.

I used the edit button to cut out the small coloring sheets and saved them as jpg files.

I’ve attached two pictures that I had designed with the “lights, camera, coloring program at Crayola.

I hope you enjoy it.

Here is the link:

http://play-zone.crayola.com/play-zone/index.htm#/LCC

Here are my two coloring sheets that I had created:

Need a book to read?

It's True: You Really Can Discover the Secrets to Anything And Here's How...

Read, read, and read if you want to succeed. That’s it. Books are filled with hidden secret wisdom.

However, you must be an avid reader to learn the secrets.

My book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom” basically points out that a person should become a lifelong reader and booklover.

Here is a problem. Have you ever finished reading a book and felt disappointed only because the book was over and you didn’t know what else to read. I’ve felt this way after finishing a great book.

For The First Time, New Breakthrough System Reveals Must-Read Books for Anyone.

I was reading some magazine while waiting for a haircut yesterday. Right before my name was called, I saw an ad for an amazing web-page. Basically, you type in the last book you read and the author’s name. The web-site will generate a list of books that you’d probably enjoy reading.

Here’s the link: http://bookseer.com

I typed in one of my favorite all-time books, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.

Bookseer recommended tons of books many which I had already read by my favorite personal favorite authors, including: Napoleon Hill, Joe Vitale, Wayne Dyer, Anthony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen and others.

However, I did discover several must-read book that I was not aware of.

The top one on my list is: Instant Analysis by David Lieberman (another one of my favorite authors).
I was not aware that this book was on the market.

Several other book titles grabbed my attention, including: Mindset: the new psychology of success and beyond empathy.

Live your life to the fullest

Life can end in a moment. We’re not guaranteed another day. None of us know how long we’ve got here on Earth.
Death is imminent. It will happen to all of us. Are you ready? Have you lived your life to the fullest? I hope so.

Huntington, West Virginia has been my hometown for the decade. It is home to Marshall University and the Thundering Herd. There is a water fountain in the center of campus. Each year it is turned off on Nov. 14th. This is a symbolic day. It’s in memory of the 1970 plane crash that killed the Marshall University football team, coaches, and many residents from the Huntington, West Virginia area.

What would you do if you were on that plane? Would you be scared? I’d like to think I could say, “well God, it’s been great,” but I’m not certain if I’ve reached that point yet.

Right now, create a list of 100 things you feel you must do before you die. Make a plan to start doing these things immediately.

Here is a video:

7 Reasons Why We Should Make The Change to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) Now!

I, [Danny Pettry] openly support the proposed name change to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA).

Regardless, if the association changes the name or not, I, [Danny Pettry] will continue to be an active member because it is the leading association representing, us, recreational therapists.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), [which, I’m a good-standing member] motioned to change the name to the American Recreational Therapy Association (ARTA) at the membership meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Oct. 2009).

There will be an electronic vote around December 4th, 2009. First, you must be a member of our association in order to vote. If you’re not a member then, I, Danny Pettry invite you to join the leading association representing us, recreational therapists.

Click here to join the assocation (if you're not a member already).

Here's A Quick Way To Earn More Recognition And Start Being Identified With Our Allied Professionals:
Change Our Association to ARTA!

7 Reasons Why We Should Make The Change

Please note that the terms “Therapeutic Recreation” and “Recreational Therapy” mean the same thing. There is no difference in services. The words are used interchangeably. The change will not eliminate services or leave anyone excluded.

Reason # 1: ARTA Supports the mission of the association. The associations’ mission is to: serve as a member-driven association that collectively supports the recreational therapy profession. The vision is to be the premiere professional membership association representing recreational therapists, consumers and stakeholders. It helps identify as, “Recreational Therapists.”

Reason # 2: ARTA is Easier to explain. Recreational therapist/ therapy is easier to remember compared to therapeutic recreation specialists, (based on my personal experiences). , I explain how, recreational therapy, is different from, recreational activities.

