Finding my “fck that sht” battle cry

August 16, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

The preach: It’s ok to say no. The practice: Historically, I’m not really a “fuck this shit” type of girl. I’m more of one of those methodical, introspective types who processes (alt. mulls over; analyses; considers) my ice cream selection for days. I’m one of those girls that will hang on for far too long, […]

Two years… and still suffering from PTSD (pre-toddler sleep deprivation)

August 2, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

I’m exhausted. There, I said it. I firmly believe that at this stage in my life, I might as well just put it out there. Perhaps a name change is in order so that we’re all very clear—my resume will read Erica Donahue-Tired. At least expectations are set, right? “I’m Erica and I’m insanely […]

Dear toddler: Wherever your head rests, it will rest in love

May 24, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

The preach: Forget perceptions. Keep it real. The practice: Dear baby boy, I pulled your polka dot shade down tonight as we sang Twinkle Twinkle and, honestly, it felt like I was moving a mountain. Because, my little one, we are moving. And it’s a heavy, heavy load. Tonight is the last time I will […]

What an avocado taught me about mindfulness

April 4, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

The preach: When you’re losing your mind(ful), slow the EFF down The pratice: I immediately wake up moody. Nothing in particular has happened yet, and although I haven’t slept well in weeks, that’s really not a great reason to bite heads off at 7am. He looks at me and offers a suggestion: “Be mindful,” and […]

To the man I choose to love, and leave

February 27, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Dear Husband: You’ve given me about a million reasons to walk away, in the words of Lady Gaga. My one reason to stay—our son—may be a big one, but it’s the wrong one. We got here because we screwed up. Yeah, you royally screwed up, but if I’m going to be painfully honest, there were […]

March to the beat of your chunky inner Cupid

February 15, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

The preach Choose love, even at 5:22am The practice It’s Valentine’s Day today. A day earmarked for love and romance and kindness and chocolate and roses and wishful thinking. A week or so ago, I was featured in a Hartford Magazine piece called “Valentine’s Day Survival Guide” and my words about self-care and self-love now […]

Trumped by a toddler

February 15, 2017.Reading time 11 minutes.

We had gotten to a point where we couldn’t seem to agree on anything anymore. I longed for the time when we were so in sync, just flowing effortlessly through our days in perfect harmony. We were madly in love. Two peas in a pod. Peanut butter and jelly. Bonnie and Clyde. And then… he […]

The harsh realities of the mommy all-nighter

February 1, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

He’s sick. Again. This time, it starts off as a mild fever—teething perhaps—but quickly turns into something more. Spots on throat. Rash on face. His temperature soars to 102, 103, 104. “Mamaaaaaaa” beckons the owl-shaped monitor on my nightstand. I strap on my furry candy-stripe robe, toss my greasy hair into a scrunchie and get […]

Finding light in the darkness of death

February 1, 2017.Reading time 8 minutes.

Shopping was done. Decorations had been up for weeks. Gifts were finally wrapped and ready to be torn into. I was nestled all snug in my bed ready to enjoy the peaceful slumber of a silent winter’s night. At 2 a.m., that peaceful slumber came to an abrupt halt when the phone rang. I buried […]

Doing tradition without a tribe

February 1, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

It’s strange how the holidays come at the same time every year, but yet they still sneak up on me. Suddenly, there are 400 versions of “Santa Baby” on the radio, and apparently Clark Griswold moved in next door to me — who the heck pays this man’s electric bill? Everyone’s all Christmas-cooking crazed, but […]