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ISSUE #3: March 2024 through July 2024
Spring Forward! Practices to give you a fresh start
By Ebony Langston
There is something about spring that really starts to bring the best out of me and probably many others. New garden seeds are planted, flowers begin to bloom, and the sun is out for longer hours. This is a gift for those of us that live on East Coast! Some would say that Spring is the true start of the new year. According to an article titled New Year’s in Spring .What’s the Real New Year? By Dr. Tara Salay, springtime symbolizes the start of new beginnings. “ The earth is waking from her slumber and life is starting to bloom around us once again, and we need to remember that we too are part of nature”. So those of you who feel that you haven’t quite lived up to your “ new years resolutions”, don’t fret, because nature has provided an another opportunity for a fresh start.
As the weather gets warmer and daylight hours extend. There are some ways to take full advantage this spring.
Move your body
As someone who has an autoimmune disorder and anxiety, I can admit that I don’t always want to work out, but my body and mind sure does feel better when I do it. Research continues to show a strong correlation between exercise and improved mental/physical health. Anything from a brisk 30 minute daily walk or a strength workout 3-4 days a week can improve overall mood and functioning. I encourage everyone no matter your fitness level or physical limitations to incorporate some daily movement into your life (providing that your primary care physician gives the green light).
Spring Cleaning
Whether it’s your office, home, and/or car. A clean and organized environment can improve your mood, especially when you must spend significant amounts of time in a space. Have you ever found that when your house or office is disorganized, you have increased anxiety or agitation? Especially, when you can’t find the things, you need. It’s not a great feeling, and often a quick tidy up session can do the trick in improving your head space. I understand that we are all busy, so moving couches to sweep behind and rearranging cabinets may not be in the cards. I recommend setting a timer for 30 minutes and cleaning up as much as you can in that period. You’d be surprised by how much you accomplish and how much better you feel!
Reach out to a friend
The Winter blues can make many people hesitant to go out and mingle with others, but as the weather warms, it may be the perfect time to reconnect with good friends you haven’t seen in a while. Plan to have lunch outdoors or attend an outdoor event. There are plenty of free activities that can be found through local listings or online. Try to set up an outing an advance therefore you have something to look forward to.
Start/finish a project
That unpainted shed isn’t going to paint itself! Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to get back to any household projects you have been thinking about completing. To make the task more enjoyable, try “setting the mood”. Bring some music outside, ask some friends to come over an assist, or put on a good podcast. For some people it can be hard to complete a task with lack of stimulation, but these tricks along with a good dose of vitamin D from the sun, may help make project completion more tolerable.
Reach out for help if needed
Spring is indeed a transitional time, and with any transition, there can be challenges. Maybe you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter, and now you may be figuring out how to transition out of it. This is also the time where parents may be struggling to figure out summer plans for their children or children who will be graduating and heading into the next phase of their life. Change can be difficult, and there are therapists out there who specialize in working with clients who going through various stages in their life.
By Ebony Langston
There is something about spring that really starts to bring the best out of me and probably many others. New garden seeds are planted, flowers begin to bloom, and the sun is out for longer hours. This is a gift for those of us that live on East Coast! Some would say that Spring is the true start of the new year. According to an article titled New Year’s in Spring .What’s the Real New Year? By Dr. Tara Salay, springtime symbolizes the start of new beginnings. “ The earth is waking from her slumber and life is starting to bloom around us once again, and we need to remember that we too are part of nature”. So those of you who feel that you haven’t quite lived up to your “ new years resolutions”, don’t fret, because nature has provided an another opportunity for a fresh start.
As the weather gets warmer and daylight hours extend. There are some ways to take full advantage this spring.
Move your body
As someone who has an autoimmune disorder and anxiety, I can admit that I don’t always want to work out, but my body and mind sure does feel better when I do it. Research continues to show a strong correlation between exercise and improved mental/physical health. Anything from a brisk 30 minute daily walk or a strength workout 3-4 days a week can improve overall mood and functioning. I encourage everyone no matter your fitness level or physical limitations to incorporate some daily movement into your life (providing that your primary care physician gives the green light).