Of course, we, rec therapists, already know that we’re systematically using recreation as a vehicle to achieve a pre-determined outcome according to a patient/ client’s need.Sometimes,

I’ll continue, by sharing how, physical therapy is a lot different from physical activities. Just the same, recreational therapy is a lot different from recreational activities. It is easier for me to explain it this way.Sometimes, I'll use the word, "care."

Many people can provide "care," However, it is very different from nursing care provided by a RN. Again, many people can provide recreation activities. However, it is very different from recreational therapy, which is provided by a rec. therapist. As, you're already aware, rec therapy is a process: assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Of course, I don't need to tell you, "the rec therapist," what we do.

Reason # 3: ARTA is uses terminology that is Recognized by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Department of Labor idenfies us, as “Recreational Therapists” in the main title in their 2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook. They say the term: “therapeutic recreation specialist” is used interchangeably with the term, “recreational therapist.” I’m certain they consulted with professionals to develop the job description.

Reason # 4: ARTA is Similar to our allied professionals.

Here are 11 examples:

AART – American Association for Respiratory Therapy

APTA – American Physical Therapy AssociationAOTA – American Occupational Therapy Association

AATA – American Art Therapy Association

AMTA – American Massage Therapy Association

AMTA – American Music Therapy Association

ATA – American Therapy Association

ADTA – American Dance Therapy Association

AHTA – American Horticulture Therapy Association

APA – American Psychotherapy Association

AFTA – American Family Therapy Association

We’re already aware that there are therapeutic uses for art, message, dance, and horticulture, etc. However, their associations do not use the terminology:Therapeutic Dance AssociationTherapeutic Art AssociationTherapeutic Horticulture AssociationThere is an interesting book titled,“Therapeutic Modalities for Physical Therapists.”It is written by: William E. Prentice, PhD, PT, ATC.How productive would it be if the Physical Therapists were to call their association, The Therapeutic Physical Modalities Association?As a recreational therapist, I personally feel that using the term Therapeutic Recreation is counterproductive. I think it is hindering us as a profession opposed to helping us achieve our mission and vision.

Reason # 5: ARTA would be in alignment with Public Policy for our profession. The last major public policy project for the association was the Recreational Therapy: Medicare Project. The association met this goal. There is a group of people on the “Recreational Therapy – Public Policy Team (formerly known as the Recreational Therapy Medicare Project Tea)

Reason # 6: ARTA is who we are. In general, we’re known as “recreational therapists.” People who I work with identify me as the “rec therapist.” I think the name change would help identify, us, as a professional organization for recreational therapists. I was recently in contact with an individual who had won a community – therapeutic recreation specialist award. I emailed her and asked if she referred to herself as a recreational therapist or a therapeutic recreation specialist. She told me that she still referred to herself as a “Rec therapist.” The majority of us do.

Reason # 7: ARTA is more in aligned with real purpose of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

- NCTRC’s (2009) vision is: To be publically recognized as the largest international body of certified therapeutic recreation specialists to provide recreation therapy services.

- NCTRC’s (2004) scope of practice is for “recreation therapy.”NCTRC (2007) identifies their position on legal regulation for the practice of “Recreation Therapy.”NCTRC’s (2004) brochure, “Why hire a CTRS?” says “Recreation therapy” along the side and the first question inside of the brochure is, “What is Recreation therapy?” It goes on to explain the need for Certified Recreational Therapists.


Reason # 7.5: Note that ARTA is also supported by Leaders in our profession. I’m aware of several people who’ve publically identified that they support the change. These people include:

- David Austin: founding member and past president of the association and he’s written numerous articles and texts for the profession.

- Peg Connolly: founding member and first president of the association

- Ray West: past-president of the association and he helped to develop the standards of practice for our profession

- Thom Skalko: past-president and he is the leader in public policy.

- Frank Brasile: past-president of the association


Regardless, if the association changes the name or not, I, [Danny Pettry] will continue to be an active member because it is the leading association representing, us, recreational therapists.

Personality changes

Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom (DHSW), my recent book, focuses on who you are in chapter one. I think it is important to have a good understanding of yourself in order to live the life that is right for you.

