Book2inspire has a reputation for publishing stories that spark inspiration, build emotional development, and encourage lifelong learning. Their commitment to quality content aligns perfectly with Pufli Agency, whose talented illustrators specialize in captivating visuals that engage young readers and support educational development. Together, they aim to help self-published authors produce books that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and impactful.

Visit our bookstore to discover our latest titles and learn more about their mission. For a closer look at Pufli Agency’s illustration portfolio and creative process, head over to Pufli. We can’t wait to see how this partnership will shape the future of children’s literature!

Although we enjoy blogging, we could use a little help. We know there are writers who want to try their hand at blogging but don’t have their own digital real estate to do so. Blogging is a great way to test out new book ideas, garner an audience, and gain national attention. Substack and Medium are great platforms for blogging but sometimes you can get “lost in the sauce” because you have to compete with so many other writers on there and it can be hard to stand out. However, Books2inspire is a niche platform aimed at bringing mental health and disability awareness with an established audience. If writing about mental health or disabilities is something you are passionate about, we are the platform for you.

We blog weekly and post every Monday. We are looking for a highly ambitious writers looking to make a name for themselves and potentially become authors in the near future. If you have a business and want to advertise your business in the guest post, there is a fee for marketing attached to this service. However, if you are just looking to practice the craft of writing, we allow you to use our platform for free. We also will give free feedback about your writing to help you along your writing journey in exchange for your contribution to our blog.

Consider this to be a partnership. In exchange for your writing contributions to our blog, we offer writing coaching at no cost. You will also get first dibs if you decide to use us in the future for self-publishing. So, lots of advantages to getting in on this deal to be a guest blogger!

Feel free to connect with us if you are interested.

Kira ~ Co-founder of the Wite Collar

But we made a drastic mistake. And cut out those who supported us from the beginning.

Our families.

And for that our business suffered. Online sales stopped. Repeat customers became nonexistent.

It didn’t matter how much social media advertising we did, the people spoke. They did NOT like this new business model.

Because of this, we have brought back the ability for customers to make individual purchases. Wholesale orders are also allowed.

People like options and when you only provide one option, it cuts out the folks that might have purchased if they had another choice.

We are hopeful that you will now shop with us and take advantage of these life-changing children’s books that we have to offer.

You can visit our online store and see what books speak to you and can serve your children in the best way possible.

We hope to see you very soon!

Still hanging in there,

Kira

Spotting the Signs in Daily Life

Children often mirror the emotional states of their parents without ever saying so. If you notice sudden changes in their sleep, clinginess, irritability, or unexplained complaints like stomachaches, those could be signals of stress transferred from you. Young children especially don’t have the language to say “I’m worried because you’re worried.” Instead, they act it out. These behavioral changes aren’t always a direct copy of your own anxiety, but they are worth paying attention to. If your stress levels rise and you see them pulling inward or lashing out more than usual, that’s a strong cue that your state is bleeding into theirs.

How Kids Absorb Emotional Cues

Children are experts at reading emotional currents. Even if you think you’re hiding it, they can sense the way your shoulders tighten or the rhythm of your voice changes. Over time, they start internalizing those patterns. For instance, if you respond to pressure with avoidance or sharp bursts of frustration, they may learn that this is the “normal” way to handle uncomfortable feelings. This transmission isn’t intentional—it happens silently, moment by moment, until it builds into a framework for how they expect the world to feel. The good news is that modeling calm, reflective coping skills works the same way, and children can pick up healthier responses when they see you practicing them consistently.

When Protection Turns Into Restriction

Anxiety in parenting often shows up as overprotection. The instinct to shield your child from every possible hurt is natural, but taken too far it can stunt their growth. When kids are never allowed to take small risks, they miss opportunities to build resilience and confidence. Your fear becomes a cage, even if it’s lined with love. Paying attention to how often you step in unnecessarily—whether to fix a problem they could solve or to prevent a failure they could recover from—can be a powerful indicator of how your anxiety is shaping their independence.

Exploring Career Growth as Stress Relief

Sometimes the root of parental anxiety comes from a workplace that drains more than it gives back. Shifting careers or pursuing further education can lessen this burden, giving parents more stability and energy to share at home. For example, if you work in nursing and want better working conditions, shifts, and pay, master’s in nursing programs can position you for a more hands-on approach and see improved pay and hours. Even outside of healthcare, online degrees create flexibility that allows parents to keep earning while studying. Career progress is not just professional—it’s a pathway to a calmer home life.

