Happy New Year 🌿

As we step into a new year, I want to share a simple, joyful ritual you can do with your child—one that helps reset the body, calm the nervous system, and make the idea of “new beginnings” something they can actually feel.

Children understand change best through experience, imagination, and connection. This ritual takes just a few minutes and works beautifully during the first days of January.

A Simple New Year Ritual: Open to the New in You!

1. 1. Open all the windows in your home (just briefly if it’s cold).
      
      2. Open the front door.
      
      3. Stand together at the threshold and say:
      “As I open the windows and doors of my home, I open the windows and doors of my soul. In comes fresh air. In comes new light. In comes the loving energy of a brand-new year.”
      
      4. Take three slow, energizing breaths together.
      
      5. As you close the door and windows, notice the freshness in the air—and how your body feels.
      
      

Did it make you smile? That’s your nervous system responding to safety, breath, and connection.

Why this helps:
Rituals like this gently regulate the nervous system by combining movement, breath, sensory input, and meaning. For anxious or neurodivergent children especially, predictable steps and shared language create a sense of safety during transitions—times when stress often spikes.

This approach is grounded in neuroscience and mind–body research showing that intentional breath, sensory awareness, and meaning-making support emotional regulation in children.

✨ If your child struggles with anxiety, overwhelm, or big emotions, this ritual is just one small doorway into deeper calm.
If you’d like more tools that combine breath, creativity, and nervous-system regulation, I invite you to explore my programs and resources for parents and children.

Wishing you a year filled with calm, creativity, and connection,

Dr. Roxie

This year for the holiday gift, consider introducing your child to an activity that can keep him going as he grows. Perhaps, he’s mentioned he wants to learn how to play an instrument or draw?

Remember, when a child is engaged in an activity that brings him joy, he will self-start and develop self-esteem. It is the feeling of joy that motivates from within. Just the act of doing something he enjoys, cultivates the art of happiness and contentment–without anyone bribing or coaxing. 

The most valuable life skills are self-reliance, resourcefulness and perseverance.

When your child can use their talents and strengths, they feel more confident. Practicing a new skill everyday builds mastery and self-satisfaction.

Everyone is born with innate gifts. When you guide your child to find theirs, it’s the best present you can have them uncover. Here are three ways to help your child discover their talents:

1. Start with questions– “What is it that you enjoy doing when time seems to fly? What do you find so interesting that you are focused?” Some kids like to draw, color or doodle. Some are adapt at fine motor skills, they like to take things apart and then build something new. 
2. .Notice and encourage when your child delights in an activity and is totally absorbed. Describe the skill, “I can see you are musically clever composing tunes and songs; let’s hear more!’ Keep the conversation going. Let your child fully express what lights them up?
3.  Explore new realms together. Go on a discovery trip to the Museum of History,  Science, Art or Planetarium. Perhaps taking your child on a short trip to a music store or special event like a drumming circle, craft fair or live theater production.

You are your child’s first teacher and the purpose of spiritual education is to draw out the innate gifts of your child so that their inner light is illuminated.

