Weight loss journeys can be rewarding, but challenging. Previous studies on weight loss attempts show that 91.7% of those surveyed have tried to shed the extra pounds, with 72% succeeding at least…
What is ego? The definition is "a person's self-esteem or self-importance." Is ego what drives us humans to be a part of the group? Not sure if anyone else feels…
As a child raised by two pastor kids, I've always said that I was raised free-spirited. Meaning that yes, I was encouraged to never limit my soul, but also that…
Anxiety can be common and something that many people experience. So if you’re feeling anxious and stressed out, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience some form of anxiety on…
Relationships are a mystery, don't you agree? You've probably heard the saying, “Some people are in your life for a reason, some for a season, and some for a lifetime.”…
My daughter’s birthday is in November. As any mom, I get excited as her birthday gets near. But for me, her birthday is a time when celebration and grief collide.…
I know what you must be thinking. Procrastination is a bad habit that should be avoided at all costs. Perhaps you struggle with it yourself, putting off activities or chores…
The number of years I’ve spent hating my body is a sad testament to the times we live in. Practically from birth, we’re bombarded with messages that we’re supposed to…
On Saturday, I did the quintessential single-mom thing – I learned to mow my own lawn. I had put this off for a while. Why? Learned helplessness. Of course, I…
When you're left handed, everything is backwards. It's understandable that the world is made for right-handed people. Only about 10% of the population is left handed. But when you're a…
A negativity bias is our programmed tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a given scenario creating a bias that does not acknowledge the potential positives. Leah is a…
**First and foremost I need to issue a trigger warning for this blog. I’ll be discussing domestic violence and verbal and emotional abuse. If you or someone you know is…
I recently completed my first-ever half-marathon! Going into this experience, my mind was filled with doubt and fear. My inner critic’s voice was loud and clear – it was hard…
Please be aware that this article discusses bulimia. If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, please call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237, or text “NEDA”…
According to Aristotle, the famous philosopher, "the essence of life is to serve others and do good." That's what volunteering is all about. By raising your hand, you can volunteer…
I'm in the grocery aisle and I witness an employee greeting a confused shopper. "Is there something I can help you find?" The customer is looking for a particular brand…
I am not a go with the flow type of person. I don’t like change. Typically when things happen to force me to change in some way, I don’t adapt…
Don't Take Your Bones For Granted I have to admit, I've taken the bones in my body for granted. Yes, I know that they support me and allow me to…
I’m leaving noise behind me, seeking quiet and reconnection in the mountains, and preparing to enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in what has become an annual…
I wish I could afford to buy organic produce. Dealing with chronic fatigue and digestive issues while living in a trailer park and mothering a toddler and a four-year-old, I…
What exactly is “emotional intelligence” and what are the characteristics of someone who has a high EQ score? What actions can you take to improve your score? First off, let’s…
Despite my best efforts, I managed to traumatize my child. The reason I can joke about it is that my “child” is 23 years old. A while back, I was…
When I was a kid I thought when you turned fifty you were ancient. I thought no way will I ever be that old. Then in my twenties, fifty was…
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the subject of friends. Everyone needs them. Friends enrich our lives, give us a sense of community, and help ease the…
Summer is a great time to enjoy a variety of salads. But unless you’re talking about a lettuce-based salad, it can be difficult to find great a gluten free salad.…
Are you a person with a lot of resilience and find it easy to bounce back or do you struggle after a setback with getting back on your feet? I’ve…
Let's take a trip into how to have a great day and a wonderful week. Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, you wake up not feeling good, it's a struggle to…
Being an entrepreneur is not easy and sometimes you need to find ways to fall back in love with your business when you've lost your mojo. When we love what…
We practice stealing from ourselves and others all the time. We steal from our futures, our growth, and our ability to take what we want to be the person we…
Have you sat in the window seat on a plane ride? That is my favorite seat. I love seeing the view from 30,000 feet. Sprawling greenery, mountains, rivers. It's amazing…
Summertime is finally here, and with that, our thoughts turn to vacation and leisure time. One popular way to travel, especially in good weather, is by way of automobile. But…
We were in the desert, but the concept of forest bathing was not on our radar, let alone desert bathing. What life lessons would we encounter while surrounded by nature?…
