In honor of my friend, Maya Spaull Johnsen, who passed away earlier this year, and this being her birthday week, I invite you and your middle schooler to pause and reflect. 

Reflect on the ways you might be hurting, or in need of healing. Notice the areas of your life where you're rushing. You're numb. You're resentful, or stressed. Know that you have another choice in each moment to de-clutter your life and live with more peace. Send yourself some compassion - you can never have enough! Simply express gratitude for how much you've overcome, and appreciation for your support system.

Give those areas attention and love right here and now. Right now is all you really have. 

Maya inspired me to do meaningful work, so I dedicate the space of this week's episode to her. 

She was an executive at Fair Trade USA, and has been since we met in our 20's. She was responsible for helping to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of factory workers and farmers, and her legacy lives on in the partnerships she forged with many organizations you likely buy from today. In honor of Fair Trade Month, consider making a purchase to continue the incredible ripple effect of Maya's legacy. 

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/

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As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year.

You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings.

Listen in now!