Navigating the realm of the unknown can be an overwhelming experience, a surge of fear and uncertainty that can knock us off our center, leaving an indelible imprint on our very bones. The gripping fear, the kind that makes everything seem unsafe, often encapsulates us in solitude, with nowhere seemingly available to turn for support.

Reflecting on childhood, I recall being afraid of what might lurk beneath the bed or hide within the closet during those dark, lonely nights. These childhood fears have a knack for lingering in the shadows of our lives, persisting until we are fortunate enough to encounter understanding souls who connect with us, allowing us to feel truly felt in our bones.

Regardless of the nature of our fears, be it relentless thoughts keeping us awake at night or deeply embedded patterns causing persistent pain, finding solace becomes pivotal. Recently, I found myself grappling with worries and unsettling dreams, and amid this nocturnal turmoil, a moment of...

What’s it like for you when you feel disappointment? What have you noticed it’s like for your child? In my experience, disappointment can feel crushing to them. Especially when it’s around something they’ve been looking forward to for awhile.

I remember homeschooling my youngest son when we’d arranged a time for him to hang out with his friends. He didn’t get to do this as often as my older children had, because they had attended public schools. When the arrangements fell through he felt crushed. 

He ran to his room and lay crying on his bed "But we planned it in advance! It's not fair!”

At the time I paused a moment to acknowledge my own visceral response, I noticed my heart was racing and my breathing was shallow. I placed my hand on my heart, and closed my eyes to focus inward, I focused on my breath and tracked my body sensations. My gut and shoulders had clenched tight, and the flavor of emotion was near panic and despair. 

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