As we put together this week's edition of The Ally, I was struck by how many things in it are about new ways of thinking or new ways of doing: 

• Pushing for the hard work of acceptance of our children and what that means for all that might be available to them rather than simply focusing on awareness; 
• Seeing our children through the lens of the adults they will one day be and all the feelings their increased independence evokes; 
• The Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council is taking on a more active role in determining the direction of mental health and substance use services.

I am excited about these new ways of thinking and doing. I am also sometimes intimidated by them. Today I attended a national virtual training on school-based mental health services as part of Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week. I was excited about what I learned. I was a little intimidated by what I didn't know. I am excited about the planning council meeting on Thursday, especially the chance to review the surveys so many of you completed and plan what would be most helpful to do next. I'm also slightly intimidated by how big that is and how many possibilities exist.

I think being excited but also a little intimidated is very human. It also seems to be a sign we are going in a good direction, especially if we are learning new ways of doing and new ways of thinking that will make things better for our children. I think we are and have many opportunities to continue doing so. Please make the most of all the learning opportunities for Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week, and I urge you also to attend the planning and advisory council meeting this Thursday. The more people at every table, the better.

May 10 at noon CDT is our monthly Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents. I hope to see all parent peer supporters there!