January 94th, 2026
This month. Will it ever end? This chaos happening in our country and in the world. Where is this headed?
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Doldrums. Overwhelm. Heartache. As a therapist, friend, and human, these are the overarching themes I feel like I am seeing right now. I too have been feeling these nudges. Over the weekend, in response to things happening in this part of the country, my rage was palpable. My mind felt wrapped up in this question of what can I do? I hate feeling helpless.
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After a few days of breathing, praying, and practicing some tools in my toolbox, I have come to the conclusion that I always come to. It can best be summed up by what my buddy and strength training coach is always telling me; “Control the controllables”. Which at a very basic level, starts at self-care. Am I prioritizing rest? Am I getting to bed early enough? Am I staying hydrated (dehydration, so easy to experience in winter months, can often trigger feelings of anxiety). Am I nourishing my body well? Am I moving all of this energy around in some way that feels good in my body?
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Beyond that, I can only offer up some suggestions, based on what I myself am trying to practice this week.
Calling my state reps: I figured as long as I am feeling outrage, I might as well find at least one thing I can do that is realistic for me. This only takes a few minutes, and at least I will know that beyond my vote, I am making my voice heard.
Setting a goal or two: The way I think about this is that it should be challenging. This time of year, I find that it is helpful to set goals around work, which can easily feel like a slog for many, and to me can feel very routine. I have set a goal this month to complete a certification as a Women’s Mental Health Specialist. I realize that health goals can be triggering when set in the context of “New Year’s Resolutions”, so I always advise being considerate on this front. However, I have set a goal this year to execute a Deadhang at the gym for two minutes. For those of you who don’t know, it’s basically hanging from a pull-up bar like a monkey. Looks easy. Turns out it’s quite hard for me. I am currently at a minute and 45 seconds.
Create something. I am forever in the camp that we are all creative, and that creativity heals. While my photography creative juices usually lie dormant this time of year, it’s a time when I turn up the dials on cooking, or I think about design. This year I am creating an in-person four week women’s support group. I am having fun dreaming up the content and some marketing, and partnering with a friend at her beautiful center for healing and wellness.
Which brings me to my last suggestion: get support, partner with people, and hang out with your tribe.
Wishing you strong finish to what has for many, been a long month. Be well and as always, thanks for following along.
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Interested to book a portrait session for 2026 celebrating maternity, new motherhood, milestones, senior portraits or empowerment? You can contact me HERE. I would love to connect with you!
xoxo,
Gina
Gina D. Graham, LCSW is a therapist and portrait photographer in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. Whether it’s in her clinical work, her writing, or her photography, Gina’s mission in life is to empower girls and women, and help them see and celebrate their natural beauty and raw power.