In my book, DHSW, I recommended for people to take the Keirsey personality test to discover their personality. Of course, I don’t think people fit exactly into these Keirsey’s 16 different personalities like pegs.

People change and so can personalities.

Larry Dossey, M.D. says that a personality-test is only a “snapshot,” in his book, The Power of Premonitions: How Knowing the Future Can Shape Our Lives


A personality-test indicates how you are at a certain time in your life like a "snapshot." They're not forever.

Your personality could change.

There are times when you could feel more extraverted (depending on the situation) or more introverted (depending again on the situation).
Based on my personal experiences, I’ve felt more extraverted while at work (because I socialize) with many of my co-workers and clients. I feel more introverted during my personal leisure time when I read, write, meditate, take nature walks, and enjoy time alone.

I believe I was more outgoing and extraverted as a child too because I participate in sport teams, including, soccer, track, and baseball. However, my passion was for skateboarding. That was a sport that I could do alone (introverted) or with others (extraverted).

I consider myself to be a “teacher/healer,” however, I had recently taken the Keirsey test at work for training, and I had a “counselor” personality. It is still in the family of Idealists, but I have always had the “healer” personality when I had taken the quiz in the past.

Personalities change and so can yours.
You could change your personality if you wanted to.
It would take time and doing so could feel unnatural.

If you haven’t already done so, click here, to get a copy of Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom now while it is fresh on your mind.

Help Jaycee Dugard

Danny P., here again. I received this email from Todd with the Jaycee Dugard Trust Fund. As you already know, I'm a big fan of Jaycee. I admire that she did what she could to survive and raise her two daughters.

Here is the email:


Greetings!

It has come to our attention that there are mistaken beliefs that Jaycee has received “millions” in compensation from various sources such as book deals, magazine photo shoots, or through television interviews. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case and these rumors continue to circulate throughout the internet. For privacy reasons we cannot get into too many financial details. However, suffice it to say, Jaycee, her two daughters and her immediate family are still very much in need of financial donations to assist them in this long and presumably difficult journey ahead of them. Unfortunately, the financial donations have not come in quite as expected.

We are asking for your assistance to help alleviate some of the financial concerns for Jaycee and her family, especially during this holiday season, which is especially meaningful for Jaycee and her family.

ANY donation amount is welcome and appreciated. Checks may be sent to:

The Jaycee Dugard Trust Fund
C/O Viewtech Financial Services
PO Box 596
Atwood, California, 92811

PayPal is also accepted!

Additionally, gift cards from the following stores are welcome and greatly appreciated by the family:

Safeway
Costco
Kohls
JC Penny’s
Wal-Mart
Target
K-Mart

Gift Cards may also be sent to:

The Jaycee Dugard Trust Fund
C/O Viewtech Financial Services
PO Box 596
Atwood, California, 92811

Thank you, again, for your time and generosity!

Todd

CEU Opportunity!

Korey Capes asked me to let you know about the St. Petersburg Recreation Therapy Conference. January 29-31, 2010.

The conference will be held in The Sheen Conference Center at Bayfront Medical Center, located at 701 6th Street South in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Here is a link for the handout:
http://www.stpete.org/recreation/docs/St_Petersburg__Conference.pdf

Here are some topics:

• Recreation Therapy’s use of Equine Assisted Therapy to Improve Quality of Life
• Using Cinema in the Therapeutic Setting
• Cultural Sensitive Care and Community Reintegration for People with SCI
• Recreational Therapists Working with Other Disciplines to Improve Patient Outcomes
• Marrying the Recreational Therapy Profession: It's Not Turning Two into One,
• But Two Into Three: ATRA, NTRS and Us
• The Recreation-Cognition Connection
• Establishing Effective Adaptive Sports Programs Using Community Partnerships
• Making the Arts Accessible to All
• Handcycles for Fun, Fitness, and Competition
• Developing Partnerships: Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation’s Road to Paralympic Partners
• Recreation Therapy's Role in Dementia Care
• Collaboration Between Educators, Practitioners, and Students on a Sensory Stimulation Program
• Documentation: Promoting our Profession and Evidence-Based Practice
• Recreation Therapy within the Medical Foster Home Program
• Future Trends for Senior Centers in the Aging Network
• Adaptive Kayaking in the Community
• Sexual Trauma and Recreation Therapy: What Works
• Enhancing Quality of Life for Veterans in a Nursing Home: Cultural Transformation

