Old Dreams are not Always Lost Dreams
Ever since I was little, I dreamed about getting my degree in Social Work and becoming a therapist. I have lived through a lot and I want to be there…
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The 2020 vision board…what happened?
2020...the year. Who visualized this? It's been something....how's that vision board holding up? Last year I wrote an article about designing your vision board for 2020. Touting its propensity to…
Empathy, Forgiveness, and Hope: Gifts You Can Give Year Round
Empathy, forgiveness, and hope are gifts we can give all year long. Empathy Before I started my personal development journey, I wondered what the true difference between empathy and sympathy…
My First Christmas in the U.S. – Holding On To Special Memories
My family and I arrived to the United States from Mexico in 1997, with just the clothes on our back and a handful of personal belongings. As a family, we…
Putting a New Twist on Annual Holiday Traditions
While gathering together for traditional holiday activities might not be possible this year, there are still ways to celebrate. It just may take a little creative ingenuity to put a…
The Pandemic Sucks: Finding a Positive Mindset Amongst the Negative
Quick Note Please note, I am in no way an expert on mental health. I am a person who knows I cannot be the one to provide advice. My article…
Enjoy Your Holiday Food Without Guilt! Busting Myths and Answering Your Intuitive Eating FAQ’s
If you’ve been following me for even a short time, you probably know that I am passionate about Intuitive Eating. It is my absolute delight to help my clients free…
Choose to Find Calm in the Chaos! 5 Things You Can Do Now!
So, What did you accomplish in 2020? Yeah, we get it, it’s the end of the year and we are supposed to be gearing up for happy holidays and…
Experiences Are the Ultimate Gift of 2020
If I’m being honest, I’m a terrible gift giver. I admire people who have a knack for selecting thoughtful, creative, and practical gifts. From the moment the radio stations start…
Reasons Why We Hesitate to Ask For and Accept Help When in Need
Do you find it difficult and are hesitant to ask for and accept help when you are in need? Why do some of us hesitate when it comes to asking…
Five of My Favorite Holiday Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes
When I made the decision to go gluten-free 5 years ago to help with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and digestive issues, it was extremely difficult. There are things I was really…
Distance Learning: Educating the Heart Through Self-Compassion
How to educate has entered pretty much every parent’s home this year in a new way. As I write this I am embracing our third month of facilitating online kindergarten…
Changing our Mindset as we Closeout 2020
This year has been one of change and growth for so many. In order to end this year on a positive note I am sharing some ideas on changing our…
Rejection is Necessary: Why We Don’t Have to Fear It
“Thank you for your interest, but unfortunately your post was not chosen this time around.” Those words were tough to read, and even tougher to swallow. When I started writing…
Black Mothers Matter: Addressing Deadly Healthcare Disparities
I believe that it is important to continually educate ourselves on the prevalence of racism that plagues our society. Recent events have created a new awareness surrounding the treatment of…
Making an Impact on #GivingTuesday: How Can You Give Back?