Spring Cleaning
Whether it’s your office, home, and/or car. A clean and organized environment can improve your mood, especially when you must spend significant amounts of time in a space. Have you ever found that when your house or office is disorganized, you have increased anxiety or agitation? Especially, when you can’t find the things, you need. It’s not a great feeling, and often a quick tidy up session can do the trick in improving your head space. I understand that we are all busy, so moving couches to sweep behind and rearranging cabinets may not be in the cards. I recommend setting a timer for 30 minutes and cleaning up as much as you can in that period. You’d be surprised by how much you accomplish and how much better you feel!
Reach out to a friend
The Winter blues can make many people hesitant to go out and mingle with others, but as the weather warms, it may be the perfect time to reconnect with good friends you haven’t seen in a while. Plan to have lunch outdoors or attend an outdoor event. There are plenty of free activities that can be found through local listings or online. Try to set up an outing an advance therefore you have something to look forward to.
Start/finish a project
That unpainted shed isn’t going to paint itself! Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to get back to any household projects you have been thinking about completing. To make the task more enjoyable, try “setting the mood”. Bring some music outside, ask some friends to come over an assist, or put on a good podcast. For some people it can be hard to complete a task with lack of stimulation, but these tricks along with a good dose of vitamin D from the sun, may help make project completion more tolerable.
Reach out for help if needed
Spring is indeed a transitional time, and with any transition, there can be challenges. Maybe you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter, and now you may be figuring out how to transition out of it. This is also the time where parents may be struggling to figure out summer plans for their children or children who will be graduating and heading into the next phase of their life. Change can be difficult, and there are therapists out there who specialize in working with clients who going through various stages in their life.
ISSUE #2: January 2024 through February 2024
Supporting Our Special Needs Kids
By Ona Krebs I am a special needs mom of boy/girl fraternal twins. When my doctor announced I would be a mom of twins, I felt like I was embarking on a very exciting journey, like winning a trip to Hawaii. Then, a couple of years later my route changed to Alaska, with many bumps in the road. Although my twins were six weeks premature, they met their milestones. They crawled, sat up, stood, and took their first steps, all within normal range. However, they were grossly delayed with speech. The twins picked up their own Idioglossia Language. As a Special Education Reading Literacy Teacher, I felt there was more going on with them. I spoke with my pediatrician. At 2 ½ years, they were not speaking and we had an issue. After our discussion, the pediatrician gave me the phone number for a neurologist, who was at the time the Chief of Staff of Pediatric Neurology. She diagnosed my children with autism and saw signs of very high hyperactivity. Once we received that diagnosis, I wanted them evaluated for a Speech Language Auditory Learning Disability and, sadly, that evaluation came back positive. Next, we took the twins to Russell Barkley’s Clinic in Worcester, MA. Once again, their evaluation came back 98th percentile with ADHD. I was not pleased to hear all this news in a short period of time. Unfortunately, in the 1980’s, we did not have all the interventions that are available today. It takes a village to raise a child with any disability. Although I am married, my husband worked many hours per week and on the weekends. There were many times I felt alone raising twins with disabilities. I know that being a single mother who has children who are not typical is challenging, exhausting, and overwhelming. Those who are employed should speak to their bosses about the possibility of working remotely, and rely on family and friends who you can trust to give support and acceptance to your situation. Ask your pediatrician about agencies in your area you can reach out to for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Respite, & Speech Pathology support in the home. Hire a mother’s helper to be there when you cannot for your child to receive their interventions, if possible. Sometimes speaking to a licensed social worker, psychiatrist, or a psychologist can help. There are other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical therapy that can help with feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, despair, frustration, and with overall mental health. Twenty years ago, I left teaching and took a new career path as an Educational Consultant and Behavioral Coach. I have a dual degree in Psychology and Special Education and now work to support other parents of special needs kids. If any readers would like to contact me, you may reach me at 516 316 6485. |
Best "start-the-year-off-on-the-right-foot" podcasts
By Christine Sullivan I love love love James Clear and his book Atomic Habits. Truth be told (and if my son was listening, he'd chime in to make sure you know), I haven't finished the book because this podcast interview was SO good that I've listened 2x and recommended it to everyone I know. It's Brene Brown interviewing James Clear on his book and gives very tangible advice on how to make small changes that have big impacts on our lives: 
New Year, New Attitude!