For more information  HOLIDAY OFFER Quantum Relaxation audios 

visit: https://dr-roxie.square.site/s/shop

By Dr. Roxanne Daleo

“ …and that’s true love!” said my grandpa…
his voice made my mind conjure up the entire scene: I see it as if it were real, mom serving
dessert after a big Italian-American feast for Thanksgiving Day, always prepared with love by
my parents in what I believed to be our beautiful New Jersey home. But the fact is, it was only
my grandfather’s voice coming from an audio cassette player. A tape I nearly tossed in the
trash moments before to clear the clutter from my garage. So glad I have this priceless treasure
today.
Through “imaging” you mentally “see.” Your brain takes the audio input of a voice and provides
you a “mental picture”. In this case, it pulled out a memory of the past and my brain served up a
scene so vivid you relive it as if it were happening in the present. My grandfather’s philosophy
about true love were his words of wisdom I’ll treasure forever.
Your brain can also take an idea or visualization to create a future-self. Your brain can be
directed using mental imagery which is really a kind of storytelling.
When you add the auditory aspect, such as a voice, you add a person’s energy because your
voice is the blueprint of your soul. Listening to the sound of your own voice is a powerful way
to imprint and direct your subconscious mind.
Add the background music and the brain automatically enhances the imagery experience as if it
were real. The mind makes no distinction between real and imagined information; this is why
using guided imagery narrations for relaxation are a powerful form of mind/body medicine.
Scientists are learning how we manipulate and examine pictures of the mind and develop
internal states of awareness, resilience and balance.
Many world cultures have been using the power of mental imagery in the form of storytelling.
Let’s look at the Native American culture specifically, they have been using the art of telling
stories passed down from one generation to the next as their primary form of wisdom
communication. Traditionally, Native Americans transmit by story their mythology, spiritual and
historical understandings of themselves and the world in which they live to their children.
Storytelling creates the mental imagery in the minds and hearts of the young, that which elders
did not want forgotten. In this way, the elders ensured young would not lose sight of their roots,
important knowledge that would allow them to live in harmony and cooperation with the natural
world.
So this Thanksgiving why not try to capture more voices of the elders in your tribe, the seniors in
your family. Allow them to pass on their words of wisdom to the children as part of the formal
celebration for which we are giving thanks and deep appreciation. In this way, you can be sure
your children and their children have your family’s important knowledge through the beautiful
storytelling tradition.

7 Keys to Cultivate Storytelling Family Tradition

1.Give your children and their children a beautiful way to honor their elders by asking
questions about their roots, heritage, country of origin and the ways of their people.
2.Use a recording devise to capture and remember forever, the voices of the senior family
members and their words of wisdom.
3.Make the bedtime ritual include recounting meaningful memories you made this Thanksgiving
holiday (holy day).
4.Create a work of art. Draw, paint, sing a song or dance your newly realized wisdom tradition.
5. Each year collect keepsake photos, images and quotes in a box or a book.
6.Ask your child to express the kind of person they want to become; share the vision of a world
they want to see and live in.
7.Have your child record their own voice to express their visions. Speak about appreciation,
love and peace. Play this recording before sleep so the subconscious mind can bring good
thoughts to every cell in your child’s body.

SPECIAL OFFER: BUY 1 Get 1 FREE Head on over to www.drroxannedaleo.com for your free
sample Guided Imagery Relaxation Journey

Well, t’s that time of year when you give in to the candy limit because it’s a tradition! 

Want to know how you can help your child calm down after a crazy day of too much stimulation? Here’s the trick! These top seven foods along with one of my audios will promote sleep and helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system- your body’s natural rest-and restore mode. Here’s the treat! With regular, daily practice, you and your child will feel more grounded and tap into inner resources for calm and restoration.

Top 7 Foods to Promote Sleep:

1. Cherries, especially tart cherries contain a melatonin booster, inflammation reducer and also potent antioxidants like anthocyanin.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments found in various fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, blackberries raspberries. Drink 100% tart cherry juice 1 hour before bed.

2. Almonds, assists rest, calms your muscles to relax and are packed with magnesium and vitamin E.  Eat 7-10 almonds or almond butter on dark bread 1 hour before bed.
3. Bananas contain potassium and magnesium relax your muscles and adds B6 production of neurotransmitters.
   
4. Oatmeal for dinner! Oatmeal contains zinc and tryptophan which converts to melatonin. 
5. Warm milk with nutmeg is a delightful taste and effective sleeping potion.
6. Kiwi can be eaten alone or made into salsa with avocado. I hour before bed.
7. Chamomile tea known for calming effects which can be sweetened with a teaspoon of honey or add warm milk and its nectar from the gods.

There it is! Dr. Roxie’s rescue remedies to promote sleep any day of the year.

