Recognizing and addressing the five core issues—self-esteem, boundaries, reality, dependency, and moderation—is an essential aspect of personal growth and emotional well-being.

In a world that often encourages us to look ahead, mindfulness gently nudges us to be where our feet are. It's not a destination but a journey, a practice that unfolds gradually with each breath. As you embark on your mindfulness journey, savor each moment, and let the beauty of the present reveal itself to you.

Giving fosters social relationships. When we give, it strengthens our ties to each other, which in turn leads to healthier relationships. We see others (and ourselves) in a more positive light, and we feel connected. Social connection lowers anxiety and depression, helps you regulate your emotions, and improves your immune system.

October 3-8, 2022, is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). What is MIAW? In 1990, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) worked with the US Congress to increase awareness about mental illness and decrease any stigma surrounding mental health.

By raising awareness during MIAW, we hope to educate and create opportunities for safe discussions regarding one’s mental health. By shining a light on mental health, you are letting someone know they are not alone with their mental health struggles.

If you, or someone you know, are having thoughts of harming themselves or are in emotional distress we ask that you seek help immediately. By calling or texting 988 you will be connected with someone to help support you through this challenging season and provide the recourses you need.

During times such as this, we typically stop and reflect on our own mental health and how we take care of ourselves. However, for those of us who are parents, it is important for us to stop and reflect on how we teach, support, and mentor our children regarding their mental health.

Green Shoe Foundation is partnering with NAMI Oklahoma for their 19th annual NAMIWalks Your Way to raise awareness and money to fund mental health programs across the state.

Mental health is the ability to cope with daily challenges by having the mental capacity and stability to regulate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, relate to ourselves and others in intimate ways, and experience that feeling of joy when the true connection with others happens.

Many of you spend time and energy to show others how much you care about them. But… what kind of Valentine are you to yourself?

Whether you are blissfully in a relationship, or you are happily/unhappily single, it is important for you to focus on loving yourself and showing yourself the compassion you deserve this Valentine’s Day.

This means we as individuals may experience trauma responses to which we do not have a story as it was not part of our personal experience, but rather it is information that our nervous system holds and accesses to help us survive and/or protect us from future harm or trauma.

Healing childhood relational trauma wounds can lead you out of those difficult and disconnected places. The Green Shoe Retreat will point you to a place where you have longed to be but never seemed to quite arrive.

Some of our best moments and conversations have come out of repair. What an awesome teaching moment it is for kids to have an adult apologize to them and model what it is like to take responsibility for their actions and repair that relationship.

Mental health is the ability to cope with daily challenges by having the mental capacity and stability to regulate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, relate to ourselves and others in intimate ways, and to experience that feeling of joy when true connection with others happens.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, remember that it is all about bringing balance to your life. In order to be well physically and mentally, we must do things that bring balance to our lives. If, for you, that means more physical activity, plan to increase your movement this summer.

Depression is a state and experience that every human may be impacted by at some point in their life. It is important to be aware of the different familial and social messages we may have received as men about depression and about talking about our internal and emotional experiences.

Engaging in positive ways of being include believing in the value of self and others. Affirming oneself amid our imperfections. Acknowledging our inherent worth and the inherent worth of our neighbor and giving ourselves and our neighbor some grace.

We are so often focused on making others comfortable while denying our own needs. We quiet our thoughts and emotions to not upset or burden others. In our authenticity, we make ourselves a priority.

This holiday season is difficult without physical and present connection. It has challenged us to try new traditions while apart, but with the gift of digital connection, we can reach out to family and friends by voice, video, or email. I find joy and gratitude in this.