The Lasting Impact Over Time

What begins as small changes in childhood can grow into significant challenges later in life. Children raised in environments where anxiety dominates may carry heightened stress responses into adulthood, struggling with self-esteem and decision-making. They may also become more prone to depression or anxiety disorders themselves. The weight of a parent’s unspoken tension doesn’t vanish with age; it often lingers as an echo in how kids see themselves and the world. Recognizing this trajectory is not meant to alarm but to emphasize that the way you handle your stress today shapes your child’s resilience tomorrow.

Why Age and Temperament Matter

Not all children respond to parental anxiety in the same way. Younger kids may become clingier, seeking reassurance in every interaction, while older children might withdraw, internalizing the sense that something is wrong but not knowing how to express it. Personality and temperament matter too—some children are naturally more sensitive, making them quicker to pick up on your emotional state. Gender can also play a role, with studies showing differences in how boys and girls display stress. The point isn’t to overanalyze but to notice: your child’s reaction is a mirror that can teach you a great deal about the emotional tone you’re setting at home.

Practical Steps for Parents

Acknowledging that your anxiety affects your child is the first step. The next is learning how to manage it in ways that don’t pass the burden along. That might mean therapy, journaling, mindfulness practices, or support groups—any outlet that allows you to process stress before it spills into your parenting. Sometimes, professional guidance is the best path forward, especially when anxiety feels unmanageable. Even small changes in how you handle your emotions can make a significant difference.

Anxiety doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human. What matters is how you respond once you recognize the ways your stress may be shaping your child’s world. Children thrive on stability, reassurance, and love—but they also thrive when they see those values modeled in real time. By acknowledging your anxiety and taking steps to address it, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re giving your child the emotional foundation they need to face life with confidence. That ripple effect is profound, and it begins with you deciding to face your anxiety instead of letting it define the household atmosphere.

(This blog entry was contributed by Patrick Young, Founder of AbleUSA. Able USA offers informational resources to individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Their educational blog can be found here).

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Writing can be diversified into multiple streams of income outside of just publishing books. It’s just about choosing the right option (s) for you that you have the time and energy to do. So, let’s talk money and some ways you can make more of it as a writer:

Ghostwriting

Writing books for other people can generate a sizable income because people are willing to pay upwards to take credit for another’s writing skills. The income is guaranteed and you don’t have to market to generate sales like you would if you self-published your book. Ghostwriting is actually something that I have been interested in for awhile but have not pursued just yet because I am more focused on other endeavors. Also, I’m not sure if I can give up a book I wrote and allow another author to ‘adopt’ my book and put their name on it. However, given the inconsistency of sales with self-published books, it is something I am strongly considering in the near future.

Author coaching

Coaching prospective authors is something I have been doing since 2023 and it is rewarding work. It also offers a higher rate of pay than book sales can generate in a shorter period of time. However, getting consistent clients can be challenging. You will have to invest in marketing yourself as much as possible to gain more visibility for your business. This can feel very much like marketing for your books, which can be draining. Most writers don’t get into publishing for the marketing but moreso control over the creative process. Marketing can be a deterrent for some authors who genuinely want to help other authors publish their books but don’t want to market because it is too much of a headache. Most author coaches depend on referrals from the authors they previously assist to generate more business for them as word of mouth can be an effective marketing strategy.

Editing

This is another option for writers looking to supplement their income. Whether it is copy editing or line editing, if you feel like you want to try your hand at editing someone’s book because of your strong writing skills, then go ahead and start your editing business. I have hired editors in the past for my books because editing is a necessary step in getting a book published. While editing for children’s books was affordable, editing my 15-page adult book cost a few hundred dollars. So, I would say, start off with editing adult books if you are looking for a higher price point. If you are looking for flexibility in moving through more projects at a faster rate, then I would recommend sticking with editing children’s books because the volume will make up for the difference in what you can charge.

Blogging

Blogging has become increasingly popular given the creation of Substack and Medium. These are two of the biggest platforms out there so you can gain the most visibility and get paid for your blogging. You get paid when people subscribe to your blog or for each time they view a post that you have marked as private. I have been hearing more about Substack in the recent year and it seems to be where everyone is going to make a name for themselves. Even celebrities are trying their hand at blogging on that platform. So, regardless of which platform you try, you are in good hands.

In addition, your blog can be a way to gain customers for any books you plan to write. It informs users of your writing style and can drum up buzz on works in progress to create a customer base for when you do launch that book project. Think of it as a creative way to market your book doing what you already enjoy doing, which is writing. If you have a website, you can also create a blog there which is a great way to drive traffic to what you are selling on your website.