http://www.stpete.org/recreation/docs/St_Petersburg__Conference.pdf

Rec Therapy and Occupational Therapy Glossary

I follow Dr. David Austin’s Recreational Therapy Blog.

I recommend that you follow it, too.
Here is the link for his blog: http://rt-blog.blogspot.com

Dr. Austin posted that his Glossary of Recreation Therapy and Occupational Therapy was not available online from Indiana University Scholarwords. It is a free service from the Indiana University Library.

You can download the book here:

The address is http://hdl.handle.net/2022/6474

Dr. Austin said that he hoped practitioners in the field would let others know that they can access the glossary. I sent the link for it to my co-workers at the hospital where I work.

Recreation and parks in West Virginia

West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association (WVRPA) and the West Virginia Therapeutic Recreation Association (WVTRA) had a join-conference in Charleston, West Virginia last week.

John Perdue (West Virginia State Treasurer) was a key note speaker on Nov. 2nd.

Here is some information that Perdue shared:

West Virginia is fortunate to have natural beauty. The state has beautiful parks: state, national, and community. These parks are possible because of people in the recreation and parks field who’ve had the backbone to crate them.

Parks provide so much for the people in our communities: exercise, interaction, unites the community. Parks can be used as educational tool. They can open doors of opportunity for children in the state.

Leaders in the recreation and parks field make a difference. They allow for kids to come participate and play in parks. These kids could easily grow-up and become something because of their park experience. They may become environmentalists, biologists, or even recreation service providers.

Parks are a legacy. One generation of leaders retires and the next generations of leaders continue the tradition.

John Perdue shares the importance of recreation and parks in his own life. As a young boy, he learned how to play sports at parks.
As an adult, John, asked his wife to marry him at Coonskin Park (in Charleston, West Virginia). They went on their honeymoon at Pipestem Resort State Park (in Mercer County, West Virginia. They go visit the place where he proposed every year at Coonskin Park.

Of course, Mr. Perdue and his wife aren’t the only two people who’ve had wonderful and life-changing experiences at parks. Many other people have had experiences, too.

There have been many great parks built by the past generations. Naturally, leaders in parks and recreation today must bridge that to our current generation. Perdue says that we shouldn’t just maintain our parks, but let them strive. He goes on to advocate for more community involvement and partnerships to create a lasting legacy.

Park and recreation professionals are fortunate because they love what they’re doing. They have passion for doing their work or they wouldn’t be doing it.

Mr. Perdue finishes up his key note speech with an interesting story, which I feel is wroth repeating here. Please note that I, [Danny Pettrty] am not advocating for any religious view. I remain neutral on religious view in my blog. Here is the story Perdue shares:
Statue of Christ once stood in front of a church in Europe. It was hit by a stray bomb during World War II. The statue was broken into many pieces. After the war, the church members decided to rebuild their statue of Christ. They did their very best to put him together, but part could not be done. The hands on the statue of Christ had been so torn apart that it could not be put back. The congregation asked the Priest what to do and he replied, “We are the ‘Hands’ of our community.” It is through our hands that we make things possible.

Mr. Perdue explains that it is also the hands of the recreation and park professionals who go out and make parks possible for the people in our communities.

I regret to say that I wasn’t able to attend the full conference. I did notice a shelf with tons of brochures for parks and recreation in the state of West Virginia at the Holiday Inn (where the conference was held).

