Cognitive Distortions

David Burns published a list of 10 Cognitive Distortions.  It has been helpful to review this list in analyzing my thinking patterns especially when negative thoughts take over my brain.  We all fall into these distortions from time to time whether it is related to how we view ourselves or how we view those around us.

Criminal Defense Attorneys as GALs

I have noticed a trend of criminal defense attorneys accepting roles as GALs (guardian ad litems).  From what I have seen they are good about not accepting assignments when there is a clear conflict of interest.  But I don't see how it is possible to let the mindset you gain when working with criminal defendants not color your decisions as a GAL in family court, especially considering that GALs are most often appointed on cases where there is domestic violence and so the children are at a minimum secondary victims.  How can someone switch back and forth between two vastly different sides without letting the work they do on the other side color their work?

Solitude is Essential

We live in a world surrounded by noise and distraction.  The TV is constantly on in the background.  We can't get enough music on our ipods.  Our phones are always at our fingertips no matter where we are and people expect us to answer them.  Laptops and tablets even travel with us.  Even as I type I'm sitting in our sun room enjoying the rain fall while writing this post on my laptop.  All this technology can be great at times but it has completely taken away our solitude.

All this constant noise gets to us on a subconscious level.  We need to completely unplug regularly and just listen to the quiet around us.  We need to turn the TV off at dinner and actually enjoy the meal.  We need to leave the ipod behind when we walk so we can hear the leaves rustling and the birds chirping.  We need to just sit in our gardens and enjoy the beauty of the plants and flowers.  We need to stop and smell the roses.

Try it.  Even just for 15 minutes.  You may be surprised at the calming effect it can have on you and how it can make the rest of your day go smoother.