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Points of Connection

Sherri M. Herman, MA, LPCC - Psychotherapist

If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or lonely, Points of Connection helps you discover more peace, purpose, and connection.

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Featured Post

Here's what I did differently this time

Hi Reader, I really hoped I'd be able to walk yesterday. Here's why: Last year I ran my first 10k. And even though I finished, I was in tons of pain. I could barely finish the race and walk back to the car.It was the kind of pain that makes you think, Did I break my body? The kind of pain that might make someone else say, Why on earth would you ever do that again? But here's the thing about me. If something is hard but it's aligned to a larger goal or vision. I won't let the pain or challenge...

12 months ago • 4 min read

Hi Reader, This is your last email from me and Points of Connection. [If you're reading this, that means you have not yet opted in to my new list. Click on the green button below to stay connected if you wish. If you believe you have already subscribed to the new list, please give it another go and be sure to check the box that says, "Yes, I want to subscribe...]. I announced in last week's email that I'm retiring the newsletter to focus on what's next, and I didn't want to just disappear...

4 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader, I love the practice of Lent. Each year, I give up something that reenergizes my spiritual practice and helps bring me closer to God. It's a season of intentional pause, of letting go of what's consuming my energy so I can focus on what truly matters. This year, I'm extending that practice beyond the traditional 40 days. I'm retiring Points of Connection. This is the last newsletter you'll receive from me in this format. It's been a meaningful run, and I'm grateful you've been here....

4 months ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader, The other day, my son wasn't happy about a screen restriction. Obviously. It resulted in him missing out on something that mattered to him. And understandably, that led to a sour mood. Here's the thing: at his age, I would have been furious. Slamming doors. Screaming with rage. The whole production. But he was just quietly bummed out. And something in me just couldn't handle it. A flurry of anxious, shame-based thoughts came flooding in: Why is he this upset over a game? What am I...

4 months ago • 5 min read

Hi Reader, Last weekend there were 5 teenage boys in my house... 5 boys that like to tackle. I was bracing myself for something or someone to break. You might be thinking, "So what? Let them have some fun. These are the days..." But if you're anything like me, you too would have braced yourself for impact a little bit! Truth be told, they're all such good kids. Nothing was broken and my son's freestanding punching bag got a lot of love and attention. By the way, if you ever find yourself with...

5 months ago • 3 min read

Hi Reader, In case you don’t know, I live in a suburb of Minneapolis, I work and worship in Minneapolis, and my teenage son lives (part-time) and attends school in Minneapolis, and many of my friends live in Minneapolis. As you can imagine, the events in Minneapolis are top of mind right now. If you’re not in the loop, just Google Minneapolis and you will be very quickly. Honestly, I don't have brilliant insights this week. Big goals feel trite. Behavior change frameworks feel insufficient...

5 months ago • 5 min read

Hi Reader, These past few weeks have been scary and uncertain. The unrest, violence, and intimidation… the fear rippling through communities. I've been asking people left and right: what's helping you manage the stress and instill hope right now? I asked you, my friends, my colleagues, and even my chiropractor. ONE THING I CLEARLY NOTICE When people are threatened with violence, so many of us actually move towards each other. It makes me think of a net that is trying to hold too much while an...

5 months ago • 4 min read

Hi Reader, There's a memory I return to every year around this time, one that carried me through some of my loneliest years. After my grandpa died, my son and I would often spend a night at my grandma's house around Thanksgiving or sometime during the Christmas season. It wasn't fancy. We watched cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, shared leftovers or whatever simple meal I brought, and always made room for dessert. But my favorite part came at the end of the night, when everything slowed down...

7 months ago • 4 min read

Hi Reader, Last week, I led my self-care workshop, From Pressured to Present. It was such a lovely and meaningful experience with a beautifully engaged group. And... yeah.... I taught it while I was sick. 🤦♀️ But... what I realized is something you might relate to. Sometimes the thing that matters most requires you to pause, trim your obligations, and redirect your energy toward what feels most aligned. What Matters Most for You One of the core themes of the workshop was identifying what...

7 months ago • 3 min read

Hey there Reader, It’s a 5th Tuesday—which doesn’t happen often! So instead of my usual letter, I’m sharing something a little different: a fun new tool I’ve been working on just for you. Do you ever wonder why—despite working hard, caring for everyone, or striving for excellence—you still end the day feeling like your energy tank is bone-dry? Here’s the surprising truth:What helps you shine under pressure might also be what drains you the fastest. 😲 That’s why I created a quick (and honestly...

9 months ago • 2 min read
The real culprit hiding underneath burnout? Anxiety. Printed over a blue watercolor mark.

Hey Reader, My mind was telling me, "Oh, just do it. It'll be fine. You don't want to let them down." Recently I was planning to host a little gathering of friends and their kiddos just a few days after had adopted a new dog (for you dog lovers, we are the proud doggy-parents of a 2.5yo Australian Shepherd named Mango). Mango Mango is so sweet but also scared. Initially I thought she'd be fine with a few extra people and several kids in the house (ridiculous, I know!) and was trying to...

10 months ago • 4 min read