I hate this.

This sucks.

I don’t like it when….

I don’t want to.

Maybe you’ve heard them say this before. (Maybe you’ve even said this in your own life, too, cuz ya know, you’re human and all ;)).

The weight of the dread, denial, the don’t wanna. It can sometimes sit in the air. It can sometimes puncture the joy that once was. It can sometimes just be damn annoying.

But wait.

What if I were to tell you that a complaint is merely an incomplete thought.

Wha?

Like, think about it.

It’s like your teen or tween is sharing a story and they stopped mid-story.

Like right in the middle of their own heroes journey!

For some reason, they’ve decided that the problem is the conclusion.

Ha!

What if I were to tell you that complaining is merely the first step to doing something about whatever it is they’re complaining about.

And we’re just here to remind them (and ourselves!) of exactly that.

Ex: this backpack zipper keeps breaking. Ugh.

Great, first step is the noticing. And in this case the noticing is what’s not working - the complaint! Good job.

AND THEN remind them they get to either figure out a way to fix it or find a way to buy a new one or accept it as it is.

Complaints are simply incomplete thoughts.

When we operate w this, we can nudge our teens to continue the momentum of the complaint:

This sucks. - check!

What can I do about it to make it not suck? - check!

Or how can I accept it and focus on other things I have control over? - check!

That’s it.

This allows for flow.

A complaint is often stuck energy. See how your young person can create space between the density by inviting flow and movement.

Perhaps simply by saying, good job noticing (no sarcasm here!). What’re your options here?

That’s all.

See?

Easy peezy.

Complaints are merely incomplete thoughts.

Remind your teens to complete their thought!

W love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

PS - I’m so happy to be back facilitating teens and hosted the first The Creative Edge Lab - Teen Edition, here in Europe last week. V excited! If your teens school, parent group, organization, entrepreneurial foundation wants the The Creative Edge Lab, reply to this email to make it happen.

Reflections & Practice

How do you normally handle the situation when your teen complains?

How might you encourage them to continue the momentum - to complete the story! - the next time they complain?

Last summer we were in London for a month. We explored different neighborhoods, checked out the free museums, picnicked in parks, had our first Sunday roast, and reconnected w some old and new friends. Lots of fun was had!

At one point a friend reached out who also happened to be in town at the same time for a few days. She suggested a time and place to meet and have a snack, and luckily it worked out w our schedule. The kiddos were excited to see her again!

We decided to first check out the Museum of Natural History, a place my kiddos were particularly interested in. Now, we only had about 3 hours there since we were meeting our friend. I reminded my kids that we didn’t have to see it all, so they had pick and chose the most intriguing exhibition spaces. Each kiddo had to use the map to maneuver and lead us, and guide us through the spaces and exhibits. It felt a bit like a DIY scavenger hunt, which made it extra exciting!

All the meanwhile, they also kept track of the time because they were conscientious of our commitment afterwards. While it didn’t feel like pressure, they definitely skipped quite a few stops to make sure the connection happened. Good curation and time management skills were being practiced!

In the last hour, I noticed I got a few missed calls. Turns out the friend wanted to meet earlier… like right then because she wanted to get home earlier to get ready to meet other friends later that day. I pushed back and reminded her that we can’t make it until the agreed time since we’re still in the museum, exploring and enjoying. After all, it was our first time in London and the museum! She messaged again and said we need to meet earlier or she’s going to miss us because she wanted to leave soon. I let her know again that we weren’t able to do that. And asked if she was still okay to meet at our original time.

I continued to follow the kids pace and timing that we set in the museum. My assumption was that the time and place she originally created would be honored. So we were as present as we could be and could enjoy the moments together

As we wrapped up our visit and started making our way over to the agreed place, I got a voice note that was delayed in delivery. The friend shared that she decided she couldn’t wait 10 more minutes and left because it was important that she rested so she had energy to meet her other friends later.

My kids were there when I had played out aloud.

Daisy and Max looked confused and taken aback.

What? She couldn’t wait 10 minutes to meet us? I thought she came up w the place and time?

Followed by, Mom, I don’t think she’s a real friend because real friends don’t do that. Especially since this was the only day and time we could meet her!

As someone who tried to give the benefit of the doubt, I was like, well you know maybe she needed to rest. And I get that.

But the truth is, the more I sat w my kids innocent and obvious observation, the more I realized they were right. And if I tried to defend this persons actions and waste of our time, planning, and energy, then I would be setting my kids up w accepting friendships that are less than.

So I looked at both of them and said, You’re right. That’s not something a friend would do. So let’s know that’s not the type of friendship our family deserves, let it go, and enjoy the rest of our afternoon in freakin London!

While I haven’t confronted or cut off this person, I decided that I would not go out of my way feed energy into it anymore. The great thing is that that energy has been redirected into other healthy reciprocal intentional friendships and outlets. Truly, a blessing in disguise.

But wait… there’s more!

Another scenario, also happened to be in London, w another gal I hadn’t seen in decades. Someone I had supported through many cycles of her despair, depression, outbursts, personal, financial and familial problems in our 20’s. And at one point in my early 30’s I had needed to lean on someone and she wasn’t there. Okay, so I didn’t judge her back then because I know everyone goes through their own shit. I get it. And not everyone has the capacity to give like I do in the ways that I do. Sure, I get it.

She saw that I was gonna be in London and wanted to reconnect. Sure, I said. It had been decades and I didn’t hold it against her not being there for me in the one and only time I desperately needed someone back then.

We hung out a few times. She was gracious and showed us around her neighborhood and home. Even ordered in dinner to her beautiful Kensington townhouse, as our families sat around her living room and we reminisced. A trip down memory lane, now w babies!

We had made plans to hangout once more. This time it was a 1:1 dinner at a fancy restaurant, just her and I. A proper girls night catch up. She made reservations and got a babysitter for her young kiddos.

The day of our plans, I was out and about at Shoreditch, a vintage haven shopping district in London, w the kiddos. When all of a sudden, I just felt off. I couldn’t tell what it was but it felt like something biologically and mentally was shifting though I had no idea what or how. While we had easily walked the 30 minutes to the area, I knew I didn’t have it in me to get back to our Southwark place.

