By Michelle Tillman, PsychoTherapist/Founder of Transitional Pathways, PLLC
August has always felt like a threshold month. The eighth out of twelve, it marks a quiet turning pointāa slow descent from summerās height into something more inward, reflective. The number eight, symbolizing new beginnings and infinite cycles, reminds me that change isnāt always loud. Sometimes itās a whisper, a knowing, a sacred nudge inward.
This August, Iām paying closer attention.
Iām noticing how much Iāve grown through the stillness and the storms. Life, love, and relationshipsāeach carry layers of complexity I continue to unpeel, not just as a therapist, but as a Black woman who holds space for others while learning to hold space for myself. Each interaction becomes an opportunity for reflection and growth, revealing deeper truths about my journey and the interconnectedness of our experiences.
Parenting Through Transitions
Parenting adult children is its own sacred terrain. Thereās a constant balancing act between support and surrender, concern and trust. The role shifts from being a protector to a mirrorāfrom telling them what to do, to showing them who I am becoming. And in that, Iām relearning who I am, too. Itās an intricate dance that requires both courage and vulnerability. As I navigate this evolving relationship, I find myself reflecting on the lessons of patience and grace that I wish to impart. There are days I want to gather them like I used to when they were small, encasing them in the warmth of my love and protection. And there are days when I sit quietly, choosing not to fill the silence, letting them figure it outāletting me figure it out. Itās hard. Itās holy. Itās human, a reminder that growth often comes in layers, revealing more of us in the process.
The Inner Work of Love
In loveāromantic or otherwiseāIāve stopped striving for clarity at the expense of peace. Iāve learned that deeper connection doesnāt come from figuring someone out but from allowing myself to be fully known, even in uncertainty. Intimacy, for me now, feels less like pursuit and more like permission. The permission to be present, to not shrink, to not pretend I donāt need gentleness. Embracing this vulnerability has deepened my relationships in unexpected ways, fostering a sense of safety and trust that allows us to explore the beautiful complexity of our connections.
I no longer equate urgency with care. Instead, I ask, Can this connection honor my healing pace? That question alone has brought more clarity than some relationships ever could. Itās taught me the power of setting boundaries and recognizing when a relationship fuels my spirit versus when it drains my energy.
Spirit-Led Slow Living
This season, Iāve been deepening my relationship with prayer, meditation, and the quiet art of slowing down. I used to think rest was the reward. Now I know itās the way. Meditation isnāt always serene. Sometimes itās tears. Sometimes itās silence that says, āyouāre safe now.ā Iāve learned that God often speaks in the pauses between breaths, not just in the outcomes I used to chase. There is a different kind of wisdom that rises when you stop rushing. It invites you to savor lifeās moments, to appreciate the beauty in the mundane, and to embrace stillness as a teacher.
In this letting go of haste, Iāve begun to uncover the richness of my inner landscapeāthoughts, feelings, dreamsāand allowed them to unfold naturally.
Holding Space for Myself
As a therapist, Iāve witnessed transformation in others. But this year, Iāve been asked to be the witness for myself. To name my desires. To grieve what never happened. To celebrate how far Iāve comeāeven if no one else sees the full stretch. Healing is a personal journey, and each step brings me closer to my authentic self, reminding me that I am not defined by my past, but rather by my resilience.
August reminds me that healing doesnāt have to be complete to be worthy. I can be tender and powerful. Grieving and grateful. Longing and whole. This dance of contradictions is where I find my strength, my joy, and my truth.
To You, Reader:
If you are navigating changeābe it in your body, your boundaries, your beliefsāI hope you honor the pauses. I hope you let softness find you. I hope you remember that your pace is not a problem. Itās part of your becoming. Each step along this path is significant, and each moment of reflection is a gift to be cherished.
Let August be an altar. Not to who you used to be, but to the soul youāre still discovering. Embrace this time of introspection, allowing it to guide you into deeper understanding and appreciation of both yourself and the intricate tapestry of life that connects us all.
Always, with grace and truth.
Intimately Worded,
Michelle
@TransitionalPathwaysPLLC
Where healing is sacred and intimacy begins with you.
Culturally Competent Care ā Recognize how race, ethnicity, and culture shape mental health experiences and tailor treatment approaches accordingly.
Addressing Racial Trauma ā Create a safe therapeutic space where clients can process racial trauma, microaggressions, and identity-related stress.
Challenging Stigma ā Engage in community education to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage early intervention.
Building Community Support ā Facilitate access to peer support groups and culturally relevant mental health resources.
Advocacy for Equitable Care ā Work toward reducing healthcare disparities and increasing access to mental health services for marginalized populations.
Intersectional Approach ā Recognize that women of color have multiple intersecting identities and that treatment must address the whole person.
Intimately Worded with Michelle 
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