Here, are several places that I think you may want to put on your list of places to see in West Virginia:

a.) Tamarak: The Best of West Virginia
http://www.tamarackwv.com
b.) Clay Center
http://www.theclaycenter.org
c.) New River Gorge
http://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm
d.) Winter Place Ski (and snowboarding) Resort
http://www.winterplace.com/
e.) Pipestem State Resort
http://www.pipestemresort.com
f.) The Greenbrier Resort
http://greenbrier1-px.trvlclick.com/site/
g.) West Virginia Cass Scenic Railroad
http://www.cassrailroad.com
h.) Mountain Creek Cabins
http://mountaincreekcabins.com/

Therapy dogs and Wii

Two interesting articles have been published online:

1st: Need to learn how to read? Check out this article on therapy dogs in West Virginia:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/22/dogs.irpt/index.html

2nd: Seniors use Wii for health and fitness:

Check it out here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/19/senior.exercise.wii/index.html

With love,

your friend, Danny

Permisson-seeking behavior

Quote:

“I have the power to create. My power is so strong that whatever I believe comes true (p. 8)” in The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz

Danny Gives You Permission To Just Do It.

My advice is to encourage you to take action, do good deeds, and create a better world. And, you’ve already got permission to do it. I grant you permission today! (Laugh aloud). Actually, you’ll need to grant yourself permission to do good, loving deeds.

Self-Assessment Test:

There is a test which the individual is asked to identify qualities he dislikes in others and qualities he likes in others. The purpose of this test is to discover qualities that you really dislike or like in yourself.

Story About Seeking Permission:

On Sunday, November 8th, I stopped at a Speedway Gas Station to fill my car up. I always shop at Speedway because I’m on their behavior-modification plan. I get points each time I fill up my car or get a coffee. These points can be used to get free coffee or gift certificates to fun places like Barns and Noble Books.

There was a young boy pumping gas across from me. He said something that I dislike. I felt grossed out about his behavior. I realized that I personally didn’t like this quality in myself. Keep reading to discover what that exact quality really is.

I overheard the boy said, “Hello,” to a man who was getting ready to pump gas. The boy said, “Can I please buy your gas today.” I was shocked to hear this statement. It seemed like a nice gesture. I was secretly thinking, you can pay for mine. (Laugh aloud). The other man said, “no, you don’t have to do that.” The boys continued seeking permission to buy his gas. The boy said, “I’m a Christian and I want to do good things to help people, please let me buy your gas.” The man finally let in and allowed the boy to buy his gas.

I feel pleased and happy that people are doing good deeds in the world. I think that is awesome. It’s wonderful. It is great. Of course, I don’t have a problem with that.

However, I am disgusted by the permission seeking behavior to do good deeds. I noticed that he said words like, “can I,” and “please let me.” Something about these words permission seeking words repulses me.

Self-Reflection:

I recalled the self-assessment test that I had taken sometime during the last decade and remembered that when I don’t like qualities or behaviors in others that I really dislike these qualities in myself.

I had an “ah-ha” moment of self-discovery. I don’t like “permission-seeking behaviors” in myself. People who seek permission often have an issue with giving away their personal power. I feel that I may have this problem myself. The good news is that at least I’m self-aware and I don’t have to live another day this way. It is my life and I’m in control.

Here is another example that I felt disgusted by: A patient who I worked with [about a year ago] asked me, “Danny, can I have permission to assert myself to a peer?” Apparently his peer had done something offensive or had broken some personal boundary.

I felt disgusted that the boy had to ask me permission to be assertive. By asking permission, the boy was being passive. He was giving away all of his power to someone in authority. I now had the power to say, “no, you can’t assert yourself” or, I could have said, “Yes, you can.” Does a person need permission to be assertive and to stand-up for himself? I don’t think so.

Does a person need permission to do anything, especially if it is a good-deed?

The Problem With Permission-Seeking Behavior:

Permission is associated with authority. The person in control grants permission. So, who is in control of your life? Are you in the driver’s seat? Are you in control? Or, are you asking permission from someone else (giving them control and power over your life?)

Personal Experience:

I’m going to share a personal story here. I found an attractive woman who I enjoyed spending time with (while on a trip). She was awesome. We went out a few times. We talked and have fun. She smiled and laughed. It was wonderful.

