April 4, 2012 Self Care! Weekly Tips to Help You Create the Life You Desire Tip of the Week   Pack Light  Thank you to my favorite travel expert, Rick Steves, for the inspiration for this tip. Rick suggests packing light when traveling so that rather than carrying the burden of heavy baggage, you are freer to enjoy yourself. I suggest you take this one step further. Most of us carry "baggage" from the past with us. This can be hurt feelings, old grudges, or memories of mistreatment. If you gathering with family and friends this week for Easter or Passover, pack light. Just for a day or two, try to leave the baggage behind and free yourself up to enjoy the moment. Doing this doesn't mean that you forgive or forget the past hurt; that may require more than a "self care tip." Packing light for you can be a choice to care for yourself in a way that enables you to be present with a lighter heart and a more joyful spirit.  About Karen Karen Rowinsky, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker. She has a private counseling practice in Overland Park. She helps people:  Manage the challenges of life transitions  Deal with relationship and family issues  Grieving or experiencing a  loss  Increase self-confidence and self-esteem Recover from anxiety, depression, or past trauma  Who do you know who may be struggling with changes in his or her life? Grieving the death of a loved one?  Recently separated or divorced? We can choose to change or change can be thrust upon us. I can help you work your way through change and help you come out on the other side with more wisdom, confidence, and joy.   Contact Information Karen Rowinsky, LMSW 10965 Granada Lane, Suite 106 Overland Park, KS 66211 913-663-3511 www.overlandparkcounseling.com  Join our mailing list!