I just love this quote, “to love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” by psychiatrist David Viscott. The love we feel as humans doesn’t just come from another human or humans, but animals, nature, laughter, sights, travel, a fun game, gentle breeze, warm bath, yummy beverage, cozy blanket, or a tasty morsel. The love from other breathing creatures, however, whether it be our romantic partner(s), pets, coworkers, birth family, chosen family or whoever is especially unique. But the most powerful love, is the love we show to ourself.

So many of the clients I see have forgotten how to love themself. Life has gotten in the way. Depression has steam rolled over them. Anxiety has taken the wheel. Grief has made them withdraw. Work has exhausted them. The list goes on and on. It’s really hard to keep going when we’ve forgotten how to take care of and love ourselves. But oh what a beautiful thing it is to see the spark return to the eyes of those I work with. It lights my soul up in ways I can’t even describe.

I love working myself out of a job; it’s my goal every day. If you’re facing the demons of anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or shit with your work, family, relationship, etc. give me a hollar. I can join your journey and help you get to the other side, where the sun surrounds you again and you light up with joy.

As RuPaul says, “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else.” Amen, Ru. Amen.