“It takes a village to raise a child” is a commonly quoted African proverb perpetuating the idea that it takes an entire community to create a safe environment. People quote it often as a call to action to be more involved with family, friends, and neighbors. Others lament their lack of village, feeling alone in ...

Spring is here in the great state of Michigan, and I could not be happier. Why? Because it is the official time to go outside and play in the dirt! Whether it’s flowers, bushes, vegetables, or all the above, grounding yourself in nature brings fantastic benefits. Here are a few reasons why gardening can change ...

CW: Therapy, depression, Do you know the point in every romantic comedy when the main character hits rock bottom? They sit in sweatpants, wallowing in their sadness, eating junk food as they cry. For the past few years, I have been a few inches from rock bottom. I started counseling last year to develop better ...

Hi Reader! Yes, I’m talking to you. I’ve racked my brain with what’s right about this week. And then I realized I could give you some of the best advice that I’ve ever received. First, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. For those who don’t know, I’ve been attending Alcoholics Anonymous for a few months. And ...

Content Warning: Depression, hopelessness This year I’ve decided to focus on getting back to some version of my most independent self. I started physical therapy again. Plus, I scheduled an appointment to get evaluated for a new electric wheelchair. The bathroom is being renovated to make it more accessible. I’m also waiting for a call ...

This past year I failed a lot. I let those failures get to me, and I lost all of my confidence. My therapist said the last week of the year should be a time for goal setting. I have set goals in the past with the frame of mind that I cannot consider them a ...

I took a big step this week for my personal growth. I looked for a counselor or therapist. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but it was for me.  I probably have needed therapy since middle school. I avoided getting it when I was older because I have never considered myself ...

***Trigger Warning. The following deals with mental illness.*** Anxiety is overwhelming. The delusional thoughts are more real than what I’m seeing. My thoughts are hijacked by this process, thinking about what might happen. It could happen, couldn’t it? I know this thought isn’t real, but it’s possible somehow. No matter what I see telling me, ...

Every year, people think about what their New Year’s resolution is going to be for the coming year. Going into 2021, rather than making the typical resolutions or goals, start small and reframe what you are asking of yourself. Reflecting on the main important areas of your life, and choosing one thing to do differently ...

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how hard you’ve worked to be exactly where you are   Sometimes it’s easy to forget the pain and mistakes that have come before   But when you do remember it can be an amazing awakening to how strong you are   It can give you a new appreciation for ...