The smile spread across her tired face. Appreciation, excitement, and joy were expressed in her eyes. The walls had been painted and organizing the storefront was all that remained. Everything…
This is What 59 Looks Like: Redefining the Aging Process
Old Before My Time I thought I was old at thirty-nine. Through no fault of our own, my husband and I had suffered a devastating financial setback that left us…
Autumn Comfort Food: Our Family’s Favorite Granola Recipe
A delightful aroma of roasting oats and nuts spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger wafts from the kitchen into the rest of the house. The tantalizing smell draws family from…
Mom Burnout: Finding Balance in a Season that has us Burning at Both Ends
What do you think of when I say the word balance? Do you picture the perfect system or a schedule that FINALLY makes motherhood feel balanced? What we experience in…
How to Save Big on Black Friday: All Your Shopping Tips Here
Is it that time of year again? Yikes, it is. I don’t know about you, but this time of year always sneaks up on me. One minute I am enjoying…
Honoring Our Stories: The Toxicity of Comparison
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” Brené Brown Imagine, a 41-year-old woman…
Family and Politics: Preparing for the Conversations & Potential Fallout
Our current political climate has been rocky and down right nasty. No matter your political affiliation, bitterness seems to be the flavor of choice for interactions between those that disagree.…
Calling All Peacemakers: Making Peace with the Need to Keep the Peace
Being a peacemaker is a lot of work. I’ve been trying to keep the peace in one way or another, with one person or another, for years. And in today’s…
Asking the Right Financial Questions: Tips, How-To’s, and Asking for Help
Debit. Credit. Income. Expense. Revenue. Profit. Gross. Net. All the financial words that usually cause a feeling of uncertainty in the realm of money for those that are unfamiliar. Together…
My Dance with the Devil: Finding Forgiveness and Healing Friendship
Forgiveness, there would be no chance of it. I had danced with the devil, there would be no second chances. I can remember the morning just like it was yesterday.…
Life Lessons Learned From Beloved War Veterans
Veterans Day is always a day of great reflection for me. Growing up the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and then later marrying a Veteran from Operation Enduring Freedom, I…
The Benefit of Trying New Things
This is a story of trying new things...and the regret of listening to others. It's probably a familiar story to some. Picture this: it's 2010 and I have just returned…
Music Makes the Mood; Our Dance Party Home School Hack!
Music. Just the word brings me joy and lightens my mood. What about for you? When the World Seems Heavy... I'm thinking sometimes we need something light, something just simple…
I am Tired: Confessions of a Special Needs Mom
I am tired. There, I said it. It’s not like me to publicly admit such a thing. I am strong and independent and I do my best to soldier on…
What if Life Were as Simple as a Choose Your Own Adventure Book?
Have you ever read a Choose Your Own Adventure book? These stories allow the reader to assume the role of the protagonist and make choices to determine the main character's…
Embracing Distraction with Kindness: Tips for Intentional Writing
With my cup of coffee steaming, the notion was simple: it was the perfect morning to enjoy some creative writing. Free from any plans and distraction-free, I was excited to…
Hate the Grocery Store? 7 Steps to Become a More Efficient Shopper
Going to the grocery store is something we all have to do. The ultimate adulting status is standing in grocery aisle twenty one trying to decide between refried beans with…
My Meditation Journey: Sitting Still and Listening for the Answers
My first experience with mediation was in my 20s. I had recently begun attending a spiritually-based recovery program for my food and body issues, but I no longer connected to…
Prioritizing Your Mental Health When the World Feels Chaotic
If you are a college student, or are a parent of a college student, then you are well aware that online classes have started and are kicking into high gear.…
The Healing Process Requires Determination
I set out on a journey about 3 years ago. A journey of stabilization and healing. At the beginning, there was desire to heal and get better but there was…
A Fun Treat to Make with your Kids this Halloween
Halloween will most likely look very different than it has in the past and I think it is really important to try and have some kind of normalcy. I wanted…
Do it Your Way! Listen to Yourself and Start Living an Intuitive, Empowered Life.
Have you ever tried to follow an “expert’s” advice that just didn’t fit for you? Have you felt like a failure because their advice didn’t work as well for you…
My Journey Living with Anxiety and Depression for 30+ Years
It's been a long journey living with depression and anxiety for 30+ years. I remember with great and vivid detail my very first panic attack. I spent years trying to…
Becoming Solution Oriented: 4 Tips to Shift Your Mindset
So often we focus on the problem we have at hand, we obsess over why it happened. We complain, we vent, we get it off our chest. I do this…
Extending Kindness: Be Sure To Include Yourself
There’s a popular quote circulating the internet. You’ll find it emblazoned on t-shirts, coffee mugs, and wall art from Hobby Lobby. “In a world where you can be anything, be…
Courage to Thrive through the Home Stretch of 2020: Tips that Empower!
