And the Healing Power of Story As an elementary school teacher, my favorite lessons and conversations centered around kindness, love, compassion, and inclusion- topics that came up not only inside the classroom but on the school yard and beyond. I continue to teach these concepts as a volunteer for NAMI…

When I watch the senseless human suffering in Ukraine with tears in my eyes, it’s as if my dear Jewish-Ukrainian grandparents' history is being repeated. My family members were the lucky ones who were able to escape as is evidenced by me, their Jewish granddaughter and great-granddaughter whose Ukrainian blood…

Gift Ideas to Help Manage Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression Gift-giving is an art and when it’s thoughtful and meaningful, the craft is illuminated and very much appreciated. We all can agree the gift of wellness is a generous one considering health is wealth, says anyone who is not feeling mentally or physically well. I want to begin by sharing this wellness gift idea list with a note of caution.

24 Free Gifts to Give Yourself As we approach this holiday season, the best gift of all for you and for humankind is the gift of love and it begins with giving it to yourself. …

From Cradle to College to Care Packages *Update at the end written after her first year of college. It’s been said (and quoted on the internet) the two hardest days for parents are the first day home with their newborn and the first day home without their newborn adult. My…

Good mental health does not have to be expensive but ignoring it can be. — There is no denying serious mental health conditions require therapy with trained professionals and/or the right medication and need to be taken seriously. My amazing mom and countless other people I love and admire are proof of the benefits of their psychologists and psychiatrists as they continue to require support…

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mammas/Grandmas/Aunties/Surrogate Mammas/People Who Love Their Mammas! I hope you enjoy these Dear Family, Podcast interviews with a wonderfully diverse group of incredible mothers and grandmothers I so admire. It was my honor to share their stories, including my own mom, Laurie Kallen Schwent, with…

What a Group Chat Taught Me about the Importance of Friendship on Our Health and Happiness Are you ready for some really great news? Getting together with a friend is not only fun, but it’s also great for your health and happiness. We all know how important our Dear Family is but our friends might prove to be even more important, especially as we age. Research published in the journal Personal Relationships studied more than 270,000…

Only During a Worldwide Pandemic Seventeen years ago, I was 33 and the year was 2004. A highlight of my day was watching the Oprah Winfrey Show. I set it to the number one position to record on Tivo, insuring nothing superseded it so I didn’t miss one. I’d look…