By Ebony Langston As we ring in the new year, it is normal to have a range of thoughts/feelings. Am I doing enough? Will this year be better or worse than before? Will I accomplish the goals I set out to accomplish? My response to anyone who is struggling with specific thoughts, especially negative ones, is to pay close attention to the messages you tell yourself. The saying that “we are our own biggest critic” has some degree of truth to it, considering the fact that we have to live with ourselves and our thoughts 24/7, 356. While it is normal to sometimes criticize ourselves, from my experience, I believe there isn’t anything good that comes from putting ourselves down. In fact, negative thinking is more likely to lead to low self-esteem, low motivation, and fear-based thinking, because these type of thoughts affect our emotions, which ultimately affect our behaviors. One of my favorite therapeutic interventions is Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a therapeutic treatment that focuses on changing thoughts and/or behaviors that may not be effective into a healthier ways of thinking and behaving. This is not to say that CBT is as simple as thinking good thoughts and magically feeling healed. It is a process that often takes a lot of practice and self-awareness. Catching negative thoughts as they are happening can feel like a daunting task because of how often they occur, and the ease with which we come up with negative thoughts or images. Here are some tips I’ve used for myself, as well as with my clients, when I get into a negative thought cycle. Thought stopping People are busy and single moms are especially busy! It's not always easy to remember and identify the specific negative thoughts that are putting you in a bad mood. Whether it’s using the note section in your phone, or getting your thoughts down on a sticky note, writing things down can be a good way to track thought processes, so you can notice patterns. Once a particular negative thought is written down, try writing an opposing positive thought next to it. For example, if you write down "I don’t have the intelligence to do this,” also write down, “I am a bright individual who can accomplish whatever I put my mind to.” This is a way to begin to challenge your negative thoughts, one by one. Positive visualization Instead of visualizing the worst thing that could occur from an event or situation, imagine the relief, happiness, and/or success. For example, imagine successfully completing a work project and receiving praise from your manager. Envision all the details, from what you’re wearing to the celebratory lunch that follows. If we want positivity in our life, we must be able to see it. Do you think a basketball player visualizes himself missing or making the shot at the end of the buzzer? Many famous basketball players say that they practiced and could foresee the moment the ball went through the hoop. Positive Affirmations Yes, those cheesy sayings that you may see on social media and on the walls of homes and offices can be beneficial. But instead of using other people’s affirmations, I believe there is great value in creating your own, especially affirmations where “ I statements” are used, such as “I will continue to appreciate every new lesson each day” or “I will strive to be the best version of myself." Personalized messages you say to lift yourself up can be especially powerful because they're phrases that you have created to counteract the negative ones, and because you've taken the time to tailor them to perfectly fit your individual situation. Create your affirmations and then place them in spaces that you frequent each day, so they can be a reminder to embrace the positive! |
ISSUE #1: December 2023 through January 2024
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Horoscopes
Created by Jamine Ackert
**Aries (March 21 - April 19):** This quarter brings a surge of energy and determination, dear Aries single moms. Channel your inner warrior to tackle challenges head-on. In matters of the heart, be open to unexpected connections. A friendship might blossom into something more. Trust your instincts and enjoy the journey. **Taurus (April 20 - May 20):** Stability is your ally this quarter, Taurus single moms. Focus on creating a harmonious home environment for you and your little ones. Your nurturing nature attracts admirers. Embrace new social opportunities, and you may find someone who appreciates your steadfast loyalty. **Gemini (May 21 - June 20):** Communication is key for you this quarter, Gemini single moms. Express your desires and dreams openly. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. A fellow parent or a supportive friend may turn into something more. Keep an open mind, and love may find its way to your doorstep. **Cancer (June 21 - July 22):** Your intuition is heightened this quarter, Cancer single moms. Trust your feelings when it comes to matters of the heart. Reconnect with your passions and hobbies, as this may lead you to like-minded individuals. A new romance could bloom in unexpected places. Embrace the magic. **Leo (July 23 - August 22):** Confidence is your superpower, Leo single moms. Own your strengths and let your light shine. This quarter is ideal for personal growth. Attend social events and networking opportunities; you might meet someone who appreciates your charisma. Be true to yourself, and love will follow. **Virgo (August 23 - September 22):** Organization is your ally this quarter, Virgo single moms. As you manage the details of daily life, leave room for spontaneity. A chance encounter or a shared interest could lead to a meaningful connection. Trust the process and be open to unexpected love. **Libra (September 23 - October 22):** Balance is key for you this quarter, Libra single moms. Find harmony between your personal and social life. A new friendship may evolve into something deeper. Keep an eye out for someone who appreciates your grace and kindness. Love may blossom when you least expect it. **Scorpio (October 23 - November 21):** Transformation is in the air, Scorpio single moms. Embrace change with an open heart. Let go of the past and welcome new opportunities. A mysterious connection may captivate you. Trust your instincts, and you might find a love that's as deep and passionate as you are. **Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21):** Adventure awaits, Sagittarius single moms. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Attend social gatherings and explore new activities. A lively and enthusiastic connection may be on the horizon. Embrace the excitement and see where the journey takes you. **Capricorn (December 22 - January 19):** Patience is your virtue this quarter, Capricorn single moms. Focus on building strong foundations in all aspects of your life. A dependable connection may enter your world. Take your time to get to know someone on a deeper level. True love is worth the wait. **Aquarius (January 20 - February 18):** Innovation is your key to romance, Aquarius single moms. Be open to unconventional ideas and experiences. Attend social events with a diverse crowd. A unique and inspiring connection may spark your interest. Follow your intuition, and you might find love in unexpected places. **Pisces (February 19 - March 20):** Immerse yourself in creativity, Pisces single moms. Express your emotions through art or shared experiences. A fellow creative spirit may catch your eye. Be open to the magic of connection and let your heart guide you. Love may blossom in the most imaginative and beautiful ways. |
Navigating the Journey: Empowering Tips for Single Moms
By Jamine Ackert Being a single mom is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a woman can take on. Juggling the responsibilities of parenthood, work, and personal well-being requires resilience and a strategic approach. In this article, we'll explore some empowering tips to help single moms navigate their unique journey with confidence and grace. 1. **Build a Support System:** One of the most crucial aspects of thriving as a single mom is establishing a strong support system. Surround yourself with friends, family, and other single parents who understand the challenges you face. Having a reliable network not only provides emotional support but also practical assistance when needed. 2. **Prioritize Self-Care:** Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Schedule regular "me time" to recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it's reading a book, taking a long bath, or going for a walk, finding moments of self-care can significantly impact your overall well-being and ability to tackle daily challenges. 3. **Set Realistic Goals:** Single moms often face the pressure of managing multiple roles. Setting realistic goals is essential to avoid burnout. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and understand that it's okay to ask for help when needed. 4. **Financial Empowerment:** Taking control of your finances is a key aspect of empowerment for single moms. Create a budget, save when possible, and explore financial resources available to single parents. Seek advice from financial counselors if necessary, and plan for both short-term and long-term financial goals. 5. **Establish Routines:** Creating consistent routines can provide stability for both you and your children. Routines help manage time more efficiently and create a sense of predictability for your family. Establishing bedtime routines and daily schedules can contribute to a more organized and calm household. 6. **Open Communication with Children:** Maintaining open and honest communication with your children is vital. Let them express their feelings and concerns, and encourage a supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard. This fosters a sense of security and helps build strong bonds within the family. 7. **Continued Education and Career Growth:** Investing in your education and career growth contributes to long-term stability. Explore opportunities for career advancement, take advantage of workplace flexibility when available, and consider pursuing further education or training to enhance your skills and marketability. 8. **Legal and Community Resources:** Be aware of legal rights and community resources available to single moms. Many communities offer assistance programs, support groups, and legal aid services. Understanding your rights and accessing available resources can provide additional layers of support during challenging times. 9. **Embrace Technology:** Utilize technology to streamline tasks and stay connected. Calendar apps, budgeting tools, and online resources can help you manage your time and responsibilities more efficiently. Stay connected with your support system through video calls and social media to foster a sense of community. 10. **Celebrate Achievements:** Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Single moms often underestimate their resilience and strength. Recognize your accomplishments, be proud of your journey, and understand that you are creating a positive and nurturing environment for your family. Being a single mom comes with its unique set of challenges, but with the right mindset and support, it can also be a fulfilling and empowering journey. By building a strong support system, prioritizing self-care, and taking practical steps towards financial and personal growth, single moms can navigate their path with confidence and resilience. Remember, you are not alone, and your strength is truly remarkable.
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