The Shame Spiral Is Optional
There’s nothing inherently wrong with setting goals or intentions. The problem arises when we don’t follow through on them and then shame-spiral into an abyss of self-deprecating waste. Like cardboard left out on a rainy night, we feel heavy—laden with broken promises to ourselves and unmet expectations. Feeling like a failure is no way to start the new year.
With a few minor shifts, we can reframe our setbacks as lessons and keep moving toward our values.
beautifully messy
I feel so put together. It’s magical.
I often forget my phone and have to go back into the house to find it. I often lose my wallet, too — most recently, I discovered it on the floor between my desk and the wall.
Prioritizing Wellness: Tips for Parents, Partners, and Caring for yourself
In today’s busy world, prioritizing your health and wellness can feel impossible—especially if you’re juggling work, family, and relationships. In my recent interview with C.J. Quartlbaum on the Tell Me More podcast, I share practical strategies for thriving personally, as a parent, and in relationships.
Fall fashion—Fun?
I don’t care if you’re not at your goal weight — just buy the bigger size. Sure, it’s not cost-effective to replace clothes because you’ve outgrown your wardrobe, but that’s why seasons exist. OK, maybe seasons exist for other reasons, but that’s my reason for accepting seasons.
From “Who Am I?” to “Be You”: How Writing Helped Me Find Myself
Before leaving for college, my mom gave me a copy of Chicken Soup for the College Soul. Opening the paperback cover and reading story after story about fearless students coming of age inspired me to celebrate my transition into the uncertainties of adulthood. At that time, I was merely a reader, not yet a writer. The only person who had ever praised my writing was my 7th-grade teacher, Ms. Valenzuela at Lincoln Middle School. Her warm eyes peeked through her 90s bangs as she said, “I cried reading your ‘Who Am I’ project. It was beautifully written.” Those words stayed with me.
My tell all Podcast interview with CJ on Tell me More
When CJ invited me onto his Tell Me More podcast, I knew it would be special. What unfolded was a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, intimacy, wellness, and the importance of connection. It felt less like an interview and more like two old friends catching up—raw, authentic, and full of insights.
Part 2: A Bar of Soap, A Bag of M&Ms, and the Therapist Who Finally Got It Right
My early therapy experiences left me cynical and disillusioned. But years later, ACT therapy transformed my marriage and reignited my faith in the power of therapy.
Part 1: The Cost of Caring—What Burnout Taught Me About Service
Advocacy nearly broke me. In stepping away, I found healing through storytelling—and a new way to serve that honors both my heart and my health.
Realizing the Potential of Contextual Behavioral Science to Alleviate Human Suffering – Reflections from Days 3 & 4 of ACSBWC 2025
Attending the third and fourth days of this year’s conference deepened my understanding of how Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and related approaches can address complex mental health challenges – and even transform the way we work with ourselves, our clients, and our communities. From cutting-edge research on anorexia nervosa to experiential workshops on therapeutic “punishment,” psychological flexibility, neurodivergence, and stigma reduction, I left feeling inspired, stretched, and more committed than ever to integrating these approaches into my own practice.
Day 2 Highlights from Association of Contextual Behavioral Science world Conference
Here’s Day 2 in all it's glory. We explored the noticing self, inclusivity, music in ACT, addiction, and human cooperation and connection.
What I Learned at ACBS world conference 2025 Day 1: ACT, Self-Compassion, and Contextual Science
✨ Reflections from ACBS WorldCon 2025 ✨
I had the honor of attending the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science World Conference in New Orleans, and I’m still buzzing with gratitude and inspiration. Here are the biggest takeaways from each of the incredible sessions I attended:
What Kind of Parent Are You?
Discover your parenting style—and what it means for your child’s growth.
Have you ever done or said something to your kid and then muttered under your breath, half-jokingly, “Yikes… they’ll definitely be talking about that in therapy someday”?
You're not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to wait until they’re 30 to understand the impact of your parenting. Every moment is a chance to refine, adapt, and realign your approach—whether it’s through your tone, your word choices, or simply your presence.
It all starts with awareness and acceptance.
Parents, Talking About Sex Just Got Easier
Introducing the Conversation Bingo Board
Let’s be real—talking to our kids about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, and sometimes downright overwhelming. Many of us didn’t grow up in households where open conversations about bodies, boundaries, or consent were the norm. But we can change that for our own children.
That’s why I created the Sex Ed Conversation Bingo Board—a simple, engaging tool to help parents and caregivers start open, age-appropriate conversations with their kids about sex, relationships, and growing up.
Introducing the Conversation Bingo Board
Let’s be real—talking to our kids about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, and sometimes downright overwhelming. Many of us didn’t grow up in households where open conversations about bodies, boundaries, or consent were the norm. But we can change that for our own children.
That’s why I created the Sex Ed Conversation Bingo Board—a simple, engaging tool to help parents and caregivers start open, age-appropriate conversations with their kids about sex, relationships, and growing up.
What Is the Sex Ed Bingo Board?
The board includes 25 conversation starters that cover a wide range of topics:
Bodies and puberty
Consent and boundaries
Online safety and media messages
Healthy relationships
Curiosity and emotions
Instead of sitting down for one nerve-racking “birds and bees” talk (which, let’s be honest, nobody really wants), this bingo board invites you to have bite-sized conversations over time. Think of it as “sex ed, the short content version.”
