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How Alone Time Can Help You Find Your Creative Spark

Jaclyn Baker

While collaborating with others can be a great way to bounce ideas and brainstorm, some of the most powerful ideas can happen solo. 

The next time you want to tap into your creativity and imagination, don’t look to others for their input. But instead, find a quiet place to focus and look inward for that creative spark. 

Here are 4 ways having alone time can fuel your creative flow:

Space For Original Thought

Life can be filled with constant voices from surrounding family, friends, and colleagues, but when was the last time you were truly alone with your thoughts? Having a space that’s all your own and free from external pressure can allow original thoughts to thrive. It can be a quiet spot in a cafe, your home office, or a bench at the park. But this is a space where you can really think and not edit yourself based on what others might say.

Let Daydreaming In

Letting your mind wander can be a wonderful thing. For creativity, daydreaming can be the perfect way to think about your wildest and most exciting thoughts. Don’t stifle your thinking by immediately snapping out of it or grabbing your phone. Instead, pull from the fresh perspectives and imaginative ideas that daydreaming brings. 

Build Confidence Through Independence

Relying on your own instincts and abilities can build your self-confidence. You’re not second-guessing or doubting your strengths – you’re fully embracing whatever comes to mind. This uninterrupted and independent time can allow you to trust your voice more often. Over time, you can carry the clarity and uniqueness of your voice into everything that you do.

Deep Work Without Distractions

Have you ever become so absorbed in a project that you lose track of time? That’s what happens when you’re in the state of flow, and alone time can be the perfect setting for this. Being in solitude allows you to dive into a creative project without getting distracted, whether you’re painting, writing, or problem-solving. Sometimes, creativity doesn’t need inspiration – it just needs focus. 

Final Thoughts

Alone time doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world, but finding balance. Giving yourself alone time can create a safe space for your creativity and imagination to expand. So, the next time you feel stuck or uninspired, try stepping back and having a quiet time in solitude. You may discover that your best ideas have been waiting for you to unlock them all along.



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What To Do if a Loved One Shares They’re Suicidal

Jaclyn Baker

By : Claire Butcher

This article discusses self-harm and suicide. Please see a list of hotlines and resources below if you need to speak to someone. 

Talking about suicide can be scary. It is taught to us as a taboo topic that should be avoided, driven by myths that people may act on their suicidal thoughts if we start the conversation. But the facts remain – over 720,000 people die by suicide per year, reminding us that it’s a vital discussion to have with our loved ones and communities. Today, we’ll review the common warning signs of suicidality, the ‘dos and don’ts’ if a loved one expresses suicidality to you, and some common myths. 

Warning Signs

Before talking about what to do if a loved one shares with you that they’re suicidal, it’s important to learn the different forms of suicidality and what constitutes a mental health emergency. 

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, or NSSI refers to self-harm (this can take the form of cutting/hitting/burning oneself). Self-harm can happen with or without the intent to end one’s life. People can engage in self-harm to help ground themselves to manage feelings of overwhelm or dissociation, as an outlet to process emotional pain, as a way to ‘feel’ something instead of emotional numbness, or as a way to ‘punish’ themselves when managing severe mental health symptoms. It is important to recognize self-harm as a coping skill, and learn harm-reductive outlets to build longer-lasting and more helpful tools, while fostering healthier relationships with our bodies and emotions. 

Passive Suicidal Ideation refers to any desire to end one’s life, “sleep forever”, or other forms of suicidal thinking that don’t involve a plan or intent to attempt suicide. These thoughts can look like: “I just wish I could disappear”, “I want to go away for a long time” or for “the world to end”. 

Active Suicidal Ideation is when someone wants to end their life and is actively thinking about a plan, taking steps to prepare to end their life (for example, researching methods of how they can attempt suicide, writing letters to loved ones, giving things away), or feeling an urge to act on their suicidal thoughts. 

