Category: Blog Posts

IT’S OFFICIAL – THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH ME

Read, Reflect, Respond Wins Bronze in the Global Book Awards

Recognition is powerful, but community makes it unforgettable. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this message is a heartfelt thank-you from Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, celebrating the official arrival of her Global Book Award and the shared journey behind it.

Dear Friends,

When I first shared the news that Read, Reflect, Respond had won the Bronze Medal in the Global Book Awards, I was deeply touched by the encouragement and kind words I received. Your messages, your stories, and your reflections reminded me why this work matters.

Now the certificate has arrived, making it official. Holding it in my hands is a humbling reminder of why I wrote this book in the first place—to help readers pause, reflect, and respond with clarity in their own lives. It’s not just a book; it’s a conversation, a mirror, and a gentle invitation to grow.

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me. Your support, your reflections, and your willingness to share your own stories have made this recognition even more meaningful. Whether you’ve read the book, gifted it to a friend, or simply sent a kind note, you’ve helped amplify its message.

For those who haven’t yet explored Read, Reflect, Respond, you can find it here:

📘 Order on Amazon

With gratitude,

Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

If you’re curious about the book’s themes or want to explore how reflection and emotional clarity can support your journey, learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that foster insight, resilience, and connection.

From Math to Psychology and Why Men Struggle With Emotions

In this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst joins Amita Ghosh on Shrinks Who Drink to explore how personal history shapes emotional development, especially in men. The conversation blends warmth, insight, and practical tools for reflection and healing.

Good to see you,

Have you ever found yourself on one path, only to hit a wall that changed everything? That is how my journey into psychology began. I loved math and dreamed of becoming a teacher, but one Calculus II class derailed my plans and unexpectedly led me toward a lifelong passion for understanding people, their histories, and the ways our earliest experiences shape who we are.

This week, I joined Amita Ghosh on Shrinks Who Drink, a podcast that explores mental health with warmth, insight, and a good cup of tea. Together, we dove into the threads that connect our personal histories to our present lives, and how reflecting on the past can free us to grow.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How I moved from math to psychology and found a calling in exploring people’s histories
• Why your brain carries every experience you have ever had, and how those memories show up in daily life
• Gentle ways to reflect on your past, including the power of journaling
• Why men today often feel lonely and struggle with intimacy
• Surprising research on boys being born with a wider emotional range than girls, and how culture narrows it over time

If you have ever wondered how your past shapes your present, or why men and boys face such unique struggles with emotional expression, this conversation will offer both fresh insight and practical ways to begin healing.

👉 Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts

If you’re reflecting on emotional development, gender roles, or personal growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support healing, insight, and connection.

WHAT TOUCHES YOUR HEART?

Bloodlines, Belonging, and the Pulse of Personal History

The heart isn’t just a pump—it’s a storyteller. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how bloodlines and emotional memory shape identity, connection, and the quiet miracle of being alive.

The heart is our fuel pump for the body. The life force of blood pumping throughout my body nurtures every cell. The blood carries nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and protein to all the cells in my body, and at the same time, it removes toxins and carbon dioxide. Blood is a miracle substance that I take for granted. When I nick myself and pat the little red dot that appears on my skin, I think nothing of it. I should thank it, honor it, and show it off to my friends. “Look at this miracle that runs through my body!”

But honestly, I rarely think about the stuff. This viscous stuff is running throughout my body constantly and servicing every cell. It is doing housekeeping and fueling, and I pay no mind. As far as I know, there are no holidays to celebrate it. We celebrate practically everything else: Groundhogs, Trees, Gods, G-ds, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wars… Come on! When are we going to have a “Blood Day”?

Before surgery, I get two bags of it drained out of my body in case I need it later. And guess what? My body makes more of the stuff. One would think I should move forward, minus the two bags. But no. My body makes more! Blood is excellent stuff.

Our parents pass it down to future generations. We refer to that as “our bloodline.” Researching our bloodline has become a very popular thing. Several companies now offer you the ability to prick your finger, insert a blood sample into a tube, and send it to a lab or spit in a tube to accomplish the same research. The lab will analyze your sample and trace your “bloodline” through generations. The results come back with generations of details. Are you related to royalty? Is there a famous criminal in your lineage? Are there relatives out there that you never knew you had? Did you finally find your birth mother? Is there a surprise grandchild out there somewhere?