We are all magical beings by nature and manifesting a magical life you want is possible for you. As a mama of three, author, a small business owner and everything…
It is hard to know where to begin with what I have learned about formula feeding since April 2021. See that was the month that I launched a local nonprofit…
Prosperity can mean material wealth as well as non-material benefits. When all of my interests prosper, life is expansive, balanced, and satisfying. What does it mean to prosper? The year…
My whole life was spent doubting myself in every way. I didn't trust myself at all. I didn’t make any decisions without running them by a handful of people first,…
I know. I know. As women, sex can be the last thing on our lists. It was for me for a long time. By the time I was done with…
The Japanese have a philosophy of three faces. It's the idea that we are not the same person at all time. We show different parts of ourselves to different people.…
How often do you make self care a priority? If you are the average person, probably not very often. In this chaotic, high tech, fast paced world we live in,…
As much as we may love being mothers, there is so much more to all of us. We all have a story to tell. And because our children play such…
Creating semi-mindless crafts is one of my favorite forms of self-care. Plant hangers, cheap craft store kits, or whatever sparks inspiration. In the same way, cleaning is immediately satisfying, creating…
Having an invisible, chronic illness is difficult. Honestly, that’s putting it mildly. The truth is, it SUCKS. Being sick is hard enough, but when you have an invisible illness, it’s…
We are in an age when people are throwing around mental diagnoses like they're candy in a parade. Narcissism has been a word batted around a lot in popular culture.…
Before I begin my journey into meditation, I will provide a definition and science-based information. Oxford’s Dictionary defines meditation: as the practice of focusing your mind in silence; as well…
It happens all the time. Someone says or does something offensive and you're left feeling hurt and angry. We have a natural tendency to fight back, to seek revenge, to…
In an early scene from the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy reaches a crossroads on the yellow brick road and is faced with a decision of how to proceed. Her directions…
Being truthful is a fierce practice. Truth has the power to right wrongs. It demands integrity to life and to our own self. Being untruthful is so much more than…
Do you ever find yourself just strolling through your day-to-day life not feeling inspired in the slightest? You ask yourself how the heck did I get home as you pull…
Can you spot what’s wrong with my chandelier? Yep, it’s missing a lightbulb. Do you ever feel like you're something gorgeous that’s just missing a lightbulb moment? Projects in progress make me…
Most people have an idea of what forgiveness is, but have you ever considered what forgiveness is not? Maybe it's not what you think it is. Let’s take a few…
Most people are aware of the dangerous chemicals and toxins found in most household cleaning products, many makeup and skincare lines, personal health products, etc. There's plenty of information out…
I’ve been feeling fragile and uneasy lately. With so much going on in the world, and in my personal life, it’s been a challenge to find peace. I know that…
"We ain't never getting older" is a favorite song lyric quote from the Chainsmoker's song Closer. I like it as it takes me back to my younger years when I…
"And" is a very small word that can wield a lot of power. Let's embrace those three letters as a word of connection, inclusivity, and gathering. Uniting and including are…
Because this is my first blog post with The We Spot, I wanted to introduce myself. But I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill intro. I want to introduce myself in…
Do you feel like you are someone who practices nonviolence? I think many of us would agree we don't harm or murder so we are nonviolent. However, there are many…
I’m transitioning from full-time real estate work as an individual practitioner to a “next chapter” real estate model. This involves having Realtor partners join me in the process of helping…
In Praise of a Husband? I can hear what you're thinking, this is a women's blog! I know, I know, but I want to spotlight how important men and husbands…
A few months ago, I was invited to a gala event for a local organization. I had the privilege of inviting my husband and mom, something I don't typically get…
Insight into the Ho'oponopono Technique First, I'd like to tell you about the benefits of using the Ho'oponopono technique and how it started. Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawai'ian practice; that helps heal and…
Do you tend to evaluate your worth in terms of your performance or achievements? Beat yourself up whenever you make the smallest mistake? Find it hard to relax and accept…
Celebrating my 39th year feels so ho hum. Is this a result of pandemic blues or is it really all downhill after 40? I polled my peers, my elders, and…
I heard the call of creativity early in life. My preferred creative mediums were Play-Doh, sheets and blankets to construct indoor forts, and producing plays in the living room. I…
