Laurie Ferguson, Spark Psychological Services

Check on the elderly people in your life and anyone who may not be computer savvy. They may not know how to get a vaccine. Make an appointment here for SLO County (or call Public Heath in your area): https://www.recoverslo.org//covid-19-vaccines-in-slo-count

Your weekend stress relief moment - Panda Snow Day

Don’t you just love the sound of rain?

Short and powerful ways to connect with your kids.

Tonight! Once in 400 years the Christmas Star is visible in the southwest sky.

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates!

Great service, awesome selection. Shop local to keep our community thriving!

Enjoy the day in a way that YOU enjoy!

Santa has been vaccinated and is good to go! https://www.cnn.com//sesame-street-covid-19-santa-claus-va

"Autism is not a tragedy - a missed diagnosis is." Truth!

Help your family have a happy, inclusive holiday season. It really is ok to make some changes to traditions that don't work. My favorite quote from an autistic adult interviewed for the article: "How genuine, authentic happiness isn’t often the focus of Christmas, but instead conforming to social pressures to perform happiness. To be honest, that’s the main thing that stresses me out about neurotypical everything. Not just Christmas."

This week’s cover, Love Life, by Adrian Tomine: http://nyer.cm/q07A3yX

Will kids be able to get the vaccine? https://apnews.com//us-news-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavir

Aaron was a true host and our downtown, our little street, and our community will miss his warm, welcoming nature. Hoping that their beautiful restaurant can continue.

Support our local schools, keep local control, and help ensure Atascadero's children have world class schools. Vote yes on Measure C-2020!

So many great local shops, restaurants, and activities. A gift certificate makes a great gift or donate to a local charity like ECHO or Woods Humane Society in your loved one's name!

YES on Prop 15! Big companies are trying to fool you in to thinking it raises residential property and agricultural taxes - it doesn't! Fund our schools now!

And yet, here you are, still trying . How often do we only ever celebrate our successes in life? . How often do we dismiss our efforts to try something new ...if it doesn’t work out the way we first hoped? . How often do we play down how hard we strive on a daily basis simply because we are taught within society to ‘suck it up’, ‘toughen up’, ‘build a bridge and get over it’? . We need to acknowledge how hard we TRY. We need to nurture ourselves after an attempt doesn’t go the way we planned, because the perceived success should not be the only achievement seen ~ the fact that you even tried something new is an achievement in itself. . The fact that you tried a new job is a huge step forward, even if you didn’t stick with it. . The fact you went on a date with a complete stranger is an achievement, even if you stumbled over your words or he decided you are better off as ‘friends’. . The fact that you got out of bed to face the day when your body and mind were telling you to give up and hide under the covers instead ~ this is a huge achievement. . Celebrate your efforts, embrace the way you attempt new things, pat yourself on the back for striving even when it doesn’t work out. . These moments are not failures ~ they are simply steps along your pathway in life, and each one is bringing you closer to the things in life you most desire See more

Former Atascadero High School student co-wrote a book. Check it out!

My entire practice is devoted to supporting people with different abilities, neurodiversity, learning concerns, emotional needs, and supporting family strength. I do not tolerate or condone bullying in any form. The presidential debate should have been an opportunity for two people to tell us about their beliefs, goals and policies - but instead Donald Trump used that platform to bully and intimidate Joe Biden by trying to trip him in to stuttering, losing his train of though...t, and appearing unfit for office. Donald Trump knows that people are more likely to stutter when they are interrupted, shouted at, and personally attacked. Donald Trump planned this. It was not an accident. Bullying was his strategy. It was unconscionable that Donald Trump would attack his son, mocking his substance use. Joe Biden's response was what all sufferers of addiction and mental health crises need to hear: "My son, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem. He's overtaken it. He's fixed it. He's worked on it," Biden said. "And I'm proud of him. I'm proud of my son." I stand with Joe Biden. Not because he is the perfect candidate, but because he is the Presidential candidate, the kind and capable candidate, the man who stood up to the playground bully. The American people do not deserve - and we will not tolerate any longer - a bully in the Oval Office. It is time to #vote.

Vote YES on Prop 15! Fund our schools, police, fire and infrastructure WITHOUT new taxes on residential, agricultural, or small businesses!

Ballots are on their way to you!! Voters may vote and return their ballots as soon as they receive them. No waiting necessary. However, voters are reminded to Stop before you Drop your VBM ballots: Be sure that your ballot envelopes are Signed and Sealed, then Delivered. Voters can return their voted VBM ballots in the mail in the provided postage-paid envelope, in a designated VBM Ballot Drop Box, or at a Voter Service Center during the 4 days of voting between Oct. 31 Nov. 3.

There is still more needed to expand mental health and addiction services, but this is a very important start.

"People who see stressful events as challenges, with an opportunity to learn and adapt, tend to cope much better than those who focus more on the threatening aspects like the possibility of failure, embarrassment or illness. These differences in mindset not only influence people’s mood, but also their physiological responses, such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and how quickly they recover after the event."