August Newsletter - 2023
Greetings!
How is your summer going? Are you finding time to rest and rejuvenate? Are you feeling “energized” for the upcoming school year?
Taking time away and creating change in our daily and weekly routines is important. Especially when our lives feel they are in a rut. Sometimes finding a way to “get away” is difficult. I use the term “mini-vacation” or “brain break’ to help myself (and my clients) think about “taking a break” in a different way. Sure, it’s great when we can go on a week vacation to the beach or the mountains, but that is not always possible. Taking a “mini-vacation” or a “brain break” is thinking about vacation in a microscopic way. What do you love about the beach or the mountains? The View? Taking a long walk? Getting out of your house? How can you find ways to do these things on a small scale more regularly? Can you find a new trial to hike? A new path to bike? A new view to overlook? Or…can you ask others around you so that you can carve out time to even take a walk in your neighborhood, or take a bubble bath? Perhaps it would feel nice to get that massage. Taking a drive on a new highway, or taking the scenic route can refresh the spirit and engage your brain in ways that the “normal route” does not.
Recently, I spent the weekend in Gatlinburg presenting at a retreat for military families. It was an honor to do my work, in a different way, in a different location, and stretch myself in new ways. While this was not a “vacation” in anyway, it was nice to have a change of scenery and meet new people. After I took some time to rest, I felt invigorated and energized.
Finally, every month, I try to find a great opportunity for individuals, couples or families to find a small way to “Rest, Rejuvenate, and Relate” in the newsletter. It is my hope that I can share some places to go, see, experience that might just spark a little “new” in your life to invigorate, energize, and relax you!
Savor the summer this August, and while you're out there, if you can...
SHARE A SMILE!
Thoughtfully,
Shara Carter
Check it OUT! 
is the nation’s largest mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” It is a wonderful resource to find reliable information, resources, support groups and more.
Rest, Rejuvenate
& Relate
This month Shara Smile has partnered with Pinot's Palette to offer you a way to RELAX and RELATE with a friend or others in the community! Get $7 off of a paint session between now and the end of SEPTEMBER!
1) Go to https://pinotspalatte.com/frankli.events
2) Select a painting
3) click "book now"
4) Enter the code: arttherapy!
5) ENJOY
Professional Review
At Shara’s most recent professional engagement with Military families including children, teens and their parents, participants rated Shara’s knowledge, content, and presenting style with a 75-79% “Satisfied to Very Satisfied” rating!
Shara Smile Update!
Shara had the privilege of creating and facilitating two workshops for the families of Special Forces Military Soldiers and their families in July.
Here are two photos from the retreat.
If you would like to schedule Shara to facilitate, present, or speak to your group or organization please contact her!
Click here!
Dates To Remember
- August 1 - Friendship Day
- August 6 - International Forgiveness Day
- August 25 - Kiss and Makeup Day
- August 31 -
International Overdose Awareness Day
For more information about our Newsletters, please call us at 703-570-5951.