Motivation Schmotivation: Why It’s Not Sustainable and What to do About It
We've all been there before. You've decided to change a habit or start working towards a goal. For the first two weeks or so, you're on fire! You keep with…
Self Care: It Isn’t Just About Bubble Baths
Take a minute to imagine your typical work week. At what point in the week do you generally begin to yearn for Friday at 5 pm? (And if you said…
Hitting Rock Bottom: Finding the Blessings in the Hard
"Something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart; a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point when our knees hit the floor."-Marianne…
The Art of Commitment- Lessons in Digging Deep
Glasses clinked together as cheers resounded throughout the room. Cake was cut, ice cream served as the committed couple were celebrated. Giggles bubbled forth around the table. Children and adults…
The Benefits of Scheduling Your Daily Life Uncovered
Why I Began to Schedule I was never taught the benefits of scheduling my days. No one ever mentioned that there was even such a need. And so I grew…
Show Up – Lessons in Showing Up For Yourself and Others
As the end of summer approaches, I have started hearing stories about heading back to college. It has reminded me of a lesson that I learned in college, but I…
Releasing: Surrendering Control and Understanding
John and Stasi Eldredge have had a significant impact on my life. Through their books and through their teachings, I’ve experienced a deeper understanding of who I am and Whose…
The Ugly Truth About Depression
Let Us Begin: I have debated for many months whether or not to write about depression. I have spent many nights sweating and in tears because I also knew I…
It’s a Hill of a Life- Lessons From my 450 Mile Bike Ride
I have a problem...I love an epic adventure. I love a new challenge...a physically-draining, heart-wrenching challenge where you have to dig down to the deepest bit of your soul to…
Young woman and man studying for a test or an exam. Tutor books with friends. Young students campus helps friend catching up and learning. People, learning, education and school concept.
Dave Ramsey is WRONG: Learn a New Way of Doing Things
...well...not entirely. But, if he was the only one I continued to learn from in balancing my budget, then I would have lost an opportunity to grow in my ability…
Tips for the Sandwich Generation: Caregiving for Ailing Parents While Raising Kids
Many of us are caring for our parents as they get to an age where their health begins to fail or they are diagnosed with a chronic illness. In addition…
The Secret to Doing It All: Don’t! And Five tips to help you look like you Do!
People often ask me how I “do it all” or how I “keep it all together," and I’m just going to be honest from the start and tell you my…
My Reactive Behavior Almost Ruined My Marriage: What I’ve Learned
It's really hard to bring awareness to the parts of yourself that you don't like, especially when you hurt those you love the most.
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: Healing after Having a Baby at Twenty-Three Weeks
We are coming up on five years since having a baby at twenty-three weeks gestation. Every year, my processing takes off another layer from the pain of that situation. My…
What’s Eating You? The Secret Affect Stress Can Have on Your Health
Stress. We all have it, in one form or another. Whether it's running around making sure our kiddos get where they need to be or cramming to meet that deadline,…
The Elephant and The Rope: What You Believe is Powerful!
Your attempt may fail, but never fail to make an attempt.
Lessons from the Diary of a Novice Backpacker
I sauntered up to my sixteen-year-old daughter and inquired, “Interested in having a backpack adventure with your mom?” “Just us? Not dad too?” she asked. “Just us. What do you think?” I…
There is good, and Not-so-good that comes from Personality Tests
The Good and Not-So-Good Truth About Personality Tests
How many personality tests have you taken lately? There are dozens that all put people into categories of colors, animals, numbers, letters, or languages. There are some good, and not-so-good…
Enough! Determine What Being Enough Means to You in Two Steps
We are enough. They are enough. You are enough. You've likely heard these phrases quite a lot, but have you taken the time to figure out what "enough" really means…
Cabbage Leeks and Fennel – Oh My! A Recipe to Nourish and Heal Your Body
One of the ongoing ways to love yourself is to nourish your body with the foods that it needs to fuel and heal. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves,…
The Problem with Broken: Stop Describing Yourself That Way
I hear people say ALL the time that they are "broken." As a therapist, I would be a rich person if I had a dollar for every time I've heard…
Don’t Let Procrastination Win! Tips from an Chronic Procrastinator.
