A Tree Doesn’t Apologize for Being a Tree Have you ever noticed how a tree doesn’t try to be anything other than a tree? It doesn’t rush to grow. It bends with the wind. It rests in winter and blooms in spring. And somehow, it always knows just what to do next. In other words…
Rewriting the Narrative: How an “Effective List” Can Help You Hold On in Hard Times There are moments in life when everything feels heavy. Days when the negatives are so loud, it’s hard to remember that good things have ever existed. During these times, your mind can become a filter that only lets in the…
Boundaries Aren’t Selfish: The Oxygen Mask Rule for Wellness I want to talk to you about something very near and dear to my heart personally and professionally—the difference between setting a boundary and being selfish. Because it is very imporant to know that boundaries aren’t selfish! As a therapist, I work with a lot of…
The Quiet Cost of Making Yourself Smaller Why Women and Minorities Often Shrink Themselves in a World That Expects It I was in the very crowded Seattle airport recently when it hit me again. Dragging my bag through the terminal, I found myself twisting sideways, shrinking my shoulders, sidestepping people as if I were a…
How Hard Times Become Your Superpower Why resilience grows through struggle — and how you’re stronger than you think. I want to talk to you today about something we all go through: hard times. Maybe you’re in one right now. Maybe you’re just coming out of one. Or maybe you’re carrying the weight of something…
Let’s talk about something I see all the time—both in therapy and in everyday life. It’s the pressure to prove yourself. I often refer to it as internal vs external validation. Have you ever finished something you were proud of, only to second-guess it because no one else noticed? Or maybe you did something brave—like…
When the Sky Turns Dark: Facing Storm Anxiety with Resilience and Calm Springtime in Oklahoma is beautiful—but let’s be honest, it can also be scary. Have you ever wondered if you may have storm anxiety? If you’ve lived here long, you know what I mean. The sky changes color, the clouds look spooky, and your…
Finding Freedom: Healing Religious Trauma While Living in the Bible Belt For many people here in the Bible Belt, religious culture is not just a part of life—it is life. Churches often sit on every corner, and faith-based language is woven into daily conversations, school systems, politics, and social expectations. For some, this environment offers…
Financial Self-Care: Healing Your Relationship with Money When you think about self-care, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s rest, healthy meals, or spending time with people who make you feel good. But what about financial self-care? For many, money is not just a practical concern—it’s emotional. It can bring up fear, shame, and even avoidance….
5 Steps to Spring Clean the Mental Clutter Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to refresh, reset, and renew. We pull out cleaning supplies, clear out closets, and open windows to let fresh air in. But what about our mental clutter? Mental clutter—negative thoughts, self-doubt, and emotional baggage—can be just as overwhelming…