I was raised by a mother who always spoke her mind. Always. Her favorite motto? I say it. You think it. I often wonder-- how awesome it must be to say EVERYTHING that you feel like. I am certain that there is absolutely nothing on my mother's chest. Today is her birthday. 72. In her honor, I decided to let my kids experience the liberating feeling that comes from the unleashing of thought. I handed out trash paper bags, markers and paper and told them all to go off in separate corners. I gave them 15 minutes to write down every negative thought they had in their head-- everything that they can't stand in their lives-- anything they wish they could say to someone, but couldn't. I gave them big thick sharpies for impact. When they were done, I had them wrinkle up each page with passion and rage. Then, I had them stuff and slam those thoughts into their trash bags. From there, we set up a neutral backdrop and photographed each bag accompanied by a very angry child. Some of the kids wanted to throw their thoughts in the air. Some wanted to take them home to destroy them (under supervision). All agreed that it felt good to get it out. To see it on paper and to feel like maybe-- just maybe -- they got rid of a few of them for good.