Issue One
Life is a practice. It’s also messy and lonely at times. What practical and compelling steps can a young person take to better care for themselves, knowing this will serve as a preventive investment for their future? There’s a lot that we can’t control in the world, but I will tell you a fundamental truth -- the parts that you CAN control and shine your light on will bring the deepest joy and set you up to live long, strong and with ease -- a life with a strong pulse and sparks flying out the tail end of it.
With my heart full, I share this evidence-based and contemporary collection, to help you and your young humans dial into the things and people that make you feel alive and strong, and to practice building that into every day.
01
Mind.
When Do Teens Feel Loved by Their Parents?
In their drive for independence, teenagers can seem to reject parents. A new study suggests that the key to making them feel loved is to be persistently warm, even in conflict. Disconnections are a fact of life, it’s the repair that matters.
Model forgiveness and love ‘em up, love ‘em up.
Love ‘em up.
02
Body.
Happily Ever After: 25 Ways To Live Well Into Old Age?
You know those sappy photos of a super old couple holding hands and smiling? If you do things right, you too will be an old person some day. The choices you make today will influence how happy, healthy and content you are every day until then.
Take it from Flo Meiler, an 85 year old Vermonter and Olympic pole vaulter.
Use it or lose it.
03
Spirit.
I Need Your Love
This video of Allie Sherlock and Cuan Durkin might just steal your heart. Vulnerable. Kind. Soulful.
A captivating example of two young people putting themselves out there in the world, better together, stoking their passion.
For four minutes, your world will be better than fine.
04
Purpose.
“Show up as your effortless self. Discover your effortless self.” -Duke Stump
This NYT article about teenagers and how to do school when motivation is missing is a timely read as we enter the dark days of the year. Help your kids learn to recognize and nurture a feeling of flow where, under the right conditions, you become fully immersed in whatever you are doing.
Independence, encouragement and a mindful environment are foundational.
05
Connection.
When My Dad Turned Off The Internet
Your teen is riding this 2020 storm from their unique adolescent perch. Be gentle and try to see things through their eyes, but also make it clear that we all need each other, need honest and human moments. Even if it means shaking things up a bit!
"Later that evening I sneaked downstairs with my 8-year-old brother to switch the router back on. But it was being heavily guarded..."
Quote.
