Here and Now: A Powerful Stranger
The end of the year can be comforting in its familiarity. Clustered with moments of tradition, we often have anchors that connect us to the past. It is so easy to not fully notice life when we have been with the person, done this action, had this routine so many times before. Treating each moment of “here” as a powerful stranger has piqued my interest and sharpened my attention.Read More
The Impacts of a Gratitude Practice
Recently, I posed the question, “In what ways has gratitude impacted your life?” to this group. Their answers were very similar and profound, and I wanted to share their insights on how a gratitude practice can impact your life.Read More
20 Holistic Healing Lessons for Your Mental Health Journey
Every person’s journey is different, especially when it comes to finding personal health and well-being. These holistic lessons below are helpful reminders when your mindset may be struggling, when you're having difficulty finding positive momentum forward, and needing to change your perspective.Read More
The “Why” Behind Your Child’s Behaviors
When you see or experience a child or teen acting out, what is often your first thought? For most, that first reactionary thought is not one of empathy nor is it thinking about the deeper meaning behind the behavior. If you take a step back and search to understand why a child may be having a certain “undesirable” attitude or outburst, it can solve the problem in a faster, friendlier, and less stressful way.Read More
A Defense of Winter and the Custom of "Hygge"
A year ago, I came across the Danish custom of “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”). “Hygge” doesn’t have an exact translation in English. According to the New York Times article where I first came across the term, a close translation is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” The feelings I experience in winter of safety, comfort, and community are in line with hygge.Read More
How To Help My Child’s Anxiety
It feels like the last three years have seen an uptick in anxiety, especially for children. This time has been scary for adults, let alone developing children who are just beginning to learn and explore the world outside of their home. With all these recent stressors, how can we help keep kids feeling safe and secure in today’s world?Read More
Ending Summer With Gratitude
Labor Day has come and gone, and while for many this means the end of summer – we still have a few weeks left of sunshine and warm temperatures before fall truly sets in. If you are struggling with the idea of transitioning seasons like I am, maybe these practices will help you find your own gratitude and move into fall and winter more peacefully.Read More
A Responder's Perspective on Suicide Prevention
As a family responder, working with youth who struggle with suicidality (deliberately hurting oneself with an intent to die) is a routine part of my job. Parents are often not provided with the same skill set as mental health professionals, yet they are the “first responders” when it comes to their child’s mental health. In my years working with suicidal youth and their families, I’ve noticed trends in the information I share with parents.Read More
When the Only Solution Is to Just Be There
Some days feel full of doom and gloom, others are full of light and humor. As soon as we get used to what we think will become the “norm,” he reminds us that there is still a lot that he is silently dealing with. I have yet to find “normal” as a foster parent.Read More
Back to School: Bubbling Excitement or Anxiety Provoking?
As parents, caregivers, or guardians, the aspect of going back to school is often exciting. While this can be exciting for students, too, anxiety often rears its ugly head. There are simple things parents, caregivers, and/or guardians can do to minimize the anxiety students feel about going back to school.Read More