I let my kids know that I wasn’t feeling good and that we needed to leave immediately. They were so sweet and asked if I was okay and if they could do anything. I told them I got it, ordered an Uber and off we went. Back in the townhouse, I suggested they watch a movie and I crawled into bed. For unknown reasons at the time, I just started bawling uncontrollably. Like howling. Like completely unhinged.

Even amidst all this, I remembered my friend, and let her know via text that I couldn’t make it that night because I hit a wall and was feeling off.

Her response I made reservations that I had to pay for and got a sitter I had to pay for but it’s not about the money. You’re so disrespectful.

I’m happy to cover the costs of all of it, I responded.

It’s not even about the money even though it costs me x amount. Which is a lot of money. It’s disrespectful and rude and you’re not even thinking about me.

That wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry you feel that way. I just told you I’m not feeling well, I’m having mental health issues.

Well I’m sorry you’re having mental health issues, I hope you get better. But still I made all these arrangements and am out this money and it’s so disrespectful, she repeated.

Amidst what turned out to be a perimenopausal mental health breakdown, I decided to focus on being present and put my phone down.

My sweet kiddos did everything they could to support me even though they couldn’t understand what was going on. Once again, they reminded me that that person was not a friend at all. She didn’t show any compassion and doesn’t even care about your health, Mom.

W the help of my kids reminding me of who the fuck I am and who deserves to have access to me, I easily and effortlessly let go of two folks whilst in London.

While my teen and tween have manners, are kind and cordial to folks in general, they are particular about actual friendships and only have a handful. Everyone else is just an acquaintance, they often say. And even though Daisy teaches a financial literacy course for teens and is now currently co-directing the play of her dreams, she makes it super clear that there’s a difference between community and inner circle. Like her bestie soul mates. And Max is similar in this regard.

As someone who has prided herself in being inclusive in the past, I’m only now better understanding the importance of exclusivity in my life. Thanks to my babies.

My kiddos are active in establishing, maintaining, and protecting our family boundaries. What is and isn’t okay. What true friendship is all about. And more importantly what family is about - reminding each other of our worth!

So as much as I like to think I’m my kids guide, they are just as much mine. How beautiful is that? And how lucky am I?

In humbleness and humility,

And w love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

Reflections & Practice

What have your teens and tweens taught you?

Have you thanked them for also being your guide?

I fuck up.

Say things I shouldn’t have.

Yell.

Lose my warmth.

Basically throw an adult-size tantrum. :/

I am not immune to these things, though I wish I was!

And I know it. I know it in the moment. It’s like I can see it coming, and the truth is, I’ve come a long way. V long way. And yet, being human and all, there are some moments I still can’t catch that pause before the releasing the kraken.

OOf.

Am I proud of it? No. Not at all.

Am I proud of how far I’ve come? Yes. Definitely.

Am I proud of the repair & forgiveness? Indeed.

Because the thing is, we all mess up, right? And the thing is your teens and tweens know you are not perfect, even if they might still put you on a pedestal (maybe more like part-time these days ;)). And the most real thing a parent can do is to name the mess up. Name it.

I messed up.

Naming it means acknowledging the action AND the impact.

I messed up AND I know it probably affected you.

Sometimes kiddos will accept this, forgive, and let it pass. Other times, you can sense their armor come on and then after saying this, it slowly softens once more.

So say it. Plain and clear.

I wasn’t the Mom / Dad / Guide you needed in that moment.

That was the person you were and not the person you wanted to be. And in letting your kids know that, they will sense your sincerity.

And now, ready, to add the last piece to this that you know in your heart, mind and soul to be true? Okay, here we gooooooo….

No matter what, know I’m always on your side.

There it is.

Altogether now.

I messed up. I wasn’t the Mom / Dad / Guide you needed in that moment. And the thing is that I want you to remember and know no matter what, is that I’m always on your side.

The response takes ownership, understands how it may have impacted them, and what you want them to know and feel no matter what.

It’s a powerful antidote to whatever venom came out. Trust me, I know, because this is tried and true.

The beautiful thing is when we, as parents, model repair & forgiveness, this is something they will practice w themselves and others in their lives.

So know it’s a gift that will keep on giving! <3

(Also, in case you don’t hear this enough. You’re doing a great job, Mom / Dad / Guide! You’ve come so far! And your love is so powerful!)

From one imperfect parent who messes up from time to time, to another,

In humbleness and humility,

And w love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

Reflections & Practice

Go back to a time when you had a moment where you lost your shit.

Visualize the memory and imagine yourself saying this to your teen after the heated moment. Notice how your body, mind, heart, and spirit relax.

Notice your teen’s body, mind heart, and spirit melt.

And if it should so happen that there’s kraken moment down the line, say the phrase w meaning and love out loud to them:

I messed up. I wasn’t the Mom / Dad / Guide you needed in that moment. But the thing is that I want you to remember and know no matter what, is that I’m always on your side.

And tell me how it goes!

What if all it took for them to remember… is you remembering?

And in that remembering—in your trust and belief—they feel supported… though not necessarily saved.

We’re not perfect in our household (far from it), but my hope is to raise kids with a sense of high agency and a deep quiet knowing of who is always on their side.

//

As someone raised on the Socratic method, I can get stuck in the philosophical lane of life. The questioning, the what-ifs, the examining of assumptions.

And while that matters, so does knowing when to move.

Teens w high agency take the next step forward. Not because conditions are perfect but because they trust they’ll figure it out along the way.

We’re raising kids in an age of information overload. Opinions, stories, “facts,” all competing for attention! Discernment isn’t optional anymore.

Teens w high agency think for themselves. As critical thinkers, they’re willing to disagree, to question, to hold their own perspective even when it’s uncomfortable.

And it starts small.

In the simple act of noticing, teens build awareness.
With awareness, they gain choice.
And with choice, they become proactive instead of reactive.

I say this to my kids all the time: What do you notice? What are 2–3 extra actions you could take based on that?
Their response: Moooooommm. Eye roll included.

Teens w high agency don’t just react to life, they anticipate it.

And last, when teens trust themselves, they move w a sense of deep clarity.

Call it stubborn if you want 😉
But this is the kind that builds something.

They don’t fold at the first obstacle.
They don’t wait for perfect timing.

They keep going. They adjust. They figure it out.

Teens w high agency find a way. Period.

All we need to do is to remember that they have access to this and know our role:

To support them as they build that muscle
not to save them from every challenge,
but to stand beside them as they grow through it.

