wellness | reallness | kindness

Sometimes it helps to zoom out. Flying over this beautiful Duwamish and Coast Salish land, I'm humbled and reminded of how small I am. My troubles feel so big when I face them head on. But I take comfort in perspective, specifically the perspective that only space or distance can give me. It's OK to let go for a while. The challenge will still be there, but you won't be the same person when you face it again. Give yourself space to breathe, reflect, and rest. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #grateful #seaplane #seattlebased #duwamishland #coastsalishterritory #landback #seattle #seattlebyplane (at Occupied Duwamish Territory) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUOFeuyP2Rd-RtqjjpFWb2Ahr_CDskF6eXUCyI0/?utm_medium=tumblr

Some days are so heavy. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #recovery #imtired #nospoons #chronicpain #ineedrest #takeanap #takecare #slowdown #livingwithchronicpain #daybyday #imdoingmybest (at Resting at Home) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS8AeN0lnl7/?utm_medium=tumblr

My name is Stephanie Light and I am a graduate student of Social Work. I work at MEND Seattle providing client-driven therapy services for adults. 🌈 Social Work has a unique therapeutic premise that considers people in their environment, or, said differently; I practice intersectional feminist therapy that considers how systems of power influence our lives, relationships, and path to wholeness. Sessions are always catered to your needs and goals, and in order to do this I rely on strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I'm also certified in the state of Washington to provide counseling for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). I'm looking forward to leading therapy group for SUD this Fall which focuses on community healing and harm reduction. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, I'm accepting new clients at MEND Seattle. I have openings in person or via tele-health for folks residing in WA. MEND Offers a sliding scale fee for services and is committed to reducing barriers to mental health care. www.mendseattle.com/getting-started/ 📧 [email protected] 📞 (206) 660-4396 . . . #therapist #therapy #seattle #pnw #seattletherapist #socialwork #socialworker #sw #msw #universityofwashington #imarealboy #lgbtq #lgbtqtherapist #seattlebased #mentalhealth #findatherapist #parati #pourtoi #foryou #instagood (at Seattle-rainier Ave) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSGRcOTLj8d/?utm_medium=tumblr

You're never too old for whimsical pool floaties. So grateful for these beautiful ladies. 📸 Credit: my child . . . #gratitude #friendship #summer #msw #finalyear #almostthere #relax #saynotogrindculture #respite #gradstudent #singlemom #singleparent #foundfamily #selfcare https://www.instagram.com/p/CRaDvrasj_Z/?utm_medium=tumblr

I have folks who ask me if they're normal because a partner did something or said something that made them feel insecure. You're normal. The concept of "normality" is a huge spectrum and no matter where you land, that's OK. Your worth in a relationship is not connected to your preferences. Let me say that again. Your worth in a relationship is not connected to your preferences. A partner who shames or blames you for your sexuality and romantic preferences is not it, friend. . . . #normal #normalize #normalizeit #kinkpositive #haes #sexualhealth #sexworker #sexualwellness #sexualpreference #knowyourworth #findyourfit #dontyuckmyyum #enm #poly #monogamy #itsallgood #lowlibido #comeasyouare (at Occupied Duwamish Territory) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRFOyzTMbpD/?utm_medium=tumblr

One of the realest human beings I've ever known. I'm so grateful for you and your friendship. I'm really proud of you and I wish you so much health and happiness. Mi hermana @ahintof_caramel soon-to-be Caroline "Better Business Bureau" Booker. 🤪🥳 . . . #bestfriends #friendship #friendgoals #youraisemeup #windbeneathmywings #colorado #bridalshower #bachelorette #bacheloretteparty #teaparty #aliceinwonderland #brunch (at Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQpAX4ws1hX/?utm_medium=tumblr

We don't develop unhelpful patterns in a day, we can't change them in a day either. Your path to wellness may twist and turn, fold back on itself and take you somewhere you didn't predict. And that's OK. The road is long, take good care. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #recovery #sobriety #sana #sanasana #depression #anxiety #borderlinepersonality #bipolar #neurodivergent #wellnessinspo #bewell (at Wherever You Are in the World) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQlknUisYdn/?utm_medium=tumblr

Over the years, I've had a lot of "Where is daddy? Why isn't he here?" conversations. Father's Day has always been a bitter sweet holiday. But families are made up of all kinds of people who are brought together by love. My family is mostly friends who have remained loyal and true. @meowtonimeow I could not have made it here without you. You are so kind, nurturing, and absolutely hilarious. You've gifted my kiddo with so many fun memories, inside jokes and witchy habits. I know you will forever be the cool Aunty. @andrewhyang You are one of the best men I've ever known. You're so kind and generous with your time and energies, always carving out time to check on us and include my kiddo. It takes a village and you've really stepped up to help raise this little one. @augustghost I am so happy to know such a good dad. You give me tremendous faith in humanity and I know you are missing your little one today! Know she loves you and you're doing an amazing job. My own kiddo is grateful to know you and I'm so glad we're friends. . . . #nontraditional #nontraditionalfamily #blendedfamily #singlemom #singleparent #fathersday #ittakesavillage #friendship #friendsandfamily #innercircle #goodcompany #friendshipgoals #loves (at Occupied Duwamish Territory) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQWb7ysjXwR/?utm_medium=tumblr

My mother was a master gardener and I never understood why she loved it so much. Then I moved my little family into our first house with a yard and decided to build some raised beds. The smell of soil, the earth in my hands and the joy of juicy fruits and veggies won my heart. Gardening is how I like to ground myself. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #recovery #garden #gardenwitch #greenthumb #howdoesyourgardengrow #earthing #grounded #groundyourself #earthy #earthsign #virgo #cashmeoutside (at Duwamish Land) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8rqXhDsTo/?utm_medium=tumblr