This article provides more details of what suicidal ideation can look like. In general, here are some common warning signs that someone may be thinking about attempting suicide: 

  • Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden to others
  • Talking about wanting to “disappear” or die
  • Withdrawing from social events and regular activities
  • Drastic changes in mood or behaviors – people can have a drastic positive shift in their mood when they’re seriously contemplating suicide, as thinking about ending their pain can bring on a “wave of relief”
  • Giving away possessions or saying goodbye to others

Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Suicide

  • “Don’t talk about suicide, it will make the person act on their thoughts.” → There is no evidence for this. Talking about suicide reduces stigma and can help individuals seek support.
  • “Suicide only affects people with mental health conditions.” → Many people with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts, and not all people who die by suicide have mental illness. Life stressors, legal matters, trauma, death, and many other life circumstances are associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior. 
  • “People who talk about their suicidality are just seeking attention.” → People who die by suicide often tell others about not wanting to live, making it vital for us to take these signs seriously.
  • “Only teenagers are affected by suicidal thoughts.” → The highest risk age groups are women between the ages of 45-64, and men 75 and older. This also does not include the elevated risk for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
  • “Suicide is not preventable.” → Therapeutic and medication interventions do work. One of the best ways to prevent suicide is to seek help and treatment. 

The Dos & Don’ts for Talking About Suicide

  • Don’t react with shock or fear. This can make the individual feel like it’s unsafe to talk about suicide and only adds to the stigma. 
  • Don’t judge, do not debate if suicide is right or wrong, or if these feelings are “good or bad”. 
  • Don’t sugarcoat. Do not compare their situation to others or minimize their struggle.
  • Do meet them where they are – validate their feelings, ask more questions about what’s causing them to think about harming themselves.
  • Do be direct. Ask clear questions like “Are you thinking about suicide?” and “ Do you have a plan?”.
  • Do connect them with resources and encourage them to seek professional care. This can also take the form of creating a Safety Plan. 
  • Do follow up. Keeping in touch with loved ones who are suicidal is vital. 

It is life-saving to keep the conversation around suicide going. Having routine check-ins with loved ones surrounding mental health is one way we can prevent suicide and foster an environment of care and compassion. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please see the resources below. 

Hotlines and Resources

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NAMI: Building Community and Support in Oregon

Jaclyn Baker

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, founded in 1979 by families who recognized the urgent need for better understanding and support around mental illness. Today, NAMI operates through a network of state and local affiliates across the country, offering education, advocacy, and direct support to individuals and families.

NAMI’s Purpose and Work

NAMI’s mission is to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness through:

  • Education – programs like Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer that provide tools and knowledge to manage mental health challenges. 
  • Support – free, peer-led groups where people living with mental health conditions and their loved ones can share experiences. 
  • Advocacy – engaging with policymakers to expand access to mental health services and reduce stigma. 
  • Awareness – community events, campaigns, and outreach efforts that promote understanding and compassion. 

NAMI in Oregon

In Oregon, NAMI has a strong presence through local affiliates such as NAMI Oregon, NAMI Lane County, NAMI Multnomah, NAMI Washington County, and NAMI Clackamas. These chapters serve as community hubs, offering support and connection for people living with mental health conditions and for their families.

By joining or attending a local NAMI group in Oregon, you can expect:

  • Peer Connection – a safe, supportive space to talk openly with others who understand your experiences. 
  • Practical Skills – strategies for coping with stress, navigating the mental health system, and supporting recovery. 
  • Reliable Resources – guidance toward local services, treatment options, and crisis supports. 
  • A Sense of Belonging – opportunities to reduce isolation and feel part of a larger community working toward wellness. 

Getting Involved

Participation in NAMI programs is always free of charge and open to anyone interested. Oregon chapters also host NAMIWalks Oregon, an annual event that raises awareness and funds to sustain these local efforts.

For more information and to find your local chapter

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Helping at Home: Tips for Parents

Jaclyn Baker

Back-to-School Stress Is Real

As the school year begins, many children and teens experience added stress—new teachers, changing routines, social pressures, and heavier workloads can all take a toll. For families already managing emotional or behavioral challenges, the back-to-school transition can feel especially overwhelming. Parents may notice more mood swings, resistance, or anxiety during this time. While there’s no perfect formula, there are practical steps you can take to ease stress and support your child at home.

Start with the Basics

Before assuming your child is being “difficult,” check whether something simple might be causing distress—hunger, thirst, fatigue, overstimulation, or feeling unwell.