2020 Can Take a Hike! So here we are, going into the home stretch of 2020. To say this year has been hard or unique would be an understatement. It’s been surreal,…
Feel What You Feel: Honoring Your Emotions
Many of us are never taught to feel what we feel. Instead, we're trained to ignore our emotions, to stifle them. We label them as "good" or "bad," celebrating the…
To My Partner: Thank You for Your Investment in My Friendships
Months ago, pre-Covid, as I cleaned up after the gathering of friends we had hosted for dinner, a stack of dishes stared indifferently back at me from my sink. I…
Journaling About your Hobbies: How I Stay Connected
Journaling about your hobbies is a great way to stay connected to them when you may not have the time, space or money to actually do your hobby. One of…
Three Ways to Overcome The Challenges of Being a Caregiver
Being a caregiver can be very challenging and sometimes difficult to overcome but it can be done. On January 31, 2017, the rest of mine and my mother's lives changed…
Why Should You Care About Hispanic Heritage Month?
History of Hispanic Heritage Month The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to…
Embracing the Beauty in the Ordinary
I am once again reminded that there is beauty in the every day moments as I watch the sunrise while holding our 8 week old. It is the ordinary, every…
The Grounding Effect of the Library
It's a badly held secret that I am absolutely infatuated with libraries...public, personal, or fictitious. Where there is a gathering of books and information is where I would like to…
Preparing for Your Fall Family Photos: Advice From Photographers
I absolutely love having family photos taken, especially in the Fall when the weather starts to change and I start thinking about Christmas card photos. My husband would probably even…
No More Fixing Myself: Giving up the Obsession With Self-Help
My bookshelves are full of titles like “Present Over Perfect,” “The Way of the Happy Woman,” “The Happiness Project,” and “Rising Strong.” I’ve read and loved them all. Most are…
Change: Transitioning Well Through the Different Seasons of Life
As she entered this world, she needed me to physically care for her every need. It was essential that she have me hold, change, feed, bathe, clothe, and nurture her. Then,…
Tips for Nurturing Your Special Needs Child’s Self Esteem
As parents we want to do everything we can to help our children grow and these tips for nurturing your special needs child's self esteem plays a huge role in…
Change Isn’t a Bad Thing: Embracing the Circumstances That Shape Us
“Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing!” It was 2016, and we’d spent weeks repeating that phrase to our pre-teen daughters as we packed up to leave the only…
Crash Course on Colorism: The Damage of ‘Light is Right’
The current state of the world is daunting, disheartening, overwhelming, and tense. It feels as though there is a constant film of unease and stress covering each day, each task,…
Tips to Transition to Fall: Plus Delicious Applesauce Recipe
Fall is right around the corner. How are we feeling? Is this even a question anymore? Are people even still asking how we are feeling? 2020 will, without a doubt,…
Forget-Me-Not: Caring for Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
When I try to imagine what it’s like to have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, I think of the flower that represents the cause — Forget-Me-Nots. Though…
A Pandemic, Natural Disasters, and Politics, Oh My! 10 Things Keeping Me Sane Right Now…
The past 6 months have been unquestionably the strangest time in my life. It has been an unprecedented, unpredictable, and challenging time for the entire world. Not only have we…
Día de la Independencia de México – What You Need To Know!
