Both sides of the political divide cast this past election as an existential moment for our democratic way of life. Each side pitching its own version of freedom and well-being. Each side casting the other as the enemy. Yet, when the sound bites fade away and the dust settles, we’re all in this together. But, […]
“This place saved my life.” A sentiment I heard from not one, but two different women while I was staying at the Desert Hot Springs oasis last month. One of whom was a Montecito resident celebrating her 50th birthday. This was her sixth visit to the spa and even after not having eaten solid food […]
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I am sitting in the shade of military-grade netting that has been – carelessly but effectively – erected to protect us from the relentless midday sun. The camouflaged men and sole woman are readying their weapons. Hip Hop blares in the background; more distraction than entertainment, but it also aids in dulling the soundtrack of […]
Your situation is mildly frustrating but not uncommon:your soul is a supernova, throwing fire and creativity and moment-by-moment enthusiasm – but your chassis is showing its wear through the twin rigors of Life and Love. The Age of Joyous Wisdom tends to have an overlap with the Age of Emollients. All you want – all […]
Sometimes, taking time away to be quiet and introspective is exactly what’s called for. This might be simply when you’ve been working hard and need a break. Or, in response to a significant event like a big birthday, a career change, or when the kids leave home. It might be precipitated by a health issue, […]
There is an old saying that is often attributed (incorrectly) to Henry Ford; “You don’t stop learning when you get old; you only get old when you stop learning.” His version was not quite as eloquent as this one, but his meaning was just as poignant. These words never felt truer than when I was […]
Over the summer, I read a review on the Mean Girls musical, and the critic was “shocked and saddened” to learn how relevant the themes remained 20 years after the release of the original film. Her words stayed with me for days, maybe even weeks, and returned full circle at the start of this school […]
Time to lace up those running shoes and follow the Oat Bakery on Instagram for the next installment of their Run Club. The club was established in honor of owner Louise’s mom Else, who was a professional athlete and marathon runner. Post-run treats by the bakery are on hand. Run #2 in Montecito took place […]
I recently had an email exchange with a man who was interested in renting our vacation home for a stay with his grown sons. His wife had died the week before and as she loved the beach, he felt it would be a wonderful way to honor her. I offered what I hoped were words […]
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The year I was a therapy intern, I remember feeling a great sense of overall well-being. I knew I was being a good mom to my young children, and a loving and present partner to my husband. I was in graduate school to expand my mind, and I was being of service to low-income seniors […]
My 16-year-old son recently came home from school, freaking out that he might get a B in an AP class. Historically, this has not been his M.O., but at the beginning of his sophomore year it started to dawn on him that it was time to get to work. He was hearing and feeling the […]
Shortly after I got married, my 64-year-old mother lost her battle with breast cancer. Seven years later my father joined her. The loss isn’t any less painful just because you are a grown-up. I was 39 and an orphan. It sounds strange to say it that way, but that was how it felt. “Untethered,” was […]
I met a woman a few weeks ago who doesn’t like to get massages. I felt like I needed an interpreter. What could she possibly mean by speaking this heresy? I have heard of people who weren’t into it, but I assumed that like “uptight yoga instructors,” and mean Trader Joe’s employees they were mythological […]
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers authoritative information about mental disorders, a range of related topics, the latest mental health research, and resources online. The history of May for mental health dates to 1949, when the United States Congress designated May as Mental Health […]
