Notes on Gratitude
"We can learn to rejoice in even the smallest blessings our life holds. It is easy to miss our own good fortune; often happiness comes in ways we don't even notice. It's like a cartoon…
Do you have a loved one struggling with mental health? I have something for you.

This is where I write about everything that’s close to my heart: mental health and wellness, self-care, writing, authentic living, connection, art, and more! Below, you can click through the Categories to read pieces about topics of interest to you.
If you like reading, you might enjoy Virtual Book Club and my book, Bloodlines: A Memoir of Harm and Healing.
"We can learn to rejoice in even the smallest blessings our life holds. It is easy to miss our own good fortune; often happiness comes in ways we don't even notice. It's like a cartoon…
Just Finished, part one Brainstorm, The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. Back when I chose Brainstorm, I had not read Dr. Siegel’s previous works and had no idea…
To celebrate the Santa Monica stop of Brené Brown’s book tour, I’m hosting a contest! Everyone who is signed up to receive my newsletter by midnight on Thursday, October 15, 2015 will have their name…
I am beyond excited to announce the first in what I intend to make a recurring column on this site called, Creativity Corner. In Creativity Corner, I will explore the ways in which different types…
The hyperendemic that has kidnapped us all is no stranger; it’s cloaked in veiled silence as it tiptoes around us like a thief in the night; it steals our minds, our hearts, and our souls….
Last week I attended a one day writing workshop. I figured this was a good opportunity to tell you a little bit more about workshops in general and this one in particular, and why I’m…
A friend of mine shared on Facebook this link to Dr. Insel's TED talk, and I'm so glad she did. The video is only 13 minutes long, and it's fascinating. Click HERE to watch. Dr. Insel's…
Shortly after I published my post entitled Before and After (read the full text here), I received the following comment from my cousin, Evelyn. Her words are filled with painful honesty and truth, and I…
Today my beautiful, talented and resilient girl starts 11th grade. Wow. Can someone please tell me where the last 11 years went? Today also marks the third first day of school since we thought there…
I’m Erika and I’m and alcoholic. Those are six words that I never would have imagined myself saying. How can I be an alcoholic? I always get good grades, I have never been arrested or…
I'm thrilled, excited, honored and a little freaked out (in a good way) to announce that my first ever piece accepted for publication (not on this website) was posted last week on iPinion Syndicate! Thank…
You probably know by now that my first ever piece to be published on a site besides this one was published last week by iPinion Syndicate. Thanks again, iPinion. I couldn't have completed that essay…
A few weeks ago, I read a blog post written by Glennon Doyle Melton, well known to her fans as the driving force behind the website Momastery. She’s a best-selling author (whose book got…
This morning I was doing a poor job of paying attention to the present moment. I was all over the place in my mind, making a chore list and checking it twice—so much to do,…
Just Finished The S Word, by Paolina Milana What could drive a daughter to consider murdering her mother? In The S Word, the author recounts her childhood experience of growing up with an untreated schizophrenic…
We are thrilled and grateful to welcome Val to the family! He was born on July 29, 2015 to Greg and Emily Yokas. Val is named after Greg's mother (my husband's first wife), Valerie Yokas,…
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8 Tips to Beat Fear, Confusion & Overwhelm When a Loved One Struggles with Mental Health
About the Workbook
Discover tried-and-true tips to healing and empowerment, designed specifically for those navigating a loved one’s mental health journey.
This interactive PDF guide offers insights, reflection questions and real, actionable strategies to help you create stability and peace in this difficult space – finding the strength to support your loved one while also caring for yourself.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey!