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

This week, try this: Instead of jumping in to fix, pause and ask

What do you think your next step is?

Then trust their answer a beat longer than feels comfortable.

Their bodies are going through it (thanks hormones).

Their minds are going through it (Thanks Hormones).

Their hearts are going through it (THANKS Hormones).

Gah, so many changes!

But, w all of these evolutions, let’s remember that these are the ages when they’re meant to experiment, try things out, and see if something fits or doesn’t.

But as well all know, sometimes experimenting feels a bit scary.

Teens aren’t sure what they’re going to get.

Teens aren’t sure if they’re doing it right.

Teens are in a season of just not sure.

And that’s okay.

More than okay, it’s important that they know how to be w being unsure!

One way I’ve instilled being comfortable w experimenting is in the kitchen. Through cooking. Playing w our food. Following a recipe. Or making shit up. Being curious about flavors, textures, possibilities.

The kitchen is a small lab!

It’s an easy place to get messy, keep it contained, and have a backup plan.

Daisy and Max have been in the kitchen w me since they were newborns, strapped in their bjorns, smelling, watching, observing, and of course tasting. ;)

It’s here I encouraged them to experiment - to play w food.

What do you think would go together?

Take a whiff? A sniff? And follow your intuition.

Maybe it’ll taste good, maybe it won’t. There’s only one way to find out - try it out!

At some point, I nudged them to make meals for the family. They could follow recipes or not. They could experiment or not. They could play it safe or be totally feral.

One phrase I said that made it easy for them to embody this is:

If it doesn’t work out, we can always get pizza.

Every time they were in charge of the food lab, I would say this. Repeatedly. And because they knew this, they felt bolder, more audacious, and allowed their curiosity to lead. Let me tell ya, I’ve eaten some weird things (*ahem* a large test tube filled w rice, w a small spoonful of mint chocolate chip ice cream, topped w the crowing glory of a homemade fried chicken nugget). It was fun. It was weird. It was something worth trying. Because it wasn’t about getting it right. It was about playing What if?

Even though that dish was never recreated again, I loved that it opened up my mind to the combinations I would never have thought! (Much like experimental bougie restaurants at times, no?).

The permission to Try is so real and empowering!

So here’s to experimenting. In the kitchen. In the classroom. In life.

To more rice, ice cream, chicken filled test tubes and beyond! Ha ;)

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

In what area of life does your teen or tween feel the freedom to experiment? To get it wrong and know it’ll always be okay?

What’s their version of We Can Always Get Pizza?

I know I can batch write them and automate them to go out at the exact day and time. But I don’t because I like the fresh feeling of the articles being alive in the moment that I share it w y’all.

Be consistent, they say. Consistency is key.

What if I told you consistency is for cake batter! Ha!

The older I get, the more I understand that my energy and inspiration is seasonal and cyclical.

And the real reason I’m pulling back the curtains here is because we’ve been told there’s a formula.

And formulas are consistent.

I’m consistent for a season and then I pivot. There are a lot of folks who do this, too. And a lot who don’t.

It’s helpful to know what one’s natural baseline is.

Perhaps one might call me adhd, different, or on the spectrum of some sort. Maybe. I’m not sure. I’ve never been tested. But I’ve always been told that I’m different.

People often say, I’ve never thought of it that way, after I share a thought or offer a new perspective. Or just, Wow.

Maybe I’m self-diagnosed, community-confirmed adhd?! ;)

Who knows?!

What I do know is that I’ve witnessed creative neurodivergent teens out there who feel like they have to exert extra effort to meet the criteria, norms, and expectations. And holy shit, if it’s exhausting for me, I’m certain it’s exhausting for our teens!

Is it:

Doable? Sure.

Sustainable? Likely not.

This is not to say discipline is out the door. Quite the opposite.

It’s actually all about natural discipline and flow states. When one is aware of the season of creation, the resonance is loud and it’s easy to follow the calling.

When one is forced to suppress it, or follow the protocol because that’s just what people do, it can quite literally be life draining. Knowing one’s natural inclination helps you understand what season you’re in and how to best swim through life accordingly.

//

I have several drafts of juicy articles in the pipeline for this particular Substack. Every week, I go back to the drafts and see what feels resonant.

What is calling to be released into the world?

What’s charged w energy that’s ready to be seen?

I follow that zesty trail and off she goes - l i v e - into the ether.

And then there are weeks where I look at all of it and feel totally uninspired. So I lag. I ponder. I wonder if I should just write something of the moment. (Oh, and yes, this is one of those moments! ;))

Trusting and knowing that that’s what wants to come out and play.

//

I’ve noticed w teens and tweens that they need constraints in order to flourish. And that those constraints are merely guidelines… until they’ve served their purpose.

Then they get revisited. Some fall away. Some new ones get added.

All to say, it’s important to pause and check in. To see if the season of consistency needs to be re-evaluated.

Take a look at nature. NATURE! She is seasonal.

Season for wet and dry.
Season for bright and dark.
Season for growing and hibernating.
Season for destruction and creation.

The funny thing is, we mere humans try to pretend we know what happens in these seasons. And we’re shocked when it doesn’t follow the formula.

For example, winter time in Austin, Texas. “It never snows there,” I was told. But when we arrived in January 2021, SHOCKER. It snowed several times. It even froze over for days!

Or have you ever been in a hot place during the summer and then been surprised when it rained? Or a freezing day in the middle of spring?

We like to pretend we know, thinking it keeps us safe and secure. But the truth is, we don’t. We are merely guessing, hoping our collective guess is accurate… so we can go about our business knowing everything is L M N OK.

Even within those seasons, we have weather apps to keep us in the know weekly, daily, hourly even. And still, they can be wrong.

Ever been in a situation where the app insists it’s sunny and you’re standing right there in the rain? ;)

And maybe that’s the point.

Maybe we were never meant to be perfectly consistent.
Maybe we were meant to be attuned.

To our seasons.
To our energy.
To what’s actually alive.

Unlike cake batter.

More like nature. ;)

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

What season is your teen or tween in?

Are they in create or consume season? Are they in grow or dormant season? Are they in exploration or deep dive season?

So many opportunities!
So many choices!
So much freedom!

But you know and I know that too many options can quietly break a brain and spirit.

Because when everything is possible, everything also feels like it matters more.

More pressure.
More second-guessing.
More what if I choose wrong?

So instead of freedom, they feel… stuck.

Frozen in a loop of overthinking.

//

Let’s Start Here

The word decide comes from Latin:

de- (off) + caedere (to cut)

To decide… is to cut off all other options.

No wonder it feels intense!

Every decision can feel like:

• closing doors

• fomo

• losing alternate versions of your life

That’s a lot for a teenage nervous system!

//

Pocket Story Time

In 2016, I started an artist-in-residence program at the Asian Art Museum’s Village Artist Corner in San Francisco.

A key part of the experience was turning passive viewers into active participants. Playful! Interactive! Alive!

And if you know me, I go from silly to soul-level in about 3.5 seconds. :)

One day, a young guy and I were chatting and he was spiraling.

Pros. Cons.
This path. That path.
Round and round.

You could feel his neurosis (something I resonate w as a recovering overthinker).

I listened for a bit… and then offered:

What if whatever decision you make is the right one for you?

He stopped.

Wait… WHAT?

You could literally watch his brain rewire in real time.

Oh… I can just choose… and trust it?

Exactly.

He walked away lighter. Clearer. Relieved.

//

When Options Overwhelm

When I moved to the U.S. at 16 from the Philippines, grocery stores felt like a psychological experiment.

Eighteen butters.
Thirty-six cereals.

I stood there like…
Is this a test? Am I failing it?

(The answers are Yes and Yes.)

Total analysis paralysis. Ugh.

And then I noticed something, I felt calmer in smaller, neighborhood markets, like at Trader Joe’s and farmers markets in California.

Places where the options were curated.

Not endless. Just… thoughtful.

Contained.

And suddenly?

Choosing became easy breezy beautiful (cover girl)!

//

The Missing Piece: Curation

Here’s what we don’t teach enough.

Before you decide…

you can curate.

Curation is:

• exploring without pressure

• trying things on without locking in

• letting your taste, instincts, and curiosity lead

It narrows the field naturally.

It makes decisions feel less like a cliff…
and more like the next step.

//

But Let’s Be Real, You Still Have to Choose

Curation is beautiful.

But if you stay there forever?

You end up with:

• A hundred “almosts”

• A scattered sense of self

• No real traction

(Confession, this is totally me sometimes, and I’m a full on grown up! Or so I’m told.)

At some point, you have to decide.

Not perfectly. Not forever.

Just… for now.

Because deciding is what turns energy into momentum.

//

The Rhythm That Changes Everything

It’s not deciding or curating.

It’s this:

Curate → Decide → Curate again

Explore.
Choose.
Refine.
Repeat.

Over and over.

This is how identity is actually built now.

Not in one big, perfect decision.

But in cycles.

Instead of I have to get this right.

It’s I get to choose, and I can choose again.

Decisions aren’t forever.

They’re… seasonal commitments.

So make the choice.

And when life brings it back around?

Choose it again. Or pivot.

//

Mama Bears & Papa Bears

Your teen doesn’t need you to pick for them. However they do benefit from your support!

They need:

• space to explore

• support to reflect

• safety to get it wrong

So when they’re choosing:

• classes

• friendships

• paths

What they’re really building is:

self-trust.

And that only comes from choosing… and living with it.

(Even when it’s messy. Especially then.)

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

Which one does your teen need right now?

• Whatever you decide can be the right decision for you.
  (Yes… this might mean letting them learn the hard way 😉)

• Let the environment help you.
  If someone or something can thoughtfully narrow your options, lean into it.

• Decisions aren’t forever.
  When you come back to the same choice, you can either choose it again… or move on.

Ready?

There’s no such thing as Easy or Hard…

Just familiar or unfamiliar.

Remember when your kiddo were teeny tinies, and tying shoes felt like such the challenge for their tiny fingers? It was merely unfamiliar sorcery to them at that time! And you, as their parent / guardian, were the wizard who was already familiar w the magic of turning two strings into a bow.

Then one day, as they kept attempting tying their laces, it started becoming more familiar. The strings that once seemed to magically loop was a practice they knew how to do. And then finally, BAM, the first time they did it all on their own - that sense of pride, ownership, sovereignty - what a life changing moment!

The transition from difficult to ease, was simply the unknown becoming known.

And now as they’re tweens and teens, we witness this same pattern amidst new adventures, activities, and life experiences.

This is hard.

I can’t do this.

I suck.

I’ve seen parents cave in after hearing this, hoping to ease their child’s struggle.

But the struggle is precisely the edge of discomfort that kids require in order to learn. To move from what was once unconsciousness into consciousness. From huh? To da da!

You’ve heard of helicopter parents, right? Those who are always buzzing around, supervising, overprotecting, etc. Even more involved are the wave of lawnmower parents, and they are on the rise!

Lawnmower parents are those who proactively intervene, removing obstacles, risks, and challenges to make their children’s life as smoooooooooth as possible. And while the intention is to help, it often time creates children who are under resourced in resilience, critical thinking, creativity, and independence. By minimizing or reducing the friction, these tweens and teens are unable to transition from childhood to adulthood properly.

The easiest way to practice reps of sliding from the unknown to the known is through kid led desires. When there is an obvious interest that your young adult has, there is often self-motivation. You know, it’s like when there is an invisible string that is tugging at their sense of self, their curiosity, their aliveness - that is the direction to support!

This helps them w moving from the beginner to learner to getting better to hey this is fun to I can teach this to mastery yet always growing to I’m gonna keep doing this and then some! The friction is there - the unknown is daunting - yet, that fire of wanting to know burns that sense of too hard. In this, the teens find themselves eager to keep walking, stumbling, dancing toward what will one day be the known.

But hey, this isn’t always the case, right? Or maybe you’re not sure what excites them at this time. There are other ways to observe and encourage this, too.

Take for example, your child is struggling in geometry. They go over it again and again. You go over it w them again and again. (and now you’re both struggling - LOL). And they still don’t get it. But one day, a peer or tutor or video explains it in an ever so slightly new way, that all of a sudden they get it. It clicks! And the next time they do a similar geometry problem, they squeal in delight, as they answer w ease because they are familiar w it. That’s it!

Was it that it was hard? Sure, you could call it that. But since we all know the power of marketing, we dress up concepts in new words and stories, right? ;)

So the next time your kiddos declares something is too hard, I dare you to give it new branding, and simply say, it’s not hard, it’s just unknown . . . for now.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

What’s something your teen has shared as hard this past week? How might the reframe from easy / hard to familiar / unfamiliar spark a shift? What’s something from their past in which they shifted from hard to easy or familiar to unfamiliar?

If so, you probably were in awe of the great Jim Henson, master puppeteer and all around goodass creative. A soul whose vision of this world was filled w whimsical puppets as storytellers. The weirdest! The cutest! The silliest! A genre that reached the hearts of a vast global intergenerational audience.

This morning I came across a reel of a gentleman who had an encounter w Jim. He shared the words that shaped him for the rest of the life. Wisdom in response to his question as a seven year old, How did you make all of this stuff?, referring to Jim’s puppets.

Jim’s reply,

First gather a group of people around you who you love and who love you. Give them an idea that has enough empty space in it so they can take it on and make it their own. And when you get it back, it’s more beautiful then you ever thought possible.

When I first heard that, I thought, Wow, here is a human who humaned well!

While I can take this quote and expand down soooo many different avenues, today, I sit w the concept of an idea that has enough empty space in it so they can take it on and make it their own.

Enough empty space.

So they can take it on.

Make it their own.

Of course I think of our teens and tweens! Let’s say our kids are the idea. Their v life is an idea. A dream that has manifested into human form. And they have enough empty space. So that they can make their life their own.

Stay w me here.

What I’ve witnessed in hundreds of teens and tweens is that many don’t have enough empty space. Between parents projecting their own dreams on them, friends convincing them to do this or that, media pressure to be all the things, and the endless lists at the intersection of should and must, there is much. So much! Perhaps even a daunting sense of psychological claustrophobia. Gah!

In order for our children to thrive, empty space is necessary so that they feel there is room for them to contribute, to fill out, to feel they are a part of something beyond themselves. When things are overly planned, when schedules are packed, when life has been decided on their behalf, it’s no longer their life but an extension of what is expected or desired. So how might we might support our teens in pruning back the excess?

Let’s borrow from the popular elimination diet. Have you heard of it? It’s typically for those who have gut or digestive issues. They take out everything from their meals that could be an irritant, eating only simple foods for a few weeks. Then they slowly introduce one grouping of food at a time and observe how the body responds for several days. The hope being that they find the root cause of their gastro challenges and focus on consuming what their body is calling for.

What I’m about to propose isn’t about confronting challenges per se, but simply creating room for your kids to show up.

I’m calling this the Pause Diet. Diet, meaning what one consumes. In this case, what is consuming their minds and time. Pause, meaning to mindfully stop for a period of time.

Yes, I’m getting prescriptive here! If it works for your teen and family, fantabulous. If not, move along (for now). Although, note that it just may come in handy for a season down the line. ;)

Back to the Pause Diet. Here we go.

1. Together w your teen, take note of schedules.

2. Have them write down all their activities and to do’s.

3. Next, pause everything - and I mean e v e r y t h i n g - that is not necessary. Get ruthless about it. (Phones included in this!!!)

4. Pause for a few weeks. Now I don’t know the context of their lives, it’s true, but I promise you, a pause now is better than questioning life in the middle of life (which is why my former life coaching practice was filled w 30-70 year olds trying to get back in touch w their childlike essence).

5. Let them just feel the space. S p a c i o u s n e s s. It might be uncomfortable. You might be uncomfortable. And that’s okay. The urge to do, to fill, to produce is real, especially that’s been the standard. Be strong here w your teen!

6. Slowly add back one activity, project, or experience a week and see how it lands, making sure they have the space, the invitation, the permission to make it their own.

7. How are they making it their own? How does it or doesn’t it light them up? What is worth keeping and what’s better off being cut out? How can you support their natural resonance?

I look at 20 year old American Olympic gold ice skater, Alysa Liu, and can we just say, what a freaking gem for this generation of teens! I love her soul much! And how in her retirement - in her Pause Diet, in her empty space, in her breathing room - she had the opportunity, desire, and fire to do a comeback and make ice skating her own. Her own! We feel it in the way she shows up, performs, and celebrates all because she took the time to pause.

And truly it’s in the empty space, that this innate sense of self is finally heard, and remembers it’s alive!

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

Maybe Mom or Dad or Guide need some empty space, too? :)

How might you model the Pause Diet in your life that your teen / twin can witness and perhaps even be inspired by?

Playing in the high school sandbox of identities, they might dabble in a variety of things. Am I a thespian? Am I a nerd? Am I outgoing or more reserved? Am I class council material? Am I the funny one, smart one, cute one, invisible one, loud one, creative one, etc?

Perhaps for some, what it comes down to is the idea of being good. A good kid. A good daughter / son. A good citizen. A good classmate. A good student. A good worker. Good.

But what does good even mean?

Following the rules. Meeting expectations. Thinking of others. Having a moral compass. Doing the right thing for the greater good.

Yes… and, believe it or not, it also means managing how you’re perceived. Reputation. The appearance of goodness.

Sometimes, this becomes - the end justifies the means.

What does that look like?

• Getting straight A’s - even if it means sleepless nights, anxiety attacks, or even cheating.

• Becoming the star athlete - even if it means hiding injuries or sacrificing joy.

• Saying Yes to everyone - even if it means saying No to themselves. Even if it means numbing, people-pleasing, or losing touch with their own truth.
  

Today’s youth are under more pressure than ever to be good, but at what cost?

More than being good (and protecting the reputation of being good), let’s teach our kids to be honest.

If they’re having a hard time being a good student and keeping up their grades, teach them self-compassion. Teach them to stay humble, ask for help, and know that struggling doesn’t mean failing.

If they’re doing all the things - acing school, joining every activity, volunteering, making time for family and friends - teach them to listen to the quiet wisdom of their body, mind, heart, and spirit. Rest is not laziness. And priorities can shift.

If they no longer want to follow the path their parents set for them and feel guilty about not being a good son / daughter, teach them that it’s okay to change direction. It’s okay to speak up now - before they find themselves questioning that path in their 30s, 40s, or 50s and beyond. (As a former coach for high achievers this always came up - always!)

If they’re kind to everyone but forget to be kind to themselves - stuck in being good, always saying yes, never wanting to disappoint - teach them to tune in. People-pleasing and self-abandonment start early. So can sovereignty. Help them come home to their body, their breath, their gut instincts, their inner knowing. Let that be their compass.

