Why We Need More Reasons to Get Together

As a psychologist, I spend a lot of time talking about the hard stuff—anxiety, stress, relationships, trauma, burnout, and all the things that can make life feel overwhelming.

But I also believe there’s another important part of mental health that we don’t talk about enough: joy, play, connection, and simply having fun as a child would.

I’ve been reminded of this in some pretty unexpected places. At Burning Man, for example, I’m always struck by what happens when people step outside their usual routines and roles. There’s creativity, spontaneity, connection, and a sense of childlike wonder. It reminds me that we’re not meant to spend our entire lives being serious, productive, and over scheduled. Being in a place of presence and moving intuitively to what calls to us in the moment can be very therapeutic and one of the results of living more mindfully in the moment. 

Even doing something as simple as going on a hike, sitting for a sound bath, dancing with friends, or trying something completely outside your comfort zone can create that same feeling. I recently had an adult client who wanted to be more in touch with her inner child and went to swing at a playground, then went to the children’s section in the library, and finally treated herself to the flavor of ice cream she enjoyed as a child. She expressed that she felt more spontaneous and happy for the rest of the day. 

Life gets busy. Work, family, responsibilities, and technology can make it surprisingly difficult to actually spend time with people. And making new friends as an adult? Even harder. That’s why events that give people a reason to get out of their routines and connect can be so beneficial. I encourage myself and others to go out of your comfort zone and try something that you have never tried before. This can be doing something you have never done like going to a book club, taking an art class, attending a meditation class, or just going for a hike. Building connections and trying new things with others can be like making an “energy deposit” into yourself and your friendships. At times of crisis, these energetic deposits can help carry you through the moments of crisis. You don’t have to be “working on yourself” every minute to be taking care of your mental health. Making small daily “deposits” are all part of “working on yourself”. Laughing, moving, connecting, and being childlike and playful with others is an excellent “deposit” to your mental health. Mental health and wellness does not have to be a serious, structured, adult like activity all the time. 

Of course, therapy, exercise, sleep, mindfulness, and healthy boundaries matter. So does laughing until your stomach hurts. As therapists, we talk a lot about honoring your authentic self and making space for all of the different parts of ourselves- the child parts, the angry parts, the silly and creative parts. 

As a psychologist, a wife, a business owner, some people find it surprising that I love to dance at music festivals, hike in nature, read a book quietly at home alone, go to yoga, and be playful with my kids at the park. Therapists are whole people, too. We all deserve permission to be authentically whole. 

The Old Town Alexandria Women’s Crawl + Dance Party is an opportunity to do exactly that.

On October 24th, we’ll spend the afternoon connecting, exploring Old Town, participating in interactive wellness experiences, laughing, letting go, and eventually dancing together.

And we’re doing it for a meaningful cause. We are not only having fun, connecting and being silly with other women, but we are also donating a large percentage of our profits to the Breast Cancer Collective. It teaches me that it is possible to combine your life’s work and purpose with joy and connection. Win-win! What a motivator to know that women will be brought together to collectively dance, scream, and laugh all while donating money to an organization that will expand access to breast cancer treatment. 

This is not only a blog about the importance of connection and tending to your holistic wellness, but also an invitation to come to our Women’s Crawl- play, dance, and connect with women. Come with your friends or come solo and make new friends. Step out of your comfort zone and let the childlike part of you dance and be silly.  Wear a pink wig. Wear the light up tiara. Wear a pink tutu. Give yourself permission to have fun, try something new, and connect with others.

I hope to see you there. For more information or to buy tickets, click here!