I have been re-watching all the top HBO shows of the early 2000s, and right now I’m deep into Big Love. I have to say, I am seeing this relationship in a completely different light now that I’m older and wiser. As someone pushing 50 with an exhausted husband, an exhausted me, and two kids running the show, I have to admit: The sister-wife setup doesn’t sound thaaat crazy anymore. But that's for another newsletter.

So let me set the stage. I am making dinner and working on this newsletter and listening to Big Love in the background. For those of you not familiar with the show, it follows the unconventional and complex lives of a modern-day polygamist family in Utah. Barb, Nicki, and Margene are sister wives—three women married to the same man—navigating the layered dynamics of marriage, motherhood, faith, and identity. 

"We are the women behind the woman..." This line is spoken by Nicki during a conversation about Margene’s rising professional success. The acknowledgment that behind every strong woman, there can be other strong women, choosing to support her even when it’s hard, made me stop. 

We’re Not always Raised to Support Other Women

You have heard this before if you watched Barbie. But it is true that from girlhood, we’re handed a script: Be perfect. Maybe not with those words, but its hidden meaning is clear. Be kind, but not too soft. Be smart, but not intimidating. Be pretty, but pretend it doesn’t matter. Be successful, but act like it’s effortless. Feel deeply, but don’t show it. Compete quietly, but win loudly.

And somehow in that tangled mess, we never quite learn how to be there for each other.

Sure, we support our friends. If we are lucky enough to have true, long-lasting, girl friendship, we cheer them on. We show up with flowers, send encouraging texts, share their businesses, praise their kids, their homes. But what about the other women?

The woman who is better than us.
The woman who has what we want.
The mom who seems more patient.
The CEO who’s younger.
The woman with the same education but more recognition.

Can we really support her? Stand behind her? Not hope she trips, just a little, so we can catch up?

The Science of Female Competition

Psychological and evolutionary studies show that women do, in fact, compete with each other—especially in environments where resources (like status, attention, or security) feel limited.

*One study found that women are more likely than men to engage in indirect aggression—things like social exclusion, gossip, or subtle undermining. Why? Because we’ve been taught to value cooperation and avoid open conflict. But we still compete—just more quietly. Other studies show that female competition increases when women perceive each other as rivals for limited roles: the only woman on the board, the only mom who “has it all,” the only one succeeding without apology.

We’ve been taught there’s only room for one. We fight for that spot, sometimes without even realizing it.

But we have not been taught that when women support other women to succeed, we are all lifted up. It’s not a cliché—it’s a strategy. One woman’s success doesn’t diminish another’s; it expands what’s possible for all of us.

Are We Missing a Piece?

Here’s what I wonder: What if the competition is just a symptom? What if it’s just what happens when women are raised to be everything, do everything, feel everything—but not ask for anything? Can we really do it all? Can we really be anything and everything?

What if we’re not jealous because we’re petty, but because we’re exhausted? Not because we’re shallow or vain, but because we’re constantly told that we can always be better—to do more, achieve endlessly—and we’re just plain worn out.
Because we’re still chasing a version of success that was never meant for us.
Because we’re measuring ourselves against each other instead of against our own values.

Because we are not taught how share power—just to seek it.

True Partnership Between Women

So how do we change it?
How do we become the women behind the woman—not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s hard? When it stings? When we feel small?

We start by telling the truth.
We admit the envy, the fear, the resentment—and then we choose differently.
We name our admiration out loud, even when it’s uncomfortable.
We create circles, not ladders.
We say, “She’s better than me at that—and I’m still whole.”
We build spaces where more than one woman can shine.

Before we even get to role models and representation, we have to acknowledge that this way of raising girls—rooted in perfectionism, comparison, and isolation—has to stop. If we ever want to reach positions of real power and be respected by men and each other, we need to raise girls who know how to stand beside one another, not just strive to stand out.

 I Didn’t Think Kamala Would Win

I’ll be honest. I didn’t think Kamala Harris would become president. Not because she wasn’t qualified. Not because she didn’t deserve it. But because I wasn’t sure enough women would stand behind her. I knew there were women who would cheer, but also women who would doubt her, judge her, diminish her, and distance themselves from her.

And maybe that’s the piece we still need to unlearn.

Because if we really want more women to lead, we need more women who follow—with intention, with grace, with fierce loyalty. We need more women behind the woman.

And not just our friends. Not just the women who remind us of ourselves.
But the ones who challenge us. The ones who trigger us.
The ones who make us better simply by being.

That’s where the healing is.
That’s where the power is.
That’s where we become we.

