On Wednesday, I attended an Ash Wednesday service at our church. After the service, I attempted to lead fifteen or so 6th grade students through the symbols, meanings, and subsequent actions. It went as well as you can imagine. If it had been more successful, they would have learned about the concept of mourning, the […]
Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. -Brene Brown I love these words by Brene Brown. I’m convinced true vulnerability is the path to wellness, wholeness, and peace. It requires great courage and confidence in your identity and purpose. After serving […]
At Valentine’s Day, each year children design drop boxes in order to have their class mates give them a valentine themed in their favorite cartoon, sport, movie, or other popular trend that year. We send relatives, close friends, and other loved ones texts, phone calls, messages, emails, or cards letting them know we love them. […]
“The subtle aggression of self-improvement” this was something my mentor used to say that always stuck with me. I often encounter clients with a giant self-care to-do list and numerous wellbeing service appointments – often accompanied by a lot of exhaustion, dread, and fear. Fear and dread of the burden of keeping up with it […]
On Sunday, the world tragically lost an icon in Kobe Bryant. Kobe wasn’t just a sports icon but a global icon, The Black Mamba. The world responded in palpable grief. The indestructible icon, dare I say immortal, dead at the age of 41. I have to confess. I am a long time Boston Celtics fan, […]
I was recently sent a meme by a friend that said, “I’m giving up drinking for a month. Sorry bad punctuation. I’m giving up. Drinking for a month.” Ah the difference punctuation makes. It is meant to be funny. However, in terms of mental health, it couldn’t be more serious. Details impact your mental and […]
We live in a part of the world where the topic of sex is… a bit taboo. Yet we know how much it impacts our relationships, our health, and our happiness. So we have to talk about it folks. Gratefully, we are still safe: as it turns out, we don’t have to talk about the […]
I’ve been in the Christian church all my life, including serving several different churches in pastoral or clergy roles for some 25 years. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside countless parishioners who experienced religious trauma in various forms. To be honest, I experienced it myself. Religious trauma occurs more subtly that we realize, yet results […]
Would you like to have a more healthy approach to the holiday season this year? Try these things: End a quarrel with a friend or relative. Seek out a forgotten friend or relative. Strive for perfection. Be happy with excellence. Explore the idealism you place on yourself and others. Dismiss suspicion and replace it […]
The holidays can bring out the best in you. Sometimes, they can bring out your worst. Take the opportunity this year to better communicate with friends and loved ones. One of the greatest gifts you can give others is the ability to care for yourself and self-soothe when your emotions are triggered by the holidays […]