Pick Your Battles

Not every behavior needs correction. If it’s simply annoying but not harmful, it may not be worth an argument. Save your energy for the issues that truly matter—like safety, respect, and responsibility.

When you do need to step in, stay calm and be matter-of-fact. Children often mirror the emotional tone of their parents; if you can keep your voice steady and neutral, they are more likely to de-escalate.

It can also help to set clear expectations ahead of time. For example: “We’ll leave the park in ten minutes” gives your child time to adjust, rather than facing a sudden transition. And when possible, offer simple choices: “Would you like to start your homework before or after dinner?” This builds a sense of control and cooperation instead of conflict.

Create a Supportive Environment

Home should feel safe, structured, and encouraging. Praise what your child does well, show affection, and model healthy ways of handling conflict.

Encourage Open Communication

Let your child know they can come to you with worries or problems, and listen without judgment. Their concerns may feel small to you but can feel very real to them.

Respond Calmly in Crises

A child who is overwhelmed cannot rely on reason. Use a soft voice and simple directions like:

– “Take a deep breath.”
– “Come with me.”
– “Tell me what’s going on.”

Your calm presence helps them regulate.

Teach Coping Skills

Encourage your child to practice healthy strategies for managing stress—like deep breathing, journaling, or taking a walk. Use mistakes as learning opportunities by asking, “What could you try next time?”

Address Troubling Thoughts

Kids sometimes misinterpret situations or worry excessively. Help them reality-check their fears, and if anxiety or depression seems persistent, consider professional support.

Keep Routines Steady

Consistent sleep, morning, and bedtime routines reduce stress.
– Children ages 6–13 need 9–11 hours of sleep each night.
– Teens ages 14–17 need 8–10 hours each night.
Add a healthy, low-sugar breakfast to help improve focus and energy at school.

Stay Mindful of Tone

Conversations go further when you approach them with care rather than blame. Avoid accusatory language and show concern instead.

Seek Support

You don’t have to do this alone. Each state has Family Run Organizations that provide advocacy, resources, and training for parents.

Find your state organization
 Local Mental Health America (MHA) affiliates also offer education and support: 

Building Resilience at Home

These tips can’t eliminate all challenges, but they can make home life calmer and more connected—helping both you and your child build resilience. Adapted from Mental Health America.

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​​Different Cultures, Shared Humanity: How We View Suicide

Jaclyn Baker

By: Nooshi Ghasedi

Suicide is one of the most difficult topics to talk about. It touches every culture, yet depending on their cultural lens, the way people understand and respond to suicide can vary. At the same time, there are also some powerful similarities that connect us all.

How Views Differ

Religion and morality: In many Western faith traditions, suicide has long been seen as morally wrong or sinful. Meanwhile, in some Eastern traditions, there have been moments in history where suicide was framed differently—for example, as an act of honor or duty in very specific situations.

Individual vs. community focus: In cultures that prize individual choice, suicide is sometimes understood as a deeply personal decision. In collectivist cultures that emphasize family or community, suicide may be seen through its impact on others—sometimes carrying stigma, other times tied to ideas of responsibility or sacrifice.

Openness vs. silence: Some cultures encourage talking openly about suicide and mental health, while others avoid the topic out of fear, shame, or concern about how it reflects on the family.

What We Share

Suffering at the root: Regardless of culture, suicide is often linked to intense emotional pain, feeling disconnected, or believing they are a burden.

Ripple effects: Across the world, families, friends, and communities feel the heartbreak of suicide in similar ways—grief, confusion, guilt, and longing for answers.

Protective supports: Hope, connection, and belonging show up everywhere as protective forces. Whether it’s through faith communities, family bonds, or close friendships, people in all cultures find strength in relationships.

Why It Matters

Understanding cultural perspectives on suicide helps us be more compassionate. What feels supportive in one culture may feel harmful in another, so sensitivity matters. But beyond the differences, we are reminded that suffering is a human experience—and so is the need for kindness, connection, and hope. 

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Ways to Strengthen Positive Thinking

Jaclyn Baker

Positive thinking isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties or pretending everything is perfect, it’s about developing a mindset that helps you navigate challenges with resilience and hope. By intentionally shaping the way you think, you can create more space for joy, confidence, and growth in your everyday life. Here are four powerful ways to strengthen your positive thinking.

