Julie Jewels Smoot

The title Holding Without Carrying speaks to a practice that many practitioners spend years learning. The ability to offer support without assuming responsibility for another person's healing. The ability to remain compassionate without becoming burdened by what does not belong to them. Within therapeutic work, it can be tempting to believe that carrying more demonstrates caring more.

One breath. One moment. One day at a time. We Did Not Leave is a reminder that there are places within us that continued to exist through every challenge, every transition, and every uncertainty.

Take a moment to notice the support beneath you. Feel the chair, the floor, or whatever is holding your body in this moment. Now take three slow breaths. You do not need to breathe deeply. Simply allow each breath to arrive and leave at its own pace. After the third breath, quietly say to yourself: