December Birthday Spotlight: Xanthia Johnson

December is the birthday month of our fearless founder, Xanthia Johnson. To celebrate, we want to highlight some of Xanthia’s amazing work as well as what she’s been thinking about this month.
 
Xanthia is a licensed psychotherapist and creative arts therapist and has fifteen years of experience working with both children and adults. She launched Urban Playology almost ten years ago to help the LGBTQ community with the unique mental health challenges we face.

What’s on Xanthia’s mind this month?

Xanthia’s birthday might be near New Year’s, but she doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. She believes in making resolutions 365 days a year.
 
Xanthia has been reflecting on how best to spend her time. “How do we make sure we’re fully utilizing our time?” she asks. “Trying to be our best selves without trying to be perfect. And how are we contributing to society in a way that builds community and leaves a legacy?”
 
One of her goals this month is to pay more attention to herself. “I haven’t been neglectful,” she says, “but I want to really see myself more, and all the parts of me, not just the parts that are convenient to others. I’m trying not to see myself only in some of the limited ways people see me.”
 
She also hopes to keep reminding herself of the basics—to eat when she’s hungry, to sleep when she’s tired, and to use the bathroom when nature calls. “That kind of thing can have a cumulative impact on health and well being,” she says.
 
This month, Xanthia is also working hard on planning Urban Playology’s first-ever retreat, which is coming up in June. This retreat, which will take place in upstate New York, will be dedicated to helping participants relax and heal. There will be Reiki, Nature-based rituals, meditation, apothecary, readings, calling in ancestors, vegan food, & restful aesthetic lodging. Xanthia plans to lovingly support retreaters in taking life to the next level.
 
Xanthia is serious about making sure this retreat is a place where people can unwind, as she, herself has attended her fair share where she felt like too much was being asked of her.  
 
Her goal this month is to ensure the space she creates for the retreat is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe for everyone involved.
 
“Anything people need from us,” she says. “We want to make sure they have a good experience. Love is in the details.”
 
Happy Birthday Month, Xanthia!