Before leaving, I asked permission to call her. She laughed and looked at me funny and mocked me back, “can you call me?” I immediately felt that I shouldn’t be asking because now I had given all of my personal power away.

If I had to do it over again, I would have just said, “hey, I had a wonderful time with you and I’ll be calling you in a couple of days so we can talk more.” I would have acted more with personal power, confidence and authority (without interfering with her personal rights, of course).

That would have worked. Asking is needy I feel disgusted with needy people. (another quality I sometimes dislike in myself). They suck attention and energy from people. I refer to them as emotional vampires.

I wasn’t coming from a position of trying to take or get something from her. By calling her, I would have come from a position of giving (not taking). I’m not arrogant, but I’m certain I would have continued to give her stimulating conversation.

Of course, “no means no” and that is to be respected. I’m not advocating for people to just do things. If she didn’t want me to call, she would have said, “stop calling me,” or would have just stopped answering calls.

Advice to Take Home:

People have personal power. They’re free to do whatever they want, as long as they don’t violate the rights of others. Of course, I’m not telling people to be offensive.

People don’t need to ask permission to do good deeds. Wait, let me turn that around and put a more positive slant on it. Opposed to saying “don’t,” I’ll just tell you to “Just Do It,” like Nike. Just do good, loving, kind deeds.

Go do something wonderful today.

Art Therapist Position

My good friend Heather sent me the message below about a creative arts therapist position. She has resigned from this position.

You may recall me talking about Heather in my book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom. Heather is the creative owner of the myspace page called, "6 degrees to make a difference."

Here is the link to her page: http://www.myspace.com/6degreesnj

Heather is awesome. I admit that I do feel a bit sad that she is leaving her position because I felt she was perfect for this type of work and I know she is sad, too. However, Heather is following her own path in life. And, naturally, I'm glad she is making her life better in that she is still following her purpose and mission in life.

Heather says:

Hey guys! As most of you may know, Ed & I just bought a home in North Brunswick. What you might not know is, I got a new job closer to there, and have given my notice here at St. Clare's. Therefore, my position here is vacant! My last day here is 11/19/09, so anyone interested should apply right away!

If you, or anyone you may know, is looking for work in the Behavioral Health field, now is your chance! Get me the resume ASAP!

Some more info about the job: The position is for a Behavioral Health Counselor / Creative Arts Therapist, located at St. Clare's Behavioral Health Center in Denville, NJ... At least a BA in Psych (Art Therapy certificate a bonus!), Hours are Mon ~ Thurs, 10am ~ 8pm, Experience with kids / in the mental health field important! Salary negotiable based on years of experience.

Again, please let me know ASAP if you or anyone you know is interested in applying! Email those resumes to me at: hwyman@saintclares.org

The Mastery of Love (book review).

A review of The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationships by Don Miguel Ruiz. (1999). Amber-Allen Publishing: San Rafael, California.

Last week, I purchased The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz for only $1.00 from a used book sale. Plus, the dollar will be going to a charity to provide newspapers for children for local schools.

I got this book because it has a focus on healing. I’m a self-acclaimed “teacher/healer.”

There are so many powerful lessons hidden this book. I would put this in my top 20 favorite books. It is in the top 5,000 best-selling books on Amazon.Com (as of today) and it has been out for a decade (since 1999).

There are so many portions of the book that I would just like to share here. Naturally, I recommend for you to get this book to discover the wisdom hidden in it for yourself.

This book would be great for people who work with others, people who’ve suffered bad relationships, or people who just want to have better relationships with everyone in life.

As many of you already know, I provide recreational therapy services for children who’ve been abused. There is a lot of wisdom in this book that could help these children because they’ve suffered from having poor relationships.

Much of the wisdom shared in this book is very similar to “The Secret” documentary DVD on the Law of Attraction. If you enjoyed The Secret, then I think you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Ruiz based his book on the wisdom from the Toltec. They were a group of people who lived in current day Mexico during the era before Columbus.

