Many people know that cortisol is the stress hormone, but most do not understand the havoc it can wreak in the body. Cortisol causes sugar cravings to prepare the body for fight or flight. Once in a while, this is not a problem, but when a person is chro… instagr.am/p/CkhXLj9oYBR/

While lifespans might be increasing around the globe, how many of those extra years are spent truly feeling healthy and with fullest vitality and wellness? Unlike lifespan, which is strictly the years in your life, healthspan refers to how long your we… instagr.am/p/Ckok4B7o9Io/

Lots of nerdy reasons to be thankful this week! The Neuroscience of Gratitude "Robert Emmons, a well-known mental health specialist, conducted several studies on stress and health which indicated that gratitude effectively releases stress hormones and … instagr.am/p/ClR3llPo6C3/

For adoptees, "coming out of the fog" refers to the growing awareness of the complexities of adoption. It involves learning a more complete narrative of adoption than what we grew up hearing. For me, right now, it means holding the tension that while I … instagr.am/p/Cli8xtdIeZQ/

"The agencies were run by board members close to military leaders, who saw adoptions as a tool to reduce the number of mouths to feed and to remove the socially undesirable, including children from unwed mothers or poor families. Adoptions were also aim… instagr.am/p/CmEve09uYlI/

I was minding my own business driving to see my best friend's kids in a musical. I felt it in my body as I crossed the intersection -- grief. My thoughts quickly caught up as I noticed that this was a part of town I'd driven many times with my dad in hig… instagr.am/p/CmK1bJfK5r3/

Everything in the Enneagram happens in threes, including instincts. When a person's survival instinct mixes with their core motivation, you get a subtype. There are three variations of each Enneagram type which leads to 27 subtypes. Subtypes are helpfu… instagr.am/p/CnxM1QuOetk/

If you are nervous about using essential oils on the younger set, here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Essential oils are not novel. While it may seem like essential oils are just the latest and greatest thing, they’ve actually been used by humans f… instagr.am/p/CoIGZLIrvo_/

Groundhog's Day was Dad's favorite holiday. We've had some sort of Groundhog's Day celebration for as long as I can remember. Simple celebrations at home with dirt dessert or full blown neighborhood parties complete with crafts and party games. In the m… instagr.am/p/CoKmcHiOFKI/

Benefits of Healthy Gut Flora 1. Nervous System Support 2. Immune Support 3. Digestive Support Swipe for more info. instagr.am/p/CosWs7kIKIS/

I've always had so many words 😆 My mom says she used to walk out of my room after saying goodnight and listening to me for a couple minutes. Even then I would still keep talking. It's surreal that now I get paid to keep talking 😁 Will I get to me… instagr.am/p/CouyAAKoPB_/

If you ever have a chance to join a group that is centered on increasing your personal awareness so you can be a better human, take it. I can't give adequate words to describe the sacredness and holiness that happened last weekend when we all reunited. … instagr.am/p/Co5kXQNO9Q5/

A friend of mine introduced me to a new Lenten practice this year. It was to pick a tree and watch it through Lent. I wasn't committed enough to pick one tree, but her prompting has caused me to pay more attention all the trees around. I've been fascina… instagr.am/p/CqGjLR5ukgy/

Between attachment science and polyvagal theory, there is lots of neuroscience and interpersonal biology to explain why we have different relationships with different people. Or why relationships feel different. If you have a different relationship expe… instagr.am/p/CqTP_WpoXdU/

We don't share DNA (as far as we know). We have personalities that are as far apart as three points of the triangle. The book about birth order could've been written based on us. And I'll forever be grateful that our dad's death brought us closer toge… instagr.am/p/Cq3xBJTuvH5/

Parenting children with special needs requires me to be in my best physical shape for as long as possible. I need energy, good sleep, and all the cognitive performance. Can I get an amen? 🙌🏽 I take a half dose of doTerra's Lifelong Vitality pack relig… instagr.am/p/CrPP-AyMHQP/

Each body responds differently to stress. Mine gets tension migraines. I try to use natural remedies whenever possible. I recently discovered that a cool cloth with lavender, peppermint, and roman chamomile brings almost instant relief. What are your… instagr.am/p/CrRXO_gx6al/

Today marks 14 years of being an adoptive parent. I wrote these words 14 years ago, long before I started unpacking the impact loss has played in my story as an adoptee raising children through adoption. I was young, idealisitic, and naive. "We were abl… instagr.am/p/CrgyfBUorH0/

If you have blocked care, you may not experience the same level of pleasure or reward from parenting activities as other parents do. Blocked care is a self-protective mechanism in the nervous system activated by excessive stress. This suppresses the hi… instagr.am/p/Crt4Hb2osmr/

Every time I talk about Asian food being some of my favorite food, I feel like I have to caveat that I didn't grow up Asian. It wasn't the obvious choice. Or I have to clarify that I don't like spicy kimchi. Which makes me feel not Korean enough. In col… instagr.am/p/Csi8m3Po23I/