My divorce was finalized during the week of Thanksgiving four years ago. This holiday will always be bittersweet for me. I feel gratitude and grief at the same time, one a much more welcome emotion than the other, but both very real. Instead of ignoring the sadness that comes up this time of year, I’m […]
How I’m Facing My Daughter’s Preteen Emotions
I knew the teenage years would be challenging with two girls, especially now that I’m raising them on my own. I just didn’t anticipate that the challenges would start so soon, especially the preteen emotions. Kaitlyn turned ten just a couple of months ago, and already changes are happening. I hoped I would have a […]
Don’t Let Anyone Every Dull Your Sparkle
This week I finished another round of parent-teacher conferences. One of the most challenging, yet enlightening, aspects of teaching. I love connecting with families and getting to know more about the children, and who better to learn from than the experts. But every year I have at least one family that challenges me in a […]
How the Whole30 Changed My Relationship with Food
Yesterday was my last day of the Whole30 program. No grains, sugar, legumes, dairy, or alcohol for 30 days. Yes, it was hard at times. Lots of ups and downs. But it gave me some clear boundaries around what I could and could not eat, and I needed that. I can honestly say that the […]
Finding Peace in the Midst of Money Fear
This week I found myself in a spiral of fear. Money fear. Fear that I wouldn’t have enough. A feeling that I know all to well and whose grip can have such a strong hold on my mind. The tapes of ‘not good enough’ played loud and clear and affected my attitude. Only when I […]
More Practice at Being Messy
Today I was debriefing with Corinne’s play therapist after her session. Through her play, Corinne expressed that she doesn’t know when it’s okay to be messy, or if it is even okay at all. She is trying to contain her mess and is not sure if it’s okay to let it out and be herself. I […]
How the Kindness of a Stranger Made My Day
This morning my girls and I went for a bike ride on a nearby trail in our neighborhood. I had a busy week and looked forward to some much-needed fresh air, exercise, and time to connect as a family. While the morning didn’t turn out as I had hoped, the kindness I received from a […]
Discovering Gratitude in the Face of a Challenge
Last month I went to the doctor for my annual checkup. I am grateful that I have been pretty heathly, and I didn’t worry much about this appointment. She did all the regular exams and then sent me to the lab for blood work. I thought I was good to go for another year. Until […]
Setting Children up for Back to School Success
The back to school bustle is in full swing. I’ve been buying backpacks, lunch boxes, and supplies; replacing clothes and shoes that became too small over the summer; and transitioning back to early bedtimes and alarm clocks. As a teacher, I went back to work a week before my kids start school and have been […]
Saying Goodbye and Thank You to Summer
Tomorrow is my last day of summer break. The kids have another week, but as a teacher I start back a week earlier. I will be spending long days in my classroom getting ready for students to come while my girls enjoy their last week with their cousins. So I’m saying goodbye, and thank you, […]