*Arizona State University (2011)

It’s been a difficult week. I was planning to write a heartfelt piece about women and loyalty. But as I sat in bed, emotionally drained and mentally tapped out, I picked up my favorite hairbrush and started brushing my hair.

There I was, brushing my hair like an exiled princess — no crown, no castle, just a woman detangling split ends and emotional buildup. And then I had one of those glimmer moments — the sparkly kind that makes you pause and smile for no reason at all.

I thought: Fudge it. Let’s talk about my hair.

Because I may be bad at math, and I can’t remember the last time I folded a fitted sheet correctly… but hair? Hair, I know.

Over the past few months, I’ve tested three shampoo and conditioner combos — from drugstore to high-luxury — because for years I’ve heard the whispers (and dramatic Instagram warnings) that cheap hair products made in the USA could wreck your hormones or coat your scalp in chemicals. I wanted to see for myself: what’s hype, what’s science, and what actually matters?

Let’s start with Dove Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner — $15.99 for the set, and available everywhere. It made my hair feel silky, smooth, and easy to love. That’s thanks to a solid dose of silicones, which coat the hair like a glossy top layer.

Here’s the thing: there’s no scientific evidence that silicones in shampoo disrupt hormones. None that I could find. The real issue is buildup — those heavy silicones can start to block moisture and nutrients from getting in over time.

Dove is the In-N-Out of hair care. Delicious, satisfying, gives you a little protein — but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly nourishing your system. Comfort? Yes. Long-term health? Not so much.

Next up, Pureology Hydrate — $67 for the duo and a solid middle ground. It uses both natural and synthetic ingredients, including light, water-soluble silicones (so they rinse out easily) along with essential oils and plant proteins. It’s sulfate-free, smells like a spa, and made my hair feel clean, soft, and strong.

Pureology hits the balance — not too crunchy, not too chemical. It performs, but you won’t feel like you’re washing your hair with a science experiment.

Then there’s Arete’s Heal & Hydrate Hair Wash — $108 for a 30.2 oz glass bottle, and yes, it’s gorgeous. This one is full-on luxury. No synthetics, no silicones, just small-batch botanicals and oils that actually nourish your scalp.

Using Arete feels like arriving at Meghan Sussex’s Montecito guest cottage — candlelight, eucalyptus, a whisper of wealth. It’s an experience. But for my hair? The results weren’t that different from Pureology. More of an indulgence than a game-changer. (This was my BBF Favorite)

Now here’s the plot twist: Costco’s Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are made by the same manufacturer as Pureology. Nearly identical formulas. Around $10 for a liter. If you want clean, effective hair care without spending a fortune, you know where to go.

But even with all this testing, here’s what I know for sure:

You can buy the fanciest shampoo in the world, but it won’t fix thinning, dull, or brittle hair if your body’s running on stress and snacks.

Hair health starts in your gut, not your shower.

I’ve lived that reality — skipping meals, snacking my way through exhaustion, and hoping a $70 bottle would do what only food and rest can. These days, I’m leaning back into what truly supports hair health: eggs, avocados, salmon, leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds. Nothing wild. Just whole foods, eaten regularly, without guilt.

So next time you’re window shopping at Sephora, hovering over the “Add to Cart” button, ask yourself: Am I buying a miracle? Can I make better choices that can help not only my hair but my entire body?

Hair is emotional. It’s personal. It’s part of how we show up. And yes, you deserve beautiful products. Just don’t forget that the most powerful beauty ritual still starts on the inside.

And if you still want that Pureology feel without the price tag? Costco’s got you covered!

*Special thanks to all my amazing hair stylist friends that have kept my hair looking awesome. Carlos Mendoza (@carlosmendozasalon), Brendon Caryl (@6_salon) and Harmony and Annie (@citizenhair).

Let’s be real—social media is exhausting. Between doom scrolling, hot takes, and the pressure to be “on,” it’s no wonder anxiety levels are through the roof. And science backs this up: a 2018 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly decreased anxiety, depression, and loneliness. And if you’re naturally sensitive? Social media can feel like a 24/7 emotional sponge-fest—absorbing every argument, tragedy, and drama-filled comment section. Not exactly self-care.

HOW DO WE PROTECT OUR SANITY IN THIS EVER-CHANGING WORLD?

I’ll be honest—I do use social media because it’s an easy way to stay connected. But I also make sure to fill my life with real, in-person interactions—because nothing beats actual human connection.

At the same time, I get it. Sometimes, social media feels like an overwhelming tidal wave of stress, sadness, and outrage. What happens when you just can’t handle the noise anymore?

