A Midlife, Menopausal Mom Seeks Medicine in Magic Mushrooms
There was a moment at the airport as I waited for my flight to Jamaica that I wondered — have I lost my freaking mind?
I was riding solo this trip, reeling from an unholy midlife trinity: menopause, empty nest, and…
“Our brains are wired for connection, but trauma rewires them for protection. That’s why healthy relationships are difficult for wounded people.” (Ryan North, wordables)
Whether in my work (teaching screenwriting) or personal life, I find myself talking a lot about trauma and childhood wounds.
Most scripted, fictional characters aren't just…
The reason I SURVIVED a debilitating chronic illness? PERSISTENCE. Giving up during the battle was never an option.
The reason I THRIVED despite chronic illness? Ironically, I learned to throw my hands up in SURRENDER.
I had to let go of the life I once had so I could grow…
Two years ago, I was at the lowest of lows, otherwise known as ‘rock bottom.’ I had fought through six years of debilitating chronic illness only to have my heart ripped open when my long-term marriage suddenly dissolved before my eyes.
I found myself single for the first time in…
This past fall, I remained single and spent most of my free time doing what I love best — taking long walks in the woods and at the beach.
It was often just my puppy and me getting our 10,000 steps while enjoying the explosion of autumnal oranges and yellows…
We live in a culture that demands a lot of us, especially women when it comes to the holidays. For decades I tried desperately to live up to those demands. …
I love gardens full of flowers, fruits, or vegetables. But like most people, I can sometimes miss the beauty of my garden if I only focus on the pesky weeds that seem to torture me with their mere presence.
Weeds, I discovered, aren’t just invaders in my garden. Sometimes weeds…
Halloween used to be my favorite holiday. It wasn’t just about getting candy. I liked being someone else, if only for a day.
When my kids were young, they picked out over-priced princess or power-ranger costumes at pop-up Halloween shops. But in our family, we pieced together our own costumes.
…
I always thought by modeling emotional caretaking and nurturing for my husband, eventually, he would return the favor.
We were together for 32 years. But I could not undo his programming from early childhood. I believe he tried to be a good husband and father (and often he succeeded), but…
When I look at the photo above, I don’t see a woman — I see a girl. She’s only 26, four years out of college, having worked only one real job in her life, and marrying the only boy she’s ever dated.
Even though it’s been ten years since her…
