…or at least trying to. As some of you know, Steve, Ashna, and I love a family project. I shared with friends how moved I was by Itaru Sasaki’s “wind phone” in Ōtsuchi, Japan, which he built as a gesture of love in response to overwhelming grief. A wind phone is a real phone not connected to a line of any sort, where anyone can “call” and speak to someone who isn’t here anymore, or to say the words that need somewhere to go. The world feels heavy lately, and it’s hard to watch so many people hurting and divided. May the phone bring comfort, connection, and peace to all who need it. I’m thinking about adding 988 stickers and wrist bands for people. I’m open to any suggestions. ❤️

For some people, the holidays feel warm and magical. For others, they can be heavy, complicated, or lonely — even when we’re surrounded by people. The truth is, this season can bring up a lot: • grief for people who aren’t here • family tension or painful memories • financial stress or pressure to “be happy” • feeling left out, disconnected, or misunderstood • longing for relationships that feel broken or distant You can love the lights and still feel heartache. You can be grateful and still feel overwhelmed. You can have people around you and still feel alone in your experience. Human emotions don’t fit into holiday greeting cards — and they don’t need to. If this season stirs up more pain than peace, please know you’re not broken. You’re human. You’re carrying history, love, loss, and hope all at once. If you want to share, how does this time of year feel for you?There’s no right or wrong answer. Just honesty. We’re here with you.

I was talking to a good friend of mine and he told me that the best way to get over my past is forgiveness. When he said that I got a knot in my pit of my stomach and the thoughts of not wanting to be here came rushing in. It is just a word that triggers a intense feeling of sadness, and I don't know why or how to move out of it. I do not want to hate or hold a grudge against anyone, but some of the wounds cut so deep forgiveness feels impossible. Even worse when it is my siblings. If they were on fire I would not piss on them to put out the flames, and I do not like that I feel that way about them. It is especially tough this time of year as in 2023 and 2024 Thanksgiving and Christmas did not happen for me. No tree, no presents, no family. This year will be different, I am spending the holidays with my girlfriend and her family, but I am really missing my daughter who has not spoken to me in over two years. I am hoping that creating new positive memories of the holidays will help me move on.

There are days when I catch myself feeling off — not overwhelmed, not in crisis, just… off. The kind of day where you’re doing your best, but your mind feels a little heavier than usual, or your heart feels a little quieter. Nothing is “wrong,” but everything feels like it takes a little more energy. Whenever I feel like that, I try something simple: I pause, take one slow breath, and ask myself, “What do I need right now?" Not what I should need. Not what others expect me to need. Just the honest truth of the moment. Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s connection. Sometimes it’s getting outside. Sometimes it’s boundaries. Sometimes it’s letting myself admit, “I’m having a human day.” I’m curious —What do your “off days” look like, and what helps you feel grounded again? If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear what supports you.Your experience might be exactly what someone else here needs to hear today.

A compassionate space for the things we often carry alone. This is where we talk about the real, human experiences that weigh on our minds and hearts — anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, overwhelm, burnout, and the quiet struggles that often go unseen. Here, you don’t have to hide what you’re going through. You don’t have to sugarcoat it. And you don’t have to pretend you’re “fine.” This space exists so you can: - Share what you’re facing - Ask questions - Receive support - Learn tools that help - Rest in the knowledge that others understand - Remember that your feelings are valid How to Use This Space • Post whenever you need to — big things, small things, or anything in between. • Comment on others’ posts if you feel led, with kindness and compassion. • Explore at your own pace. • Take breaks when you need them — you’re never behind here. • There is absolutely no judgment. A Gentle Reminder This community does not replace professional mental health care.But it does give you a place where you can be honest, find support, and learn practices that help you move through the hard moments with strength and hope. You are not a burden. You are not alone. You are part of a community that sees you, supports you, and believes in your healing. Welcome. Take a breath. You’re safe here.