Some might think stepping away makes you privileged or out of touch. I used to wonder the same thing. But more and more, I see people struggling—feeling so consumed by the weight of the world that they can’t function. They are literally getting ill. If that’s you, it’s okay to step back and focus on your immediate world—your family, your friends, your local community. That doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you’re protecting your energy so you can show up where it matters.

Instead of drowning in negativity, I try to get my news from targeted sources that focus on truth, solutions, and a tone of hope. Finding sources that not only inform but also provide actionable steps can help you stay engaged without feeling powerless.

WANT TO FEEL BETTER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE? TRY VOLUNTEERING.

Volunteering saved my life. I am serious. I never thought it would really work, but I promise you it does. And science backs this up: A 2020 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteer regularly experience higher life satisfaction and lower stress levels. The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study also found that individuals who participate in volunteer work tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms that acts of kindness and volunteering stimulate the release of oxytocin (the love hormone) and dopamine, which boosts mood and reduces anxiety and depression.

In short? Helping others helps you, too.

WHERE TO START?

It is super easy to start. Just go to Facebook look for local comm…..(I am messing with you). The good news: you don’t need Facebook to volunteer. There are tons of ways to get involved IRL:

·       Local schools & PTA (yep, I’m a PTA President)

·       Hospitals & adult education programs

·       Libraries, art centers & science museums

·       Animal shelters & food banks

·       Start your own community volunteer group

IT’S ABOUT REAL CONNECTION

At the end of the day, people crave real community—not just another notification. So, if social media is draining you, step away and take action in real life. You might be surprised how much lighter, happier, and more connected you will feel. And if going full-offline sounds terrifying, try a one-week social media cleanse. Reorganize your priorities, hydrate, move and reset. And volunteer.

Hi. I’m Chris, an integrative nutrition health coach dedicated to guiding women in their wellness journey.

People often ask me if I’m like a therapist. I am not. While therapy can be a valuable resource for many (including me), it’s not always the first step, nor is it easily available to everyone. For some, even the idea of traditional therapy can feel overwhelming and invasive. Integrative nutrition is not a substitute to standard talk therapy — I help provide a more gradual, holistic, flexible approach to reaching your overall wellness goals.

The headline of an article in The Atlantic recently caught my attention. In “Not Everyone Needs to Go to Therapy,“ Jerusalem Demsas explores the quandary that I have long struggled with, but was always afraid to express. The piece is mostly a transcript of her conversation with University of Oxford researcher Dr. Lucy Foulkes, who explains that even though the destigmatization of mental-health problems has been one of the great cultural transformations of the 21st century, she is increasingly concerned it can unintentionally encourage some people to pathologize mild forms of distress. (Their entire discussion is insightful and I highly recommend reading it or listening to it on her podcast Good On Paper.)

For that reason and others, I believe that while not everyone would benefit from therapy, we all need help healing and improving our mental and physical health. I think that doing it alone is extremely hard, and that repeatedly failed attempts to reach unattainable goals is a never-ending cyclical trap.

That is where I come in.

I help empower women to ease into mental and physical well-being by focusing on nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and mindfulness practices. My goal is to provide a solid foundation for overall health, helping you build healthy habits that support both body and mind. This isn’t about replacing therapy, but rather about taking gentle, manageable steps toward a healthier life.

I believe this healing and self-improvement should be accessible and tailored to your comfort level. My approach is all about meeting you where you are — offering gentle guidance, practical advice, and support as you explore the path to better health. If you’re not quite ready for traditional therapy, or if you simply prefer a different starting point, I invite you to consider how integrative nutrition can be part of your wellness journey.

I currently offer several programs to meet different needs:

• Women’s Hormonal Health Group Session: Starting soon in Pacific Grove, CA, this group session is designed specifically for women seeking balance through nutritional guidance and lifestyle changes. We’ll explore how everyday choices can support hormonal health and overall vitality.

• Teen Girls – Nutrition for Athletes: For the young athletes out there, I’m launching a program that’s available both via Zoom and in-person. Each session is tailored to help teen girls optimize their performance and energy levels through smart, sustainable nutrition.

• One-on-One Coaching: Whether you prefer online sessions or meeting IRL, my personalized coaching is here to support you wherever you are on your journey. We’ll work together to create a customized plan that addresses your unique needs, ensuring that every small step contributes to a healthier, more balanced life.

Feel free to reach out to learn more about any of these programs. I’m here to help you take the first step toward a healthy, happy future self.