October 2023

October Newsletter 2023

October Newsletter - 2023

Greetings!

SUMMER is over, and the kids (or you?) are back in school.

Some of you are adjusting to new school level grades, lost teeth, puberty, breakups, OR becoming empty-nesters. Maybe you or your spouse are adjusting to a new home, a new state, a new job. Perhaps you have had a parent move into a different life stage, or sadly, a death. I am always overwhelmed with the greatness of our human spirit to move through when change happens, even though it may tear at our hearts and turn our minds to MUSH.

Did you know that there is a diagnosis called an Adjustment Disorder? Any or all of the above changes in life can create an “upset” in your mind and spirit and it may cause confusion, loss of memory, sadness, extreme and unexplainable anger. It can cause weight gain or loss, and upset in sleep. Sometimes the Adjustment Disorder can come with anxiety or depression. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher WHAT it comes with. That’s ok. The most important thing to recognize is that CHANGE IS HARD and it can create an overwhelming sense of discomfort, confusion, or feelings that are hard to manage. It’s ok to seek out help when you (or your kiddos) are going through a major change (or changes!). So many times we feel that “it’s just life” and we “should” be able to JUST handle things! WELL, you CAN “just handle things”, or you can “handle things BETTER!”

Let's Get Connected!

Text “Sharasmile” to 85100 to receive important information and communication from Shara Smile!

Emergency Hotline Phone Numbers

It's ok, even when you feel this event in life is “no big deal”, to talk to someone!

Reach out! I’m here.

This month is Shara Smile’s SECOND BIRTHDAY! It was two years ago this month that I made that MAJOR life change to move to another state and start working full time in my own private practice (talk about Adjustment Disorder!). I’m excited to share that this year I have grown almost double in my client base and this August was a banner month bringing in more clients that ever before! The schedule is filling up fast, so if you are a client, make sure to get in and schedule your sessions into the future months to secure your spot!

Find fun this Fall and while you’re out there, if you can...

SHARE A SMILE!

Thoughtfully,

Shara Carter

Greetings!

Noticing that October is National Breast Cancer, ADHD, and Domestic Violence Awareness month, my heart is heavy as I write. Knowing how many people who have either suffered with one or more of these issues, or have a friend or family member that is, brings me into the ever-present awareness of how deeply people are hurting and how much we need each other. Sometimes it may seem too much to bear when we have a hurting family member or friend in our lives…. or maybe that hurting person is you.

There really is no amount of self-care, fun activity, money, that can take away the pain that is life. Sometimes the answer lies in relationships and hanging onto any type of faith that you may have. Most of the time it lies in time and doing some hard work in your life or being there for your person while they take their journey to do their work…or not.

I hope that as you read these words you know that there is hope, healing, and wellness on the other side. I do not know what that “other side” looks like for you, your family member or friend. I don’t know WHEN that “other side” may come along. I do know that there are people (like me, others in your life, and those you haven’t found yet!) that are ready, willing, and waiting to lend a helping hand, a smile, a prayer, or an ear as you or your family/ friend is walking through their difficult time. Just don’t give up!

I hope the resources below are helpful as a starting point if you or someone you know is struggling with these challenges.

Slowly, take in all that is Fall, and while you're out there, if you can...

SHARE A SMILE!

Thoughtfully,

Shara Carter

Let's Get Connected!

Text “Sharasmile” to 85100 to receive important information and communication from Shara Smile!

Mental Health Counseling Services — Franklin, TN — Shara Smile

Let's Get Connected!

Text “Sharasmile” to 85100 to receive important information and communication from Shara Smile!

Emergency Hotline Phone Numbers

Check it OUT!

Seeing that October is ADHD, Domestic Violence, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are a few good resources for those issues:

ADHD: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as CHADD, is an organization that aims to improve the lives of people affected by ADHD. They have great resources, education, and ways to get help on their website.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24/7 in English and Spanish: 1-800-799-7233

The National Breast Cancer Foundation INC is an excellent resource with education, groups, and tips for those struggling with breast cancer.

Rest, Rejuvenate & Relate

Did you know that Franklin, Tn. Has TWO Farmers Markets?

Five Points Franklin Market

100 5^th Avenue North, Franklin, TN

Future dates:

*Tuesday, October 17 - Fall Festival Market

*Tuesday, November 14 - Thanksgiving Market
*Christmas Markets: Tuesdays - Dec 5, 12 & 19

Franklin Farmers Market

230 Franklin Rd. Franklin, TN

To check these and so many other YOU PICK places to go and taste and see go to:

Pick TN Products

Review

“Shara is a very kind, compassionate, and supportive therapist. She was an incredible resource as I navigated the days and years after my divorce. Her gentle approach and authentic caring attitude created a space where I was able to be vulnerable and then learn, heal and grow.”

Hear More About Shara Smile