I haven’t been able to keep up my presence here like I did before becoming a parent (so it tracks that my May post is going out in June). In fact, most everything about my life has changed since bringing my daughter into the world. My whole world turned upside down almost 2 years ago while the world itself was on fire in both literal and figurative ways. Motherhood has offered the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and through it all I have also continued my work as a therapist. I can say with the utmost of confidence that we are all struggling in some way. If you don’t feel sad, anxious, or worried for the future you are likely not paying attention (but let’s face it numbing out can be an approach that protects us from difficult feelings as well) Fortunately life also shows us the other side of the emotional coin even in small ways and offers joy, connection and gratitude.

It’s been an interesting experience to navigate my own mental wellness while supporting not only my clients but also my daughter to find tools to regulate her emerging big emotions. We often take shared breaths and it warms my heart to hear her practice OMs with her hands in anjali mudra (hands together at the chest). The little girl inside me is finding healing through all of this as well. Offering my own child unconditional love and space to be who she is gives me permission to do the same. And then hopefully I can extend this to my clients. In honor of May being mental health month, please know struggling right now is the rule not the exception and it’s ok to not be ok. Find small moments of joy, offer yourself and others compassion and don’t forget to breathe!