Grant writing

Writing to obtain money for grants requires a special skill set. Not everyone has the knack for completing winning applications for grants that get money for their businesses. However, there are writers attune to what grantors are looking for and know how to provide the right verbiage for applications. Writers can get hired to help businesses tailor their answers based on the grant they are seeking. Businesses see hiring these skilled writers as an investment since it frees up their time to develop other areas of their business. As the writer, you can set a rate that compensates you for your time and energy on this project. Other things to consider when it comes to setting your rate are how big (or small) is the business you are completing the application for and how much funding is at stake for the application. Being flexible with your rates gives the client options, especially those with less money at their disposable.

Be open to pivoting

Although, there are other ways to make money with writing. I think I have covered what I see trending right now. It is crucial as a self-published author that you are open to pivoting. As I said earlier, I might be looking to pivot into ghostwriting for children’s books. Both the author coaching and book selling businesses have been slow and I need to start making money. This was to be expected in the summer months so I emotionally prepared myself for this. However, things need to pick up in September so I am looking for ways to include additional offerings to my service array.

If you love to write but you are finding the writing business to be taxing, don’t give up. Just take a break from it, regroup, and find a new way to fulfill your passion. You can’t give up on writing; it is part of you. Taking a moment to figure out your lane can sometimes be what you need in order to become profitable.

Take good care,

Kira

Follow Their Lead with Curiosity

Before you build a curriculum or sign up for a program, start by listening. Curiosity isn’t one-size-fits-all. For one child, it’s insects. For another, it’s the patterns in the carpet. Instead of assuming what they should be interested in, pause and simply ask what captures their attention. That question does more than open a conversation. It tells your child that their interests are worthy of notice. This kind of validation isn’t just feel-good. It signals to their brain that learning isn’t a performance — it’s an invitation.

Make Creativity Accessible

Creativity often gets boxed up as a talent when it’s really a muscle. And today, that muscle has new tools. For children who are drawn to color, motion, and ideas — but feel limited by their drawing skills — introducing tools like digital art and AI painting can open up whole new forms of expression. These aren’t shortcuts. They’re springboards. They turn curiosity into confidence by showing that what matters isn’t the technique. It’s the vision, the voice, and the courage to try.

Let Play Do the Heavy Lifting

Too often, play is treated as the appetizer, when it’s really the main course. Kids don’t need lectures. They need environments that let them experiment, break, fix, and question. And they especially need time to do it without being rushed to produce something polished. That’s where guided play can support problem-solving in a way that scripted lessons never will. The best play doesn’t just entertain — it gives them room to discover how the world works, on their terms, in their tempo.

Use Books to Build Empathy

Reading together doesn’t just build literacy. It shapes how your child sees people, differences, and dignity. Stories that explore topics like autism, mental health, or social justice — written with children in mind — offer powerful windows into experiences beyond their own. That’s why resources like Books2Inspire matter. They make it easy to find age-appropriate books that foster compassion, understanding, and a more curious heart.

Let Them Teach You

Nothing strengthens a child’s love of learning more than the feeling of competence. And few things create that feeling faster than flipping the roles. When your child explains a game, a recipe, or a random fact about volcanoes, resist the urge to jump in. Ask them to keep going. Their confidence swells when they’re seen as someone with insight to share. This is how you support their self-driven exploration. It’s also how they learn to trust their own questions, not just the answers fed to them.

Ask Better Questions

Praise is nice. But presence is better. Instead of saying “Good job,” ask what surprised them. Instead of “That’s smart,” ask how they figured it out. These small shifts matter because they change the direction of attention. They say: I’m here for your process, not just your result. When you ask questions that stretch thinking, you show your child that learning is layered. It’s not about being right. It’s about being engaged, reflective, and a little bit bold.

Loving to learn isn’t a given. It’s a practice — layered into the rituals of home, the tone of your questions, and the way you respond when something doesn’t land the first time. But the reward? It lasts. Because the child who grows up knowing they’re allowed to explore, tinker, ask, and revise is the one who never stops becoming.

(This blog entry was contributed by Patrick Young, Founder of AbleUSA. Able USA offers informational resources to individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Their educational blog can be found here.)

It’s not cheap to publish.

