Kristy Loxton
Bio
A human configuration of ancient stardust with a master's degree in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology.
Stories (9/0)
Five Things to Consider Before Deciding to Have Your Baby Circumcised
If you are anything like my husband and I, you probably didn't give much thought to circumcision. Even the most well-meaning, holistic, granola-loving parents are usually convinced by years of cultural subjugation that, "It is the best decision for my baby." It must be, or else why would almost everyone do it, right? Well, that is what we thought until a friend suggested we watch the video "The Elephant in the Hospital." She has two boys and has not had either one circumcised, so I thought, "Maybe she has some information I don't." Sure enough, halfway through the YouTube video, I was sobbing, my husband had broken out in cold sweats, and we both had completely changed our minds about having this procedure done to our baby (who is currently three months in-utero). As the speaker in the video does, I will occasionally refer to circumcision as "genital cutting," which seems to me to be a more accurate, neutral term.
By Kristy Loxton6 years ago in Filthy
Adventures in Mansplaining
Where would the world be today if it weren't for the men who feel the moral obligation to explain things to women that they already know? I wonder how many times in history a man took credit for a woman's idea, simply because he was too stubborn to believe her in the first place? Did Benjamin Franklin's wife try to teach him about electricity for years before he decided to SHOW HER by taking his kite out in that infamous thunderstorm? Was Isaac Newton really hit in the head by an apple that was thrown at him by a frustrated woman rather than from a falling tree? These are the things that keep me up at night.
By Kristy Loxton6 years ago in Humans
Maynard's Brother?
When I was still a mostly innocent adult-type person, long ago, I lived in another world called Kalamazoo, Michigan, where you can buy t-shirts that literally say, “Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo,” where the public library has a large piece of artwork that proudly displays the meaningful message: “Tattoo Sue from Kalamazoo Plays a Mean Kazoo”, the only city where Primus will open their concert set, with “A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H… I got a gal…” (sing it with me if you know it) “from Kalamazoo…” I was a freshman at Western Michigan University (go Broncos!), and I had not yet learned that frat parties for me, would be fraught with nothing but terribly awkward social interactions, gyrating hips, men with too-grabby hands, and awful music. Hence, one night, I found myself at one of these disturbing events.
By Kristy Loxton6 years ago in Humans
Top Three Times to Practice Meditation When You Didn’t Think You Could
In the midst of turmoil, stress, or chaos, do you ever wish you could transport yourself into a peaceful, quiet meditation room? Well, I have good news for you: most of the time you totally can. Even if you are not well-practiced in meditation, you do not have to be a Sufi or a Buddhist monk to bring some mindfulness into your everyday life. Mindfulness meditation practices are used by psychologists and social workers to help treat all kinds of mental illnesses and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. I will teach you how anyone can reap some benefits taking as little as a minute of your day.
By Kristy Loxton7 years ago in Longevity
The Reality of Narcan
Recently I have seen a lot of articles and debate about Narcan, the drug that when administered, saves a person from an overdose on opiates. In the midst of a serious heroin epidemic, it is important to have the information necessary to make judgements and decisions based on fact, rather than heated emotions. Chances are, most of you reading this have either been directly affected, or know someone who has been affected by this devastating crisis. One opinion gaining widespread popularity is that the use of Narcan is enabling addicts to continue to use because they know the life-saving drug will be available. Some have even said addicts knowingly overdose at “Narcan Parties”, only to be saved and continue to inject heroin. Another objection to Narcan I have seen spread on social media amounts to something of the effect of, “Life-saving drugs should be administered on people who actually value their lives.” I am taking on the daunting task of putting my passion about the subject aside to address these concerns. My goal is for every person to walk away from this article able to make more well-informed thoughts, judgements, and decisions.
By Kristy Loxton7 years ago in Potent
Memories in the Needles
For Karen, knitting isn’t just a hobby; you can see the connections and relationships to people in her life in the patterns of colors she creates. When I wear my gray knitted hat by her, I am reminded of kindness and generosity. When her co-worker adorns her summer tank top, she thinks of friendship and creativity. When Karen’s niece picks out her accessories to prepare for the cold Michigan winters, she feels it necessary to warn people, “I am particular because my aunt and grandma are knitters.” The way she says “knitters” is with a capital “K”.
By Kristy Loxton7 years ago in Humans
- Top Story - July 2017
Top 7 Ways to Be a Kick-Ass Step-parentTop Story - July 2017
I’ve never been a fan of absolutes, but people seem to be drawn to listicles (myself included), so here is a concise list of knowledge I’ve acquired as a result of both my education in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and my experience as a step-mother of two beautiful young human beings.
By Kristy Loxton7 years ago in Families