Growing up I never understood why I felt different. Now, as a teacher at a high school, I see students like me every day. While in high school, I was a three sport athlete, involved in multiple clubs, and even made prom court. I had a large group of close knit friends that I had […]
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Nine years ago, my son T.J.’s death shattered my soul. Reflecting on the days and weeks following his death I remember a push and pull deep inside moving me forward on a wave of love and kindness.
15 years ago, my family lost a close friend. Erika Neuckranz lost her life to adolescent depression at just 14 years old. Erika was like a 3rd sister to me, similar in age to my two older sisters. She was our next door neighbor in Chicago, and one of the brightest spirits I can remember. […]
A surfer doesn’t fight the powerful ocean wave; he moves with the wave riding its natural tide. “Riding the wave” is also a psychological practice of surfing your own powerful and negative emotions. Fighting emotions such as sadness and anger delays the acceptance of these emotions. Riding the wave is about allowing your emotions to […]