Goodness Weekly 8.11.25
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
– Ted Lasso
WHAT’S GOOD
The back-to-school morning routine has returned for many families around the city. Make your coffee run that much smoother with One Another Coffee’s online ordering. You can now order your favorite drinks + treats from One Another Coffee right from your phone. Skip the line, choose your pick-up time, and we’ll have everything ready for you!
When the New Feels Scary
Jess Lowry, Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Collective
This past Sunday at our worship service, I had the joy of interviewing Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor Grace Iacuone. Grace brought both her professional wisdom as a therapist and her personal experience as a mother to share ways we can ease the transition back to school.
As we prepared, it became clear that her insights weren’t just for the back-to-school season — they speak to all of us, in every stage of life, as we navigate change, pressure, and connection in our daily routines.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing highlights from our conversation — the research and practical tips Grace offered, along with simple practices you can begin right away. My hope is that these reflections will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that you are not alone in the journey.
Part 1 — The Brain and the Unknown: Why Change Feels Hard
One of the first things Grace shared was that our brains are wired to treat the unknown as a potential threat — whether we’re a child starting a new school year, a teacher facing a fresh classroom of students, or an adult stepping into any new season.
That’s because of the amygdala, the small but powerful “watchdog” of the brain. It constantly scans for anything that might pose a challenge, and when it can’t predict what’s coming next, it sounds the alarm — even if the change is exciting or safe.
When our son Julian turned four, Nathan and his grandfather spent weeks building a beautiful treehouse bed as a birthday surprise. We could hardly wait for the big reveal. But when we brought him into his room to see it, he kept asking, again and again, “But where is my firetruck bed?”—the toddler bed he knew and loved. We were baffled that he didn’t share our excitement, but looking back, we understand: this brand-new bed was unknown to him. Because we had kept it a surprise, we hadn’t prepared him for the change. To his brain, it wasn’t just a gift—it was a change, and therefore a potential threat.
Grace reminded us that transitions are tricky for everyone, because the brain can’t always tell the difference between real and imagined threats. The good news? We can help ourselves — and those we love — by making the unknown known.
Practical ways to “make the unknown known”:
Visit a new space beforehand (like a school or workplace).
Practice the drop-off route or commute.
Walk through the day’s schedule in advance.
Prep things like clothes, bags, or lunch the night before.
These small steps send a powerful message to our brains: You’re safe. You’ve got this. And when we feel safe, we’re free to approach change with more curiosity, confidence, and peace.
This week’s practice:
Notice one place where the unknown is creating stress for you or someone you love. Try one “make the unknown known” action — and see how it changes the mood.
Love, Jess
This Week
Wednesdays, 11 AM - 1:30 PM, Open Studio Painting
Thursdays, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Community Fitness with Lauren, Charis Park
Saturdays, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Sundays, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: When I am uncertain
Exhale: Help me to find safety and approach with curiosity
