Originally published on Dr. Z's Two Cents, September 22, 2025.
Hello, Blog Reader! Dr. Rachel here.
I seem to forget (despite having spent >99% of my life in Midwest America) there is an annual rainy season within every season. Every. Year. There's your subtle nod to autumn's arrival!
Yet, I am usually legitimately surprised, if not somewhat disappointed, when wet & gloomy weather vibes appear.
As much as we may be tempted to rebel against the life storms we encounter, it usually leaves us soaking wet, freezing, and feeling instant vulnerability and panic; being immediately transported to a space in time when our brain activates our S.O.S. Emergency System to prepare for survival of the fittest.
What if, instead of allowing our desperate attempts to find some sense of safety within a situation that has effectively been annihilated.... we practice giving ourselves grace to let go?
To gently 'stand on business' with our boundaries...emotional, energetic, physical, time, etc. without any shame, guilt, or explanation for doing so.
To practice reminding ourselves that no is a complete answer. Despite our curiosity wanting more information...honestly, that's not owed to us. (did that hurt your feelings a little bit? yeah, mine too. oh, to be human.) The wonderful news is, the opposite is also true. We do not owe any one person or situation explanation beyond an empowered, yet simple, "no."
Additionally, we get to practice radical acceptance (zero logic allowed here) of the shit-storms that are part of life and being human, especially in adulthood, throughout adulthood... (it really feels like an opportunity to add an opt-out clause for some of this shit, I mean, REALLY.)
It is difficult, no doubt.
And, I am very much in the thick of it right now.
This is when we need to anchor into ourselves, not out of desperation, but out of an inexplicable knowing it is time to settle into alignment with who we (the collective we and the individuals therein) are becoming.
Optional brief grounding practice here:
Gently place your hands over your heart space and close your eyes if you are so inclined.
Take a comfortable breath in for 4 counts, hold that breath in for 4 counts, then slowly exhale for at least 4 counts...repeat that sequence however many times is helpful to you and open your eyes when you are ready.
[IMAGE FROM ORIGINAL POST]
This is also the time we need to dial into our internal source of power, bestowed upon each of us by G.U.S.S., and create.
Create our way into a more peaceful reality, deeply rooted where we are, in who we are becoming, no matter how many human years lie ahead of us, collectively and individually.
Energetically sending love and ease your way.
Until next time,
Dr. Z