It's rare that I get to blog on leap day - what fun! Let's do something special and unique to celebrate this precious 'extra' day that we get. Let's 'leap for joy' - but what is joy? Here are some quotes that describe others' definitions of joy:

Joy is prayer - joy is strength - joy is love - joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. - - Mother Theresa

I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters. - - Oprah Winfrey

Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy. - - Sarah Ban Breathnach

There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life. - - Sister Mary Rose McGeady

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world. - - Helen Keller

What I glean from the aggregate of these quotes is that joy is palpable because we have known hardship yet is always within us, is felt in our meaningful connections with others, and is enhanced when we positively affect the lives of those around us including the lives of you and of me.

So be courageous on this special day and seek out some joy. Be still in your soul and true to yourself and your health. Find that warm, valuable, mattering spot in your heart and identify one way that you could bring joy to your life. See what happens when you act on it!

The following research opportunities were listed at the University of Minnesota Powell Center for Women's Health website:

ANOREXIA NERVOSA DIARY STUDY

Female volunteers ages 18 and older with symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa are needed for a study at the University of Minnesota. This is not a treatment study. Compensation up to $200. For more information please call Nora Sandager/Recruitment line 612-627-1993 or email sand0692@umn.edu.

EATING DISORDER RESEARCH STUDY

Women ages 18 and older who struggle with binge eating and purging are needed for a research study providing free therapy.  For more information about this University of Minnesota Study, please call 612-627-1991.

Thursday night, 28 February from 7 - 10pm, Macalester College (1600 Grand Avenue, St Paul 55105) will show the HBO Documentary Film "Thin" and host a discussion about the pervasiveness of the problem of eating disorders and efforts that the Macalester College community can take in providing support to those struggling against eating disorders. You do not need to be a Macalester student, staff, or other affiliate to attend - all are welcome.

In my discussions with parents, I hear the distress in their voice, wondering if they are making a difference in the life of their son or daughter. They ask questions like how to help their kids handle teasing, avoid substance use, feel confident and build solid self-esteem. While the answers to these complex questions may take time to implement, one thing remains true - parents can make a difference. As we found in a 2006 study, adolescents who perceive that their parents (mother and/or father) care about them, feel as though they can talk to them, and value their opinions (even if they don't heed the advice!) are adolescents who have stronger mental health. These are the adolescents who are less likely to experience depression and low self-esteem. They are also less likely to use substances, engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, and attempt suicide. Parents can make significant strides toward helping their kids feel valued by taking time on a regular basis to listen with full attention, making eye contact during conversations, and refraining from quick judgment or providing solutions to the problem. Focus instead on holding a discussion in which pros and cons of many solutions to a problem are discussed, and seek to help the young person make an appropriate decision on his or her own.

Over a decade ago, when I was establishing my private practice, my father asked me what my goal was for it. I don't know what answer he expected. Perhaps it was about growth in appointments or income, or about professional activities outside of the private practice. I never asked what he had in mind, but I do know that he was more than a little surprised by my answer! I told him that my ultimate goal for private practice was to go out of business!! And the reason I want to go out of business is because the need for the type of services I provide is gone - for people to feel amazing all the time, take great care of themselves, and not hurt others. If that happened, psychotherapy as a profession might just disappear. Wouldn't that be amazing? Perhaps it's a lofty goal (I may be a dreamer), but will you help me achieve it?

Perhaps you have heard the saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Being vigilant and determined are significant factors in achieving growth and change in mental health. If we don't try new approaches to our life, different ways of relating, and changes to old habits, we can stay stuck, remain stagnant. Although it may be a challenge to muster the courage to try something new, keep the following quote in mind .... Triumph is just "umph" added to try. - - Author Unknown