Simply put, you will spend some money. How little and how much you spend depends on the quality of the product you want to put out or the form and fashion of your book. If you just want to do eBooks, then yes you can put out a lot of eBooks at little to no cost. Now if you want to do print books AKA hard covers or soft covers, you will spend some money. And if you want to do it the cheap way, then know that this will be reflected in how your product turns out. I have come across my fair share of self-published books with poor presentation such as kitchen paper quality or enough grammatical errors to make you question if they even bothered using an editor. I don’t believe in cutting corners with your book, especially the first one. I would suggest waiting until you have the money to publish (perhaps a few thousand set aside) before you even start the self-publishing process. Or at least the disposable income; whether you have a second job to fund your publishing endeavor or a high enough income to not feel the burn in your pocket. You can publish on a budget but understand that your readers will be able to tell.

You will need a team.

It may seem like an oxymoron, but you cannot self-publish by yourself. You will need to get together a team of independent contractors that will assist you, especially if it is for a children’s book where illustrations are involved. Trying to be your own team (editor, illustrator, book formatter, marketer) will cause you to miss the mark with some of these things. It is impossible to do them all well. It’s better to let another pair of eyes to look over your work and to delegate some of these responsibilities. Plus being a one-person team is tiring! You will burn yourself out before you even get to the finish line. This is why you need to see that publishing a book is an investment just like everything else in your life (house, car, degree, etc.) and that you must be willing to pony up the money if you want things done right.

You need to be flexible.

Even the best planners know that things don’t always happen as planned no matter how much you prepare. Self-publishing is not going to go the way you want or expect. Unfortunately, it is not a linear process. There will be bumps and bruises along the way and many detours. Deadlines might get delayed due to what might be going on with your contractors or you making mistakes that delay the progress. I would urge you to have at least two publishing deadlines rather than just one. That way you won’t be disappointed if you don’t meet one and can have the other one to look forward to. You also always want to remain on the contractors’ good side and not get into power struggles with them. Give them grace and keep them happy. This will prevent any further barriers in getting your book published.

Maintain a positive mindset.

This is by far the most important thing to remember when self-publishing. It can be easy to fall into the trap of becoming despondent or frustrated when the publishing process begins to drain your energy. We all have lives to live and people we care for and when things are not going your way with your book, it’s easy to throw in the towel and give up. Don’t allow some barriers or pitfalls to make you give up on your dream. Take a break and do something else to maintain your stamina but always go back to working on your book. There is nothing wrong with a re-set to replenish your energy because of the tedious process of self-publishing. I know all too well how it feels to be fed up with the process, but I also remember how happy I was when I made it to the finish line!

Do know that I’m here for you if you need me. I am a children’s book publishing coach not a writing coach which means that I only work with folks with finished manuscripts. I help you go from manuscript to market by teaching you about the self-publishing process. I also have an eBook coming out soon that will act as a guide to walk you through the steps to self-publishing success. I specialize in shelf ready books due to my keen eye and expertise as an author and mom to optimize your ability to get into bookshelves everywhere. Feel free to reach out to me here.

 See you soon,

Kira

Getting Enough Sleep: The Non-Negotiable Foundation

You can’t function at your best if you’re running on fumes, yet sleep is often the first thing sacrificed. Maybe you push bedtime later to squeeze in another episode, another hour of scrolling, or another email answered. The problem? Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you tired—it affects mood regulation, stress levels, and even your ability to handle everyday frustrations. Prioritizing sleep is a radical act of self-care, and it starts with setting boundaries: a consistent bedtime, a screen-free wind-down routine, and recognizing that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

The Lost Art of Doing Nothing

When was the last time you sat in silence with no agenda? No productivity hacks, no multitasking—just existing in the moment? We’ve been conditioned to believe that doing nothing is lazy, but the truth is, your brain needs a break. Taking time to relax resets your nervous system, helps you process emotions, and creates space for creativity. Try it. Step away from the constant buzz of busyness, sit by a window, watch the world move, and just be. You might be surprised at how much clarity comes from moments of stillness.

Reducing Stress in a World That Thrives on It

Modern life is a pressure cooker, and stress has become the default setting for too many people. The irony? Chronic stress wrecks your mental health, leaving you irritable, overwhelmed, and mentally drained. The antidote isn’t a complete lifestyle overhaul—it’s small, manageable shifts. Take deep breaths when tension rises. Move your body, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Set micro-goals instead of letting stress snowball. You can’t eliminate stress entirely, but you can take control of how it affects you.