How to Use It
Choose one square a day and pair it with a natural moment in your daily routine:
🚗 In the car
🍽️ At the dinner table
🛁 During bath time
🌳 On a walk
🛌 At bedtime
Take turns asking and answering. Let your child take the lead when they want to. There’s no pressure to have perfect answers—just focus on keeping the conversation going and creating an open, non-judgmental, and inviting space.
Why It Works
Kids are naturally curious. They also pick up messages about sex and bodies from YouTube, TikTok, school friends, and TV—some of which may be confusing, misleading, or even harmful.
With this bingo board, you create a safe space where your child feels seen, heard, and empowered to ask questions. It opens the door for trust, deeper connection, and healthier communication as they grow.
A Few Favorite Prompts
Here are a few of the questions included:
What do you think consent means?
What have you seen online that made you uncomfortable?
What messages have you heard about sex or bodies from TikTok or online?
Can you name all the body parts using the correct words?
Is there anything you’re curious about but afraid to ask?
Every square is a stepping stone to the next conversation—because learning about sex, relationships, and self-worth doesn’t happen in one sitting. It’s a lifelong conversation.
This sex ed conversation bingo board is a free tool to use and share with your community. You can print it out, keep it on the fridge, in your car, or tuck it into a parenting binder.
Parenting isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with openness, honesty, and love. You’ve got this. And I’m here to help.
—
Molly England is a licensed master social worker, health and wellness coach, and founder of Willow of Wellness. She’s passionate about helping parents create brave, compassionate spaces to talk about the things that matter most—like bodies, boundaries, and belonging.
🌿 Learn more at www.willowofwellness.com
💻 Interested in attending our next virtuatl parenting workshop? Learn more here and be the first 5 to sign up and receive a free membership to Willow of Wellness ($30 value).
📩 Want more parenting tips? Join my email list or book a free 15-minute call to talk about your family’s needs.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish… It’s Essential (And I’m Published Again!)
I’m so honored my story is included in @chickensoupsoul: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish 🩷 Available TODAY, June 24 wherever books are sold. Flip to the first page… and tell me what you think!! Follow @willowofwellnesscoaching and please share!
It is such an honor to be included in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul collection: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—a powerful book filled with heartfelt and inspiring stories, all aimed at reminding us that taking care of ourselves isn’t just important—it’s essential.
This isn’t my first Chicken Soup feature, and each one has felt just as meaningful as the last. I was first published in The Empowered Woman in 2018, and again in Be You in 2020. Now, I’m so proud to return with this latest contribution in a collection that hits especially close to home.
Because let’s be real—especially for moms—it’s all too easy to put our needs at the bottom of the to-do list. How many times have you made your kids a yummy breakfast only to skip yours? Or thrown on a pair of yesterday’s leggings while your kids are dressed adorably from head to toe?
I’ve been there. We all have.
But here’s the funny thing: as soon as I started prioritizing my own needs—whether it was carving out time for rest, nourishing myself properly, or simply acknowledging my own limits—I was better able to support those around me. I felt more grounded, more present, and more aligned. And you can feel that way too.
This newest Chicken Soup for the Soul book is a gentle, powerful reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how we stay whole.
So do something kind for yourself today. Head to your local bookstore and grab a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish.
📖 My story is the very first one in the book—you can’t miss it!
With warmth and wellness,
Molly
The Health Benefits of Style: How Getting Dressed Can Boost Your Mental and Physical Wellness
When we think of healthy habits, we often focus on eating right and exercising. But what if I told you that wearing a cute outfit might be just as important for your overall well-being? I know—it sounds like a stretch. But hear me out.
“Love Yourself Before You Can Be Loved”: The Lies We Learn
From birth, we need a caregiver in order to survive — unlike baby sea turtles, who hatch and then miraculously crawl right into the ocean all on their own. If that caregiver happens to be stable and loving, we may have the privilege of developing a secure attachment style. But studies show that about 50% of children develop a different attachment style: anxious, avoidant, or disorganized.
What does all this have to do with loving ourselves?
Well, I’m glad you asked.
Can You See Happiness? What Physical Appearance Reveals About Mental Health
I can honestly say that I look good. But my mental health suffered during this time. I had yet to discover the power of psychiatric medication.
Holiday Conversations: Mastering “No” and Other Anxiety-Busting Tips
Festive social anxiety is simply social anxiety during the holiday season. It’s social anxiety with tinsel drapped over it.
Exercise will not help you lose weight: an uncomfortable truth
"‘We’ve done studies where we look at people who are really active,” including runners racing across America, Pontzer said, “and people who are really sedentary, and actually they’re burning the same number of calories,’ which helps explain why people rarely lose much weight with exercise, even as the exercise makes them healthier.” -The Washington Post
Excess and Abundance
In a sense, we’re all greedy consumers, mesmerized by the newest iPhone, the latest trend in jeans (I love my mom jeans), and the newest kitchen gadget or meal subscription that has us convinced that we can blink and dinner will appear on the table.