Start this as young as you can!

My kiddos and I aren’t perfect by any means, but let me share something w you that has fostered a sense of growing trust and honesty. Over the years, I’ve had weekly 1:1 dates w each kid - still do! I’m there to just listen to whatever’s going on in their worlds. It could be anything from their latest obsession, venting, what their friends are up to, their emotional world, looking at their drawings, listening to them sing, sharing when they felt hurt or left out or their struggles, something they’re celebrating, etc.

Here’s the compound interest of being present, listening, supporting, loving - each kiddo has come to me to share their biggest confessions over the years. What an honor it is to know that they can share their most painful, shameful, embarrassing stressors w me so I can continue to love them fully, lovingly, gracefully. Most recently, Max shared a big juicy secret w me the other day. It took him a full week to work up the courage to state that he has a secret to actually sharing it. And when he finally released it, I asked him how he felt. He said so much better and lighter. And I said guess what? I still love you. Always. Forever. And he relaxed into that - physically, emotionally, spiritually.

The next day Daisy said, Wow, you must be a really good Mom because both your kids can come to you w their biggest fears and secrets. That’s quite possibly the best compliment I’ve ever received in my life! I just about teared up when she said that because I wish I had that growing up. And though I lose my shit sometimes, I am so glad that I can offer my children enough space, grace, acceptance that they feel safe, seen, heard enough to share the deepest darkest honest bits and pieces of their soul w me.

So f* being good. The perception and reputation of good is an overrated burden to bear. Give me an honest messy child who knows that no matter what, them being themselves will far outweigh the accolades of being “good”.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

How can you encourage honesty over being good in your kids?

Normalize struggle. It’s part of being human. Remind them it’s okay to ask for help.

Let go of perfection. Focus on progress, curiosity, and growth.

Follow their natural interests and pair them with the skills they’ll need.

Destigmatize shame and embarrassment - these feelings are human, not flaws!

Create space to just listen. No advice. No fixing. Just your presence and a simple mirroring of what you hear.

What else could you add to this list?

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In an era where our teens ask a question and have immediate access to an answer (whether or not it’s right or wrong), I know it’s even more important for them to realize they need to work on their own understanding.

This is where critical thinking comes in.

Socratic method + creativity = critical thinking

It becomes a big game of What If, and I like it. In fact, I love it.

It’s the ability to not take things at face value. To understand nuance. To see from multiple perspectives.

And to be able to understand others even though they may or may not agree (especially important these days!).

The teen brain is wired to attune to their peers. So much so that they may end up doing ‘stupid’ things. I mean hey, we’ve all been there, right? I have the many wild stories to prove it!

And even so, there is merit in trying stupid things, knowing the elasticity of their being will bring them back to their own inner knowing. The more they get their intuit reps in, the stronger their self-trust.

So, next time your teen asks you a question, I dare you to respond w one, knowing you’re helping them help themselves.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

How does the socratic method play a role in your life? Do you see it as important tool in raising your teens and tweens?

Silly challenge: start practicing saying aloud, What do you think? so the next time your teen comes to you w a question, you’ll be prepared! ;)

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Our teens are inundated w stuff, information, other peoples way of living. Without even realizing it, they’ve become a generation of accumulating and hoarding mental stimulation. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down (thanks AI!).

While it’s a privilege to live in the information age - and hold up, even more info is coming - more more more more more! - it has flooded our systems. As adults, we have reference points for what life was like before immediate access to any person, thought, place or thing. But our teens are digital natives and were raised on this feast of knowledge. And whether they know or not, they are full - stuffed to the brim!

It’s like this infinite buffet. Omg. And a lot of the ‘food’ isn’t even nourishing or yummy, but damn is it addictive.

Do they actually want more?

But more of what?

That right there is the key.

Figuring out more of what.

When they learn this, they understand how to be discerning, something my Dad has been whispering in my ear since I was a child. Teens can learn to be the curators of their own lives. They get to decide what belongs in and out of their attention, energy, and connection. What’s worth it to them. Discernment.

I used to work at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California. A grand palace of impeccable taste, well maintained artifacts, and programs that ignited intergenerational hearts and souls. Oh, and w a fantastical staff, of course. ;) It was there that I understood the importance of curation, of picking and choosing what was worthy of relating to.

Before that, my filters were seemingly non-existent. It felt like I used to allow anything and everything - to make everyone feel included, to not hurt others feelings (people pleaser anyone?), to go w the flow even. Anything that narrowed focus or promoted exclusivity felt quite snobby to me at that time in my life.

But one day, it dawned on me. We only have a limited amount of attention, vitality, and time.

While our life is long, it is also incredibly short. When we set an intention, we create the invitation to dance w chosen partners, rather than whoever is around. And if we have an inkling of what is and isn’t desirous to us, we are better discerners of our own lives.

Something my Mom taught me during my yesteryears is to collect collect collect, theeeeeeen select. In other words, it’s good to keep an open mind, be curious, and try things out for a period. But when the time comes, pick and choose what deserves your attention. (Okay, okay, you caught me - her advice was specifically for dating! But I find that it applies to curating a great life overall ;)).

So when our teens are given seemingly endless access to knowledge, connection, and possibilities, how do we guide our teens in figuring out how to live a well curated life?

Let’s borrow a sampling of Marie Kondo’s best selling book, The Magic Art of Tidying up. W physical items, her method is to hold the thing and ask if it sparks joy. Meaning, does it light you up? If not, it’s time to let it go.

While that’s about handling things after they’ve been accumulated, I’d like to add, before you even invite or allow it into your life, what does it do for you? Is it helpful? Is it useful? Is it truthful? Does it bring flow? Does it light you up? Does it align w the person you are and want to be?

Okay, that’s a lot of questions! Maybe that can feel overwhelming to some. If so, you can simply start w asking them, do you like who you are when that person, place or thing is in your life?

And that’s how your teen will know.

After working w a museum for over four years, I’ve learned that treating our lives like highly curated museums is the ultimate act of self-love and self-respect. And when your teen approaches their own life in that way, they get to set their own standards. They get to decide what is and isn’t beautiful. They get to decide what’s a permanent collection and what’s a temporary exhibit. They get to decide what’s worthy of being maintained that breathes life into them.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

Where in your teens life might they benefit from curating?

