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As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how easily our worlds can shrink. We have our people. Our routines. Our careers. Our families. Our responsibilities. We become comfortable with the circles we already know. But some of the people who may eventually become meaningful parts of our lives are people we haven’t met yet. And that makes me wonder: How many people who could become part of our story never get the opportunity simply because we stay inside the circles we already know? That question captures so much of what Forever… Read More »Forever Friends: The Power of Friendship, Community & Connection

By Dr. Michael D. Gatson I’m sitting in the airport thinking about this trip, and strangely enough, the moment that meant the most to me wasn’t the reason I came. I came to North Carolina for an open house. I came to meet with community partners, support the office, and continue preparing for the transition to a new director. But what I keep thinking about is something much simpler. I watched the team work together. They communicated. They helped one another. They stepped in where they were needed. Things got… Read More »The Assignment Was Never to Stay Forever. It Was to Leave It Better.

Sometimes you make plans based on what you think you want, but God knows exactly what you need. When Mike and I first began planning our anniversary celebration, we wanted to travel somewhere. As we kept planning, we chose Cabo because we wanted our parents to join us. We thought it would be a more manageable destination for everyone. Unfortunately, health concerns came up, and we decided it would be best not to have our parents travel. By that time, we were already committed to Cabo, so we adjusted our… Read More »Cabo 20: God Knew Exactly What We Needed

After seven years, we sold our home. Interestingly enough, nothing was wrong with it. There was no dramatic story, crisis, or moment when we suddenly decided we had to leave. It was a good home. It had been good to us. We built memories there. We celebrated birthdays and holidays, entertained family and friends, laughed, rested, made difficult decisions, dreamed, and grew there. It was home. However, one thing I have learned—in life, in my work as a psychologist, and as a person who is still growing—is that something does… Read More »When Good Is No Longer Where You’re Going: What Selling Our Home Taught Me About Growth

Something strange happens when what you once prayed for finally becomes your reality: you can get so busy managing the blessing that you forget it is a blessing. The career you wanted comes with deadlines. The business you prayed would grow comes with decisions, payroll, problems to solve, and people depending on you. The relationship you prayed for requires intention, communication, patience, and presence. The opportunities you asked God to send sometimes arrive disguised as responsibility. And the next thing you know, you’re exhausted by a life you once dreamed… Read More »Don’t Miss the Life You Prayed For

When I look back on the longest government shutdown we just survived, I can finally admit that it wasn’t just an inconvenience. It was a test. A test of patience, planning, partnership, community, and faith. It shook my home, my neighborhood, and even the clinical spaces where I sit with veterans who already carry so much.  It was a season when everything felt paused, even though life kept moving.  My Household: Holding Steady When Everything Felt Unsteady.  In my own home, the shutdown hit hard. My partner wasn’t working, and… Read More »After the Longest Government Shutdown: How It Impacted My Household, My Community, and the People I Serve

This visit with my granny reminded me that even in moments filled with uncertainty and sorrow, there is still warmth. There is still a presence. There is still beauty in the bittersweet. Vegas Before the Storm: Before heading to see my granny, I went to Vegas to spend time with some friends and create a few new memories. One of my friends helped me pull my outfit together and even purchased my ticket something I’m deeply grateful for. I also linked up with some of my DC friends. That time… Read More »Finding Beauty in the Bittersweet:

Lately, people have asked me, “How are you doing?” And honestly, I never quite know how to answer. I show up daily, manage my responsibilities, and keep moving forward. But the truth? I’m just trying to stay on top of tasks, eat somewhat healthy, and get a few hours of sleep when possible. Some days, I feel okay. On other days, I wonder—when will things get better? Between the economy and the country’s uncertainty, it already feels like we’re all carrying more stress than we should have. And on top… Read More »How Am I Doing? A Reflection on Grief, Uncertainty, and Trying to Keep Going

As I sit on the plane, letting my thoughts settle and journaling about everything that’s happened this past week, I feel the weight of it all. This post-election season has been intense for me and the clients, staff, and students I work with. The responsibility to support others when I’m also feeling the impact is exhausting but incredibly meaningful. Every person I’ve interacted with this week has brought their own story, concerns, and hopes, and I’m reminded of how important it is to hold space for each of them, even… Read More »Navigating Post-Elections

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” ~Oscar Wilde Recently, I’ve embarked on a transformative journey centered around my health and well-being. I’ve decided to stop allowing others, including my family, to stress me out. It’s a bold step, but a necessary one. By putting myself first, I’ve begun to treat myself in ways I never thought possible, like flying first class whenever it’s available. I’ve also embraced the power of saying “no” without guilt, realizing that I deserve to enjoy the money and resources I have.… Read More »Choosing Yourself: How to Prioritize Your Well-Being