by Jennifer Brierly Are you aware that gastroparesis awareness month is in August. What about National Pediculosis prevention month? Do you know when that is? What that is? (Lice and September.) Many of us are vaguely aware of some of the more well publicized awareness months. We might have ribbon magnets on our cars or pinnedContinue reading “It’s More Than a Pretty Ribbon”
Author Archives: debschiefer
The Control and Shame Spiral
by Deborah Schiefer It starts with an inoccuous phone call. The curveball’s been pitched, plans change, life seemingly unravels. Fight, flight, freeze, fawn. One inoccuous phone call somehow morphs into the catalyst for a crashing world. Emotions run high and in the moment, it all seems so logical. Because, for your fractured mind, it isContinue reading “The Control and Shame Spiral”
Healing Life
by Deborah Schiefer Activation Warning: Part of a birth story is shared in this blog. While it was a healing experience for me and is being used to demonstrate what trauma-informed care can look like, it may resurface painful or traumatic memories for some readers. “Do you want to feel him crowning? You can justContinue reading “Healing Life”
Be Worthy of the Histories You Learn
by Deborah Schiefer There is an account I follow on Instagram – a Holocaust survivor and her granddaughter. Both of these women are light and love in dark spaces. The grandmother’s, a story of fight and resiliency. The granddaughter’s, one of love and inspiration. A few weeks ago, someone responded to my comment on oneContinue reading “Be Worthy of the Histories You Learn”
Let’s Talk About Bruno
by Deborah Schiefer My kids are OBSESSED with Disney’s new movie, Encanto. Or, as my 3 year old lovingly calls it, “Encanto with the cracks.” And can someone – anyone – please tell me I’m not the only Mom bopping around the kitchen to a mental soundtrack from the movie? Some days, cleaning house isContinue reading “Let’s Talk About Bruno”
Survivor, I’m With You
by Deborah Schiefer Dear Survivor, This first part’s for you. I see you. I feel you. This hell you’re walking as you struggle to step out of the victimization brought onto you and into the survivorhood this walk calls you into – It isn’t forever. This is the hardest part. As people learn and questionContinue reading “Survivor, I’m With You”
I Won’t Be Silenced
by Deborah Schiefer The Little Lawyer. That was one of my nicknames as a child, given proudly by my Dad when he realized that when I know I’m right, no one can convince me otherwise or force me to back down. When I know I’m right, I’ll push until you also know that I knowContinue reading “I Won’t Be Silenced”
Hurt People Heal People, Too
by Deborah Schiefer Hurt people hurt people. And I suppose that’s true, but isn’t it an oversimplification of a bigger issue? Hurt people do hurt people but is it only because they’re hurt or is it really because they won’t do the difficult and often painful work of self-reflection and self-awareness? Growth can be soContinue reading “Hurt People Heal People, Too”
It’s a Matter of Pride
by Deborah Schiefer It’s okay to not be okay. You’ve got to be familiar with that phrase. It’s all over Pinterest and Instagram. I imagine it hits Facebook and TikTok and other social media platforms regularly, but what exactly does that mean and do any of us really feel okay not being okay? One ofContinue reading “It’s a Matter of Pride”
But What About Bathsheba?
by Deborah Schiefer I recently wrote a blog for Christmas1 and in it, I referenced the women named in the lineage of the Messiah and their broken histories. When it came to Bathsheba, I debated whether or not to mention the idea that perhaps she wasn’t an enthusiastic participant in the relationship with King David,Continue reading “But What About Bathsheba?”
The Journey is Real 