Finding a Better Job

If your job is draining you mentally and physically, it might be time to move on. A toxic work environment, constant stress, or lack of fulfillment can take a serious toll on your well-being, but with proper guidance, you can navigate the job search with confidence. Writing a strong cover letter is one of the best ways to increase your chances of landing an interview—research the company, mention any referrals or connections, and keep your language clear and to the point. Prioritizing your mental health sometimes means walking away, and the right opportunity is out there if you prepare strategically.

The Power of Saying No

Saying yes to everything might make you feel helpful, but it’s also a fast track to burnout. If your schedule is packed with obligations that drain you, it’s time to reclaim your time. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s an act of self-respect. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re rude or unkind; it means you recognize your limits. Start small. Decline a request that doesn’t align with your priorities. Leave a social event early if you’re exhausted. The more you practice, the more you’ll realize that protecting your energy is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health.

Nature’s Medicine: The Overlooked Power of Natural Remedies

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Natural remedies—whether it’s herbal teas, essential oils, or time spent outdoors—have a profound impact on mental well-being. Chamomile tea can help with anxiety, lavender oil can calm a racing mind, and a daily dose of fresh air can shift your entire mood. The beauty of these remedies is that they remind you to slow down, tune into your body, and embrace a gentler way of healing. They won’t replace therapy or medication, but they can be powerful tools in your self-care arsenal.

Self-care isn’t indulgent, and it’s not something you earn only after you’ve worked yourself to the brink of exhaustion. It’s necessary. Your mental health depends on it. The world will keep spinning, emails will keep coming, and responsibilities won’t vanish—but if you don’t take care of yourself, none of it will matter. So, start small. Prioritize rest, breathe deeper, say no when you need to, and find joy where you can. Your mind—and your future self—will thank you.

Discover the power of storytelling with Books2Inspire – where children’s books become a therapeutic tool for mental wellness and aspiring authors find the coaching they need to succeed.

(This blog entry was contributed by Patrick Young, Founder of AbleUSA. Able USA offers informational resources to individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Their educational blog can be found here.)

Fostering Creativity Through Art

Encouraging your child to explore art is a wonderful way to boost their creativity and confidence. Provide them with various artistic mediums to express themselves uniquely. As they create, consider scanning their artwork and saving it digitally to preserve these precious memories. An option to consider is using a PDF maker, which allows you to create or convert any document into a PDF, ensuring their creative milestones are cherished for years to come.

Teaching Mindful Listening

Mindful listening is a powerful tool, fostering empathy and enhancing communication skills. By engaging in activities that require focused attention, children learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, which improves their communication and deepens their empathy. This practice helps them connect with others on a meaningful level, essential for resolving conflicts and building strong relationships. Incorporating mindful listening into daily routines can significantly impact a child’s social and emotional growth, leading to improved self-awareness and emotional regulation. These strategies create a supportive environment that values respect and empathy, promoting a sense of connection and belonging.

Boosting Focus and Curiosity with Bird-Watching

Introducing your children to bird-watching is a wonderful way to nurture their focus and curiosity while connecting them with nature. By observing birds in their natural habitats, whether from your backyard or a local park, kids can learn about various species and their behaviors, enhancing their understanding of the environment. This activity promotes outdoor exploration and encourages scientific inquiry as children start asking questions about the birds they encounter. Equip them with binoculars and a bird field guide to enrich their experience, making it both educational and enjoyable. As they document their observations, children develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and improve their attention span, making bird-watching a valuable activity.

Creating a Relaxing Reading Routine

Establishing a reading routine that your kids will love involves a few thoughtful steps that can turn reading into a delightful family activity. Start by choosing a time that naturally fits into your daily schedule, like bedtime, which is often recommended for its calming effect and bonding potential. This can be a great way to ensure time together during busy parts of the year. Encourage regular visits to the library and let your child pick their own books, fostering a sense of autonomy and excitement about reading. Consistency is key, so aim for daily reading sessions, but stay flexible to keep the experience enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.

Enhancing Transitions with Music and Dance

Incorporating music and dance into your child’s daily routine can transform transitions between activities, making them smoother and more enjoyable. By using familiar tunes or creating a unique soundtrack for different parts of the day, you provide a comforting and predictable structure that helps children, especially those with ADHD or sensory processing issues, feel more secure. For instance, a playful song can signal the end of playtime and the start of homework, easing the shift. This approach engages children emotionally and physically, as dancing to the music can release endorphins, enhancing mood and focus.