I lingered at the kitchen table one Saturday morning in early June. As I sipped my coffee, I opened the calendar on my iPhone, preparing myself for the day ahead.…
Adding Value To The People In Your Surroundings
Have you ever been at a meeting, interacting and talking to people, when suddenly you felt the entire atmosphere of the room change? You glance around and discover that someone…
My Sister; Lessons She Has Taught Me Growing Up
"Sisters are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly" -Unknown My Inspiration My younger sister Osmara was born with Bilateral Microtia,…
The Best 35 Minute Enchilada Recipe
You Know you Wanna Enchilada... Let’s talk about an enchilada dinner. I think there are probably a thousand variations of this recipe, and better yet, every family has their own…
Summer Fun: 3 Family Friendly Fun Summer Activities
Summer is here in full swing! Our family is at first very excited for pool days, beach trips, warm sun, lots of grilling, and deck time. The sun stays out…
Shame: The Ugly Truth about Secrecy, Silence and Judgment
"Unlike guilt, which is the feeling of doing something wrong, shame is the feeling of being something wrong." –Marilyn Sorensen Some days I look at the woman in the mirror staring…
Throwing the Flag on the Phrase, “This is Just a Season”
The calendar said it was the first day of summer. But when I looked out the window, it was cloudy, raining, and the thermometer read 43 degrees. I guess mother…
5 Ways to Utilize Social Media
During the summer months, there is an urge to change things up. Spend more time outside. Go on vacation. Experience longer conversations with loved ones. Catch up on reading. But…
Coming Clean: The Most Refreshing Benefits of Being Totally Honest
The truth is not always simple, as the saying goes. Ain’t that the truth! Over the last several years, as I grow older and a little wiser, I’ve had to…
Summer Fun or Summer Bummer? 5 Steps to Help Summer Overwhelm
It’s summer! Does that mean it’s time for lots of fun in the sun or time to find a million ways to entertain your kids who are bouncing off the…
Important Things To Consider Before Full-Time RV’ing
Have you ever considered downsizing what you own and full-time RV’ing with your family? There are some pretty amazing benefits of downsizing what you own. You will be able to…
I’m Sorry for Judging You: What Judging Others Really Reveals!
Judgement Reveals I'm sorry for judging you! Recently I stumbled upon a similar title while scrolling through my social media feed. Immediately, without even reading the article, my mind summoned…
Senses and Our Emotions
Senses Have you ever just sat and taken in the sounds and smells around you? Isn't it funny how quickly your mood can change because you go back to either…
Pinwheel Sugar Cookies to Celebrate the 4th of July!
Sugar cookies are the best festive dessert. People often say the best recipes are those that have been handed down generation to generation. Or in this case, stranger to stranger.…
I’m Not Where I Thought I’d be at This Point in Life and That’s Just Fine.
Some of you will laugh at me. Mostly those who are older and have already been where I'm heading. Others of you will completely relate in this moment right now.…
The Restoration Strategy: Furniture and Self
It was December of 2016 and my final beloved grandparent had passed into the heavenly realm. I personally have found it difficult to endure the transition of grieving loss while…
An Inconsistent Journaling Journey Still Makes You a Journaler
My journaling journey started in high school, the Dear Diary style of journaling where you share your thoughts about friends, school, boyfriends, etc. I was on an inconsistent journaling journey…
