About Darlene

True Love for Valentine’s

Posted: February 12, 2010 Under: Family By Carla Dippel No Comments

I read a really interesting article in the paper this week. The reporter interviewed a few high end restaurant servers who shared how they actually dreaded Valentine’s weekend at the restaurant. Couples sat awkwardly across from each other, looking unhappy and not really knowing what to talk about. Pressure was high to get all the … Continue reading "True Love for Valentine’s"

Freedom in the Foundations

Posted: January 23, 2010 Under: Freedom & Wholeness By Carla Dippel 19 Comments

It all depends on the foundation. For so long I worked high up in the rafters, trying to fix this, trying to fix that. Looking out the windows… obsessed with looking out the windows at expressions, reactions, actions, small gestures. Painfully anguishing about getting the details of living life right. Had to get it right, had … Continue reading "Freedom in the Foundations"

Redeemable Ruts

Posted: January 21, 2010 Under: Self Esteem By Carla Dippel 6 Comments

In brokenness, I was so busy trying to keep myself together that any mistakes I made were monstrous and threatening. Clinging to the ideal of perfection as my ultimate redeemer, I wallowed in my mistakes. I re-lived them over and over in my mind, feeling this deep shame and guilt in knowing that I had … Continue reading "Redeemable Ruts"

Happiness on This Side of the Rainbow

Posted: January 09, 2010 Under: Depression By Carla Dippel 4 Comments

I’ve played the piano since I was six and still enjoy playing for pleasure. My favorite book for the past couple years has been a collection of Eva Cassidy arrangements, and the most turned-to page of this book is the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (words by E Y Harburg): Somewhere over the rainbow, way … Continue reading "Happiness on This Side of the Rainbow"

Giving My Best

Posted: December 23, 2009 Under: Freedom & Wholeness By Carla Dippel 2 Comments

Being in the moment… facing the fear… not letting others define me… standing up for myself. These are doors to freedom on my path of wholeness. It’s Christmas and I’ve been buying gifts, receiving gifts. Giving and receiving… A couple of weeks ago I was playing piano at the ballet studio I accompany at and … Continue reading "Giving My Best"

Emerging from Broken

Tag: perfectionist