I can hardly believe I'm turning 35 tomorrow (eek!), and while this is an incredibly exciting new chapter that I'm about to embark upon, I have to admit that this week has been one of the most difficult ones of my life. It's also been one of the most revealing ones. It's pushed me to… Continue reading 5 Lessons Before 35
Author: Kermit Says...
Hi, and welcome to Kermit Says... It’s great to meet you!
I’m Kirstin the thirty-something-year-old writer, editor, and visionary of Kermit Says! Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, I am what happens when you choose to live life colorfully, boldly, and radiantly, and this website will give you the tools and motivation to dare to be different!
As a licensed clinical child and adolescent social worker, former high school English teacher, daughter, sister, and friend, my goal is to enrich, enliven, encourage, and empower everyone I meet, and I hope these weekly posts will leave you with rays of sunshine to do just that! Let’s get started…
What to do when the news is heavy
Between last week's devastating earthquake that killed more than 41,000 people in Turkey and Syria, this Monday's shooting at Michigan State University that claimed the lives of three students and injured five more, the train derailment in East Palatine, Ohio that released toxic chemicals and now poses great health and environmental risks to community members… Continue reading What to do when the news is heavy
Loving You at Every Shape and Size
TW: weight, weight loss, scale, disordered eating, restricting It's not an overstatement or exaggeration to say that I have struggled with my weight my entire life. In fact, I think I was in the 8th grade the first time I joined Weight Watchers and started dieting. I'm sure I was one of the youngest people… Continue reading Loving You at Every Shape and Size
Be less human and more human(e)
My mom raised my sisters and me to always say "good morning" to those we knew and to strangers on the street. She raised us to say "bless you" when someone sneezes. She raised us to follow the Golden Rule: to treat people with kindness and compassion. And somewhere down the line, I started to… Continue reading Be less human and more human(e)
Step Into Your Limelight
Ever since I was a little girl, I was obsessed with all things British. I listened to the Spice Girls on repeat, I had the Princess Diana Beanie Baby locked in a protective case, and I even perfected a British accent that I would force upon anyone who would listen. And not much has changed… Continue reading Step Into Your Limelight
New Year, Same Me, Just Better!
Whew! It has been 2 years, 5 months, and 12 days since my last post, but who's counting?! 895 days of ups and downs and highs and lows, of inspiration and then writer's block, of ideas free-flowing from my fingertips only to be swept away by worries of mediocrity and irrelevance. In a world that's… Continue reading New Year, Same Me, Just Better!
Wellness Wednesday: Self-Care for Activists
Whether it's marching in protests, organizing community events, writing and calling government officials, or unlearning and actively engaging in difficult conversations, being an activist is an incredibly important job. It can also be a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining one. Creating social change is not something that happens overnight or by oneself. It requires that… Continue reading Wellness Wednesday: Self-Care for Activists
Motivational Monday: Get Into Good Trouble
It's been almost two months since my last post. I never intend to take breaks, but it feels like every time I'm motivated and inspired to write consistently, a new societal shift occurs that knocks me off my feet and leaves me floundering for a bit until I start to feel more like myself again.… Continue reading Motivational Monday: Get Into Good Trouble
Wellness Wednesday: Self-Care When the News Is Difficult
Happy Wednesday, friends! If you've been watching the news or endlessly scrolling on social media, then you're probably feeling just as overwhelmed, stressed, and weary as I am. With every news report and social media post that sparks an array of feelings, I hope you are taking the time to both acknowledge your emotions and… Continue reading Wellness Wednesday: Self-Care When the News Is Difficult
Motivational Monday: Be Like Mike!
Happy Motivational Monday and Memorial Day, friends! I hope you had a wonderful three-day weekend and did something that sparked joy or made your soul smile...even if it was sitting on the couch and binge-watching ESPN's docuseries The Last Dance like I did (so good, right?)! As a Chicagoan who grew up watching and rooting… Continue reading Motivational Monday: Be Like Mike!
Kermit Says... 