6 Tips for Traveling with Young Children- Be Prepared, Bring the Fun!
No doubt, traveling with young children can be stressful and even overwhelming. However, over the last few times we have traveled, I have found a few tips that truly helped…
The Evolution of my (S)Heroes
Every kid wants a hero. Someone who is bigger, stronger, and more powerful, who will defeat the bad guy, and inspire them to be more. Often it is quoted that…
Cleaning the Things that Help Us Clean
Cleaning Cleaning can be tedious, arduous, tiring, and sometimes the last thing that you want to do. However, I am the opposite. I take pride in my cleaning and can…
Permission to Pause; Permission to be Unproductive
I’ve lived almost my entire life in Colorado, and everyone here knows the weather can be unpredictable. We can get snow as early as September and as late as May.…
Military Wife Life: Tools to Survive the Constant Transition of His Career
The same day I chose this blog topic, I received a “heads up” that my husband’s name was at the top of a list for a deployment next year. He…
Discover Your Strength in the Midst of Life’s Challenges
In Plain View I’ve lived in Northern Colorado for almost three years. Growing up in Texas, I have been accustomed to a much different landscape for most of my life.…
Conquer the Latte Factor! DIY Coffee-shop Faves to Save You $$
I Love my Coffee! But I Love me More! Let me confess something, I am a coffee-holic! And, no, I have not decided to give it up. However, I have…
Closing A Chapter In My Life And Preparing For A New One
I recently started a new phase in my life. A phase that, with all honesty, terrified the heck out of me. I made a decision that had been on my…
When You Feel Like Your Life is Falling Apart: 4 Things You Can Do Now
“Everything is falling together perfectly, even though it looks as if some things are falling apart. Trust in the process you are now experiencing.” — Neale Donald Walsch Sometimes life can feel exhausting,…
How I Conquered Mount Laundsuvius: Practical Laundry Tips For The Overwhelmed Mama
Mom life is laundry life, right? For the seven years I’ve been a mom, I have had a constant pile of laundry that needs to be washed, folded and put…
Powerful Words – Long Lasting And Far Reaching Effects
Words Are Powerful He was hurting! It all began years before. He was too young to connect the dots of what was happening. It was just life. He didn’t know any…
Surviving May: Advice from the Mother of a Graduate
May is always a busy month. Add to the mix a child in high school and May is just crazy. Make that child a senior and the month is insane.…
Life Experiences – Bad Things Happen, Don’t Let It Stop You From Living!
On one hand I’m the helicopter mom, full of anxiety that something horrible will happen to my children. On the other hand, I encourage my daughter’s to travel the world and…
It is What You Say it is: The Pivotal Power of Perspective
It was a warm summer evening and our family was taking a walk together, which is something we do often when the weather is nice. We were walking and talking…
Shine Your Light: 4 Tips to be Kind Online and Spread Love
Here in the We Spot community, we are proud to have a space where we feel surrounded by support and love. Each time I hop onto our blog or pop…
Family Fitness Outside: My Five Favorite and Easy Denver Area Hikes
Admittedly, I don’t do this enough with my own kids, but I am still a huge proponent of getting out into nature and experiencing our beautiful state of Colorado! And…
Forgive Yourself and Find Peace – Stop Drinking the Poison!
Recently a member of my Take Care of You Community asked me to share some helpful tips about forgiveness. I was so glad she asked because this is an important…
WAKE UP! It’s 6:00 a.m.
Wow! Wake up! It's 6:00 a.m. Don't you love when someone else tells you that? I also just love waking up really early in the morning…said no one ever. If…
Natural Cleaning Solutions For Your Home | The We Spot
As the weather warms up, windows are flung open to allow that fresh air to flow throughout the house. For me, I start to look at my house, and notice…
Grief Happens: Enduring Hardship
Grief is shifty and can be such a thief. Especially in moments where there are squeals of laughter peeling through the air as children chase each other. Or, shrieks of joy…
Living in the Moment and Measuring in the Decade
I have a vivd memory from my childhood of going to a birthday party with my parents for someone who was turning 40. There were black balloons and black signs…
What I’ve Learned From Having a Rebellious Teenager
Teenagers! For me, it's an experience beyond anything I could have ever imagined summed up into one word. I have a rebellious teenager that likes to push boundaries. If something…
My Authentic What Now? Finding Your True Voice When You’ve Stopped Listening
One scroll through social media or a quick internet search and you’ll have no trouble finding posts about authenticity. “Unlock your authentic self!” “Find your authentic self!” “Love your authentic…
Ten Confessions of a Boy Mom- Defecting at it’s finest
I've made a list of my ten confessions as a boy mom, but I think it is important to note that I grew up in a family of all boys,…
Is your Soul in need of Refreshing? Let it Rain!
As I sit here and write, the rain is falling heavily on my roof. After a particularly challenging few months personally, I sit here with a sense of heaviness and…
Dreaming and Planning Gets You Nowhere Without The Doing Part
Dreams become reality when we begin to do..
