Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault and suicidal ideation *** I was born needing to be fixed. They didn’t have the fancy ultrasounds forty-some years ago, so I came out bloody and ready to breathe life into the world—except I could barely breathe. I was born disfigured; my lip was attached to the bottom of […]
She
by on October 28, 2019 Leave a Comment
She holds me The spirit of me The mind of me The heart of me The guts of me She Capable Phenomenal Regenerative Magical She I count on Her Expectantly For healing For beauty Consistency To stand To dance To walk To run Yet unbeknownst My body, She She also Believes in me Trustingly […]
Sisters in Mental Illness: Healing Trauma Through Self Love
by on October 21, 2019 Leave a Comment
“Radical self love and radical self compassion is really one of the key ways to heal yourself from trauma. You have to release yourself. You have to choose yourself.” —Grace Sandra. This month, Shaley sits down with award-winning blogger and author Grace Sandra. Grace has experienced postpartum depression, divorce and remarriage, childhood abuse, rape, miscarriages, […]
As One Holds the World
by on June 27, 2019 Leave a Comment
You are all eagerness and joy when you grab me by the hand and pull me onto the front porch The sun has just passed the barn and now spills around its edges, gilding the tips of the mimosa and bathing us in buttery light Our shadows are long Our faces alive We sit side […]
Sisters in Mental Illness: Shaley Hoogendoorn Talks to Jessica Birak of Mint & Birch
by on June 26, 2019 Leave a Comment
[ Trigger Warning: Mention of abuse, as well as an eating disorder.] This month, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to Jessica Birak, founder of the jewelry company Mint & Birch, who is also a vulnerable and honest advocate for mental health. They talk about topics related to anxiety, depression, postpartum, hypochondria, eating disorders and healing from childhood […]