The results of that prick can be fascinating and shocking. What do you do with this new set of details? You discover a grandson who looks exactly like the son you lost in the war. It’s shocking and somehow comforting as well. You find your birth mother and discover that her family never knew that she had a child. They welcome you and have fun filling in pieces of history for you. The meeting is touching and exciting. Some good people are added to your life.

Somehow, you feel richer, and the puzzle of your history is now more complete. You want to share your story or fill the following few pages in your journal and leave that to be discovered by others much later. Your heart feels different in some way. Perhaps more complete.

Our histories provide comfort and clarity, regardless of the nature of the story. We feel content when we know our history and fit pieces of our story into the mosaic that is our life. Our hearts slow, and our breathing is deeper. As the blood flows through our bodies, a sense of belonging and understanding washes over us. We know ourselves better.

Want to explore how emotional connection and heart health intertwine? Visit UT Physicians’ guide to the heart-emotion connection, The Emotional Heart’s breakdown of feelings and cardiovascular health, and NeuroLaunch’s insights on cardiac emotion and memory.

If you’re reflecting on identity, emotional connection, or personal history, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and belonging.

I have exciting news to share. My book, Read, Reflect, Respond, has been awarded the Bronze Medal in the 2025 Global Book Awards in the category of Self-Help – Personal Transformation.

When I began writing, I wasn’t thinking about recognition or awards. I was simply listening to the stories people brought into my office and into my life, stories of feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected from what mattered most. Again and again, I saw how powerful it was when someone paused long enough to reflect, then chose a response that brought clarity or hope. That is where the title came from: Read, Reflect, Respond.

The process of writing was not quick or easy. There were nights I doubted the value of my words and mornings I wondered if the book would ever come together. But every time I considered setting it aside, I remembered the people who needed these tools. That reminder kept me going, page after page.

To now see this work recognized on an international stage is deeply humbling. The Global Book Awards honor authors whose writing inspires and transforms, and to be included in that community is an affirmation of the mission behind this book: helping people create meaningful change in their lives.

But as much as this is an author’s award, I see it as a shared celebration with my readers. Over the past year, many of you have written to me with your own reflections, how a passage made you rethink an old habit, how an exercise helped you through a difficult transition, or how the book gave you language for feelings you had carried silently for years. Those stories mean more to me than any medal ever could. They are the real evidence that Read, Reflect, Respond is doing the work I hoped it would.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to explore the book, you can find it on Amazon. My wish is that it becomes a companion on your journey, offering both gentle questions and practical steps as you navigate life’s changes.

This Bronze Medal is a milestone, yes, but it is also a reminder that the work of growth never really ends. We keep reading, we keep reflecting, and we keep responding. And together, we keep moving forward.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement, feedback, and willingness to engage with the book have made this possible.

With deep gratitude,
Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

HOBBIES

Expression, Adventure, and the Emotional Power of Leisure

Hobbies aren’t just pastimes—they’re portals to identity. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how hobbies offer emotional nourishment, creative freedom, and a sense of purpose beyond survival.

Hobbies are a luxury spawned by free time away from making a living or working on your farm, servitude, or profession. Of course, royalty always had hobbies because they had servants and farmhands to do all the work. The elite filled their days with hobbies. Today, we have large stores and markets devoted to hobbies. We have leisure time and enjoy a variety of hobbies, from reading interesting books to creating art to building furniture and sculpture.

Not all hobbies are indoor activities. Birdwatching, photography, and hunting are all popular hobbies. Anything can turn into a hobby. You could collect leaves, bugs, or rocks. You could embroider hankies or knit scarves and hats. You could build doll furniture and miniature trains to run on tracks in your basement.

The beauty of a hobby is that it is an expression of your inner self. Are you an artist? A builder? An arborist? A plant enthusiast? A music lover or a player? A book lover? Anything is possible.

The act of having time to pursue something that is not necessary for survival is quite new. Our ancestors had to raise crops, husband animals, and gather food to survive. The luxury of having time to do anything other than provide for your family is really quite rare.