The Women are Rising; Time to Build Ourselves Up
For the last ten years I have owned a small strategic sales consultancy. Most of my decision maker clients have been women. Working in and amongst sales and marketing teams,…
Hey, I know you! New Phase…Same Family
Hello! It started innocently enough. We were two 19-year-old college freshman, and we only had eyes for each other. And, we had it badly. We could talk for hours about…
Attention All Self-Proclaimed Control Freaks, It’s Time to Let it Go!
At the end of March, my husband and I took our kids on a two-day getaway to Legoland. The park is only about 40 minutes from our home, so this…
Nourish Your Soul; How Travel Connects You with Humanity!
The trifecta in reaching your ideal state consists of a sound mind, a healthy body, and a peaceful soul. The first two are fairly straightforward and academic. We all want…
Starting a Side Business? Start Here!
Five Great Resources to Leverage for Your Side Business Have you thought about starting a side business? According to a study done by Bankrate, 44 million Americans have a side…
Slow Down: 4 Reasons it’s OK to Slow Down and Ask for Help
We all have times of overwhelm, exhaustion, sickness, and just plain frustration. I'm here to remind you that you have a choice of how to handle those times. Many times…
I No Longer Show Up For My Family
This one shift has helped me love those around me better. I am able to accept the humanity of those around me and allow that they are doing their best.
A Letter to my Daughter for her 18th Birthday
Instead of purchasing a card off the shelf, I felt like I could best honor her by writing a love note. A list of memories or things that came to…
Anxiety Almost Killed Me: Taking Back Control of My Life
Anxiety: Anxiety is a silent killer. For me, anxiety is something that has crept up in my life. I used to be carefree, and not have a worry in the…
Surviving Summer With Your Kiddos – Four Tips To Help You Thrive!
Spring is now in full swing, and summer time is knocking at the door. Soon the doors of school will fly open - and a flood of children will pour…
Learning to Trust Yourself When You Don’t
Do you trust yourself? When you say you’re going to do something, do you know without a doubt that you’ll get it done? For me, for a very long time,…
Who is Helping You? Making an Empowered Choice and Heeding the Red Flags
We are finally entering a place in time where people are more open to asking for help. The idea of reading self-help books or leaning into personal development doesn't hold…
Royalty free photo by Josh Willink
Military Brat Parenting: Five Things I Tell My Kids in Hopes They’ll Be Better Humans
My dad was an Air Force colonel, a fighter pilot and a Vietnam veteran. In addition to being a proud (and dutiful) daughter, my upbringing in a military household shaped…
An Invitation Into Your Name
As I began to process through the writing of this article, I hit a wall. While this is not unusual, this wall felt different. Talking through my SFD (shitty first…
Letting Go Of Things That Don’t Serve You, Without Apology.
“One of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.” –Brigitte Nicole When I was fourteen, I found…
It’s Bigger Than Basketball: When Teams Turn Into Families
My son was practically born with a basketball in his hand. Before he could even walk he was gripping the baby sized basketballs and dunking into trashcans (he may have…
Be Silent, Be Still: The Power of Pausing in an Ever Chaotic World
Being mindful and focused is hard! Often times I sit down at my laptop intending to send some follow-up emails to clients or update my calendar for the week. It's…
Sacrifice: Not Just a Dirty Word
SACRIFICE is not just a dirty word. Or is it? What does this word conjure up for you? Perhaps its sadness or heartbreak. Maybe it brings with it, a sense…
A Penny’s Worth of Thoughts: Collecting Valuable Moments with your Children
The glimmer of sweet, sweet coins Nothing makes me happier during a run or a walk than catching a small glimmer in the street. A small glimmer that is of…
What a Headache Taught me About my Life
April 2018 I was worried that 6 weeks of daily headaches meant I had a tumor or something major going on. I had put off calling the doctor for fear…
Learning to Love the Hard Times- A Lesson From my Children
Hard times. Are they fun? Do we like them? No! Never! We normally don’t even want to talk about them! They make us cringe and tuck our tails and run!…
How to Start De-cluttering in a Practical Way: An Alternative to KonMari
A practical alternative to KonMari With all of the KonMari inspiration floating around, busy women everywhere are asking, how to start de-cluttering? I want to share a practical way I…
The Day I Cried Over Spilled Milk: My Journey of Self-Care and Embracing my “Enoughness”
In 2012 I began my self-care journey and it changed my life in ways I'd never imagined. Sharing this story has become part of my mission because every time I…
The One Thing That Shifted My Marriage Struggles
Have you ever had those moments where you wonder, “Why did we get married?” I would like to say this question only arose after children were born and we were dredging through the exhaustion of raising small babies. But no. This question arose in the first weeks and months of marriage and I wish someone had told me this one thing that might have shifted our marriage.