Enhancing Creativity and Critical Thinking with Brain Games

Engaging your child in brain games is a powerful way to boost their creativity and critical thinking skills. Activities like jigsaw puzzles and Tangrams encourage children to explore unconventional solutions by forming shapes and patterns, which fosters innovative thinking. These games stimulate the brain to create new neural pathways, enhancing cognitive development and empowering children to question assumptions and make informed decisions. Moreover, the skills gained from these games often translate into improved academic performance, as they involve problem-solving and critical analysis directly applicable to school subjects. Incorporating brain games into your child’s routine can be a valuable tool in nurturing a well-rounded and imaginative thinker.

By weaving these activities into your child’s routine, you create a nurturing environment that supports their growth and well-being. These practices help them reset and refresh and equip them with essential life skills, fostering a balanced and joyful childhood.

(This blog entry was contributed by Patrick Young, Founder of AbleUSA. Able USA offers informational resources to individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Their educational blog can be found here.)

In the many discussions on the topic of claim denials on social media, nothing was ever mentioned about mental healthcare and what happens in that aspect. Medical care has always taken on the primary focus of the healthcare industry, with the plight of mental healthcare being a nonexistent conversation. As a therapist who has worked in the healthcare industry for 22 years, I think people fail to realize that mental healthcare is equally as important as medical care and that just as much attention should be focused on getting people’s mental health needs addressed. Access to this care can be lacking as well, especially in lower income areas, causing people to suffer unjustifiably. Services like outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, etc. can be hard to come by based on demand and areas that people live in. For example, in the more rural areas, it is hard to find a therapist and one that you can be seen face to face dependent on how many therapists serve that area. In my current role as someone who helps employees navigate the mental healthcare system, I have come across many frustrated and disgruntled employees unable to find a therapist that is available and offers face to face services since the pandemic. Most therapists have gone virtual and not everyone likes virtual counseling. Some patients long for the ability to see someone in their office because it feels more intimate and comfortable for them. Although therapists making the shift to virtual sessions has allowed them to serve more patients, it has also left those with a preference for in-person counseling feeling like they are getting the shaft and that their preferences are not being addressed.

The other thing that is troubling in mental healthcare is the fact that getting higher level services such as residential care is not available to working middle-class folks. It is often only covered through Medicaid, which most middle-class people don’t qualify for because of their income. Your salary has to be pretty much below the poverty level or you have to be unemployed or disabled in order for you to receive this type of healthcare. Medicaid will pay for residential care options such as substance abuse residential treatment, group homes for teens or adults, etc. Without it, you can only receive outpatient services, which may not be the appropriate level of care for your particular issue. Then your medical insurance won’t cover outpatient, if your healthcare professional is recommending a higher level of care that you can’t afford to pay for privately. So as the story goes for medical care, many have their mental health needs go unmet, which can cause crises such as hospitalizations that increase the costs of healthcare overall.

It appears that the healthcare system is not really set up to assist the working, middle class. Before your appointment, you pay your insurance premium upfront through your paycheck, then a co-pay at your appointment and then get hit with a bill afterwards. This is not even considering what your employer pays towards your healthcare every month. If you have a medical emergency, medical debt can set you up for a financial crisis, which can further exacerbate your medical or mental health issues due to the stress involved. This is why healthcare reform is really needed, especially in America. We need healthcare costs that are more affordable so we don’t have to work while sick just to pay our medical bills off.

I can’t pretend to offer a solution on what to do about the dysfunction of the healthcare system but I can say that something needs to be done. We can’t continue the way we have, doing what we do expecting people to get better. People going for long periods with unmet medical needs will eventually encounter more costly services due to not getting their health addressed early on. This can significantly decrease the wealth of not just the individual but the entire family creating a brutal impact that lasts for generations to come.  We can only counteract this by revamping the healthcare system because it really does not serve us in the manner in which it was intended, causing undue suffering to the patient and their family system.

What are your thoughts on the state of the healthcare system in America? Do you have a solution on how folks can receive more appropriate healthcare without going into financial debt? How can we tackle the lack of resources for healthcare in certain communities? These may seem like questions without viable solutions but perhaps what happened with the UHC CEO will open the door to more of these types of discussions rather than the bashing and heckling of a dead man. Otherwise, it will be back to business as usual once the dust settles and insurance companies will continue their pattern of denials with the goal of saving on healthcare costs at another’s expense.

I implore each and every one of you who read this to continue to advocate for yourself and your loved ones’ fair treatment and access to healthcare. Without your advocacy, you will not see results or change within the healthcare system. Your advocacy for what you or your loved ones need can change the trajectory of your and their future. Your lives matter!

Take good care,

Kira