Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

The frosted white, snow-kissed Christmas tree simply had to come home with us. Its fullness and light, fluffy icicle look—though not the traditional green—embodied a chill this side of the U.S. rarely, if ever, sees. But as we unboxed it, I realized the error of my ways. Watching it release a whirlwind of styrofoam “snow”Continue reading “Spirited Away”

I don’t miss the material stuff. Any of it. As I take in the simplicity of the space around me—the blue, puffy-topped ottoman and the long, narrow dark oak table with two chairs neatly tucked against its bare surface—my mind drifts to the version of me from a few months ago. The cross-country move broughtContinue reading “Purging, Planning and Paving”

After watching a video on Beducated—a website offering a wide range of educational content about relationships and intimacy—Dave and I started discussing our shared visions and goals for our family. We brainstormed ideas, like incorporating more physical activity into our routine, such as walking or biking to places like the library or hardware store insteadContinue reading “Motorcycle Messenger”

I’ve been feeling a bit down, but then I remembered my “gratitude task,” and suddenly things felt better. First, I’m grateful for the fluffy biscuit towers I made for lunch, topped with the equally fantastic sausage gravy from Morrison’s Country Style Pepper Gravy Mix. It may seem small, but there’s something about a good mealContinue reading “Humanizing Better”

To be better humans, we first need to show up for ourselves. The first episode of the How to Be a Better Human podcast focuses on emotional health—specifically loneliness and vulnerability—and it hits close to home. I know firsthand how shame and self-blame have kept me stuck in unhealthy emotional states. One insight from theContinue reading “Being a Better Human – Day 2”

I’ve been stuck—lost in the depths of hopelessness. Friend’s Facebook posts, news articles, and even my own thoughts have felt like booby traps, keeping me despairing and weighed down. My only escape hatch has been imagining a fantastical move to Portugal, Finland, or some other dramatic dismantling of who I am, who others are, orContinue reading “The “Be a Better Human” Challenge”

Here’s a writing exercise focused on capturing the nuances of something deeply familiar. I chose the first counseling session. This scenario reflects the blend of vulnerability, curiosity, and mutual discovery that sets the foundation for the therapeutic relationship. Below is a dialogue inspired by countless introductions. I adjust the chair slightly and place my just-filledContinue reading “The First Session: A Writing Exercise”

I’m not usually one for boxing, but is it a name like Mike Tyson, and is it free on Netflix? Count me in with the other 280 million viewers. I don’t claim expertise, but I managed to pick the first-round winner—less puffy, red, and more composed. Seems like a solid strategy. Round two was aContinue reading “Fight Night”

I show up to the page in many moods. My favorite is the dreamy, playful state where my mind feels free from life’s shackles and I fly. In that state, my broken wings have the strength of a thousand eagles, and on the page, I slice through turbulence with ease. It’s mine—every thrust, every dive,Continue reading “Broken Wing Flying”

I don’t want to write. I’m tired. I feel myself searching for something—a book, maybe, something lighthearted and inviting, something that might help me find my way again. I sense that the path I lost myself on is still here, waiting as if it’s calling, “Where are you?” Twenty-three people gathered to celebrate Evelyn’s fifthContinue reading “The Birth of November”