Unless you were part of the royalty, hobbies were not in your vocabulary. Now almost everyone has a hobby. Some study facts in hopes of landing a spot on a well-known television show like Jeopardy. Some enjoy the outdoors through golfing or hunting. Some stick to the safer environment of bowling. Others enjoy archery or horseback riding. Any possible sport is available.

Many enjoy a time of pleasure from their favorite recliner as they engage in stamp collecting or various other forms of collecting. My mother used to collect cream pitchers. She must have had more than a hundred of them. Some were exquisite, some were kitschy, and some were fit for royalty. She loved the process, and the stories that went along with each treasure were always fascinating.

The act of collecting may not be about the object. Collecting may be about the adventure. I know that my mother’s pitcher collection was a history of travel, and stopping at antique stores throughout the country in search of the next treasure. The adventure was often more important than the object.

Adventure is an interesting concept. At first, one thinks of foreign travel or treasure hunting. Yes, that is truly adventure. However, adventure can happen much closer to home.

I remember our daughter playing in the “woods” at the edge of our property, building villages, and burying treasure. She and the young boy who lived behind us spent hours playing in the borders of trees and bushes. There may be treasure buried in those parts of the landscaping to this day.

Want to explore how hobbies support emotional well-being and personal growth? Visit Reality Pathing’s guide to nurturing emotional health through hobbies, Utah State University’s insights on hobbies and mental health, and Harvard Health’s research on hobbies and happiness.

If you’re reflecting on creativity, emotional connection, or the joy of leisure, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, balance, and personal fulfillment.

Evening Breezes, Garden Chimes, and the Invitation to Be Present

Sound is more than sensation, it’s memory, mood, and movement. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection captures the emotional richness of evening soundscapes and how nature’s quiet chorus invites us into deeper presence and connection.

The weather in the DC area has been cool enough to sit outside in the evening. We have a screened-in porch, so we do not have to swat mosquitoes or other creatures and can enjoy the sights and sounds of the evening.

First, the light has changed. The harshness of the sun is now subdued as it slowly moves below the neighbor’s roof. We sit in a location that is not oriented directly east–west or north–south, although the street names have North and South at the end. So, we have the inevitable skirmish about what direction the next sound is coming from or which airport the plane must be heading to. We also have a large rug on the floor with a giant compass painted on it, and the carpet is oriented correctly.

I should give up my protest that north does not look north to me.
The lilies in the garden give off this luscious spicy scent, and if you listen closely, they are making a little swishing sound as they move in the breeze. The Japanese Maple rustles as each leaf nudges the one next to it to move and dance.

One of my favorite sounds is the large metal chime that hangs from the pergola. A slight breeze will cause the clapper to touch the side of the bell and softly resonate with a deep, resonant tone. The sound is gentle and inviting, as if it is saying, Get out of your chair and come into the garden. There are more than sounds to be had here.

Put your nose into the roses and cup your hand around the anemones as they sway in the breeze. You are missing so much by staying in that chair. Then my attention turns to the river birches along the fence line. These trees are gorgeous with their peeling bark and long, slender trunks that reach for the sky. Their branches sway with the breezes that you would feel along a stream or river. They entertain with their movement and invite you to leave the safety of the patio. They could easily be your dance partner on the lawn.

Sometimes, I wish the evening would go on forever.

Want to explore how sound enhances emotional connection in gardens? Visit Live to Plant’s guide to multi-sensory garden design, American Gardener’s overview of sensory gardens, and Paths of Learning’s ideas for using natural sounds in sensory exploration.

If you’re reflecting on presence, sensory experience, or emotional grounding, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support mindfulness, healing, and connection.

Craft, Commitment, and the Courage to Be Seen

Busking isn’t just street music, it’s a public declaration of passion. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection honors Marty Rafferty’s record-breaking performance and invites us to consider how we show up for our own craft, and for others.

Do you know what this word means?

I had never heard of it until watching the BBC News today. While doing my morning exercises, I enjoy listening to the BBC News, and suddenly the MC starts talking about a guitarist breaking a record.

That piques my interest because I used to play the guitar and enjoyed it very much.

I have lived for decades. Why have I never heard of this word? Okay, there are probably many words I have never heard of. That should be okay. The world is full of words. I cannot realistically know every word.

Busking is the act of playing music on the street corner. Before yesterday, the world record for busking was 26 hours. Yesterday, a guitarist in Ireland broke the record by playing for 30 hours.