Perhaps they have endless activities and w curation, they’ll be able to have time to just be.

Perhaps they have lots of friends and w curation, they’ll deepen w a chosen one or two folks.

Perhaps they have an overly stuffed closet w nothing to wear and w curation, they’ll only have clothes that they feel like themselves in.

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…but protecting them from clarity?

Because every avoided ask, every unspoken desire, every fear of no delays the moment they discover what they actually want.

When someone, something, or somewhere rejects us, our ego can take a hit.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I like Trevor’s concept for the group project better.”

My idea was shut down.

“Thanks for applying to the internship, but we found someone else.”

That organization doesn’t feel like I’m a good fit.

“Can we just stay friends? I don’t like you in that way.”

Someone doesn’t value me in the way I wish.

Ouch. That stings.

And for our teens - our tender, developing, exquisitely sensitive humans! - it can land even heavier.

But what if we turned it around?

What if instead they learn to see rejection as:

My idea now has more time to mature, evolve, and find the right home.

My energy and gifts are best used somewhere that’s ready to receive them.

I’m too valuable to beg for appreciation where it doesn’t exist.

The truth is, there’s a long road between the try, the sting, and healthy self‑esteem.

Some teens never even make it to the first stage - the Try - because:

1. they’re afraid to start

2. they fear the No

3. they don’t yet know what they want

Want to know a small but mighty secret my mom taught me when I was very young?

She whispered it to me repeatedly and thankfully, it stuck:

“Always ask. The worst they can say is No.”

She made rejection feel neutral. Ordinary. No big deal.

Like, that’s all they got? No?

I thank my Mama every day for this perspective because I got rejected a lot in my life! (Thanks Mommy Moo Moo!)

My response eventually became either “Okay” or “Is there any other way we could make this work?”

A fun, slightly weird fact: I did a teeny‑tiny bit of modeling as a teenager.

It was mostly a crash course in hearing No directly, frequently, and to my face.

A true breeding ground for eventual resilience.

In the moment, though? I was like… FFFfff, another no?

And then one day, it stopped mattering, because I realized it was just part of the process. The self-talk changed from wtf to okay, what’s the next step here w where I’m at and what I’ve got?

It’s all just a stepping stone to wherever your teen is actually going!

Knowing what they want and where they’re headed?

That’s the priceless part! And to be honest, the not‑so‑easy part.

But here’s what I’ve noticed, once they get clear on what they want, the No’s lose their sting.

When your teen decides he wants an internship at a law firm, he emails 50 local firms.

No, you don’t want a 15‑year‑old intern? No problem. All I need is one yes.

He keeps going because he knows what he wants, even though some days he may want to quit.

Or when your young adult decides she wants to be a singer, she practices daily, finds a mentor, and sings in front of audiences (family living rooms included! ;)) as often as possible.

You don’t like my voice? That’s okay, I happen to love my voice.

She keeps singing her heart out even when no one is around, or even when her confidence wobbles.

Once your kiddo decides, that’s the magic! That’s when the No’s start to wear off, and the core self starts to strengthen. And w each rep, their sense of worthiness, wholeness, and esteem stands strong w time.

Have your teen Ask and Try so often that No has no choice but to become ordinary. Neutral. Unthreatening.

And you never know, something surprising might happen along the way:

They may receive an unexpected Yes.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

When was the last time your teen met Rejection? How did they respond? In their body, their self-talk, their sense of worth?

Want to help strengthen their core sense of self—the part of them that doesn’t wobble every time the world says no?

Tune in for a little playful bravery: rejection therapy.

Encourage them to ask for audacious things where a No is not only possible, but probable.

Try this:

Ask for a discount next time they’re at a store.
Ask to sit in on a class that they’re interested in.
Ask for feedback after a no from their teacher (or even parent!).

Tiny asks. Big nervous systems.

This is how courage stops feeling dramatic.
This is how resilience sneaks in.

Bonus points if you do it alongside them! ;)

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Deeply. Lovingly. Profoundly.

On a level you likely didn’t know you could access until you became a parent.

You would do anything to help them. Support them. Protect them. Raise them well.

And right here is where things can quietly go sideways.

You would do anything to help them.

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Especially when it feels like big trouble.

A short, shallow breath.
Heaviness in the chest.
Swirling energy in the belly.
Tension in the shoulders.
A full wtf spiral in the mind.

OoOoOf.

Maybe they’re thinking, Mom and Dad are going to kill me.

Or maybe they’re thinking, Mom and Dad are going to help me. Phew.

And that difference?
It determines everything.

Are they hiding it from you?
Or are they calling you for support?

When I was a teen, I was definitely the former. When little or big shit hit the fan, I hid most things. I was scared. Ashamed. Embarrassed. Convinced I should handle it on my own.

And if I’m honest, as an almost 44-year-old, I still feel that way sometimes.

But for my teen and tween, I want something different.

I want them to know that yes, if they share their troubles, I might feel upset, disappointed, or angry. I’m human, after all. And despite that, I will always help them. Because I am always on their side.

If you’ve been reading my teen pieces over the past year, you’ll recognize this as a core theme:
I’m on your side.

Say it enough and they’ll feel it.
Say it enough and you’ll live it.

Big feelings may arise but support will always be there.

When kids know we’ll figure things out together, trouble doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming. When the words I’m on your side become the emotional foundation of their world, the nervous system expands its capacity. Safety and security aren’t just ideas, they’re embedded in the bones!

And still, even with all of this, my kids sometimes hide things from us.

Over the years, I’ve learned why:

1. They panic.

2. They don’t want to get in trouble.

3. They feel ashamed.

Wait a second, aren’t those the exact same feelings I had as a teen?!

Yes, yes indeed!

A few years ago, when Daisy was in middle school, she got a brand-new electric bike—bright school-bus yellow. She was thrilled. Freedom on wheels!

On the very first day of school, she got into a small accident. Fell off the bike. Face-planted on the pavement.

A mom driving by called me, and I rushed over. There was a police officer, traffic passing by, and Daisy sitting there with tears streaming down her bruised face.

She told me she hadn’t called because she was embarrassed. We’d just gotten off the phone, and I’d said, Be careful. Right afterwards, the incident occurred.

That moment landed hard for me. I realized something needed to shift. I wanted her to know deep in her body that no matter what, I am the first call. Always.

