This Mindful
Moment

There’s a kind of quiet that only comes when we finally stop trying to hold it all together. A breath we didn’t know we were holding. A pause between all the doing. That pause — that moment of awareness — is often where healing begins. We talk a lot about awareness in mental health, but it’s not just about recognizing what hurts. It’s about learning to listen to ourselves with kindness instead of criticism. To notice the parts of us that are tired, anxious , or ashamed — and

In summer, it feels natural to reach for what is light—an ice cream cone on a hot evening, crisp salads that mirror the brightness of the sun, cool drinks that match the pace of long, warm days. But as fall arrives, the body begins to whisper different needs. Just like the earth tucks seeds into soil for safekeeping, we may find ourselves craving warmth, grounding, and comfort. Soups, stews, chilis, and one-dish meals have a way of holding us the way a blanket does—wrapping u

On a walk the other day, I noticed a tree halfway between seasons. The top branches were still full of green, holding on tightly, while the lower branches had already begun to scatter golden leaves across the sidewalk. It struck me how the tree didn’t rush the process. It didn’t force every leaf to drop at once. Instead, it allowed the letting go to come in its own time—messy, uneven, but also natural and beautiful. Fall has a way of reminding us that letting go can be both u

Masculinity is not a monolith. And yet, if you flip on the TV, scroll through social media, or sit through a blockbuster movie, you might think it is. The messages we see often boil manhood down to extremes: either the emotionally distant, control-driven “alpha,” or the hyper-polished, performatively charming man whose emotions are curated more than felt. And it doesn’t stop there. Within LGBTQ+ representation, the range of masculinity is often flattened. Gay men, for example

This one’s for all the guys out there. The ones holding it together. The ones figuring it out. The ones doing their best, even when it feels like no one sees it. If you grew up being told to “man up,” to stay strong, keep quiet, push through— you’re not alone. Somewhere along the way, you may have learned that emotions are risky. That vulnerability is weakness. That softness has no place in the life of a man. But here’s the truth: You’re allowed to be more than one thing. You

There’s a voice inside that doesn’t always sound like love. It speaks in sharp edges. In numbers. In shoulds. It tries to keep things in control—but often, it just leaves us tired. You might know the one. It tells you what you’re allowed to eat . What your body should look like. How good or bad you’ve been that day. It’s the voice that shows up when you look in the mirror, Or when you put on a swimsuit, Or when you’re standing in front of the fridge at night, feeling somethin