When you pick up a book, seek out a podcast, choose a program, attend an event, typically you're interested in learning, growth, inspiration, and maybe some fun too. Before Covid,…
What the Heck is Intuitive Eating Anyway? As an Intuitive Eating Counselor and Coach, I get this question a lot. I’ve written a couple of other articles about Intuitive…
Winter completely kicked my ass. For whatever reason, once it’s dark, I’m done. The literal and figurative darkness of the season was exhausting. Even when there was inspiring weather, something…
I admit it, I'm prone to procrastination so with a little soul searching I came up with seven reasons why I procrastinate. If you're a procrastinator like me, don't be…
There was a time in which I felt really lost. When I didn’t know which direction to turn. When I wasn’t sure which way was up and which way was…
I Drove to the Store with My Heart Breaking... because I didn’t know what else to do. I’d learned in my support group for spouses of addicts that when my…
Oh, man! I am so excited to find out that the week of March 7th is "British Pie Week." I'm not sure why I think that's way cooler than if…
In a world where we see many injustices, inequities, and despair. A world that at times feels heavy, out of control, and out of hand. When at times it seems…
Are you an empath? Do you struggle with flying emotions and negative energy? Feelings and emotions are intense and everywhere, that is why I am here sharing these 7 survival…
Let me as you a question. But before I do, prepare yourself to give an honest answer. Not one you “think” you should say. But a REAL answer. Ready? How…
It was cold, and I found myself complaining about it roughly every 15 minutes or so. My husband was getting tired of listening to my ceaseless whining. Even the cat…
Why is music so ingrained in our teens, in all of us humans? Why does it transport us to a certain place and time? My teen years are a soundtrack…
Speaking my truth, I'm a GenX'er and that comes with many things I'm proud of. We didn't get trophies much but the ribbons I earned from track are cherished memories.…
If one more person calls me a “strong woman”, I might scream. Not that I don’t appreciate you considering me capable and mature. But would anyone mind if I took…
I recently read a blog where a mom shared her feelings about the difficulties of being a mom. She was raw and brutally honest. I related to her feelings on a…
With the New Year upon us, the pressure to improve ourselves as a human and especially as a mom is constantly in our faces. However, I need to be honest…
We hear moms say it all the time… “I had children and I lost myself”. I get it. I’ve seen so many women in therapy who feel this exact same…
Advice once given: Saying it is hard is making it harder. And I agreed that actually calling something hard could make it feel harder and create a negative perspective. And…
Have you ever felt stuck? Like you are ready to step into a new chapter of your life, but you still feel stagnant? It is frustrating when you can feel…
Brrrr. It's cold and windy and miserable outside. Time to find a comfy couch, a cuddly blanket, a cup of warmth, and a remote control or book and stay inside…
Resolutions. Goals. Vision. Change. Growth. Have you struggled with sticking to resolutions? We often start the new year off with big goals tied to resolutions. According to this Inc.com article,…
“Grace is a power that comes in and transforms a moment into something better.” Caroline Myss 2021 began with much uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic. Somehow, I (and I'm…
Christmas magic has always been prevalent in my family. My mother was a bit of a Christmas fanatic. She believed and I mean truly believed, in Santa. She swore the…
It's in the media. It's on so many episodes of crime shows. Toxic relationships turned into domestic abuse. Families are ripped apart by the grief of domestic violence. How do…
The lies of marriage make it difficult to have a "happy" or "thriving marriage, the truth is we grow together and apart. Here I am learning how to let go…
Self sabotage showed up big in 2020 for many of us. Food and alcohol and all the other things we tend to "over" do are quick easy soothers for hard…
A bucket list is defined as a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime." I prefer to define more simply as…
"If you look at what you have in life, you will always have enough. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough." Oprah Winfrey.…
Enjoying holiday meals after a celiac or gluten intolerance diagnosis can be difficult. I know personally those first few years I just didn’t eat that much because I didn’t know…
The milestones of being a girl mom and raising daughters is priceless. Parenting comes with surprises every turn. Imagine my new delight at the engagement of my daughter. A feeling…
Do you struggle with anxiety-induced control? Are there times where you feel like a control freak when things don't go your way? Is controlling anything you can, a coping mechanism…
The definition of tolerance is non-judgmental and open to difference; tendency to be generally free of prejudice. International day of tolerance is on November 16th, and I was just thinking…
It seems like another life ago, when I had a whole other family. Living on a compound in the middle of a desert far from home. In between flights and operations, a…