Buy One Get One Free MP3s

Discover how picking up a paintbrush can melt away stress, calm your mind, and unlock the resilience you didn’t know you had.

with Dr. Roxanne Daleo

The School of Heritage is a podcast dedicated to exploring the heart of education, healing, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Each episode dives into meaningful conversations with authors, educators, thinkers, and everyday people who share powerful stories and insights that inspire hope and transformation.

In this inspiring episode of The School of Heritage, I’m joined by Roxanne Daleo, a creative arts therapist, Harvard-trained Wellness Coach, author, and speaker, to explore how art, writing, and movement can open doors to transformation. Roxanne shares how expressive practices give voice to emotions that words alone cannot capture and how creativity becomes a powerful tool for both children and adults in navigating life’s challenges.

From storytelling and imagery that help us rewrite our personal narratives to artistic expression that fosters resilience, hope, and self-discovery, Roxanne reveals why art truly functions as medicine for the soul.

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t always come through logic or language—sometimes it flows through colors, shapes, and stories that reconnect us to our deepest selves.

LISTEN NOW 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-through-creativity-the-transformative-power/id1742830778?i=1000726967100

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7d1KkWoeNmrw7vztTcBCEx?si=88d96f2fd2604dc3

READY TO CREATE USING ARTFUL COLORS? Join the FREE call and BRING colored pencils, paints or crayons for effective, rapid stress relief!  Sign up: dr.roxanne@gmail.com

The Art of Healing: How Creativity Transforms Stress into Strength

What if the key to reducing stress wasn’t in your mind—but in your hands? Explore how creative expression rewires the nervous system for calm and balance.

When words fall short, art speaks—guiding you from tension to tranquility with every stroke, swirl, and splash of color.

Each page of this issue is filled with inspiring stories, creative
voices, and resilient journeys that we are thrilled to share with
you.

On behalf of the entire Relatable Media team, I want to express
my gratitude for your contribution to The Relatable Voice
Magazine. We were thrilled to feature your work, Dr. Roxanne
“The Secret Garden Within”
in our September issue, digital edition is now live on our website:

www.relatable-media.com

Lucia Matuonto, Editor and Author of children’s books- available on
Amazon.com

Zoe and the Crab and Out of the Box

Many mothers have been working extra hard- homeschooling, planning activities and
outings on top of their regular household routines of cooking, laundry, bedtime baths,
stories and so much more. Mom’s are exhausted!

Let’s give mom a break this summer. Come rest and recharge yourself while I engage
your child in the wonders of expressive arts and forest wisdom: lessons in grounding,
self-calming, creativity and improvisation. A fun-filled, therapeutic program from which
your child and you can benefit. 

Everyone needs a little rest everyday. Here at Dr. Roxie’s Retreat House and Forest
Garden, you can stand still and pause from the rushing through life. Nestled among
ninety foot ancient, pine trees in the area 45 minutes west of Boston and not far from
Still River, the retreat space offers the atmosphere and charm of potent quiet places.

The best part is that you can come with your child to recharge yourself completely while
Dr. Roxie teaches life skills using nature’s energies to reset even the most anxious,
hyper child.

It’s better than camp, a unique setting and service expertly designed by Dr. Roxie for
both you and your child.

1. MIND: Find a harmonic engagement with your environment.
   When we look at our surroundings and we see beauty and order, something happens in our brains, it calms and brain wave patterns change to a slower frequency. Research in the field of neuro-aesthetics reveal powerful effects of beauty on our brains and nervous system. It gives reason to pick wild flowers, feathers, seashells or a circle of smooth stones and place them in your home where you can view them as a reminder of beauty\ and oder. Display a floral arrangement on your dining table or in your bedroom where you can feel the effects immediately.
2. BODY: Find a practice for inner balance that works for you.
   Whether you are outdoors in nature or in your home, a daily relaxation practice is essential for all of us. Remember “nap time” as a child? Believe it or not, our bodies need rest everyday. And resting before we get exhausted is the best method for reigniting our spark. The conscious breathing technique has been associated with vitality and longevity. Did you know the longer and slower you can stretch out your breath, the longer your life? Yes! Scientific research on meditative practices proves, the results of elongating the breath is associated with longevity.
3. SPIRIT: Find a creative expression that brings you joy.
   Keep a box of crayons, colored pencils or watercolor paints accessible so that you can craft calm at a moment’s notice. Simply doodling, coloring or writing affirmations can change your mood and inspire your creative impulse. Each day is filled with productive energy and your spirit is filled with the same potential. Use it and start to love yourself more and more.

