I have awakened this morning with a full heart, a racing and inspired mind, and a smile on my face! 

Kicked off by the generosity of MCT at the happy hour that they organized and provided on Friday evening, where the bar was filled with loving connections, wonderful (safe) hugs (I know that sounds like an oxymoron, however, I believe people were mindful and respectful of each other's comfort level), and the opportunity to expand on the relationships  we have developed over the last 19 months of virtually connecting at the Friday MCT afternoon happy hours, the IACP Forum continued to build on that enthusiasm throughout the weekend!

From the absolutely lovely setting and extraordinary accommodations and venue to the inspirational plenary given by Rev. Nonttombi Tutu, an activist for human rights who grew up female and black in apartheid South Africa, I learned about the significance of personal responsibility in the process of forgiveness and healing. I also expanded on my understanding that through pain, we learn and we grow. To.my mind, this is the only path to inner and global peace. I was further inspired by Ron Ousky and Woody Mosten sharing their perspectives and wealth of knowledge on the 14 Habits of Highly Successful Collaborative Professionals. Each one of these principles could have been expanded into a workshop in and of themselves, and if their teaching is considered and implemented by all of us, Collaborative Practice can clearly be the way to transform the lives of those who cross our path with mindfulness, respect, and integrity. I also had the honor of presenting and demonstrating with a panel of my MCT colleagues (Robert Mellin, Christen Ritchey, Craig Fabrikant, plus FACP colleague Matt Thatcher, as well as my student,  Shir Bensusan) on the considerations of ways we could possibly guide families where there have been incidents of  Domestic Violence through Collaborative Practice,  and in doing so, potentially  transform the future of these families as well. Kevin Skudder and I also had the honor of presenting on Spreading the Word about Collaborative Practice to the Next Generation along with the IACP Higher Education Task Force with more MCT members and video appearances by none other than our own Mark Soboslai, and Robert Merlin, as well as David Hoffman and Christopher Arnold and his student, now a seasoned Collaborative attorney in Ottawa, Canada. 

I don't think I can even describe the joy and energy that was experienced at the Saturday night dance party, sharing the dance floor with Stu Webb and his lovely wife, Ron Ousky, along with all of those so near and dear who we have missed for so long now, our own CarolAnn Mazza, Bob Merlin, and our newest member, Enid MillerPonn, just to name a few. If they are feeling anything like I am, their feet are still sore, but what a wonderful reminder of the wonderful time that we had!!

Then, for the closing plenary, last and certainly not least, the inspirational messages and takeaways we heard from Caroline Casey, the "Trickster" (as she referred to herself,) who taught us how to be "Agents of Cool Res[onders in a Hot reactive World." Once again, we learned about creating a vision for possibilities, opening our minds and thinking differently, while turning tragedy into triumph, resolving inner and interactional conflict with our hearts,  minds, and words!  We also did a fond farewell to our esteemed leaders Ann Tamar Mattis, our Executive Director and Ann Lucas, our immediate past President as we welcome our new leadership in Lori Gephart, our new President. I just know if she will pick up the ball and do great things!

Admittedly, I was a bit ambivalent in the midst of my excitement and enthusiasm to participate in person at this year's Forum. The IACP organization along with their amazingly diligent and dedicated staff could not have done a better job of making everyone feel welcomed in the safest environment possible during these times, and gathering for a highly organized, professional, and personal transformational experience! I thank them from my soul for all of the incredibly hard work that went into making that a reality!

We missed all of our colleagues near and far who could not make it this year, we pray for health, safety, and healing for all of us such that we can continue this momentum, entering our offices (virtually and in-person) with new energy and enthusiasm, knowledge and skill and look forward to gathering together next year in Orlando with all of our colleagues from all over the globe. Hope to see you there!

Randy Heller, PhD