Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how educated, experienced, or kind you are—it shows up anyway, whispering that you don’t belong. But here’s the truth: You do. You belong in the room, in the conversation, and in the life you’ve built. Confidence doesn’t come from perfection—it grows in motion, breath by breath, truth by truth.

Presence isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a relationship skill—and one most of us forget to practice. In a world full of distractions, being truly present with someone is rare… and deeply healing. Whether it’s pausing to meet your child’s eyes or actually listening when a friend shares something tender, those small moments matter. They build trust. They build connection. And maybe—just maybe—they’re what the world needs most right now.

Anxiety can leave your body in a constant state of tension, even when nothing is “wrong.” But research shows that practices like a 20-second hug or a 6-second kiss can actually calm the nervous system. These moments of intentional connection stimulate oxytocin release, lower cortisol, and activate the vagus nerve—helping your body shift from stress to safety. And if you’re single? Hugging yourself mindfully works, too. This blog explores how these small acts can have a big impact on nervous system regulation and emotional healing.

At Moonstone Wellness, we are honored to support our community’s mental health needs. However, there are times when our clinic is at capacity, we have a waiting list, or we may not be the best fit for a particular client’s needs. Counseling is a deeply personal process—much like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Sometimes, you have to "try on" a few before discovering the perfect fit. Because of that, I want to provide you with a list of clinicians I have personally worked with, supervised, or formed a friendship with here in the Albany County community— these are all professionals I would confidently recommend to those I care about. If Moonstone is unable to meet your needs, I hope that one of these many qualified caregivers will.

www.Moonstone-Wellness.com

Make mealtimes more meaningful with conversation starters that strengthen family bonds and boost emotional intelligence. Research shows that family dinners help kids develop resilience, succeed in school, and manage stress. Learn how to turn everyday meals into opportunities for connection, laughter, and personal growth. Moonstone Wellness, a trusted counseling clinic in Laramie, Wyoming, offers resources to support your family's emotional well-being.

Plus, download a free set of fun mealtime questions in PDF form!