Getting older does not sound too bad...

Getting older does not sound too bad now that I made birthday plans!  Every year I try to keep my celebrations to a minimum; I hate planning and I feel uncomfortable asking others to celebrate my life.   This year I planned a little bit and asked others to plan as well!  I am looking forward to spending time with some close friends in Santa Monica to bring in my old age as well as relax at the beautiful JW Marriot Resort in Palm Desert!



Beautiful Santa Monica Boardwalk

What better way to start my celebration than to dine and drink in Santa Monica and recoup the next morning by lying under the hot sun!



JW Marriot

 

I have been to the JW Resort a few times in the past.  I used to work for UDA and I would teach at the Resort Camp at the Marriot every summer for about four years.  It was extremely hot and I was there for work but that did not stop me from having a fun time!  I wanted to try out a different resort for my birthday, but I know that no resort in Palm Desert would beat the JW Marriot.  They have an amazing Spa, Golf Course, Bar, Restaurant, lil' Club, pool etc...



Maslow's Hierachy

Last Saturday I ran a group on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Basically, you cannot move up to the next need until the need below is met.  When an incident occurs that has to do with disrupting your basic needs, you automatically concentrate on rebuilding that need until it is met.  If your physiological needs are not met, you could not possibly reach your love needs.

In terms of Eating Disorders (because that is the population I work with), you could not possibly fulfill your need for love and safety if you are depriving your body of nutrients, or throwing off your digestive system.  When having an eating disorder, you are not just changing your shape/weight; you are corrupting your mental and physical health. 

Some clients were arguing the order of Maslow's hierarchy, thinking Esteem should be after Self-Actualization.  They had a difficult time understanding how you could fulfill your esteem needs before reaching your own potential.  What are your thoughts?  I would love to hear...