July Newsletter - 2024
Greetings All!
I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the warmth of summer!
Living here in Nashville, we've certainly been feeling the heat lately! Along with the dry spells, it's made me appreciate the care that goes into maintaining a yard, especially now that I'm a homeowner. I'm starting to understand why some people become dedicated to their lawns—it's like nurturing a small piece of your home and life.
Recently, a conversation with a client sparked a reflection on how our gardens and lawns can mirror aspects of our lives. Driving through my neighborhood, I've noticed how each lawn tells a different story—some struggling with brown patches, others flourishing with vibrant flowers or neatly manicured greenery. I started thinking about the time, care, and priorities we invest in these spaces, and how they can reflect broader aspects of our lives.
Just as tending to a garden demands careful attention and periodic adjustments, so too does nurturing our personal lives. The metaphor "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence" illustrates this well; those with greener grass may invest more time in fertilizing, planting, watering, and tending. Achieving a lush lawn requires ongoing time and energy, much like caring for and maintaining a fulfilling life. It serves as a reminder to regularly assess whether we're dedicating enough attention to our own well-being, nurturing what needs care, and perhaps removing or "weeding out" what no longer serves us.
As we embrace the summer sun, let's also take a moment to tend to our own "life gardens." Whether it's pulling a few weeds, adding a bit of nourishment, or simply reflecting on what needs our care, every effort counts towards creating a life that's fulfilling and vibrant.
Wishing you a wonderful summer ahead, filled with opportunities to nurture your own "lawn and garden" of life.
Enjoy the summer sunshine and while you’re out there, Share a smile
Warm wishes,
Shara Carter, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Text “Sharasmile” to 85100 to receive important information and communication from Shara Smile!
CHECK IT OUT!
Boundaries with Teens: When to Say Yes, How to Say No The teen years: relationships, peer pressure, school, dating, character. To help teenagers grow into healthy adults, parents and youth workers need to teach them how to take responsibility for their behavior, their values, and their lives.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones.
Learn how to build good habits, break bad ones, and harness the power of tiny behaviors for remarkable results. Whether aiming for personal growth or professional success, this guide offers practical strategies grounded in biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Discover how to make change inevitable by optimizing your systems, not just your goals.
REST, REJUVENATE, and RELATE
It’s my hope to help you connect with your family, your body, and your community!
Where can you go this summer to cool off and splash down?
Williamson County Parks and Recreation
has amazing pools and slide park in Franklin!
Nashville Shores is a great place for the family for a day of splashing or stay longer in your RV or rent a cabin!
And for the grown-ups! Check out
Wines in the Fork! A sweet spot for sipping and chilling! They also have beautiful and unique dining experiences in the creek!
Shara Smile Update!
Over twenty years ago, I found myself overwhelmed and exhausted as a teacher, battling depression. Seeking a change, I decided to try counseling, figuring it couldn’t hurt. Therapy opened doors. I pursued a master’s degree and set my sights on a different career path. Leaving behind the classroom and the hustle and bustle of the DC suburbs, I landed in the creatively vibrant Nashville area to start my own business. As I grew my business, I set the goal of owning a home with a yard and room for the things that bring me joy: entertaining, gardening, decorating to name a few. These activities have become therapeutic outlets, giving me a sense of purpose and igniting a passion for life. Welcoming friends and family into my new home not only fills it with laughter but also strengthens my bonds and deepens my sense of community. Achieving these goals has shown me the power of nurturing my surroundings and pursuing personal passions as essential steps toward improving mental health and finding happiness in my core. As I develop my own life and passions, I hope that I can share insights with clients and help others on their own paths to fulfillment. Everyone deserves to smile!
Dates to Remember
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July 4 is Independence Day
July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking Persons
