Letting Go: What Does It Mean to Let Go and How Do We Begin?
Confession: I am a yogi who sometimes really doesn’t like being told to “just let it go.” The practice of non-attachment goes right out the window when I have something on my mind. After I take a few steps back from the situation that is causing me to death grip my feelings, I am usually able to begin letting go. But in that moment - when I am venting and brainstorming all the ways I am going to change the frustrating situation and my zen husband is passing along words of wisdom - there is nothing I want to hear less than those words: let go. How does one even ‘just let go’? I have heard myself say. What does that even really mean?
The practice of ‘letting go’ is exactly that. It’s a practice.
Why you should speak about suicide, even when it feels uncomfortable (and how to start the conversation when you don't know where to begin).
The statistics about suicide are very shocking, and very real. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 15-29, surpassed only by automobile accidents. 121 Americans die by suicide each day. 121 a day. And 93 of those people are men. Women are not without risk of suicide, though. Research tells us that the suicide rate for girls doubled between 2007 and 2015. The rate of suicide is four times greater for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, and two times greater for questioning youth compared to straight youth. 20 veterans commit suicide each day.
5 Tips for Helping Your Child (Of Any Age) Prepare for Back to School
The time of year is here! School supplies are in full demand and there are already pumpkin products on the shelves. Back to school is almost upon us. If you start school on September 4th, you have just a few days left of summer! This time of year can be hectic for parents: the preparation, the plans, the panic. Back to school transitions can be tough, so use these 5 tips to help you prepare for a smooth transition for you and your child.
1. Ask your student how they are feeling about back to school, and really listen to what they have to say.
5 Tips for Effective, Connection Building Play With Your Child
As a counselor, I often talk with parents about the importance of play with their child. The (easier said than done) task of playing with a child, and truly playing with them on their level, how they want, can increase the bond between parent and child in ways that conversation simply cannot. Play is a child's natural medium for connection and communication, and I often recommend that play is increased at home. Parents are very open but often confused: "She does play," they respond or "How do I play with him?" They ask. Below are five simple but effective tips for play with your child…