El Día de la Independencia de México (Mexico's Independence Day) is a special holiday for all Mexicans, including my family and me. It is a time when our dear Mexico…
My Suicide Attempt: Loneliness Does Not Have to Consume You
I could throw statistics at you all day about the number of people who have thought about, attempted, and died from suicide within the last year. But tell me this,…
Her Very Brave Life: Losing A Friend to Cancer
I lost a friend to cancer over a week ago. Yesterday was the first time I was able to even speak about her with my husband because I couldn't talk…
How to Connect the Dots of Your Life
We know the day we’re born, but not when we'll die. One bookend of our lives is defined but not the other. In our younger decades we anxiously race toward…
We Crave Quiet Time Yet We Don’t Make Time for it
I have a hard time being still and quiet. I always have to fill my time with something. I crave time to just be still but even when I have…
My Anxiety Relapse During the Covid Pandemic; and Navigating out of the Mental Mess
Something interesting happened during all this pandemic lock down and “new normal” we’ve been going through these past months. My new full time job went to part time. Two weeks…
Making Peace with the Present
Most people do not feel at peace in the present moment. They are uncomfortable with themselves, unable to be alone with their own thoughts. Think about it. How long has…
Before You Break His Heart: A Letter to the First to Break My Son’s Heart
Dear First, Before you break his heart, will you hear me out? As I write this, there is a precious, 8-year-old boy asleep in the other room. He has a…
Sensitivity and Imagery: The Meaning and How They Impact You
Are you someone who is sensitive? If you are, do you sometimes ask yourself or just question, "Why am I so sensitive?" I have many times throughout my life, so…
Heart Centered Women Entrepreneurs: 3 Reasons Why I Choose to Serve
Are you a considering entrepreneurship? Wonder what different industries are like? Trying to determine your ideal client? I've been dabbling with my own businesses for the past 5 years. I've…
A Warrior Heart: Her Birth Story
It is 3:42 in the morning and I can feel her warrior heart beating against mine. I am exhausted and my body aches. It’s been less than 24 hours since…
My Experience with Racism and Showing Up as My Whole Self
In the glow of the morning light is, ironically, when I feel the heaviest. When I wake up, I admire the sun seeping through the cracks of my curtains, spilling…
Misconceptions About Introverts: What We Want the World to Know
In her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain describes various misconceptions about introverts. She explains that, “At school you might have…
Three Ways to Know You are Making the Right Decisions for You
If you are like everyone else on the planet right now, you have a great pile of decisions to make. Should I go to the grocery store? Should I travel…
Preparing Yourself and Your Special Needs Child for School.
As a new school year is quickly approaching it is time to start preparing yourself and your special needs child for the school year Every new school year begins with…
Anchoring to Your Inner Strength
An anchor is a heavy object to hold a vessel in its place or it’s someone that delivers you the news on television. It can also be a helpful mental…
This is What we Want for Her: A Few Parting Words for my College Freshman
In one week we will move my only child into her college freshman dorm room. We will unpack, joke, arrange, laugh, bicker and organize. We will make sure she is…
The Gift of a Sister: The Journey of Togetherness
A giggle escaped from across the backseat of the crowded Ford Super Cab pick-up truck. An exasperated groan escaped my lips as, yet again, my little sister crossed the boundary…
Surviving School: Practical Advice for In-Person or Remote Learning
Parents are in an impossible situation when it comes to deciding what their children should do for school this year. There truly is no good answer. But we all have…
Dear White Parents of Black Children: Our Love is Not Enough
When I was in college I got pregnant with my daughter. I gave birth to her at the beginning of my senior year of undergrad. From that moment on my…
Daycare: The Importance of Keeping a Sleep Routine
One of the biggest obstacles my clients face is what to do when they send their little ones to daycare. They are often found wondering how they are going to…
Self Connection: 5 Tips to Knowing Who You Are
Self connection is an ongoing journey. As we change through the years each phase of life has its own effect on how we connect to ourselves. Sometimes we may not…
It’s So Quiet I Can Hear My Soul Whisper
When our world shut down and went quiet in March, I experienced something I'd never experienced before. Truthfully, I've experienced several firsts during this ethereal time, but this one in…
Chronic Pain is a Real Pain: Awareness, Coping, and How to Help
Chronic pain is maybe not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word pain. However, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when anyone…
Making Sense of Who We Are in a Nonsensical, Non-complacent World
I love the recognition that humans are never complacent creatures, that we embody different versions of ourselves during different times of our lives. This concept is as equally exciting as…
Why You Need to Tell Your Inner Circle How Much You Value Them
Many of us hesitate to be authentic with others because we have been hurt in the past or assume we’ll have more time once we come out on the other…
Your Evening Routine is Just as Important as the One for your Morning
We all know that a good morning routine is a great way to start our day. It’s even touted that the most successful people are those who follow a positive,…
A Blissful Trifecta of Flavors for a Refreshing Meal – Recipes Included
It's been a hot summer, and I think we all have felt a little more stress so far just 2 seasons into 2020 than the Earth usually sees in a…
I Believed the Lie that I was Unworthy; Turns out I am Worthy
Worthiness. I am going to be honest with you. This word makes me uncomfortable. Like, to my core. I suffered years of emotional and verbal abuse in my childhood and…
Enjoying the Slower Pace of Life
If there’s an upside to the up-side down world we’re living in right now, it’s the slower pace of life. Coronavirus forced us to sit still and stay home. Because…
Attached to My Smartphone: Steps to Create a Healthier Relationship
According to research, people touch their smartphones about 2,617 times a day. Clearly, we spend a lot of time on our devices. I never realize exactly how much until I…
Stop Talking So Much: Five Ways to Practice Listening Better
When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new. Dalai Lama Are we really listening or waiting to talk?…
Confessions of a Procrastinator: From Procrastination to Productivity
I have a dirty little secret. Actually, for those who know me well, it’s no secret at all. I am a procrastinator. On the surface, I seem to be a…
The Valuable Lesson I Learned From my Autistic Son
"A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might…
Birds Build Nests…Why Am I Nesting?