Recently I started a journey with an unknown destination. I re-enrolled in graduate school to pursue a masters degree in an industry quite opposite from my most recent career. I…
Goals, purpose, planners How do you feel when you think about goal setting for the year? Excited, overwhelmed, nervous? They sure feel overwhelming to me. I have so many thoughts…
When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story we can write a brave new ending. Brené Brown Why is healing so hard? If you have…
Every body is different. And yet I know I'm not alone in having this image of how my body should look. For years I've worked to love my body. For…
Trigger warning! Please be aware that this article discusses suicide, self harm, and cutting. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at…
Boredom: the state of feeling wearied by dullness, tedious repetition, and apathy. Synonyms include apathy, indifference, disgust, lethargy, and monotony. Thanks, dictionary people. What a downer. How can any of…
"Where there is no gardener there is no garden." -Wolfgang von Goethe . This quote reminds me of a conversation that my grandfather and I had after we lost my…
I sat on the couch watching my daughter play with her toys; my eyes starting to fill with tears. Feeling overwhelmed and beating myself up for how the day had…
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "the past is a lesson, not a prison" or something close to that. Dang, why did it take me fortysomething years to figure this…
I finally had had enough. I deleted social media from my phone. The mindless scrolling was taking a toll on my mental health and my productivity. We read all about…
American history is the story of African Americans, Native Americans, women, immigrants, the LGBTQ and all marginalized people. The version of history taught in classrooms is often just one side…
Let me be honest. I love organizing! Something about creating a spot for every item and knowing later that I can find that item gives me peace of mind. Now…
The hair and beauty industry is made up statistically of 77% female, and 19% male. So why do men still make 2% more than women? I've worked in this industry…
I sat down on the steps, exhausted, ready to give up believing things could get better, ready to give up trying. The feeling of fatigue covering my whole body. Wondering…
Ah, the Fall! My favorite time of year! The air gets a slight crisp chill, the trees become a myriad of colors as sunset falls over them. We bring out the…
My favorite season is here, welcome Fall! The trees are beginning to transition and it's time to acknowledge a similar change within ourselves. The changing seasons can be a guide…
You must build yourself up if you are going to live the life you desire and find the joy you deserve. No matter the strength and number of your relationships…
Pause. Feel your heartbeat. Take a big breath in and let your lungs inflate as full as they can. Pause and hold. Now exhale and let all that luscious breath…
Footprints Outlined in Wisdom: Poetry by Natasha Ross Full Sun Full Moon, Full Sky, Full Bloom, looming at the end of summer. Drawings of your love fill my heart. courageously…
I feel like a maid. I spend my day just cleaning up after everyone and I feel lost in the to-do list. I'm on Pinterest yet again trying to get…
Successful women surround me and it's so incredibly beautiful until I get a knot in my stomach. It happens slowly, but then quickly. Spite blurs my vision and creates lies…
Do you think about your credit? When I was younger it never crossed my mind. What it was, how to use it, why it might be important. Or, most importantly,…
I have been utilizing the mental health system since I was 10 years old. It was at that age that I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Major Anxiety…
"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures."Cesar Chavez According to the United States Census Bureau, the U.S. population is roughly 332,693,997. About 18%…
Since having to go gluten free several years ago, I’ve spent some time (and trial and error) trying to make my favorite recipes gluten free. This is especially true of…
"Being human is hard not because you're doing it wrong, it's hard because your doing it right." Glennon Doyle, Untamed How can we set boundaries in our relationships and especially…
You started a side gig, started making money, and now what do you do? I'm going to share some best practices on what to do first (even if you've been…
It's been two years since my twins moved into college dorms and began "adulting" as they describe it. These years of empty-nesting were supposed to be relaxing and stress-free. I…
Navigating the loss of my dad a mere five years after the loss of my mom . . . there are no words. The strong desire to push eject from…
We recently flew to Minnesota and being a family of four we had one row with the girls and me, then my husband across the aisle. A seemingly nice woman…
Welcome to September! National Preparedness Awareness Month! I honestly didn’t know there was National Preparedness Month till around July when someone mentioned it on my timeline. Turns out it was one…
Charity is defined by giving money to an organization that helps those in need. And it's true, money does help. Our amazing network of nonprofits within our nation depend on…
"When we look at our big kids, we still see our babies, too. This double vision is one of the most profound privileges of parenthood. We gratefully turn to fresh…
