I have experienced firsthand the consequences of adversity, social and familial pressures, loss, and overwhelm. I grew up in a big, loving family who faced serious health and mental health challenges. I often did not have the support or skills I needed to cope with stress. Like all of us, I did my best to survive and find a sense of belonging, by trying to fill certain roles, take care of people, achieve “success”, and be “good” by meeting others’ expectations – which often meant ignoring difficult emotions. As a mother and psychologist, these strategies were further pushed to their limits. This led to anxiety, trying to control things, questioning my worth if I wasn’t achieving or giving more, and feeling burnt out, like I’d lost touch with important parts of myself. 

With therapy, support, and lots of self-compassion, I learned how to find a healthier balance that allowed me to meet my own needs and care for others in a more sustainable way. To feel safe and remember my inherent worth. I shifted from focusing solely on achieving goals, to living more in line with my values. From a fixed to a growth mindset. I have found ways to heal from the past, live in the present moment, and find soothing in a chaotic world. 

Rest, reading, movement, music, creativity, nature, animals, adventure, mindfulness, time with others, time to be alone…there are endless ways we can calm our nervous systems, reconnect with our senses, and feel more alive.