It’s election eve 2020. And I’m keeping myself calm by focusing on what I can control. I haven’t watched, read, or listened to any news in more than two weeks. I stopped looking at the vile comments people somehow feel are okay to say to one another. It was all too much. My anxiety had … Read more
I haven’t seen, read, or listened to any news since last Thursday. That’s like an eternity for this former journalist/news junkie. But as an empath and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), it all got to be too much. To the point where I had three nightmares in one week, and woke up screaming at the top … Read more
There’s no doubt that our collective mental health is hurting during this turbulent year (I’ve personally had plenty of days where I just want to hide from the world). Which makes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) even more critical right now. I’m all about sharing my journey and what I’ve learned along the way, … Read more
I wanted to share what I turn to when I’m struggling, in case it might help you during these overwhelming times. Most of the tools aren’t actually in this giant box I’m holding , but rather things I’ve learned to do over the years that have been incredibly useful during the challenges of 2020. The … Read more
Simpler times will return. We have to keep believing. That said… if you’re struggling with your mental health right now, know that help is available. My partner, Mental Health America, has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous mental health screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if … Read more
If the pandemic (and all the challenges that came with it) has been affecting your mental health, you’re most definitely not alone. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows just how much the stress of Covid is hurting us mentally. The results are based on a survey that was … Read more
In a year where we’ve faced so many challenges and have been forced to adjust our goals and plans over and over, it’s easy to feel like we’re getting nowhere fast. But that’s simply not true. It may be hard to see the small wins in your life in the midst of all the chaos … Read more
I’ve spent the past several months learning to love this sweet girl – little Sahar – realizing it’s the only path to the self love I’ve struggled to reach for so long. I’ve been talking to her, listening to her, squeezing her tight. It’s part of the inner child work I’ve been doing in therapy, … Read more
I’ve been on a healing journey the last two years that I never even knew I needed. Several triggers in my life forced the emotional trauma I’d buried decades ago to bubble up. Then overflow. I felt like I was drowning in pain. It’s funny how you think you’ve already healed a part of … Read more
What are you doing to help you get through the hard days of 2020? I’ve definitely been leaning on my daily #ichoosebeauty practice of looking for life’s little things every day. It’s a nice reminder that beauty still exists despite the hardships we’re all facing because of the pandemic and everything else going on in … Read more
How are you feeling today? This emotionally overwhelming 2020 marathon just keeps going. And in turn, we have to figure out how to keep going, as well. It has helped me to focus on being present and just taking it day by day. But I’ll admit, the past two weeks have been extra challenging for … Read more
Me, the past several days since I threw out my back last week. I’m still having painful muscle spasms, despite my meds, ice cream, and kitty cuddles. I haven’t been able to do much, and of course, I keep thinking about all the things I need to do. But I’m pretty sure this was one … Read more
Have you noticed? That all the little things in life seem sweeter this year? Have you noticed? Flowers are more fragrant, tea is more comforting, music lifts you up and soothes your soul like never before? Have you noticed? Texts make your day, conversations are more meaningful, hugs are longer and tighter? Have you noticed? … Read more
Remember when we were all enthralled by what would be 2020?! A new year, a new decade, a seemingly magical number… 20-20… Oh, the hopes and dreams we had! And then… it felt like a train wreck real fast. Things were unbearable when Covid hit. And escalated with everything going on with the racism in … Read more
My heart is so heavy for all my Black family members, friends, and community. The racism in this country is disgusting, but you know what shook me even more over the past few days? Seeing so many vile comments filled with hatred in places I never dreamed they’d be. I was flabbergasted, and my … Read more
It’s not enough to feel outraged about what happened to George Floyd. We must all DO SOMETHING. Whether it’s speaking up on social media, having the tough conversations with friends and family, or making a donation to organizations that are fighting racism. Do something. Change won’t happen without action. A few suggestions: Sign the #JusticeForFloyd … Read more
My usual routines for exercising, eating healthy, and being consistent with my sleep have definitely fallen by the wayside lately… understandably. I’ve been giving myself grace, but I’m also trying to get back to some semblance of a routine – even if it looks different than it used to pre-pandemic – because I know how … Read more
The pandemic has brought up so many different emotions for all of us: fear, sadness, loneliness, etc. No matter what you’ve experienced over the past few weeks, owning those feelings will help you work through them… and feel better. To help you process those feelings, I want to share a worksheet with you from my … Read more
We’ve all lost things during the Covid pandemic: whether it’s being with loved ones, our usual routines, income, school, big events, etc. So how do we find the positive after loss? All month long, I’ll share free worksheets from my partner, Mental Health America as part of Mental Health Month’s #Tools2Thrive theme – tools to … Read more
As we kick off Mental Health Month today, all I can think is how the entire world needs this right now. With all of us facing some kind of distress from the coronavirus pandemic, a month to focus on our mental health couldn’t come at a better time. Throughout May, I’ll be sharing lots of … Read more
Through the ups and downs of the quarantine/isolation…. interestingly, connection can be both an “up” and a “down.” It’s obviously hard not being together in-person like we’re used to, but let’s look at how we CAN connect right now. I feel so blessed that we live in a time where technology makes it so easy … Read more
Every week into this pandemic feels like another beginning of a new phase to me. Not necessarily a cut and dry phase… more like what you feel after experiencing trauma and grief – you have various feelings that will continue to come and go in waves over time. I was able to manage my anxiety … Read more
How are you doing this week? Are you starting to adjust to the new strange “normal”? I feel like I’m finally surrendering to the situation, and had a little less anxiety last week. Two changes I made: I let myself rest more. My body needed it, and I slept a lot. I gave myself … Read more
As COVID-19 changes life as we know it, it can easily create a lot of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Whether the pandemic has you concerned about your health, your loved ones’ health, your finances, schools closing, cancelled trips and plans, and everything else that keeps changing several times a day… please remember that your feelings … Read more