Ruiz talks about personal responsibility in his book. Each of us is responsible for our own individual happiness. People can’t depend on other people to take care of their own happiness. You can’t depend on your significant other, best friend, family, or others to be responsible for your happiness. Neither can you be responsible for their happiness. That is their job.

I’ll share a few brief quotes here:

“We’re all masters because we have the power to create and to rule our own lives (p.7).”

As a recreational therapist, I’d like to point out three quotes on recreation and play:

“Running and playing is an expression of love (p. 29).”
“Keep being happy and keep playing (p. 87).”

“In a relationship, as in a game, it’s not about winning or losing. You are playing because you want to have fun (quote found in chapter 4).”


Here is how to break a relationship: “selfishness, control, and fear.”

Here is how to help a relationship grow:
“generosity, freedom and love.”

Chapter 5 is on The Perfect Relationship.

Ruiz suggests for the person to have no expectations of others. Allow other people to be free because people don’t like to be controlled. Ruiz also suggests to accept people for who they are and to just be you. So what if someone does not like you. That isn’t anything against you. Be you. Ruiz had used the analogy that a dog is a dog and it can only be a dog. If a person wants a cat, a dog just won’t do. A dog can’t pretend to be a cat. It isn’t anything against you if they’re a cat person and you’re a dog. Don’t try to change to become a cat. Ruiz had said somewhere in the book that being you requires no extra energy.

Here is a final quote that I'd like to share from Ruiz:

“You are what you believe you are. Humans are powerful magicians (p. 194).”

I really like that quote. You can make up your mind to be just about anything.

Improve your life with the lessons on love from this book.

Standards of practice in rec therapy

Marcia Smith, M.A., CTRS, H/FI and Jim Barrett, M.S., TRS/CTRS presented on the American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Standards of Practice: Getting It Off The Shelf on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at the annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I had the privilege to attend this session.

All recreational therapists should have a copy of “Standards for the Practice of Therapeutic Recreation & Self-Assessment Guide.” It is published by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. If you don’t have this book already then you’ll need to get a copy of it as soon as possible.

Get a copy of it here:
http://www.atra-online.com/storelistitem.cfm?itemnumber=19

Objectives for this training session included:

a.) Develop knowledge of the standards of practice
b.) Develop skills needed to use the standards of practice self-assessment guide
c.) Develop understanding of how the standards of practice can improve services
d.) Develop an understanding of the relationship between the ATRA – standards of practice and other accreditation standards, including: the Joint Commission, and CARF.

Here, I’ll explain a little about each of the objectives.

Standards of Practice (SOP) developed by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) include the following: Note that I’ve re-worded these standards based on my own understanding of them.

Standard # 1: Assess the patient to determine strengths and areas of needed improvement

Standard # 2: Development of a treatment plan with goals and objectives

Standard # 3: Implementing the treatment plan (using interventions) to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning independence and eliminate effects of illness or disability.

Standard # 4: Evaluate patient/ client’s response to treatment

Standard # 5: Develops a discharge plan with patient, family, and treatment team members.

Standard # 6 Provide opportunities for recreation to help promote or improve health and well-being.

Standard 7: Follow the Code of Ethics

Standard 8: Have a written plan of operation for the TR department that is in alignment with the ATRA standards of practice

Standard 9: TR department has provisions for assuring that TR staff maintain their credentials and have opportunities for professional development.

Standard 10: TR department to have quality improvement plan in place to help resolve problems and improve TR services

Standard 11: Services be provided in an effective and efficient manner with reasonable and appropriate use of resources

Standard 12: TR department engages in routine, systematic program evaluation and research for the purpose of determining appropriateness and efficacy.

Self-Assessment Guide:

The self-assessment guide is like a grade-card. A department manager could use it to determine the effectiveness of recreational therapists and the overall department. It is very individualized. Each section can be scored to determine if standard is being met. It can’t be assumed that the standard is being met. An evaluator can’t say, “Yeah, we do that, and check it off.” That is not good enough.

