"Sometimes we need to loosen our grip on the outcome to start becoming aware of our progress." For years we were focused on fixing Greta’s pain. We wouldn’t stop until we could figure it out. We did what you all have been doing… medications, chiropractors, acupuncture, neurologists, many other -ologists, massage, physio, OT, supplements, diets… and none of them could fix it. I sometimes wonder if any of those things might have helped her a bit but we didn’t notice it because

I was angry yesterday afternoon. I felt tension in my head. And butterflies in my stomach. The same thing that happens when I get a migraine. Stress usually shows up for me where I have my chronic pain. I don’t get angry very often. I journaled and it helped to ease my anger. This morning I felt anxious and excited. I felt tension in my neck and head, where I get my migraines. My body perceives both my anxiety and excitement as danger. It can’t really tell the differ

Anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic pain are often the result of an overprotective brain. Our brains are doing what they are supposed to do ~ warn us of any danger ~ but our brains have gotten too good at their job. They have become perfectionists and want to warn us of every possible danger ~ even minor threats like bright lights, loud sounds, weather changes, homework deadlines etc. It can be helpful to think of our brains as an overprotective parent so that we can visua

This morning Greta went off to her first day at her new part-time job (her first real job ever). I French braided her hair, helped her decide on and outfit, and we talked through a few things. I was also packing my bag to go to the coffee shop because I wanted to work on some assignments from my life coach. Greta wanted to know whether I would wait until she left for her job interview. “Sure, yes, of course!” I said. I started watering the plants and doing a few things to