I Am An Inconvenience 

I have lost my independence. And here it is the 4th!  I hope you are going to the beach or a block party!   It’s been humbling to ask folks to open my water bottle.  Actually I’ve learned to do it between my legs but it’s a little uncouth in public!  I do have to ask folks to tie my tennis shoes.  It’s so weird to be able to write a book, give a TedX, and not be able to cut an onion.  I know it’s temporary, but how bizarre this is!

! am an inconvenience.  I think for the first time in my life.  It is giving me such compassion.  I am thanking folks more, grateful more, humbler more, and seeing how kind people are.  Yes, yes, I know people can get edgy, but most people are really gracious when it takes me 2 minutes to pull out my credit card or sign my name.  And if they are edgy I just say:

“I know!  Aren’t I slow?  I am so very sorry.  I wish I weren’t an inconvenience.   It’s really hard one handed.  Thank you for your kindness.”  And almost always, the edge goes away.

And if you ask me what I miss the most, it  is for sure, my independence, being able to move, go, do all I the things I love.  I miss the beach, swimming, kayaking, bike riding, putting my hair in a ponytail, dancing, sunsets, and real real tight hugs.  It feels different with a full arm cast.

I have learned a ton of one handed tricks.  So, if you ever get an arm cast, reach out as I can help you open a beer, ziplocks, “cut” cantaloupe, and even get contacts out.  All new crazy tricks.  

I hope for you today you find ways to feel grateful for all the independence you have.  I know it would be easier if I wasn’t alone.  And that has shown me even more so how important compassion and connection is in a relationship and with self.  Thank God my book was finished before my accident.  I hope you read it and share with me how it blesses you.

https://a.co/d/033OK3go

Happy Independence Day!

Heather Browne PsyD, LMFT

Dr. Heather Browne PsyD, LMFT helps people recognize the power of communication.  It is one of our most important skills that we have, and yet we don’t consider our understanding, approach, belief, and therefore, miss our possibilities.  Living with a paranoid schizophrenic mother gave Dr. Heather a unique and powerful awareness that no one has the same reality, though we believe we do.  Utilizing this revolutionary awareness has allowed her to transform communication within self and within all other types of relationship.  This is the hidden key to acceptance.  And this is her mission to share.

As a relationship expert, Dr. Heather Browne has worked with thousands of individuals and couples in psychotherapy.  She is a TedX Speaker and Keynote Speaker. Her couple’s communication book will be out 1/24. She is published in hundreds of journals, has an active YouTube channel, has been featured on ABC-7 news, was the relationship expert on KDOC Daybreak OC, and is published in Inc., Toronto Sun, Thriving Family Magazine,  Light + Life, BRAINZ, Scary Mommy, and Psychology Today.  She is a regular guest blogger for both Links for Shrinks and for Marriage Friendly Therapists. She offers a weekly newsletter packed with tips and techniques to improve relationships and has monthly workshops! Simply go to her website!
https://www.drheatherbrowne.com/