Mid-March I became a different person...a nesting person. Not only did I "celebrate" another trip around the magnificent sun, I also compulsively began to clean and re-clean and decorate and…
My Husband’s Happiness is Not My Responsibility
June 30, 2002, I walked into a random church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Little did I know that a handsome man would hit on me there and later become my…
The Surprising Benefits of Conflict
Many people do not recognize the benefits of conflict. Instead, they avoid it at all costs. They've been trained to be nice, and conflict just seems so "ugly." Witnessing conflict…
The Memories that Get Lost in the Hustle and Bustle of Life
The memories that get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. I can feel them slipping away. The tiny, every day moments that make being a mom, a wife,…
An Action Plan that Really Works – 6 Simple Success Steps
Frustrated when you can't seem to hit your goals? Me too! This year I've been focusing on productivity and especially in this season - how to create a plan that…
Transformation Above the Neck: A Journey to Mindful Eating
Transformation. I can’t even tell you how many times in my life I have worked to change my form, my appearance. How can I alter, modify my body? What do…
Lessons I’ve learned From My Curly Hair: Wisdom for Navigating Life
Lessons I've learned from my curly hair. Where do I begin? Curly hair. Love it or hate it, it’s mine. There’s no escaping it. Since the moment my hair began…
Get Uncomfortable! How Mindfulness Can Help You Be Anti-Racist
Are you ready to get uncomfortable? It’s important to start by saying that I am not an expert on anti-racism, nor am I an expert on mindfulness. I am a…
When Life Is Too Much: The Children Are Our Why
This year, though we're only halfway through, has been too long and too difficult both globally and personally. Too much to process. My head spins and my heart sinks. Words…
Life With Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome: The Modern Day Stress Disorder
Life with adrenal fatigue syndrome means managing stress in a healthy way
The Truth About Having a Mental Illness
The truth about having a mental illness is this: It is hard and it is draining. There are so many things that are going on in your head and so…
How To Choose Podcasts Worth Listening To
How often have you felt overwhelmed by all the mediums vying for your attention? I can remember a time before podcasts and social media. Books, radio and TV have always…
How to Break Up With Your Toxic Self in 5 Brave Steps
Do you often believe that you are not good enough? Do you constantly disappoint and judge yourself? Is blaming yourself for making mistakes and expecting perfection a daily ritual? This…
In a Sleep Coach’s House: We Still Have Tired Nights
I do have to brag that my kiddos have been great sleepers from a very young age! But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have setbacks and tired nights here and…
Growing Through ALL That We’re Going Through
"Don't "GO" through life, "GROW" through life. Realize the journey of life is not about being right or pretending to know it all. It's about learning and growing every step…
Time Of Self Discovery During The Stay At Home Order
Over the last 11 weeks I have had some time of self discovery during the stay at home order. During the recent stay at home order many of us have…
Intuitive Eating: The Fear and Freedom of Giving up Dieting for Good
If my memory is correct, I was put on my first diet around the age of seven. Looking at pictures of myself back then, I see I may have been…
Yelling: How to Get Your Message Across
Early in the lock-down, I realized that I had no area in my house to "take" my yoga class. Work was from home, college was from home, high school was…
Five Mental Health Benefits to Growing Your Garden
Long ago, in a time far far away... My grandfather was an avid gardener. In the acre behind their home he had created a small oasis of vegetables and fruits in…
A Parent’s Unending Love and Support
Having recently spent a week in the hospital with my daughter, I started thinking about a parent's unending love and support. Even now, as a grown woman and parent myself. …
Three Unexpected Ways to Expand Your Life Through Stretching
I started out on my wellness journey in May 2018. As you can imagine, when I first started, there was an overwhelming amount of information given to me on how…
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: We Adjust and Move Forward
The doctor glanced up at me after examining my daughter and gently explained, “We’re going to go ahead and make an appointment for her at the children’s hospital downtown.” Well,…
That Glamping Life: Trading in My Tent for a Different Kind of Adventure
I am a “glamper.” I have officially traded in my tent for the glamping life. There. I said it. My backwoods, backpacking, teenaged self-of-old would shudder to hear those words…
Don’t Give Up On Your Purpose in Life: Endure To The End
Have you ever felt like you just want to completely give up and back away from your purpose in life? You have? Me too. Lately, I have felt like it…
What Perspective Am I to Hold on to?
