Dropping in with some thoughts on healing childhood, dear ones.
Look at this embrace.
Take it in.
I believe this - this, this this - is how we heal.
Ourselves..
our kids…
the world.
What do I mean by this?
It’s really quite simple - we…
1. recognize the light in another
2. honor that light
3. repeat, repeat, repeat
For the last six years since Teagan’s diagnoses (OCD, social anxiety, sensory processing disorder) we have been spending time in nature & with beautiful beings like Jenny (this mama donkey and survivor).
I see her here - when the pressures and demands of everyday go static.
We see her here.
Not the coping and masks, but the complete, already-whole child gifted to us some almost-9 years ago.
If you are wondering where you or your child is right now - find some solid ground, beloved. Soak in the fresh air. Feel the earth beneath your feet. Connect with that which makes your heart(s) sing.
On that note -
What’s making your heart sing right now?
You're worth it. You are worthy of finding your souls song.
And we love you.
J. 🌻 @thebarefootpreacher
Bliss and Jennyvieve
Jennyvieve is a survivor, by the way. And like many of us, she holds onto untold stories. Hers hold the shape of a bullet wound to the face. Yet, here she is trusting humans again.
There is so much we can learn from her, dear friends.
I love you.
Did You Know of the Week -
Did you there are 7 Positive Childhood Experiences that Shape Adult Health and Resiliency?
In 2019 researchers at Johns Hopkins University published results of the first large-scale study that sought to identify “Positive Childhood Experiences” that helped protect kids from the negative effects of traumatic experiences¹, (read the full-text journal article here). The Seven Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE’s) they identified (illustrated below) are categories of childhood/adolescent experiences that are connected to improved mental health and social connectedness in adults.
One of these: “Felt experience that family is supportive in difficult times” - has been particularly important in our home and with both of our kids.
Friend, we can gift forward that which we never knew to exist! Including positive childhood experiences. Read the full article & find some incredible graphics by Mental Health Counselor & Illustrator Lindsay Braman here.
P.S. Looking for more ways to shape resiliency in your kids? Our book came out March 1st! It's about Bliss & our personal experience of finding miracles in the everyday. Grab yours just in time for Easter and Spring!