41st Edition

This past week, I got teary-eyed SEVERAL times.

I don't know about you, but these past 18 months have really brought all kinds of stuff up for me. In the past, I've never been one to be, what you would call, open, vulnerable and a feely-type of person (I generally abhor hugs for example).

However, I've found myself just tearing up and even out-right bawling several times over the past months.

You're likely thinking...WHY all the emotions and what does this have to do with this past week and even sandtray???

Wait, I'm going somewhere - maybe you can see a connection between the times that my eyes have leaked everywhere.

1. Watching a virtual book tour with two my favorite authors talking openly and honestly about the imposter syndrome and living creatively - (Neil Gaimen and Jenny Lawson in case you are curious)

2. Taking a trip with my favorite nephews and watching them as they each joined in with others doing what they love.

3. Going to a Garth Brooks concert, singing along to songs I grew up with while I got to be part of everyone else doing the same

4. Meeting my entire SSI team in wine country, planning on how we can grow and spread the love of sandtray, all while laughing, creating, and just connecting.

Any ideas what all of these have in common???

Think about it, I'll wait.

Got it??

What about now??

Nope, it's not that they were all in person or even that I knew everyone personally.

So, what do they have in common?

Here's what I've come up with so far (I'm open to it changing but I truly think these 3 reasons are for my onset of EMOTIONS).

Reason #1

I've missed people.

During the past 18 months, we've all experienced isolation, some more than others. While many of us introverts somewhat secretly cherished the time away from others, the overall effect of the pandemic has stressed all of us in all areas, but especially in the social context.

Never before had I realized how much I looked forward to and needed connection with like-minded people. With the Garth Brooks concert, we were all there singing Friends in Low Places (especially that secret 3rd verse) and getting goose bumps to If Tomorrow Never Comes TOGETHER.

So, I know if I'm feeling this way, then my clients who REALLY need people, such as our uber-social teens and as well as those clients who don't have strong connections in the best of times, are especially vulnerable and at-risk of mental health struggles.

If you find yourself nodding your head in agreement that you too miss people, I've got an answer for you at the bottom of this email.

Reason #2

Gratitude.

This past January, I turned the big 4-0. Yes, I realize it's a shock because I LOOK so much younger (took the words right out of your mouth I know).

As I get older, I'm not only learning to accept those things that I cannot change (like the effects of the pandemic) but to also to be mindful of those sweet and fleeting moments that make life amazing.

Getting older heightens the realization that time is precious and experiences are worth it.

Did I get teary-eyed when I got my new car? Nope.

What about when I finally found a pair of jeans that fit my body? Not even close.

But what DID and DOES make me so emotional is the fact that I'm beyond blessed to have EXPEREINCES with those who make this journey of life worth it all.

Joining my nephew Nathan as we chant and do the wave during a major league baseball game - filled with gratitude.

Connecting with people who believe in my mission as much as I do - brimming with gratitude.

Watching in amazement those people I admire share their fears and vulnerability - no words but wow and thank you that I GET to be in the virtual presence of giants.

Want reasons to remember why you love sandtray and experience gratitude for getting to help others heal?

Yep, you guessed it. I've got an answer for you at the bottom of his email.

Reason #3

My connection-shaped hole in my soul got needs filling (as does yours).

We are not meant to live in isolation. Our mental and physical health suffers when we "invent away" our biological need for community.

Don't believe me? Check out this "Rat Park" study that has huge implications for addiction and mental health in general.

Rat Park study resources

This past week, I got to be in the presence of other business owners and marketers who are working to make the lives better for their families as well as improve the world in whatever way they are called.

The struggles of this past year and a half combined with just the regular difficulties of being a therapist AND a business owner have put me at the breaking point several times. And, if I'm being real, I BET I'm not alone (you reading this have felt that "I just can't do this anymore" feeling)

The antidote to this?

Connection with like-minded people who see YOU and get YOU.

All day Thursday, Kim, Tracy, Nicole, and I brainstormed, planned, and had the hard conversations about what wasn't working and what we could do to help you BETTER. Some of it meant me getting real with myself, but the payoff was oh so worth it.

We have so many amazing new offers and opportunities coming down the pike for you that I just have to sit on my hands to not tell you all NOW.

Real connection with real people. That's the fuel that keeps us going when we feel like we just can't deal with one more thing.

You aren't alone and you aren't crazy. This is just hard.

Craving connection with those who truly GET IT - the struggles of being a therapist in these trying times and what it feels like to carry the emotional load of being a parent + therapist + and person?

If you're like YES, then I've got something for you at the bottom of this email.

But wait, I don't want to leave you without some cool PICTURES of some of the events that made me a blubbering mess these past few months...