Hello 2025
I am excited to bring the newsletter right to your inbox. Don’t worry, you can still go to the website, log in, and re-read old newsletters!
RESOLUTIONS? not that kind, thank you.
I hope you rang in the new year with some tasty food, friends or family around and excitement for what is to come this year. This is a time of year where gyms are pushing new workout plans and diet companies are coming on strong with on starting a new years resolutions. It’s all noise. It can be so liberating to go into the new year without unrealistic expectations involving becoming “the best new you” or “ways to lose weight”.
During COVID I decided my New Year’s resolution was to practice not saying ‘I’m sorry’ when I didn’t mean it. I was noticing I would say it if someone bumped into me! I was essentially apologizing for existing. Think of how often you say sorry in a day and how it may be a filler for feeling in the way or a bother. A feeling that is, unfortunately, universal at some points in our lives. It felt good to embrace a resolution that didn’t involve weight or food. It simply asked me to acknowledge that I do deserve to take up space. And, so do you.
Do you have a resolution this year? I challenge you to think of one that invites self-compassion and kindness to yourself.
RECIPE TIME!
Oh man, I made a delicious chopped Greek salad the other day and I’m excited to share the recipe with you!
Ingredients
for salad: feta, cucumber, dill, romaine, scallion, cucumber, tomato
for dressing: minced garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper, cumin, paprika, 1 lemon, 2 big scoops of greek yogurt
There is no wrong way to assemble! For the dressing mixed with a small food processor, but not necessary!Chop all the ingredients, give them a big toss and add the dressing. Enjoy!
I wanted to share some things I have said as a therapist this month because, yes, I am human too! I am a relational therapist, which to me means that I use my own natural emotional responses to provide feedback to clients. I believe that healthy, honest communication and boundaries in session fosters healthy, honest communication and boundaries in my clients lives. So here are a few examples:
“I have felt that too. I know that feeling well in my own body”
“Would it be helpful for me to share an example of that from my own experience?”
“It’s okay to walk that thought through. There is no judgment coming from me as you share your difficult thoughts aloud”
“Your thoughts are just thoughts. They are not a prescription you have to take or indicative of who you are”
“I hear that you say you feel fat, but we know that isn’t a feeling. Can you tell me what is a layer deeper than that? Is it fear or shame?”
“I think you are being mean to yourself right now. Is that how you would talk to your best friend if she made that mistake?”
@supportthepinkhouse
Before I wrap up the newsletter, I wanted to share a photo of the infamous, North Shore, Pink House. This is out on Plum Island in Newbury, MA. I adore it and I have since I was a child. There has been a movement to have it torn down since it is inhabitable. Those in the neighboring towns have wanted to prevent this as long as possible. To me, it is such a sweet and beautiful landmark on the way to my favorite beach. My mom and I took a walk out on Plum Island on Christmas day and I caught a few shots as the sun was going down.
Do you have a local spot in your hometown or current city that makes you feel calm? How would you describe it to a person who has never been? I hope you can always feel that way when you picture your calm place.
Until next month, friends.
xxoo, Marina
