Do you feel blue as winter approaches? Do you struggle with wintertime sluggishness and feelings of depression? Does the change of seasons have a noticeably depressive effect on you or a loved one? If so, seasonal effective disorder—often termed SAD—might be the culprit. As with any mental health issue, exploring and understanding the root causes …
Understanding and Healing from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Read More »
Every family is unique in their own special way—this includes holiday traditions. Some of us celebrate with our extended family, or maybe just our immediate family; still others have a small group of chosen friends who have become family. We celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and, yes, some of us even celebrate Festivus. However …
I thought I’d done so well that first Christmas in 2012, after my first husband died. I’d managed to decorate the house, bake cut-out cookies, fill stockings, and purchase and wrap gifts for my eight children and three grandchildren. I survived the first Christmas Eve celebration and the ritual opening of presents on Christmas morning …
It was a dark and stormy night . . . a perfect night for baking cookies! All of those words are not actually mine, but they unquestionably embody my sentiments: There are no miserable situations that cannot be made at least a little better by an adventurous stretch in the kitchen. Be it skinned knees, bruised feelings, or …
A Tribute to My Therapy: The Humble Cookie (and, Of Course, Cookie Baking) Read More »
In a society where multi-billion-dollar companies profit from our insecurities, we must actively work towards creating body-positive spaces to combat negative body image. On a good day, it’s important to practice habits that promote positive body image amongst your family, but during the holidays, it is critical. It is a time when marketers strategically plan …
When I was asked to write an article on “caring for ourselves while caring for others,” I thought about you, the reader, and what your life might be like, and what you might be needing to hear. I imagined myself back when I was in the thick of the early years of mothering and wondered what I would say …
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others—Then and Now. Read More »
After a hot and hectic summer, it’s time for students to head back to school. If thoughts of the previous school year have you breaking out in a sweat, you’re not alone. Parents and students all over the country are dealing with the challenge of returning to school amid inconsistent masking requirements, blended learning, and …
6 Simple Back-to-School Tips to Protect Your Mental Health Read More »
Some parenting experts say that connecting with a teen is like trying to hug a porcupine. In other words, it’s just not easy. One-word answers, eye rolls, and shrugs might be some of the replies you are used to receiving from your teen on any given day. But if we encourage and receive active engagement …
Author, Tim j. Myers shares what inspired him to write Full of Empty. Read along to learn what inspired Tim (and his wife and co-author Priscilla) to write this story about a little girl who is in need of cheering up. Story about the story One of the reasons I love being a writer is …
Author, Dr. Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D., shares what inspired her to write Date Smart. Read along to learn how Dr. Carla created this guide to modern dating and building strong relationships. Dating pain points We all want a “happily ever after.” Regardless of gender, race, or age, finding that perfect soulmate—the ideal life-long companion—is often …
