03/26/2026
One of my favorite parts of the recent community event was the affirmation tree, a space intentionally created for women to write messages for another woman who might need it, even if they’ve never met.
As a therapist, it was incredibly meaningful to witness not just the words, but the vulnerability, compassion, and shared humanity behind them. So many of the messages reflected themes we often explore in mental health work such as self-worth, rest, resilience, and permission to simply be.
Later, I took time to read through each one (even my son joined me), and it was a powerful reminder of how small, intentional acts can support emotional connection and healing. Sometimes, a few words can be enough to help someone feel seen, grounded, or less alone.
Some of the messages that really stayed with me:
“You really are enough. You don’t need to move constantly.”
“Look for moments of happy every day. I call them glimmers.”
“I am wildly capable of what life throws my way.”
“I am allowed to take up space.”
“I deserve the same care I give to others.”
This is the heart of mental health work by creating spaces where people feel safe to express, connect, and uplift one another. You never know how your words might become part of someone else’s healing.