Have Hope That Things Will Work Out

Hope is the foundation of positive thinking. When you believe that better days are ahead, it helps you keep moving forward even when the present feels heavy. Hope fuels perseverance and gives you the energy to keep working toward your goals. Try reminding yourself that setbacks are temporary and that solutions often come when you least expect them.

Look at the Bright Side Every Day

Life is a mix of good and bad, but focusing on what’s good even in small doses can shift your entire outlook. Whether it’s a compliment you received, a small achievement, or a beautiful moment in nature, acknowledging the bright side daily helps train your brain to notice positivity more naturally. Keeping a gratitude journal can make this practice easier and more consistent.

Believe in Yourself to Overcome Challenges

Self-belief is a powerful tool. When you trust your own abilities, you’re more likely to step into challenges instead of avoiding them. This doesn’t mean you’ll always succeed right away, but it does mean you’ll approach obstacles with determination and courage. Start by recognizing your past wins  big or small as proof that you are capable of moving through difficulties.

Accept Negative Emotions and Express Your Feelings

Positive thinking doesn’t mean you have to be cheerful all the time. Suppressing sadness, anger, or fear only makes them grow stronger. Instead, allow yourself to feel these emotions, express them in healthy ways, and then let them go. By accepting your feelings, you make room for healing and create balance an essential part of staying positive in the long run.

Strengthening positive thinking is a practice, not a one-time shift. The more you nurture hope, gratitude, self-belief, and emotional acceptance, the more resilient and optimistic your mindset becomes. Over time, you’ll find it easier to see opportunities instead of obstacles and that’s where real growth begins.



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How Creativity Fuels Resilience

Jaclyn Baker
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Life can test us, but it’s our resilience that propels us to move forward. At the heart of that resilience, motivation can come from many sources, such as community, hobbies, and creativity. 

Creativity isn’t just limited to those who love the arts – it’s for everyone. When people think of creativity, painting and writing can come to mind, but it’s about more than that. It’s also about finding fresh ways to express ourselves, learn to adapt, and reimagine our lives. 

Tapping into creative practices can provide us with new outlets for healing, resilience, and strength to move forward. 

Use Creative Expression as Release

Dealing with overwhelming feelings? Having a creative space to express them can help us release these heavy emotions and give us time to process them, allowing us to understand ourselves better. The next time we feel intense emotion, we can grab a pen or a brush and express ourselves through creative activities. 

Reframe Your Story Through Creativity

Resilience can thrive on perspective, and if we are positive about ourselves and our story, it becomes even more powerful. That’s where creativity comes in. Through creative projects, such as poetry or journaling, we can reshape our narrative, accept our past, and transform our future. It’s all about turning hardship into growth and possibility. 

Find Joy in Small Acts of Creation

It can be freeing to be creative, even in small ways.  Cooking a colorful meal, rearranging our space, or snapping photos of nature can be simple acts with a big impact. Including these “creative rituals” in our day helps us experience little sparks of joy that can fuel our resilience and enjoyment of everyday life, keeping us going.

See Creativity as a Pathway to Growth

With the lens of creativity, we can look at each new day as a blank canvas and think, “How will I paint this into something new?” It’s a reminder that life, just like art, is formed by trying, making mistakes, and trying again. This way of thinking can breathe new hope and self-discovery into our daily lives. 

Final Thoughts

Creative practices are not meant to erase the challenges we face, but to transform them. By engaging in these practices, we can fuel our resilience, find meaning, and discover how adaptable we truly are. That even in tough times, we can create a masterpiece.

 

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Relationship Habits That Strengthen Relationships

Jaclyn Baker

A thriving relationship isn’t just by chance – it happens through consistent care, communication, and intentional actions over time. Love is more than just grand gestures. Building small, everyday habits is crucial for strengthening your connection and maintaining that spark with your partner. 

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just starting a new chapter, developing these positive habits can make a difference in your daily happiness:

Prioritizing Open Communication

While communication involves talking, it’s also about listening, understanding, and creating a safe space where both partners can express themselves openly. Checking in with your partner and having a daily discussion about what’s on their mind, big or small, can go a long way in strengthening your bond. 

