Read Kira’s full Community Connections interview here

Read Lauren’s full Community Connections interview here

Read Allan’s full Community Connections interview here

In our society, vulnerability often carries the connotation of weakness. Even the dictionary defines vulnerability as being "susceptible to physical or emotional injury or attack." Social norms, gender expectations, and the fear of rejection all contribute to our reluctance to embrace vulnerability, both within ourselves and with others.

In recent times, the term "trauma dumping" has entered discussions about mental health and emotional support. Coined to describe instances where individuals share their traumatic experiences without considering the listener's well-being, this concept has sparked debates in therapeutic circles and online forums. While acknowledging the need for boundaries and self-care, it's crucial to avoid labeling such expressions as "dumping," which oversimplifies the complexities of trauma and human connection. 

What immediately crosses your mind at the mention of the word "stress"? Personally, the mere mention of the term makes me tense up and feel stressed. However, it's important to recognize that not all stress is alike.

If you search the internet for “beautiful” photos, literally every perfect image out there appears — images of flowers perfectly arranged, people with perfect make-up, lighting that seems too good to be true, ocean views and perfect beaches, the list goes on. But what about the kind of beautiful you have to dig for, the kind you literally need to squint to see?⁣

Sit comfortably. Lengthen spine. Inhale. Exhale. Reposition the cushion. Actually–just lie down. Longer exhale. Slower inhale. Unclench the jaw. Exhale. Pause. Sigh out the mouth. Longer sigh.

Hannukah is a time that prompts reflection. Even though we celebrated the holiday a few months ago, sometimes my mind drifts back to it. Jewish children are taught the story of Hanukkah from a young age: how the Maccabees reclaimed the 2nd Temple and burned the last jar of Holy oil, which miraculously burned for 8 days straight. For me, thinking about the history of Hanukkah is a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people, both historically and currently.

For the holidays one year I received everything I would need to stick to a healthier lifestyle: a few cookbooks, a new cutting knife, a Ninja blender and a food scale were among my generous lot. After cringing at the realization of how truly ‘adult’ my wish list was, I couldn’t’ wait to get home and start meal prepping. Visions of being in the best shape of my life danced around my head like Zumba instructors.

National Compliment Day is the perfect occasion to spread positivity, not only to those around you but also to yourself. In a world that often highlights flaws, taking a moment to acknowledge and compliment yourself is an act of self-love that can have lasting effects on your well-being. 

“So, what do you do in the winter???”
This is the most frequently asked question that I get as a sailboat charter captain in Vermont. Vermont is not the first state that you’d picture for a boat captain, but it makes me a pretty in-tune expert on living seasonally. Come October, temperatures drop, boats come out of the water, and we are forced to live for 6 months as landlubbers.

As the year draws to a close, it's natural to find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months. We celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and set new goals for the year ahead. However, this time of reflection can also have a profound impact on our mental health. In this blog, we'll explore the connection between the year ending and mental health and offer some valuable insights to help you navigate this period with mindfulness and self-compassion.

What do I think of when I hear the term self-care? I used to think it meant going on retreats, shopping, and getting massages. I viewed self-care as a reward for doing a good job-- for getting an A on one of my papers or getting a compliment from a supervisor. Then I had a change of heart. My perception, perspective and attitude towards the idea and concept of self-care completely shifted.

Earlier this year, my professional role shifted. That change along with personal shifts and challenges meant my creative fire just kinda burned out one day. *Poof!* Since then, I’ve watched days, weeks, and months pass by wishing I felt inspired to be creative.

Grief is a universal experience that transcends boundaries, cultures, and backgrounds. It's a complex and deeply personal emotion that we all must face at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a job, or even a cherished dream, grief is an emotion that unites us all. But one thing is certain – when it comes to grief, there are no winners.

The term “self-care” isn’t totally accurate here. My summer was less of a watered down version of self-care like bubble-baths and massages (although, I love both!) and more of a summer of resetting my nervous system (it just doesn’t have the same catchiness for a title).

Our thoughts and behaviors around money are deeply rooted in our upbringing. How your family spoke, or didn’t speak, about money around you, their habits on spending, if there was financial struggle or instability that you feared.

Apologizing is one of the most important life skills we can acquire and put to use. Unfortunately, learning how to properly apologize is a skill that not everyone has mastered. Oftentimes, our ego gets in the way of a meaningful apology, which leads to defensiveness, excuses, and more hurt feelings. Some people may feel that apologizing and admitting fault is a weakness. However, this could not be further from the truth.

I’ve often said that addiction is the worst disease.

As a daughter of a mother who battled substance use disorder and a father currently battling Parkinson’s Disease, I do not say that lightly