What I can control pales in comparison to what I can't control. I can't control people who are rude. I can't control when people mistreat me. I can't control a friend who takes advantage. I can't control a partner who cheats. What I can control is how much power I give people who harm me. I can choose when to set boundaries or even burn bridges. If I choose not to accept poor treatment, those people will adjust or dissappear from my life. That's power. Know your worth. . . . #knowyourworth #loveyourself #trustyourself #selfcare #boundaries #settingboundaries #burningbridges #better #mentalhealth #relationships #relationshipgoals #relational https://www.instagram.com/p/CPuTB_GjWWN/?utm_medium=tumblr

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month and in solidarity with Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other BIPOC communities, @carbs_and_candy put together this beautiful display of paper cranes. . . . #community #aapiheritagemonth #aapi #celebrate #community #solidarity #socialwork #socialjustice #cometogether #stopasianhate #blm (at Ballard, Seattle) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPjBKU5jF7S/?utm_medium=tumblr

Life is short, do a photo shoot with your besty. Joy is all around us. . . . #joy &#everydayjoy #friendship #bestfriends #selfcare #selflove #selfimage #eatingdisorder #anxiety #depression #ptsd #recovery #daybyday #dailyjoy #dailyinspo #pacificnorthwest #goldengardens (at Coast Salish Territory) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbtPhtDnSO/?utm_medium=tumblr

Your higher self, wise-mind, ancestors whispering, or your gut... However you conceptualize your intuition, you have a guide through adversity in yourself. We don't come with manuals! We come with a biological design to survive hardship, a psychological will to meaning, and a community of people to find strength in. But channeling this higher self can be difficult. We have to wade through the muck of capitalism constantly selling things to make us less shitty. We listen to messages constantly that we aren't enough, our life is dominated by scarcity, and we ultimately alone... The voice of your higher self gets louder when you look for it. Am I in wise mind? Should I pray on it? What would someone who loves and appreciates me say to me right now? . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #recovery #sobriety #listentoyourbody #higherself #ancestors #gowithyourgut #communalhealing #community #communewithspirit #meditate #groundyourself #youarewhole #youareenough #youareabundant https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBwVSsjpFt/?utm_medium=tumblr

If nobody told you yet today, you are enough. You matter. You are valid exactly as you are. You are deserving of love and kindness. You deserve ease of well being. You are loved and wanted. Thank you. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #selfloveinspo #selfcareinspo #thankful #grateful #wellness #youarewhole #youareenough #goodenough #stopshouldingonyourself https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3zibfjEW0/?igshid=112rydzcnpmuu

I'm here to learn, grow and connect with other people committed to the same. I am a therapist and a social worker, I know that mental health is social, relational, and political. Racism impacts our ability to be fully well. All people are affected by systems of oppression and restoration/reparations are key to collective liberation. We are all the same and we are all different. We can love and honor these differences, hold space for each other and value the lived experiences of one another. This is not a space where upholding systems of oppression, like white supremacy, is acceptable. But I'm learning, I will make mistakes and work to prevent or repair harms I cause. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #therapist #socialwork #socialworker #dothework #antiracist #decolonizementalhealth #endwhitesupremacyculture #believeblackwomen #therapyispolitical #allowmetointroducemyself https://www.instagram.com/p/COf7TvpjqHu/?igshid=15x7ahklbrwbu

I store trauma in my neck, my jaw and my back. I will spend the entire day, vigilant and at night I can feel all anxiety stored in my body. Somatic manifestations of our stress are tricky to pinpoint, and we are quick to dismiss our bodies with mantras like, "No pain no gain" But pushing through somatic trauma, that which is stored in the body, is a lot like you have foot on the break and one foot on the gas. You can keep gunning it, but you'll only burn out your tires and your engine - you're not going anywhere. If we don't dismiss our own stored traumas, we may experience medical racism and mysoginy when we seek help. Research has amply demonstrated that health care providers are more likely to dismiss when women and Black people describe pain they feel. Knowing and validating your pain is a huge first step, becoming your own ferocious advocate is the next. . . . #mentalhealth #areyoulistening #listentoyourbody #believeyourself #breath #wellness #mentalwellness #healing #somatichealing #somatization #aches #pains #hypervigilance #ptsd #cptsd #mindful #selfcare #selflove #selfadvocacy https://www.instagram.com/p/CORe_u6jLiy/?igshid=16m6jlrj00gd0

Rugged individualism, neo-liberalism, and meritocracy narratives are key cultural underpinnings in the US. All of which are heartbreakingly counterproductive for creating ease of well being. If everything is always my fault and my responsibility, how can I feel anything but shame and guilt when things go awry? Accountability is good and necessary. But holding yourself accountable is not the same thing as believing you're fundamentally alone, which is what these narratives tell us. Connections are so important for you our wellness. Connections to people allow us to actualize; how can we formulate a sense of self without others to distinguish ourselves from? Connections to the land we occupy honor our role as stewards in our ecosystems; research continues to demonstrate the positive effects of nature on our physical and mental health. Connection to our spiritual self is enduring; when you tap into you're higher self you have found a source of love and reason that will carry you through your entire life. . . . #mentalhealth #selfcare #selflove #wellness #recovery #sobriety #spiritual #spiritualhealing #connection #shame #guilt #healing #groundyourself #counseling #therapist #ruggedindividualism #meritocracy #neoliberalism #latestagecapitalism #healingwhilebroke https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyndYAD39i/?igshid=1wp1ya9jiqyax