Cutting the Toxic Ties: Not Everyone Knows How to Love
My dad was in the military and left early every day for work. When I woke up I would go to the kitchen and find something to eat. Then I…
Live a Life You Love: 4 Simple Ways to Have Fun as a Mom
Time for fun? What moms have time for that? If you're like me, you're thinking about the million things on your to do list that are occupying your brain space…
Awaken to Who You Are
Stepping up to the microphone, the girl's hands trembled. Her mind focused on deep breathing and the mental exercises needed for calming her nerves, as well as her voice. She…
Cambodia – The Journey to Visit my Daughter and Myself
An unexpected work trip to China opened the door of opportunity for me to visit my daughter in Cambodia in March, for 5 days. What were the chances that during…
Discover Your Piece to Create Peace in your Home.
Finding the pieces to create a peaceful spot in your home for you to rest and recover. I’m a sucker for all things that make me feel organized or peaceful.…
The Rise of Empowering Females in the Financial Industry!
In today’s market, women understand the importance of work-life balance and taking a more holistic approach to address challenges. It’s no surprise they are starting to emerge as leading influencers in the financial services industry using the same mindset and parameters!
4 Ways to shift your Journaling Mindset
Do you get excited to start writing in a new journal only to find it sitting untouched a month later? Are you intimidated by the blank pages, or just don’t…
The Case for Marriage: 5 Reasons to Marry Young
Our Story: Picture this; my heart is racing as I see all the guests being seated. I am all alone now at the top of these red wood stairs.…
Growing Forward: 3 Life Lessons I Learned That Aren’t Taught in School
Recently I was reminded that in order to grow forward, we must embrace our past. It is a part of me that made me into the person I am today,…
The Beauty of Birthdays- Let’s Celebrate
I love March! Not only is it the start of spring when daffodils start popping out their bright yellow heads out of the ground, it's also MY birthday month...and a…
Posing: Bringing the Scaffolding Surrounding My Heart into the Light
There is a morning prayer I’ve seen circulating throughout social media over the years, that never fails to give me a good laugh. Dear Lord, So far I've done all…
Finding Your Purpose
The Journey to Find Happiness Within
Happiness Have you ever stopped and asked yourself why everyone is chasing happiness? How can one word have so much meaning that it has literally become interwoven into our ever…
Don’t be a Hater – 5 Reasons to Start Loving your Body Now!
"Dear You, Make peace with the mirror and watch your reflection change." - Sohini Did you know that you don't have to like everything about your body to love it?…
Looking for friendship? Spend time with people you like
Have you ever struggled with friendships? You're not alone. Making friends is uncomfortable for most of us. Let's take the pressure off of friendship.
The Big G and how it nearly wrecked me- Finding myself at thirty-eight
Nearly two years ago, I took the biggest trip of a lifetime. I flew to Bolivia in search for my brother who was left abandoned and homeless in the streets…
When the heat is on: Surviving life’s challenging seasons
Summer in my rugged, beautiful homeland of Australia is always HOT, but this summer has been THE most intense heat I can remember of all the summers I've encountered in…
Healing energies, the link between a hot stone massage and Hawaii
I recently discovered why I receive such amazing & similar healing energies from both a hot stone massage and from being on the island of Hawaii. How, you might ask,…
The Benefits of Giving Back: Why Volunteering is Good For You
When was the last time you went out into the world and actually gave your time – more than an hour – to an organization or a group of people…
4 Easy Steps to Creating Your Vision and Why You’ll Want to Do It NOW!
“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey Have you ever thought about what your vision for your life is?…
How To Declutter Your Soul As Well As Your House In a Practical Way
Spring is in the air and perhaps you are feeling the natural urge to declutter your house in a practical way. We are soaking in more vitamin D, it’s getting…
Growing Up Together – Part 2 – It’s not just about the Writing
In my first blog I introduced myself and a few of my inner writing companions; Tendency to push away, Giving up and Calm who all pop up at different times…
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates?
