Author: Kathy Marshack

Statistics show that 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce and it is
considered one of the most stressful events in life. Emotional and physical
side effects of divorce are becoming more and more common. For instance,
depression and anxiety can easily set in and even more serious health problems
like cancer and heart disease become a greater risk. The question then becomes,
what can help you cope with a divorce?

1. Find a hobby

A hobby can become a pleasant distraction from your thoughts. Choose something
that makes you happy and that you can easily turn to when you find yourself
going down a negative train of thought.

2. Reorganize
Clean out your home and get rid (or put away) items that will bring up
painful reminders of your ex. Instead of “our stuff” replace it with
“your stuff.” This can sometimes be a slow process, but a healthy one.
It can also help you to remember the good, but put away the bad.

3. Make new plans
Planning is a great tool to keep yourself busy and productive. Planning
helps you to set goals and reach them which will help promote self-worth and
success.

Coping with a divorce is a process and one that cannot be rushed. If you are
feeling depressed
or anxious,
please visit my website for additional coping techniques. I also have
information on how to cope with high
conflict divorce.

The Autism Society of Washington is hosting the Best in the Northwest
Conference – Bridge to Adulthood: Promoting Competence through Comprehensive
Transition Planning for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders. This is
a one-day workshop in my hometown, Vancouver, Washington and it will be held on
April 16, 2010.

The workshop will be directed by Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the
Organization for Autism Research. With over 25 years of experience of working
with autism related disorders, Dr. Gerhardt will be focusing on the transition
process beyond classroom academics and promoting life competence for ones with
ASD.

I have signed up to attend this workshop. Click here
for more information or to register. Maybe I’ll see you there!

NBC has developed a new sitcom called “Parenthood”. It is
based around the challenges of raising children and starting life over. What I
found interesting about this new show is that one of the main characters, Adam
Braverman, has a young son with Asperger Syndrome. Yes, it looks like
Hollywood’s interest in Asperger’s continues to grow.

Jason Katmin’s, Parenthood’s writer and executive producer, has a 13 year old
son with Asperger Syndrome and wanted to use this opportunity to raise public
awareness about the disorder and reduce the stigma around it. Wednesday morning
after the second episode aired, “Asperger Syndrome” was one of the
top Google searches. It looks like Jason Katmin’s hope is becoming a reality.

If you would like more information on Asperger Syndrome, please visit Asperger Syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions on my website.

Many of you have had the privilege of meeting my Office Coordinator, Michelle Lathim, in person. Michelle has been diligently working for me for a number of years and has truly been a blessing. I wanted to take this opportunity though to share a little bit about the work Michelle has been doing outside of my office.

For several years, Michelle and her husband Dwight have been volunteering at their local church to organize divorce recovery support groups. With divorce statistics on the rise, Michelle and Dwight recognized that this is a major need in the community. The groups have been a success and have multiplied!

The Lathim’s work was recently recognized by the New Heights Church. Last weekend they were asked to be the Keynote Speakers at the New Heights Navigate Gorge Getaway, a two day retreat for parents of young children who need time to relax and refresh their marriage.

I was thrilled to see that this wonderful opportunity that was extended to Michelle and Dwight. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I will continue to blog about their future speaking engagements.

Many people who work in family-owned businesses, or family firms, have never
stopped to think of the concerns that are unique to family businesses. While
about half of the gross national product comes from family owned businesses,
and roughly half of America’s workers are employed in family firms, the family
business is seldom seen as having issues of any significant difference than
other sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations.

Inc. Magazine decided it was time to dig deeper into family business
issues. Author, Christine Lagorio recently posted the article entitled, How to Run a
Family Business, which discusses how to run your family business the
right way. She interviewed experts on this topic asking them to share their
advice and lessons learned. Since I’m a Family Business Coach and the author
of, Entrepreneurial
Couples – Making it Work at Work and at Home, I was able to share some practical tips for family businesses.
I discussed the value of determining what your family style is and working that
into your business, as well as the importance of writing a formal
business-partnership agreement. Click here to
read the article in its entirety.

If you would like to learn more about family business or being an
entrepreneurial couple, please visit the
Entrepreneurial Life section of my website.

Asperger Syndrome: Partner and Family of Adults with ASD Meetup Support
Group was established in Portland, Oregon back in April 2009 and I am happy
to say that it is growing by leaps and bounds. The discussions we have are
honest and candid. They have proven to be beneficial no matter what stage of
life you are in with your partner or adult Asperger family member.

Our group also consists of extremely talented people with a wealth of
information to share. The next Meetup is scheduled for March 20, 2010 at
the Old Wives Tales Restaurant in Portland, Oregon at 1 p.m. It is very
heartwarming for me to see that members are willing to give of themselves to
each other. Even though the Meetup lasts but two hours, many members choose to
stay for another hour or two because the friendships are growing. If you are
interested in attending, please click
here for more information.

Another amazing experience is that members that live in different states, even
different continents, join in. Through our message boards members from afar can
reach out and be touched. For instance, we have had over 350 posts to the
message board on the subject “Patients Not Believed About The Difficulty Of
Their Lives” written by Bronwyn Wilson.

Please visit our message boards to read the discussions on a whole host of subjects
from increased meltdowns on the weekends, to learning patience and acceptance,
to the latest science and genetic research, to fatigue and self-care, and more.
Sharing is what it is all about.