My husband recently officiated the wedding of our friends. In preparation, he dove head-on into marriage material: books, blogs, podcasts, and informal interviews with coworkers about their own marriages. Marriage became the primary topic occupying our minds for a few months. Most of…

A new friend recently told me that my husband and I remind him of the beginning scenes of Fight Club, when the main character attends various end-of-life support groups to treat his insomnia. I admit, he is observant. Hopefully I won’t start prowling the streets provoking others to fight me. But who knows...

Earlier this summer, at a time when I had recently moved to a new state and was looking for community, I came across a flier for an upcoming meeting series on recovery. One week later I was sitting in the church basement. I had arrived several minutes late, in the middle of introductions, and it was at that point...

A few months ago I came across a book my brother gave to my husband. It was a book about being fathered by God, by that title, with the tagline, “learning what your dad could never teach you.” It outlines the masculine journey, and describes six stages every boy must go through to become a man: beloved son, cowboy...

This is my final post. It has been a nice companion. What the blank page lacks in generosity, it makes up for in patience. As my final address, I will reflect on the heart, and where we chose to center it. Regardless of advances in technology, we are mortal. I am going to die. So will you. We speak of terminal illnesses as...

Today I reflect on rest. It was mentioned in a 1-credit class first trimester and never since. I speculate rest is the next nutrition, in the sense that eventually, people will realize a lack of it is responsible for the majority of disease and it therefore deserves a place in both medical education and patient care...

The concept of homecoming is a strange one. It evokes thoughts of high school football games and the dread of not being asked to a dance, rivaled only by the fear of being asked. But historically, homecoming had a different association. I used to keep a copy of The Odyssey in my car from a free roadside library to see what it...

As naturopathic doctors, we emphasize behavioral changes to support healing. This reflects the modern belief that the mind is the center of a person. The mind is capable of reason, and therefore rules over emotion, behavior, and character. The belief that we are dictated by the faculties of the mind is evident in our prescribing...

This is easy in theory and difficult in practice. The seasons of my life when I struggle in vain are a result of my disregard to this concept. It is rare when I am not uncentered in my priorities. When I was young, I wanted to fit in with friends. When I was in high school, I wanted to get good grades and make my parents proud...

I recently heard it posed by Jordan Peterson that the presence of play indicates a person is developing at an ideal rate. The concept was esoteric at first. I associate play with children and toys. But play can correspond to any age or situation. Play is using interaction as opportunity for creativity. When I apply it to my own...

I revisit this quote during times of transition. It captures a common attribute of people I admire: answering the call to adventure. It is a concept Jordan Peterson discussed in a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, that my husband relayed to me. Dr. Peterson said the Biblical narrative is one of sacrifice and...

In light of Holy Week, it is fitting to reflect on redemption. In a Christian context, redemption is the process of making all things new (Rev 21:5). It is the story arch of the Bible from beginning to end – a loving God come to rescue his people through substitutionary sacrifice, which freely offers a perfect righteous...

Today I reflect on fellowship. My family and I will be moving in May. As we approach the transition, I am appreciative for community. Aside from my husband, my church family has been my most constant influence during our 3-year chapter in Illinois. It is first a reminder that consistency is the best path to lasting...

Recently I have been aware of the role of truth telling in patient care. The truth heals, but it is uncomfortable, which is why we go to great lengths to avoid it. Truth often needs to be revealed to us by someone else. This is why having long-term, loving, and challenging relationships is a critical part of maturation....

The training of doctors is centered on learning how to meet patient needs. This looks different in each case. For some, emergency care is needed. For others, it is pain management or disease control. Still for others, it is guidance and encouragement to make lifestyle changes. As naturopathic doctors who treat holistically...