Being a mother is one of the greatest things in the world, however, no one ever shares how lonely it can be.

I often find myself caught in what I call the ‘in between’. Living life in the moments between where I had hoped we would be and where we are in this present moment.

We will focus on the challenges parents face (and the impact on their mental health) when one child is very different from the other.

We will focus on the challenges of parenting after childhood trauma AND what we do to control the narrative (what we share about our families) even at a young age.

Growing up I had to take care of myself a lot. My dad was an alcoholic and my house was often very chaotic. I never wanted to have friends over because of this secret we kept in our family. I spent a lot of time at other kids' houses realizing that things in my house were not normal.

I’m telling this story because I want you all to understand that when I say I get it, I really mean it. I’m committed to doing everything I can to make sure our national office provides world-class support to all its Alliance members. Because that’s where we’re improving and even saving lives—on the ground, in communities, one person at a time.

The reflection of myself in the mirror shows me a distorted reality. What I see is a two-ton Tessie, an overweight, ugly being. Someone who doesn’t deserve anything. This is body dysmorphia, and it is a real thing.

Body dysmorphia isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just this persistent hum in the background—a cycle of self-criticism, shame, and comparison. A sick feeling when you look at yourself. A need to hide. A voice that takes every reflection and turns it into something cruel.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive and distressing preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's physical appearance.