It is no secret attitudes are powerful influencers and an attitude adjustment can dramatically change your experience. I have first hand knowledge of this and I have to warn you,…
Slow homemaking isn’t being lazy. It’s having the power to realize that you determine what needs to be done. The power to make your own space feel clean. It’s taking…
I love it when a plan comes together... But let's be realistic, things rarely go to plan. Plans change. Being a highly creative and "attention-faceted" adult, I have a hard…
To the mom parenting without a village, I see you. I want you to know, I long for that close circle of support too. My husband and I are raising…
The year was 20-ought something. I would tell you it was the fault of my red, 1991 Chevy Beretta. That car kept me in trouble! The Texas highway patrol would…
The summer light is fading, the morning is starting to have creamy crispness to it, and our gardens are full of zucchini. This zucchini squash quandary is not new...it has…
"Anger is often a secondary emotion."Azevedo Hanks Are you feeling irritable, short-tempered or grouchy? Maybe you snap (or want to) at everyone around you. Yet you don't know why you…
I never expected to be sitting here writing this blog article. I knew being a mom would push and mold me but I did not expect to learn such profound,…
I’ve been counting down the years, watching them turn into months. Always keeping my eye on the proverbial clock that’s been ticking away since she was born. And now, according…
Were you one of those kids that couldn't wait to get the school supply list? Run to the store and gather all those clean crisp notebooks and markers? Well, I…
No matter what stage in life you are in, let these 24 inspirational quotes for women help you see and know your worth. Life can get hard sometimes and as…
As things are opening up and people are beginning to reconnect, why not start a new women's book club? Meet with your current circle of friends. Create new connections virtually…
Guilt says you made a mistake. Shames says you are the mistake. Guilt motivates. Shame annihilates. -Susie Garlick Do members of your family bring instant guilt and shame? Specific members…
This past year has been heavy. Ok let's be honest, for many of us, it has just plain sucked! The pandemic, social unrest, dehumanization, political division, virtual school, it has…
The ups and downs of entrepreneurship are like riding Mr. Freeze at Six Flags. If you have a business or are in the process of starting your business, you probably…
If you’re anything like me, the title of this article may have scared you away. Losing religion? Finding faith? Yikes. Religion can be a touchy subject; delicate at best, offensive…
This spring, we got our first set of baby chicks from a local store. These are the first that we were raising ourselves, not with the help of my sister-in-law,…
My life is dedicated to working toward equity for all and speak, train and think about racism. I work to be anti-racist daily. I have been a parent for just…
Dear Mama, You are in such an intense season of your life with these precious babies. Diapers, sleepless nights, napless days, every bodily fluid imaginable. Juggling more than 1 person's…
The day that all older women told me about arrived recently...my fourth and last baby has graduated from high school and will quickly be out on his own. While endlessly…
With summer comes lots of travel for some, and often by car. I am sharing with you today 5 fun and simple road trip games to play with your kids.…
“What sets you apart can sometimes feel like a burden and it’s not. And a lot of the time, it’s what makes you great.” Emma Stone We identify each other…
I often have people tell me, “You are superwoman. I don’t know how you do it all.” The reality is, I am not superwoman, I'm anxious. The truth of it is…
Any type of mess makes me anxious. If my house is messy-even if I do not have the energy to do anything about it-it gives me physical anxiety. I start…
This Is A Shout-Out to the Low Maintenance Friend. She’s been on my heart lately and I just wanted to take a minute to tell her how much she means…
A year ago I went to my 40-week prenatal appointment alone, masked following pandemic protocols, but looking forward to the ultrasound to get to see my baby. I was not…
In the 14 years I’ve known my husband, we have spent more time living through a home renovation than living in a completed home. When we first met, he was…
To be clear, I am not a historian, or an expert in African American history or culture. I am a white woman and only learned of Juneteenth during my own…
I spent a large chunk of my life apologizing. I have been sorry for everything. You ran into ME? Somehow it must be my fault. So often I was the…
Summer is here and while it's fun to make a bucket list of activities- most families get to the end of summer and forget it. We end up a little…
Healing is in layers, healing is time. Healing is excruciating. Once you think it's done, it's not. Mary Demuth Father, dad, daddy, those names can bring a boil to my…
Please be aware that this article discusses suicide, rape, and abuse. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME…
When I was young, my mother would take us camping just for a quick overnight in the mountains that surrounded my childhood home. She would load up the tents and…
