Oh, 2025

Oh, 2025. Truly. What else is there to say. 
But here I am, trying to share a bit about what is helping me. It's hard these days. And I just want to normalize that. The difficulty of parenting today amidst all of the world events comes up frequently in my work with clients and personal life and there aren't simple, one size fits all, answers. Below are some of my current supports.

I hope you have some solid supports for yourself and that maybe some of mine can spur you on in your path of cultivating hope.

Being flexible with and going inside for my expectations 
For example, I love to get out two mornings a week to write, it is life giving, energizing and a creative outlet. However, I recently noticed it seemed like one of my kids was having an extra hard time so I decided to use the time for a one on one date instead. I also got to make time for a little bit of writing because our kids happened to sleep in past 6am. It reminded me that choices do not have to be all or nothing; there can be flexibility and it does not always have to be one or the other. And also, when it has to be one or the other, I can spend a moment with my intuition to decide.

Another area is letting things go around the house; the biggest one that comes to mind for me is keeping my gas stove clean. I like cooking and often are cooking staples in the kitchen so my stove becomes a hot mess. And cleaning mine requires moving the grates, burner plates then scrubbing those and the surface. It is a task I’d love to be done and enjoy a clean stove top, but it’s just one I let go more of the time now and do it every week or so. What could be one for you around the house you could release completely or the frequency for now? 

Swimming & dancing 
Lately, I swim two mornings a week for 30 minutes and the pool has been a soft landing place for me. It has met me in different, difficult times and carried me through anger and sadness. I find joy in feeling the water on my body, connecting with the image of a mermaid and I've found it to be a gentle, energizing way to move my body. Walking and dancing are two other ways I like to move my body, I never really want to and am always glad after I do.

I’ve started dancing for 30 minutes with a fun playlist and this has been energizing and life giving. I enjoy that I get to listen to some of my favorite songs and I have more energy afterwards than before I began. I loved dancing as a kid and it helps me tap into that inner child fun. (Think Jason Mraz - “I feel like dancing” & Whitney Houston - “Higher Love”) 

Boundaries with media 
I check in with myself daily to see if I have the capacity to listen to my news podcast and give myself permission to skip if I don't. The other day my spouse was telling me about hard news an acquaintance of ours had received and I remember sensing in my body, "I don't have any more space for bad news." I know I can't live that way though, so it's on me to find ways to process it and set boundaries. 

Friendship 
Growing up, my caregivers never had guests over, so home felt quite private and isolated. I've wanted to expose our kids to different relationships and host with them. I've been making social plans consistently with friends; whether having people over to be with our family or me going out with a friend. I've been calling a long term friend weekly to chat. Texting, sending surprise gifts. I've found joy in thinking through thoughtful birthday gifts for my loved ones also. 

Creativity & Volunteering
I’ve tried to remain consistent in creative outlets; typically through writing, whether for a blog, newsletter or teaching event. It feels good to continue in this meaningful work, stretch those skills and tap into that part of my brain. I volunteer through teaching one of my daughter’s classes and leading book studies in the community and love to connect with people in this way while engaging some of my strengths. 

What are your supports? 
I hope you have a handful of supports as well. There's more I can think of for me; I scheduled with my therapist, have enjoyed planning and cooking meals for loved ones, doing professional work that I believe in and is meaningful and life giving to me. For you it may be art, activism, running, your mom, your dog, the sunset, Love is Blind, ChatGPT. Hope you are finding life, energy and hope somewhere; it does exist. 

Ps. The Jason Mraz album, “Look for the good,” also helps me along the way.