Here is a guy who does not just break the record. I mean, you could break the record by one minute, but he went above and beyond. He went 30 hours straight with brief breaks for self-care. And he had a broken thumb. Who does that?

He is devoted to his craft and brought attention to his work. I admire that devotion and hope that the attention meets his goals. So, today, I honor Marty Rafferty for his dedication to his craft.

How are we all doing in bringing attention to our craft? What is your craft? Where do you place your energy, and how does it benefit others?

Who among you would set out to break a record and then go on to accomplish it? There is actually a record for blog writing! Darren Murph from the US wrote 17,212 blogs as of 2010. He averaged writing 12 blogs a day. Now, as a writer, I can tell you that the pace of 12 a day would be exhausting. To average that over years of writing would make my head spin. So, do not expect me to challenge the record.

However, I am curious about the people who devise these challenges. Marty Rafferty accepted his guitar-playing challenge to raise money for a charity. His motivation was to buy toys for children at Christmas. I think that is lovely.

Regardless of your background or heritage, the thought of a smile on a child’s face at Christmas is a joy. His effort brought worldwide attention to his cause. The world needs this type of attention.

If you’re reflecting on purpose, creativity, or how to share your gifts with the world, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, passion, and meaningful contribution.

BATTERIES, BATTERIES, BATTERIES!

Power, Chaos, and the Electrified Life We Lead

From laptops to landlines, batteries are the unsung heroes of modern life. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how battery-powered living shapes our routines, our frustrations, and our environmental footprint.

Just about everything runs on batteries or can run on batteries. Of course, my cell phone runs on a battery, which I have heard can catch fire and terrify you. My computer runs on batteries, and my computer guy tells me not to keep my computer plugged in. Apparently, if I keep my computer plugged in all the time I am working, my batteries can start to grow and swell. Who knew!!?? So now, while working all day, I am conscious of unplugging the thing until the little battery icon gets really skinny! Of course, I failed to tell the computer guru that I had this laptop for at least 6 years and had kept it plugged in all the time, and my batteries had not gotten pregnant. But, what do I know?

I saw an ad on the television for this cool-looking battery box. It looks to be the size of a placemat and has many compartments of different sizes for the various sizes of batteries that one must keep around the house. We have a wire bin filled with plastic bags to organize the different sizes. But I must admit that I envied that plastic box. Just think of it! I could carry all of my batteries around the house and replace everything. Maybe I should put things on a replacement schedule and go for it.

Batteries power everything. Batteries power the new security door knob that we have. Of course, the landline handsets are full of batteries. I know, I know, we should have gotten rid of the landline long ago. Given our age, the only callers are scammers with weird accents. How in the world does anyone get fooled by these people? You can barely understand what they are saying. We have a weather station that runs on batteries. Automatic shades. Remotes for the TV.

I can easily imagine a landfill full of old batteries. If I counted the batteries in this place, I would be shocked. What happens to old batteries anyway? I know some of them say they can be recycled. I think that means they get smashed to bits, and the valuable metals in them get sorted out. The rest end up in the landfill. I can imagine numerous “battery hills.”

Oh, and the car! You guessed it. The car battery died this morning. Usually, our Saturdays are laid back, and we tend to go nowhere. This Saturday we had plans and places we were expecting to go, starting around 9 am. Had to dump them all. Fortunately, the AAA guy arrived within about 45 minutes, although the wait time was advertised as up to 4 or 5 hours. Several hundreds of dollars later, we will be good to go.

We are all charged up and can expect a good 3 years before the thing gives out again. I guess that is a pretty long life for a car battery.

Want to explore how battery recycling impacts the environment and supports sustainability? Visit Electronics360’s guide to second-life battery applications, Stanford’s research on battery recycling and emissions, and Greenly’s breakdown of battery carbon footprints.

If you’re reflecting on sustainability, frustration, or the electrified pace of life, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and environmental awareness.

Campfires, Candlelight, and the Many Ways We Wander

Travel isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we need. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the contrast between rustic camping and refined leisure, honoring both the grit of childhood adventures and the grace of grown-up getaways.

