I have a love/hate relationship with summer. While I welcome the chance to regroup and recharge from my job as a teacher, I struggle with unstructured time and idle hands – it gives my brain way too much freedom to fret.
When I experience a dip, one of the first things I do is open my virtual bag of tricks. Whether it’s an affirming quote, a quick “you’ve got this” video, or a deeper read, there are a plethora of professionals with resources right at my fingertips.
Here are a few of my favorite online resources (website links are in their bios):
DR. NICOLE LEPERA – Clinical psychologist, author, and podcaster; she has some particularly insightful observations on friendships.
QUOTE: “It’s safe for me to outgrow people. As I heal, the connections in my life will change, and that’s ok.”
ANNIE WRIGHT, LMFT – Relational trauma therapist specifically for women; she shares insights on popular TV shows and poses challenging questions to her readers.
QUOTE: “Your feelings are valid. You get to feel ALL of your feelings. They are not good nor bad — they are clues for you. What are your feelings telling you?”
LAURA WHALEY – Strategist for work-related challenges; many of her posts are light-hearted and fun. She also offers adventure trips and merch!
QUOTE: “Being burnt out does not mean you have failed. Perhaps it’s a reminder to reevaluate your priorities and make the space to start showing up for yourself.”
JEFFERSON FISHER – The only man to make my list, he is a trial lawyer with brilliant methods for navigating difficult conversations and advocating for yourself.
QUOTE: “Their discomfort isn’t a sign that your boundary is wrong, it’s a sign that it’s working.”
MEL ROBBINS – Motivational speaker; famous for her “Let Them” theory, which details the benefits of letting go of the things we can’t control.
QUOTE: “The day you become OK with not being liked by everybody else is the moment you’ll finally start liking yourself.”
ESTHER PEREL – Relationship expert; my husband and I play her card game, “Where Should We Begin,” designed to spark conversation and share stories.
QUOTE: “Nothing makes us feel more connected than when we are engaged in a healthy balance of thoughtful speaking and hardcore listening.”
DR. SARA KUBURIC – Existential psychotherapist; she guides people to understand who they are and their purpose.
QUOTE: “Letting go of the versions of me that only existed to please others.”
DR. STELLA KEITEL – I became friends with Dr. Keitel at a retreat; she has an engaging, non-judgemental gift of connecting. Learn more about her services at Breaktide.
QUOTE: “You’ve grown into someone who would have protected you as a child. That is the most powerful thing you’ve done.”
KELLY MCDANIEL, LPC – Her book, “Mother Hunger” on my side table right now. She specializes in attachment injury in daughters.
QUOTE: “Learning your story puts you in touch with missing pieces, so you can put them back together.”
These last two women are quite well-known and influential, and while they aren’t always on my radar, they are worth mentioning.
BRENÉ BROWN – Self-described researcher of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. There’s a wealth of resources on her website geared toward leadership development and living a purposeful life.
QUOTE: “Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things.”
GLENNON DOYLE – Activist, writer, and podcaster; she is an open book about the struggles in her life and how she overcomes them.
QUOTE: “That’s how you can tell that you’re filling yourself with the wrong things. You use a lot of energy, and in the end, you feel emptier and less comfortable than ever.”