These last few months have been disorienting. To gather enough focus to put pen to paper and write down my thoughts has been daunting. The struggle to identify up from…
The Power of Remembering: Reflections from Childhood
Remembering back to my childhood, I reflected on arriving at the base of my favorite tree. I was ten years old looking up and squinting into the Texas sunshine. I…
The Best Thing We Can Do for Our Children: Allow Them to be Themselves
“When you parent, it’s critical you realize you aren’t raising a “mini me,” but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. For this reason, it’s important to separate who you…
The Challenge for Moms and the Childless Woman to be in Community
Moms and the childless in community? All of us crave the fulfillment of whatever we assume is missing in our lives. Otherwise, life would be practically perfect. But the challenge for…
I am Racist
It seems like a patterned narrative that plays on a loop: a white celebrity says or does something overtly racially offensive on a TV show/social media platform/news outlet; someone notices…
What my Failed Tampon Experience Taught me About Period Poverty
I stood there waiting for the airport terminal train, breathing slowly in and out, squeezing my legs together so tightly my muscles were shaking. I was trying to hold back…
Creating your Support System by Educating Family on Autism
Now that you have an Autism diagnosis it is important to begin creating your support system by educating your family so that they can better understand and help support you…
Best Friends: Celebrating the Relationships Between Women
My best friend of almost 34 years is a wonderful human being. I don't really know where I'd be without her. Her husband sometimes jokes that we share a brain,…
Leaving Everything Behind and Living With A Void In Our Hearts
“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again…
The Power of a Me-too Friend
We were sitting around her kitchen table. I got back from my psychiatrist and received my diagnosis. I got an answer, but it was an answer I never wanted to…
Separation Anxiety in Children: How You Can Help
Raising kids is a high-stakes responsibility and in this age of social media and easy access to information about anything and everything, parents are easily overwhelmed with feelings of guilt…
Fun Facts and Tips: 15 Things you Didn’t Know About Money and Finance
Money is always such a serious and sometimes taboo topic. We all want more of it and spend a lot of time researching ways to get it. I thought it…
Baking is How I Unwind, Even When It’s Stressful
My favorite unwinding activity is baking, even though that's something that be stressful or can go wrong at any given time.
Envy, the Little Green Monster
I'll be honest with you, until a little while ago I did not grasp the difference between jealousy and envy. I thought they were synonyms for one another. So when…
Bonus Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet NOT Related to Weight Loss
The low-carb lifestyle may not be for everyone, but I encourage you to do some research and see if perhaps reducing your sugar and carbohydrate intake would improve your overall…
Using a Planner for Journaling: 3 Ways to Save Time
Using a planner for journaling is a great way to reduce your journaling time. One of the biggest reasons people do not journal is the lack of time. We are…
Help and Be Helped: What Makes Accepting Help So Hard?