Recently, a dear friend shared that her middle schooler was caught smoking pot with friends on school grounds. There were natural consequences: suspension, long conversations, and ultimately, removing her from that school.

But alongside those consequences, her mom stayed by her side.

As they talked, her daughter shared what was underneath it all - wanting to be seen, wanting to belong, wanting to be cool. Her mom listened. She showed understanding. Together, they decided on consequences and a path toward repair.

And through it all, her daughter knew one thing for sure: My mom is on my side.

When we - as the adults - pause long enough to digest our reactions, we can step into what our kids might be experiencing and offer a little compassion. This doesn’t mean there are no consequences. It means we’re on their side right now and for the long run.

It’s not easy, especially if we were raised differently. (Trust me, sometimes I want to yell, shame, and do all the things!)

But here we are, one generation down the line, learning to hold our tongues, and our kids w a little more compassion.

May our teens and tweens always remember, We are on their side!

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

When was the last time your tween or teen shared that they were in trouble? How did you respond? What were the natural consequences?

Do you think your child would come to you if they were in big trouble or would they hide it?

Bonus: Modeling trouble & repair: have you ever shared a time when you were in trouble with your kids - why it happened and how you worked through it?

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And in case you haven’t met me before - this is already how my brain generally operates… ever since I was a little girl! For better or worse, my mind wanders into curiosity and often straight into a persons quirky soul and big heart through asking midnight questions, as Shaun has fondly dubbed them. Some hate it, this feels intrusive. Others feel relieved, ahhhh finally a space to share! Or perhaps perplexed, Ooof I’m not sure I have the capacity to respond to that.

For example, last year, we celebrated our dear friend Saif’s 60th birthday in Bali. En route to the party destination, I asked him to share a highlight from each decade of his life. He goes, Marie, you know you really make people think and sometimes people aren’t ready for it… but this time, I am! ;) He proceeded to reflect back on six defining moments of his one beautiful life. And what a life he lived!

So prompting isn’t something I’ve directly taught my kids but apparently they’ve been observing and absorbing over the years. And I’ve witnessed it in the way they show up, what they decide to focus on, and the questions they share at family dinner. So last week, as we sat down to feast on some yummy homemade chicken tikka masala w black rice, Max looked around at us w a curious smile on his face. I have a question for all of us, he said. Ready?

Wow, uhm, okay.

Uh, that’s not something anybody was expecting. I mean, Max can be really deep and thoughtful, but that was a whole different level! We were impressed and to be honest, a little thrown back because of the depth. While we were struggling to come up w answers of our own, so we decided to start w mirroring what we saw in each other to create some momentum.

This was helpful because it showed that we were 1) noticing and paying attention and 2) sharing a proud moment - all ingredients for a great bonding dinner! Which created space for us to have a moment to figure out how to respond about our own lives. Vale! So when it came time to reveal, we felt a sense of ease and pride, sharing our personal evolution stories.

Perhaps your family might benefit from this Magical Question, too. <3 You just might be blown away by your teens self-awareness and story!

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨Marie in Awe

PS - But MAX! OMG! What an amazing question! For reals! I even shared this w Priya Parker herself, and the only response she gave was Wow. Right?! Wow.

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Reflections & Practice

At your next family dinner or 1:1 moment w your teen or tween curiously wonder aloud, What’s something you’ve improved on over time that others don’t know about?

Don’t be shy about revealing your response w your tween / teen, too!

Bonus: Have each one share their reflections on each family member, tambien.

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Music has spectrums - volume, timbre, texture, resonance. A song isn’t just loud or soft. It has crescendos, pauses, harmonies.

Emotions have a spectrum, too - intensity, flavor, complexity. Sometimes we feel five things at once, and they’re all true!

So that whole thing about If it’s not a Hell Yes, it’s a Hell No?

Sure. There are moments when that clarity is liberation. When it’s the boundary that saves you. When it’s the only filter you have the capacity for.

But as a life philosophy?
As a blanket rule for relationships, decisions, and the human condition?

Ooooof - I don’t buy it.
In fact, I think it has quietly encouraged some dangerous oversimplifications.

We’ve turned discomfort into evidence.
We’ve turned nuance into suspicion.
We’ve turned anything less than perfect alignment into toxicity.

Yikes.

If you’re not perfectly at peace with your friend, partner, classmate, teacher…
they must be toxic.

Yikes.

If they irritate you? If they don’t mirror you? If they’re in a rough season?
Cut them off. Block. Label. Move on.

And while sometimes that’s the right move, we all know it’s become a reflex for many. A worldview. A coping style disguised as empowerment.

Yikes.

But being able to hold nuance…
Well, that is one of the most powerful acts of self-compassion and compassion.

Nuance blesses you with grace.
Nuance gives you room to breathe.
Nuance says, I can discern without dramatizing. I can care without collapsing. I can be real without being rigid.

Just to be clear - nuance is NOT the same as tolerating bullshit!
It’s not bypassing, people-pleasing, or staying where you’re harmed.
It’s simply the recognition that life offers far more than two boxes: right/wrong, yes/no, stay/go, black/white.

And if you must know, living in Spain has magnified this in our lives the past few months.
This culture holds a kind of everyday spaciousness for different moods, ideas, temperaments - all coexisting, all acceptable. People gather, disagree, laugh, debate, feel, express, and still be together. A lot. I mean like all the time.

It’s not just tolerance.
It’s not even just acceptance.

It’s nuance.

It’s the understanding that the world isn’t perfect.
People aren’t perfect.
Parents aren’t perfect.
Friends aren’t perfect.
And our teens, as much as we adore them, are certainly not perfect.

And yet here we all are: learning, becoming, unfolding. Together.

Even in this article, I hope you find nuance.
This won’t apply to everyone.
Some will disagree.
Some will bookmark it for a future season.
Some will feel deeply seen right now.

But if nothing else, I hope it reminds you and your teens that the richest parts of being human rarely live in the extremes.

They live in the spectrum - the shades, the tones, the in-between places where growth, tenderness, and real connection actually happen.

Until next time!

With love, awe, wonder, and power,

✨ Marie in Awe

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Reflections & Practice

Where might you be holding your teen to black and white standards? When might we invite grace into moments where our teens need understanding and nuance over judgement and correction? And how might we practice this w ourselves, as we try our best to model this for our budding adults?

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