Author: Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Patti’s 2025 New Years Resolutions

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

I think we all start the year with the best intentions. In 2024, I wanted to continue along my path, just keeping things steady and predictable. I’d had enough upheaval and just wanted to get through my life.

Around November however, I had a regrettable crash out and I know now something big needs to change. I don’t think I’ve ever been this stressed or frustrated with a particular component of my life. This went beyond just setting boundaries or just getting things done.

I turn 40 at the end of the summer. In order to get where I want to be by then, I want to go big. Whether that means finding a new job or diving into a new field, we’ll be doing some hardcore recalibrating.

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Mary’s 2025 New Year Resolutions

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

It’s a new year which means a new opportunity to dust off those old resolutions, update, and try again. While last year’s resolutions did not go as planned, I believe I fulfilled 2024’s intention: to feel fulfilled, secure, accomplished, and complete. With that said, 2025 poses similar challenges to years past. Every resolution looks like the one before it, but why? Obviously, I’m seeking to achieve something greater than the tasks, so what is it?

After looking over my goals for the year (and the year before that, and the year before that), I noticed that I ultimately want to be more productive and intentional with my time. I’ve struggled with time management for years and while I score mini wins in establishing a new habit every now and then (daily workouts, drinking water, etc.), I never feel like I accomplished what I’m truly aiming for. So now that I’m 40 (Happy Birthday!), this year serves as a reset: ridding old habits, establishing new ones, and maintaining consistency.

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Mary’s Favorite Posts: 2024

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

What is my favorite post of 2024? While many contenders vied for this coveted spot, I’d have to say it would be Course Notes: The ADHD Brain.

At the beginning of the year, I found myself needing professional direction during a lull in my career. Becoming an ADHD Certified Rehabilitation Services Provider (ADHD-RSP) seemed like the perfect jumpstart. If I’m being honest, I believed this certification would just review what I already knew about ADHD, given my extensive experience treating children with the diagnosis. I was wrong.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Things Mary Would Love

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

As the holiday season approaches, my friends and family inevitably ask, “What do you want for Christmas?”
Honestly, I never know how to respond. Since I usually buy what I need or want as part of the never-ending Mom To-Do list, it’s hard to come up with thoughtful gift ideas. But this year, social media has definitely given me some inspiration. So call me influenced.

Here are the things I (would) love this holiday season:

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Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Middle Grades 8+

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

This category is new for us but TBH, the toys and games in this age range have upped their game in the last couple of years.

Around ages 8-12, kids make big strides in many areas of development. Their skill refinement allows for:

  • Improved attention, problem solving, and critical thinking
  • The ability to strengthen friendships and resolve conflicts more efficiently
  • Participation in skill-based activities requiring refined motor movements
  • The ability to express themselves more clearly
  • Increased independence and thought

Here are our recommendations for kids 8+:

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