Hey Stress, Let's Talk

Every August, I start hearing the same questions. "What time should bedtime be?" "Will my child know anyone in their class?" "Should we practice tying shoes? Packing a backpack? Solving quadratic equations?" Back-to-school brings a lot of logistics, but I don't think that's what makes August feel so overwhelming.

Friction has been on my mind lately. Not things rupturing, just rubbing the wrong way. The conversation with a coworker that leaves you feeling off. The tension with your partner. The ache that shows up after your morning run. The warning light on your dashboard.

I've been thinking about the word judgment. We've become quick to say, "Don't judge." And I understand why. We don't know everyone's story, and we should question our assumptions, challenge our biases, and treat people with compassion. But that's different from giving up our judgment.