By Dr. Roxanne Daleo

1. Light a candle. Gently, turn your attention away from the day, away from the stressors. Bring
your attention inward to your breathing. In the breath is the clearing space where something
new can happen. It is open, expansive, healing. The candle flame represents the spark of the
Divine within you. Place your hand on your heart, feel a love for your self in a new way, without
judgement or opinion. Imagine the light burning brightly, steadily luminous. This is your moment
of awareness, rest in the stillness of pure love.

2. Go outdoors. Create a sacred space for yourself. It could be in the woods.Stand with the
trees: strong, tall, confident, resilient. Contemplate who you are in the Universe. Reconnect
with your true essence of Source. We are all related. We are all connected. Take a moment
to feel the interconnectedness of all life. Let this knowing fill you with reassurance.

3. Sit with a wild flower and see what it has to tell you. Just be quiet and listen, deeply. What
would it say about beauty? Take a moment to write or draw this lovely flower. Pay attention
to the details, the colors, the fine lines, the leaves, the overlooked aspects. Look again, see
all you possibly can about this little wild flower growing where it was planted in the meadow.
Let her remind you that you also have the potential to grow right where you are. Let this
knowing bring you self-appreciation.

4. Look up to the sky. Watch as the clouds slowly drift away. Imagine you could hitch a worry
thought to a cloud and see it drift away. Just let it go by. No need to hold on. Let it go.
You are safe, you are whole. You are free.

5. Go home. It could be to your bedroom or a private home space where you like to be. Take
out a pen and piece of paper or your journal if you have one. Write down your talents or gifts
you are born with. It could be you have beautiful handwriting or are talented at drawing or
painting. Maybe you have athletic ability or you’re a great dancer. Think of whatever it is you
love because what you love will inform you of your talents. Think of what you do that
has time fly, that’s a clue to discover your gifts. Take a moment. write down as many as you
can this will bring you back to love. Remember you have a beauty within and it is knowing you are love.

By Dr. Roxanne Daleo

1. RECALL a time in your life when you were in a state of resourcefulness. Think back to an experience that caused you to dig deep inside yourself for courage! A time when you felt fear but you pushed yourself through with determination and self-belief. The key is seeing yourself successfully completing the task at hand- that’s the feeling of tapping your inner-strength, I’m talking about! It could be learning to ride your bike; having fun sledding or playing a team sport and making a goal. Maybe it was when you mastered singing, completing a musical performance and hearing the audience rousing applause. You decide. When did you feel great? What were you doing that made you feel super-good inside yourself?
2. RE-LIVE IT using all your senses. Imagine hearing all the sounds around you; feeling the feeling of exhilaration and excitement, totally see yourself as you were going through the motions on that day. The day you felt good about yourself.
3. RESOLVE yourself to never giving up. You have within you all the power you need to do what you set out to do. Reactivate your resourceful state – your cellular memory will help you know it is still there within you. It feels like a “YES, I did it!”
4. RESET using three deep breaths. Even though you promise yourself to never give up, use your breathing to create space so you can pause and reset.  Be present. You are learning how to make friends with  all  your emotions- angry, sad, hurt, scared, happy. This ability to be fully  present creates the new in you.

Please leave a comment  about your multi-sensory experience and get a free guided imagery audio! www.drroxannedaleo.com