Summer is a popular time for travel, and we are coming to the end. Some families will soon be making their last trip to Ocean City. Some are overseas trekking through mountains and valleys or getting in line to enter the Louvre on the first round so they can spend as much time in the museum as possible. Cameras are clicking, children are melting down, and memories are being made. Let’s hope yours will be good stories to bring home.

As a child, our family spent time camping in August at a crystal-clear lake in Michigan. We could reach the place by car, so the cost was minimal. We did tent camping, so the nightly fee was State Park cheap. We hauled a boat behind the car, so skiing and racing on the water was a thrill. As children, we were convinced that this was the best place ever and we enjoyed returning year after year.

State Parks are a bargain for vacations. There are 63 State Parks in the U.S. Think about that. You could hit one a year and spend time with your children, then your grandchildren, and perhaps your great-grandchildren. And you could reach any one of them by car with your boat in tow.

Campgrounds are available in most of our National Parks so that you can vacation cheaply. Your tent can be practically any size. Our neighbors have four children and a tent that rivals a wedding venue. When they come home, the tent has to be cleaned, of course, so it is set up in the backyard where it looks like it could cover a quarter of an acre. Of course, I realize that it is not that big, but trust me, it’s enormous.

I admire my parents for taking on this summer process. I admire my neighbors for their camping expertise as well. But camping is not for me. I do not want to be digging trenches in the rain to keep the tent dry. I do not want to be fighting with the charcoal to light so that eggs and bacon can be fried for the family horde in the morning. I do not want to string a clothesline between two trees for bathing suits to dry in the breeze.

I want to sit by the pool, have lunch in a lovely restaurant, shop along the streets in all of the boutiques, and have a candlelight dinner on the hotel patio. Am I spoiled? Yes. Have I paid my dues to the camping gods? Yes.

Want to explore which travel style suits you best? Visit Vacationment’s guide to backpacking vs luxury travel, Bamba Travel’s breakdown of camping vs glamping, and Euphoric Outfits’ comparison of outdoor vacation styles.

If you’re reflecting on travel preferences, family rituals, or emotional renewal, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, joy, and self-discovery.

CRYING

Tears, Transition, and the Healing Power of Emotion

Crying isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how tears mark life’s transitions, release emotional tension, and connect us to our deepest selves.

When a baby is born, they cry. Are they crying in anger, fear, shock, or grief? Maybe they are experiencing all of these at once. After all, they have just been pushed or pulled from a cozy environment where they were floating around in a bubble filled with liquid. Granted, the bubble is clearly crowded, and they should be ready to exit, but… the experience of protection and ease is inviting, and they may long to stay for an extended time. Alas, this is not possible. So out they come into this bright, chilly, chaotic delivery room.

Crying is a sign of life and is genuinely welcome. The delivery room staff says the more robust, the better. They like to see that baby protest the change with vigor, which makes me wonder how I react to change. We all tend to get comfy and cozy in our routines and favorite places. Like the infant in utero, we like our safe spaces and gravitate there when we need comfort or peace. For many of us, our beds are that comfort spot. Perhaps you have a sitting nook where you read, contemplate, or pray. Many take to the outdoors for comfort. A walk in the woods or hanging out by the neighborhood stream can bring peace. The water flow undoubtedly takes us back to that safe space in the womb.

Crying has a valuable place in our lives. Crying is a natural reaction to pain, both physical and mental. Tears serve to cleanse us and release the pain we are carrying inside. Some of us, men in particular, have learned to block that naturally healing reaction. The infant shows us how natural it is to cry under stress and change. Tears are nature’s healing mechanism. Tears help to open parts of us that have been contained, boxed, and sometimes forgotten. We were born with this capability, which is the first way we interact with the world around us. Tears should be welcomed and understood.

Tears are not just water. They are a complex mixture. Sure, water is primary, but did you know that tears also contain proteins, lipids, mucin, antibodies, stress hormones, and natural painkillers? Yikes! That is quite a list. Those things are complicated and designed for a variety of functions. It sounds to me like these are valuable. Perhaps facing change does deserve a good cry!

Want to explore how tears support emotional healing and resilience? Visit Psychology Today’s guide to emotional tears and trauma recovery, BetterHelp’s overview of crying therapy, and Inner Researcher’s reflections on the healing power of tears.

If you’re reflecting on emotional release, change, or resilience, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and healing.