I think it would be better to have an outsider to come in and do the evaluation. Here is an example: the recreational therapists at private psychiatric hospital could evaluate the program at state psychiatric hospital. The recreational therapists at state psychiatric hospital would naturally, return the favor and evaluate the services at private psychiatric hospital. This could help to improve services for both hospitals. Of course, I understand this would be tough to do because of confidentiality, hospital politics, and possible conflicts of interests. An outsider is more objectives. They won’t be able to say, “yeah, they’re meeting that.” The outside will need to see evidence and proof.

There are several ways to evaluate the standards. These include chart audits, hospital policy audits, outcomes audit, etc.

How do Standards of Practice Improve Services?

Naturally, as a profession, we want to assure the public that we’re providing quality care. There are certain standards that must be met in order to meet minimum standards. All professions have standards. Even fast-food places, like McDonalds have standards that their employees must adhere to. If, we, recreational therapists are not meeting and/ or exceeding the basic standards then we’re not providing the best quality services to our patients. We’re not just providing fun, games, and activities. We’re providing quality healthcare services. Healthcare is expensive and people want outcomes. Naturally, we must follow standards to assure the patient/ client/ consumer is getting the best quality services.

The standards of practice also help to keep services consistent. I’ll use McDonalds again for consistency. You can go to a McDonalds here in my home state of West Virginia or to a McDonalds across the border in Ohio or Kentucky and you’ll get the same experience. The food is going to be the same. The menu is going to be the same (for the most part). McDonalds is consistent.

Therapeutic Recreation standards help make our services consistent, too. Two people have a stroke. One receives rehabilitation services in California and one receives rehabilitation services in Ohio. Are they both going to get the same consistent Therapeutic Recreation services? I understand that we are a diverse profession and that we provide a variety of interventions. Let’s say that one of the two individuals receive services that are grounded in research and evidenced-based practice. The department meets all of the standards of practice with at least 4 out of 5 on the self-assessment guide. The other individual die receive services from a TR department that doesn’t even know about the standards of practice, nor do they know if the interventions they’re providing have been proven to bring about outcomes. Which patient do you think is going to receive the better quality of service?

Standards equal quality service.

Standards are always increasing. An example is that several states are requiring their recreational therapists to have a license to practice. This standard assures that the provider has met minimum standards needed to practice. Currently, four states require a license to practice in the field: Utah, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Two states have a registration: Washington (state) and California. Of course, I want us to be consistent. I’d like to see the licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Here is an important standard that should be met, but it is not listed in the ATRA – standards of practice.

New Standard and policy should be that TR services (a.k.a.) recreational therapy services must be physician ordered. In fact, providing therapy without a physician order is a big liability. Physician could recommend services, including: community reintegration, biofeedback, animal-assisted therapy, etc. based on the patient’s needs. Of course, the physician order could be as simple as “Recreational therapist evaluate and treat patient.”

Of course, the recreational therapist should always get additional training and qualifications to provide sessions. A recreational therapist should just assume that she (or he) is qualified to provide the service.

I believe that recreational therapists in North Carolina must have proof that they have skills needed to provide various treatment interventions. In example, if the recreational therapist does not have competence in providing self-esteem interventions, the she (or he) can’t provide them. (I’m not certain on this fact), but I do believe it is that way in N.C. or at certain hospitals in the state.

Why are the standards important?

Healthcare is serious business. It is vital that we’re proving effective services. Funding for healthcare is limited. Third-party payers, insurance companies, and even private payers don’t’ want to pay for services that are not needed or not effective.

Praise for the book: "Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom"

I'm always pleased to read mail about my book.

Look at this comment. Listen to her. Feel it.

"Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom is amazing!! Seriosuly I am on the last chapter and have used so much of your advice in my life already!! Im sending it to me friend at grad school at Penn State because she needs to read it to help her destress her life through school."

- Ashley, Michigan

Go to this link to get your copy today:

http://astore.amazon.com/hiddensecretwisdom-20/detail/1442105739