Lofty goals for a new year! In this non-comprehensive series I'll be taking us through decolonizing perspectives on both traditional mental 'disorder' diagnosis, as well as symptoms associated with mental illness and well-being. I'll also address the dangers of pop psychology. Together we'll question: How do we define mental illness vs mental health? What is…Read more Mental Health A-Z
Shrink Rap
“Anybody who can move, can dance.” -Norma Canner
“It’s the mind that makes the body.”-Sojourner Truth
e’s
Last year I decided to choose a single word intention instead of a resolution; Elevate. In spite of 2020 being kind of a nightmare, I found ways to raise my previously very low bar, set and achieve realistic goals and take the high road whenever possible. For the most part, it worked! The only minor…Read more e’s
Love Lessons
Admittedly, we'd had better hikes. Mom sat by me in the snow and dad stood next to us as we watched a flock of birds fly in descending waves across the sky. I couldn't tell them that, like the approaching solstice, my light was fading. All their extra love and care the last few days…Read more Love Lessons
Hunger
How do we gain weight when society demands we stay hungry? As a trained clinical professional, I know the eating disorder I've battled for over twenty years has been both my armor and enemy, the root of which is society's fear-fueled pecking order. I never wanted to stay hungry but was forced to starve myself…Read more Hunger
For Give Us Our Freedom
My devotion this morning was Forgive. In order to forgive myself or others, I don't need to justify or approve behavior that's unwelcome. That's true, but I find it easier to forgive when I understand why we're doing things that are reckless, ridiculous or generally upsetting. Yesterday there was a protest downtown held by a…Read more For Give Us Our Freedom
Tri Harder
Like all nightmares, it began with a broken hearted man and a woman to blame it on. He'd been left to fend for himself by his child's mother. I suppose it's presumable he'd been left to fend for himself long before being abandoned as an adult, saddled with responsibilities no one would be prepared to…Read more Tri Harder
Peace Be with You
In studying the art and lives of artists, I continue to learn about the nature of humanity. We can create the kind of beauty that makes all the cells in our bodies dance with inspired electricity. And sometimes, we can be absolute atrocities, full of rage, hopelessness, righteous indignation, violence, passivity, cruelty. Love is our…Read more Peace Be with You
Salt
I want to spit the Unforgiving truth across your unsaved face Slap your mouth with my sharpened tongue Fatten and split your lip In front of the empty fridge Where you picked apart my imperfections Just before the exam When I'd barely yet begun to be You hated hated hated me Hungry for the elucide…Read more Salt
Nourished
Unplanned adventure. My therapist has been challenging me to expand my definition of what it means to nourish myself at the intersection of ed recovery, pursuing my publishing dreams and living during a pandemic. We aim high. She’s amazing. A huge part of how I got out from where I started was mastering the art…Read more Nourished
Feeling Right
Many of us are asking ourselves if it's ok to feel a sense of vindication, even celebration, that certain people got some bad news this week. As a licensed clinician and survivor of complex trauma, I thought I'd share some insights about what's happening. When someone's behaved in ways that recklessly demolished the hopes, dreams,…Read more Feeling Right
