March 2026

Nurture is one of my "words" for this year. I think of spring and how we can nurture a beginning in the particle of a seed, earth it, water it, and let it have its sun and fresh air. The elements teach us the value of nature, and our creative bodies learn to adapt.

When I was dealing with the worst of the chronic pain in my abdomen and legs, my body had adapted without my knowing it. After countless physical therapy sessions for a couple years (before the miracle of the stents), I left those appointments wondering how in the world I could not sense how tight my muscles and fascia were before the painful releases of the massage therapy and exercises. Underneath all the appointments and therapies and tiresome conversations, the seed was still there, and it needed space to grow.

If the seed of our own being feels suffocated, unheard, or ____________, I've found the best thing to do is say, "fuck it," and reroute. Not avoid, but reroute. Cancel the meeting and take a walk with the kids. Find a different doctor whose interests align more holistically (their bios usually give an indication) with your needs. Take a day to yourself to take off the residual "mask" that's been wearing you out. Listen to the birds. Call a friend you haven't heard from in a while to talk about life. The dishes will get done and who cares if they stink. Go for a run. Make a list of your real responsibilities and let go of the rest.

The seed will be there, ready for you. Maybe it won't look as fresh anymore, but its transformation will guide you to the next step and, quite frankly, help you let go of what wasn't working. The f-bomb is very liberating when given a chance.