Now, developmentally kids can be mean as they learn boundaries, press against authority, and work to establish emotional regulation skills. But she mentioned that it feels kids are more reactive and therefore less curious, compassionate, and calm.

So for today, I’m sharing with you my 2022 resolutions. Moreso intentions…purposeful and with a good old determination mixed with lots and lots of grace. I hope that they give you some validation and inspiration and that sharing my intentions for 2022 with you will help keep me accountable!

One, I’ve committed to moving my body every day. Exercise is a happy drug for me, and science repeatedly supports this argument.

Not enough, not enough, not enough.

Make others happy, do what’s best, here to please, take care of.

Do more, work harder, prove, never fail, don’t let it show.

What is coming out?

When you don’t fit the heterosexual and gender binary norms, coming out becomes a process that you do over and over again.

Too often people do not use the tool of therapy or ask for help because they think their problems are not big enough.

I can’t even tell you how many times during the past year I have uttered the statement, “I’m pretty sure going outside has been the only thing that’s kept me sane,” and I mean that with every fiber of my being.

What a different world!

I also think we’ve all learned a lot. Here are the top things I have learned that I hope either resonate with you or can help you, too.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression and symptoms of poor gut-health often co-exist.

The stigma attached to mental illness and mental health issues can be just as, if not more damaging than its reality.

When I think about wellness vs. therapy, I often start with this example in mind: When I wake up from a nightmare that had me sweating, shaking and feeling like, “That was all too real” feeling, doing a body scan meditation would not help me at the core of this situation.

A few weeks ago, a close friend of mine and I had a deep discussion about Black Lives Matter. You see, my friend is a social worker whose life’s work is to end violence and I needed her help.

In thinking about this question, I think about the ways the pandemic has been for us. It’s forced us to slow down and be more present and has taken away some of our usual distractions (other than the constant presence of kids in our homes!).

I don’t know about you, but my sleep has been crap lately. I’m not surprised that during a pandemic I’m having a tough time sleeping but I am very annoyed (...probably due to the lack of sleep).

I miss the studio - the soft lighting, the cushions and blankets, the atmosphere that gives you a warm, gentle hug. At the same time, I think we are making the virtual experience great in and of itself - no need to leave your home, bring a soothing hot beverage to sip on, feel comfortable on your couch.

By embracing equipoise- the balance of opposing truths- the near-enlightenment-level characteristic that Gen Z has seemed to grasp so easily.

Many of us have not lived through anything like what we are experiencing with the COVID-19 virus today. This is new territory and that, in and of itself, is unsettling.

Staying at home might be necessary, but it does not have to be boring or isolating! You’ve heard of virtual happy hour and virtual paint nights. Here are some fresh ideas for all ages that can bring fun and connection into social distancing and staying at home.

You are probably familiar with how technology is hurting our physical and mental health but the topic around how technology can support our well-being is less talked about.

To have meaningful relationships, we need to have meaningful conversations. So pick a few questions you like to ask after school, at dinner, or while hanging out and kickstart meaningful conversation and grow deeper connections.