We’re wired for connection, and part of that connection is feeling acknowledged and validated. It’s not just about being proud of yourself (though that’s important). We also crave the reassurance that someone else sees us—that our efforts matter, that we’re doing okay.

That cycle of frustration where both sides feel unheard or overwhelmed? That’s not a result of too much communication—it’s miscommunication.

Healthy Humaning is all about creating connections where we feel safe enough to say, “This is my baggage, and I’m working through it. Thanks for being patient while I figure it out.”

Most humans were never thoroughly given all of the information, tools, and skills we need to have healthy, mutually beneficial friendships. So we're all just running around trying to muddle our way through, some of us with more on our side than others, which makes friendship just the big, messy ball of yuck for most people.

I was right. Everything that I identified as a deeply help value IS important. And I was also right that they are not always equally important at the same time from every perspective. Now I know how to use that information in a way that makes EVERYTHING about my life easier.

As a kid, I wasn’t taught how to differentiate between healthy friendships and relationships that took advantage of my generosity. I didn’t have the tools to say no—or to understand that real friends wouldn’t disappear just because I couldn’t or didn’t want to pay.

Healthy Humaning is all about creating intentional, compassionate connections. And saying someone’s name correctly is one of the easiest, most meaningful ways to do that.

With the right approach, feedback can become an opportunity to foster trust, growth, and understanding. Here’s how you can transform the feedback process into a meaningful and productive exchange.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to live in that anxious headspace. By combining autonomy, personal responsibility, and healthy communication, you can create peace of mind and build resilience against these nagging doubts.

Simply put, boundaries are the fences we build around ourselves that say, “This is how I’m comfortable relating to you.” They stem from our wants, needs, and values, and they reflect our authentic selves.

Many people assume hierarchy only comes into play in worst-case scenarios or dramatic ultimatums. But the truth is, its influence extends into the day-to-day operations of your relationships.

It’s memorable, but not rigid. It’s not a step-by-step process—it’s a framework. A guide. A tool to help you evaluate and improve your relationships, your choices, and your life.

I didn’t learn these skills growing up, and it cost me dearly. I clung to a toxic friendship for 25 years because I didn’t know how to let go. It almost killed me.

Now, I see how important it is for kids to experience the full spectrum of relationships while being supported by trusted adults. Here’s what else I’ve learned:

At its core, it’s a movement. A disruption. A complete rewrite of how we, as individuals and as communities, show up for ourselves and each other. It’s about reshaping our lived experiences—not just for us but for future generations.

The separation was a great opportunity to reset expectations and share my own evolutions.

Why am I not worth the few minutes it would take to just glance around the house and say they’re proud of me?”

“When you spend a lifetime operating without an understanding of personal responsibility, trying to un-learn and re-learn such a pivotal skill as an adult can seem like a bitch of an undertaking.”

“You are worth all the love and connection you’re craving. Hang in there, little Me, it’s going to be there in ways you can’t yet imagine. Keep learning, keep growing, keep loving. You are going to change the world with those things.”