August 2024

August Newsletter - 2024

Greetings All!

It has been such a hot summer…. Who else is thankful for the RAIN!?? Do you thrive in the summer heat, or do you prefer the cooler months of fall and winter? How does the warm weather change your activities?

August reminds me of summer vacations and my birthday, making it my favorite! Speaking of birthdays, I want to explore the joys and challenges they bring and how they affect our mental health.

As kids, birthdays often meant parties, friends, cake, and ice cream. But if you grew up in a home with absent (emotionally or physically) parents or parents that made everything about them, birthdays might have felt more disappointing than joyful. These experiences can shape our expectations and feelings about birthdays as adults. How were your past birthday experiences, and how do they influence how you view your birthday now?

I used to feel a mix of happiness and fear about my birthday, unsure if others would acknowledge it or if I should plan my own celebration. Meeting a friend in my 30s who joyfully celebrated her birthday changed my perspective. She openly shared her plans and desires, showing me that celebrating oneself is a gift.

Inspired by her, I now ask myself what I want to do, who I want to be with, and how I can make my birthday special. I extend grace to those who can't join and create alternative plans. By expressing my needs, my birthday month is now filled with joy and anticipation. Find some good shade, and if you can, share a smile!

Blessings,

Shara

Emergency Hotline Phone Numbers Emergency Hotline Phone Numbers

Text “Sharasmile” to 85100 to receive important information and communication from Shara Smile!

CHECK IT OUT!

Forgiving What You Can't Forget Book Cover — Franklin, TN — Shara Smile

Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again: Break free from the cycle of unresolved pain and resentment. Lysa TerKeurst's journey through over 1,000 hours of theological study reveals how to forgive and find peace, even when others won't make things right. Learn to move on, free yourself from past hurts, and embrace a future of trust and vulnerability.

Dont Believe Everything You Think Book Cover — Franklin, TN — Shara Smile

Don't Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering
Overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and self-sabotage without relying on motivation. 'Don't Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition)' by Joseph Nguyen offers insights to free yourself from emotional clutter, end suffering, and create a life of peace, joy, and abundance. Discover the root cause of psychological pain and learn how to change your thinking for lasting happiness.

REST, REJUVENATE, and RELATE

It’s my hope to help you connect with

your family, your body, and your

community!

Where can you go to have some fun this summer!

Morning Glory Orchard
Slow down and connect at Morning Glory Orchard in historic Nolensville, TN. Our intimate events of 50 people or less are designed to build strong relationships. Enjoy an idyllic setting with peaches, apples, local honey, homegrown vegetables, and fresh baked goods.

Williamson County Fair
The 2024 Williamson County Fair will be held August 2nd through 10th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, Tennessee, 37064.

Frothy Monkey
With multiple locations in the Nashville area, Frothy Monkey offers plenty of options for enjoying dinner on the patio.

Professional Review

I have had the privilege of knowing Shara professionally over the last several months, and she is driven to help her clients succeed in feeling well as quickly as possible. She is compassionate, supportive, insightful, and knowledgeable in her specialties, providing counseling services to teens, adults, and families. Her counseling space is as warm and welcoming as she is. She is a counselor who instills hope for change in her clients through her authenticity and compassion. She is a trusted counseling referral source for me, and I recommend reaching out to her for counseling services.

- Victoria Valdez, LMFT, owner & clinical

director of Tri-Synergy Counseling.

Shara Smile Update!

The schedule is full!

Shara has limited openings!

If you are a current or past client and would like to secure a session, please log into your THERAPY NOTES portal:

https://www.therapyportal.com/p/sharasmile/appointments/availability/

If you're a new client, visit www.sharasmile.com and click "Schedule an Appointment." Enter your basic information to check for available openings that fit your schedule.