You can even learn more about your partner in the process by having conversations about their day, the future, and everything in between. There’s a reason communication is often known as the foundation for a healthy relationship.

Practicing Appreciation 

Something as simple as “thank you” can make your partner feel valued, recognized, and respected. It can be easy to take the little things for granted, but acknowledging your partner’s efforts and being mindful of their generosity can remind them of how much you care. 

You can try a weekly ritual where you both share one thing you appreciate about each other, such as your partner taking the initiative to do the dishes or cheer you up when you feel down. Sharing your gratitude for one another can highlight the positive and love that’s already present. 

Make Time For Shared Experiences

Busy schedules, work commitments, and daily responsibilities can have you moving in different circles as you partner. But with shared experiences, you can foster more quality time together. It can be an exciting experience, such as taking a pottery class together or going on a weekend getaway. Or it can be as simple as unplugging and having morning coffee together. 

Not every moment has to be extravagant, but what matters most is being intentional about creating memories together. It gives you both something new to share and reminds you how nice it is to have their company. 

Final Thoughts

The takeaway is that relationships thrive most when both partners are committed to growth, connection, and constant discovery. Remember that love is not just a feeling, but also a practice, and the habits you create today will shape the future of your relationship tomorrow.



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The Guiding Principles of a Purpose-Driven Life

Jaclyn Baker
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We all search for meaning. Some find it in career, others in family, and some through spiritual or creative pursuits. But no matter where purpose is rooted – it can give our lives meaning, direction, and depth. 

The beauty of purpose is that it isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are still guiding principles that can help us find more meaning in our lives and remind us of what really matters. Here are some ways we can discover meaning and purpose in our daily lives.

Stay Connected to Your “Why”

Our “why” is an inner anchor and the deeper reason behind our goals, choices, and commitments. It’s the push we need to get up in the morning and move forward even when challenges arise. For example, working on a project might feel draining but a motivation for “why” is continuing our passions. The “why” can be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. 

Embrace Growth and Change

Purpose can be more than one thing and can evolve as we do. Allowing ourselves the flexibility to grow, shift directions, and explore new callings is key. Life can present new experiences and with them can come new callings. We can give ourselves permission to pivot, let go of outdated foals, and embrace new directions.

Align Daily Choices with Your Purpose

Big visions are inspiring but purpose can also come from small, daily choices. It can be as simple as how you choose to spend your mornings or the time you take on committing to the things you love, like writing or reading. We don’t need to constantly overhaul our lives to live with purpose but we can over time, do consistent actions each day that reflect our deepest values. 

Final Thoughts

Living with purpose doesn’t mean everything has to be figured out. Rather, it means we choose to navigate our lives with intention and more direction. Every day is a chance to live with greater meaning, to connect with what truly matters, and to leave behind something lasting.

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How Setting Boundaries and Being Kinder to Yourself Can Transform Your Life

Jaclyn Baker

Many of us find it easier to show compassion to others than to ourselves, especially when it comes to setting boundaries or standing up for our needs. Learning to practice fierce self-compassion can help you protect, provide for, and motivate yourself when you need it most.

What is Fierce Self-Compassion?

At its core, self-compassion is about treating yourself like a good friend. It involves two key components: tenderness (accepting your imperfections with kindness) and action (making changes to improve your situation). Fierce self-compassion takes this further by empowering you to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and take action to protect and motivate yourself.

How It Helps

  1. Protecting Yourself: Fierce self-compassion helps you say “no” when needed and channel negative emotions into constructive actions.
  2. Providing for Yourself: It encourages prioritizing self-care, ensuring you don’t burn out.
  3. Motivating Yourself: It builds confidence and helps you keep moving forward, even when times are tough.

How to Practice It

  • Be Mindful: Acknowledge when things are tough instead of avoiding your emotions.
  • Stay Connected: Remind yourself you’re not alone in your struggles.
  • Offer Kindness: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.

The Bottom Line

Fierce self-compassion is about being kind to yourself, setting boundaries, and taking action when needed. By practicing it, you’ll protect your well-being, prevent burnout and stay motivated through challenges.

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