Based in New York City, Sophia San Filippo has worked with Love What Matters as a lead editor and content curator since early 2019 and has acted as Managing Editor since early 2021. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Binghamton University who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing, and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is passionate about personal storytelling and creating a positive space in media to better the lives of others. On a typical day you can find her rocking out at her local concert venue, admiring nature, or baking her latest kitchen experiment.
This Mom’s List of Pandemic ‘Parenting Fails’ Is So Relatable
“My 6-year-old plays Fortnite all day. My kids could sleep with a tablet in their bed and I wouldn’t give a flying hoot anymore, as long as they’re quiet. I’ve let the boys wrestle like they’re in a cage fight, right in front of me, and I haven’t done a thing. My selective hearing has really improved.”
The Power Of Representation: How A Pair Of Four-Fingered Gloves Transformed My Daughter’s Confidence
“She started counting everyone’s fingers in photos, TV shows, drawings. Unlike everything else, this affected her. This is what made her say, ‘I don’t like my hands.’ At just 6 years old, I watched her become angry at her four-fingered hands.”
‘What are you wearing? You look like a clown!’ I wanted the ground to swallow me up. I vowed to never be ‘too much’ again.’: Woman shares self-love journey, ‘I finally feel like ME’
“I started dieting and skipping meals. ‘I’ll be happy when I’m skinny.’ I wore a pair of those sucking-in underwear to make sure I felt thin. I felt squished. I realized I looked absolutely no different without them, but I felt a million times better. I’ve never worn a pair since.”
To The Kind Strangers On My Flight Who Lifted My Burden
“I was just a military wife solo parenting, trying to survive while my husband was in a war zone.”
‘You won’t remember Christmas, but I hope you remember how special we made you feel.’: Mom shares heartfelt letter to non-verbal son
“You don’t understand the burly man in a red suit, the great food, or the little baby sitting in a manger. On Christmas Day, I’ll take pictures in hopes you will one day look at them and remember. That you’ll remember I tried. I pray one day you’ll be able to communicate what you’re feeling. I’ll wait an eternity if it takes that long.”
‘Now I’ll be taken seriously.’ I had bruises everywhere and my hair was falling out. I took laxatives every day. I’d gone too far.’: Woman shares eating disorder recovery, ‘Hope is stronger’
“I wasn’t eating anything anymore. All I consumed was 25 cans of Coke Zero a day. I’d sit and wait until the day was over to see if I had lost more weight. I was about to kick my boyfriend out of my life to isolate myself and make more room for anorexia.”
‘Did it work?’ I didn’t say anything. I just put my head down, knowing our dream was over.’: Couple battling infertility pursue embryo adoption, ‘We’re so grateful for this journey’
“We sat in the doctor’s office on Valentine’s Day. ’The surgery wasn’t successful. There’s a .02% chance for genetic children.’ I was desperate at this point. I even contacted the local animal shelter to see if they had any kittens. I was spiraling.”
‘Some people just have to learn to live with numbness.’ I lost feeling in my face. I thought I was dying.’: Woman with Multiple Sclerosis becomes advocate, ‘Your life is changing, not ending’
“It felt like my rib cage was being crushed, and as if I had forgotten how to breathe. ‘It sounds like panic attacks.’ When a nurse was there with a box of tissues, I realized it wasn’t going to be the same this time.”
‘I can’t do this. I’m a terrible person.’ Something inside me broke. When I looked in the mirror, I saw an ugly monster.’: Woman shares mental health journey, ‘It’s okay to ask for help’
“My partner made me a cup of tea and left me on the sofa. When he came back 3 hours later, I was in the same place with a cold cup of tea in my hand. I hadn’t moved. ‘What’s wrong with me?’ I broke down.”
‘I drown in piles of laundry and dishes, the pressure to be a good wife. Most days, I feel like I didn’t do enough. The load we carry is heavy, from the moment our feet hit the floor.’: Special needs mom urges ‘ask for help’
“The load we carry is heavy, from the moment our feet hit the floor to the moment our head hits the pillow.”