in Accent on the Positive· compassion· conscious parenting· human needs

The “Difficult” Teen & What We Can Do Immediately to Improve the Outlook

“‘Cause I got issues But you got ’em too So give ’em all to me And I’ll give mine to you Bask in the glory Of all our problems ‘Cause we got the kind of love It takes to solve ’em.” –Julia Michaels, Issues Today my older daughter concludes her first full year as a teenager. As we navigated 13…
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in dealing with change· dying· emotional wellbeing· finding joy· healing· human connection· human needs· living authentically· mental health

How a Control Freak Learned to Trust in Time & Let Life Breathe

As we flew on an airplane to attend my father-in-law’s funeral three months ago, I worked on a special project. The week before, I’d sat by his bedside and recorded a collection of messages and memories he wanted me to relay at his funeral. Some of the more personal messages to his children didn’t seem fitting for public consumption, so…
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in Accent on the Positive

What One Reason Could Do

I’ve been thinking a lot about the banner that was displayed in my daughter’s middle school this spring. It said, “13 Reasons Why You Matter.” It was a positive spin on the controversial show “13 Reasons Why.” Although some students made fun of it, they all stopped, noticed, and it made them think. It’s made me think too. In fact,…
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in compassion· conscious parenting· positive parenting· self-love· special needs children

Shaming the Distracted Child Only Hurts Our World

By now you may have heard about the progress report my younger daughter came home with several years ago that said: “Distracted in large groups.” You may also know (or can relate to) the fact that this comment did not surprise me. Since she was a toddler, this child has offered astute observations of the world around her. But what…
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in conscious parenting· emotional wellbeing· living authentically

An Unforgettable Reflection: My Issues Don’t Have to be My Children’s Issues

In my early twenties, I remember being overly concerned about my then-boyfriend’s appearance and image. I would kindly (and often not so kindly) instruct him on what to wear, how to eat healthy, and how often to exercise. I pushed him toward high status jobs despite his interests and passions. I saw the defeat in his eyes when I offered…
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in What I Would Have Missed

Not Your Typical Mother’s Day Post

Last night, I thought of you The one who dreads this day, but plasters on a smile so no one feels uncomfortable. Last night, I thought of you The one who’s not with her kids today, and isn’t sure if she’ll be able to get out of bed. Last night, I thought of you The one who feels guilty for…
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