I find myself really wanting to celebrate them. To truly honor the completion of this school year and everything they went through to get here. I can almost hear that familiar voice in my head saying, "You baby them," or, "Oh my God, why do they deserve to celebrate the end of 7th or 11th grade? That's just a normal thing all kids do. You're so soft!

It fascinates me how much we overcomplicate everything. And honestly, it’s not entirely our fault. Our systems and conditioning are built that way. Filling out a government form can feel confusing even for the savviest native English speakers. Finding a new apartment, applying for a new job, navigating modern life - these things are overwhelming.

I still contemplate when and how to show up for someone who’s not asking for it. Is it my ego wanting to help? My old patterns of overcompensating? Or is it coming from my heart?

In recent years, science has begun confirming what many ancient traditions have long understood: the body processes far more of our experience than the thinking mind alone.

We also now know that the brain has an extraordinary ability called neuroplasticity, the capacity to literally rewire itself through repeated experience.

It’s not until I am back home, the doors closed, the house quiet, that the feelings begin to surface - if I allow them.

I am tired. And if I am honest, I don’t want to feel these feelings either. But I know better.

I know they will force themselves out in unhealthy ways if I don’t make room for them.
What we resist, persists.