Have you ever wondered why they even use the saying life is like a box of chocolates? Think about it? You take a bite of a piece of chocolate. You don't…
My Unexpected Resolution and How it Can Give YOU More Time Too
Last month the world was filled with talk about goals & resolutions. Everywhere you turned someone was telling you how to achieve something you wanted. I don’t know if you’re…
My Dear Child Thank You. You Made Me Human.
As long as I can remember I had always heard the stories you will never be the same after becoming a mother. I would always nod in approval and give…
Identity: The Journey of Discovering Who I am
I started gymnastics at the age of three and it became my life. My identity over the next seventeen years. Bringing me recognition, awards and a scholarship to continue my…
When Your Best Friend Has 4 Legs: The Ruff Truth Of Being An Animal Lover
Being an animal lover is something that has always been a part of me. I remember being in 7th or 8th grade and was convinced I was going to be…
Coffee, Love, and Other Things Important in My Life
My Coffee Pot died today…. well, kind of. It ALMOST died today...it was a tragedy for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry...I already had a new one bought in my head. …
Opening up to Pain and Not Showing up With a Smile on Our Face.
“Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, the strongest people are the ones who feel it, understand it, accept it and learn from…
Which Comes First: Self-Acceptance or Personal Growth?
TRUE OR FALSE? You can't accept yourself and desire personal growth at the same time. Go ahead and think on that for a second. I’ll wait.
Mind Games: The Subtle Art of Telling Yourself to Get Lost
How often do you find yourself in a dialogue…..with yourself? Daily? Weekly? If you are anything like me, this dialogue happens so often throughout the day you may not even…
Growing Up Together: Part 1 – Setting The Scene & Being Honest
If you’ve arrived here in this sacred space you are probably like me; a fellow change-maker, peace-creator and sprinkler of love on our planet. I answered a call from the…
Eat the Cookie! How We Self-Sabotage in our Efforts to Better Ourselves
So, there I was sitting there on my couch, staring at the half empty package of Double Stuff Oreos, and thinking (not for the first time), “Well I blew it!…
What if the End of Something You Held Dear is Actually a Gift
This is a story of a journey~~a journey that took me to inward & outward places I had always wanted to go. Both of those places that I was so…
Our Mind is the Enemy: Control Thoughts Before They Become Actions
*Disclaimer- Experiencing depression and anxiety are incredibly real and frustrating situations. If you find that you cannot pull yourself out of dark thoughts, you need to talk to someone immediately…
What to Do When Your Friend’s Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned
Most of us are not prepared when we get the news - a friend or family member has had a baby, and there have been complications. We go through life…
Stick to Your Goals: 4 Steps to Help you Follow Through
Do you ever feel frustrated and overwhelmed by the New Year’s resolutions and goals talk? Wonder how to get started? These thoughts led me to remember something that happened to…
Come and Take a Seat: There is Room for YOU at Our Table
Today is the launch of The We Spot blog. Let me tell you, this has been a LONG time coming. It's absolutely amazing to see it come to fruition. The…
Skating My Way to Self-Love: Finding Self-Love in Uncomfortable Places
I’ve been formulating an article in my head about self-love and was planning to give you a lovely little list of fairly expected things you could do to start loving…
5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self: Rising in Corporate America and Life.
Listen up, ladies! No matter what your age or what type of job you have, you should always have your eye on the prize. You owe it to yourself. Has…
TRUE LOVE is found in the vulnerable places.
Here we are…February.. .we’ve already reached the second month in our 2019. Traditionally, by the beginning of this month, in the supermarkets, on social media and in all of the…
January has 70 days, it’s the longest month of the year.
By the title of this article, you are probably interested in what is actually going on in my head. You might say “Julie, do you know how many days are…