I love helping people. It makes me feel purposeful and fulfilled. Every time I’ve taken an Enneagram test, I’m a 2. “The Helper.” I want to bring meals to you…
Surviving the Adult Teen Years: One Mom’s Two Cents
One mom’s two cents to get you through those last few tumultuous adult teen years. Parenting is hard. Parenting adult teens is hella hardest. And those last few years will…
Leaving the Fitness Industry: What I Learned About my Body and Soul
After more than 15 years of working in the fitness industry, I recently walked away from teaching indoor cycling classes. Leaving the fitness industry was one of the most difficult,…
Don’t Like Your Family? Five Reasons Why You Can Stop Feeling Guilty
There is nothing wrong with you because you cringe at the thought of being around your family (or someone in your family). And, if you are feeling guilty about it,…
Six Ways That Spring Cleaning Will Declutter Your Life
Spring is here! It’s hard to feel it right now amid the Coronavirus shutdowns but it’s here. With the change in seasons comes the warmer weather, flowers blooming and, for…
How Many Times Are You Willing to Get Back Up When You Fall?
We all, at some point in our lives, have fallen down physically or mentally, ranging from childhood to adulthood. We've collected a treasure chest full of scars from a few…
Being Ok With Being Ok: The Unspectacular Article
Writing is a love. A passion. A joy. But it is not always easy. While I immensely enjoy the opportunity to share my heart, to be vulnerable and authentically me,…
How to Spark Transparent Connections through “How are you?”
I have long known that God created me with the gift of transparency. But have since learned to shroud it in discernment. To pause for a beat. Then, cautiously determine…
I Don’t Have to Save the World Today and Neither Do You
So, I have this problem. It’s not, like, a bad problem, necessarily. And it’s not one of those problems where I have brief moments of anxiety, like when I misplace…
Embrace the Season You’re In – Something Valuable is Coming
I curled up under a blanket on the carpeted floor of our master bedroom closet. Pulling the pillow over my head, I squeezed my eyes shut and turned on the…
My love of all things natural: Embracing essential oils and their benefits
My love of all things natural. I was very young when my love of all things natural began. My parents were instrumental in this, although neither them or I knew…
It’s Not Only Okay To Talk About The Hard, It’s Necessary!
"Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage."-Brene Brown Life is filled with so many amazing moments. There is so much to celebrate, so much to be grateful for, so…
Outta’ Your Head: Saying No to the Tyranny of Compulsive Thinking
Stress. Tension. Anxiety. Busyness. We have too much to do! Too many hats to wear! Too many places to be! We believe life would calm down and the problem would…
Cultivating My (un)Grateful Heart
My heart has grown quite disengaged and resentful of late. The world seems so harsh and unkind. Messages of hate and judgment, acts of cruelty and divisive language everywhere make…
We’ve All Said the Wrong Thing Before So Let’s Give a Little Grace
I’m the type of person who thinks about the times I’ve said the wrong thing over and over again. These comments will pop into my head sometimes at completely random…
Growing Through Rejection, Indifference, and Self Preservation
I was fourteen years old as I stepped off the school bus. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I had just experienced deep rejection. Behind me, the voices of former…
Saying That You are Fine When You are Falling Apart
If I had a dollar for every time I said that I was fine when I was falling apart I would be rich. I am like the queen at saying…
How to Identify Credibility When Information is Constant
There is a constant stream of information in our lives today. We have devices that fit in the palm of our hands that have access to all the information in the world. And if we don’t have said device, there is certainly someone in our circle that does and openly shares this information, whether requested or not. How do we weed out the noxious misinformation? Is it possible to define credibility within constant change?
An Intuitive Eating Introduction — And How It Can Change Your Life
There has been a lot of buzz in the media lately about intuitive eating. More people are waking up to the fact that the "wellness culture" so many Instagram influencers…
I’ll Never Sleep Again: Finding the Humor in a Sleepless Phase of Life
Ahh, sleep deprivation. A sleepless state of existence that is near and not-so-dear to my heart. As a matter of fact, I don’t know that I’ve met many individuals who…
The Secret to Writing Words that have Power, Meaning, and Purpose
One year ago I said I would never write a blog. Two months later, here I am, still writing blogs. Oh no...Not another blog! You may want to grab a glass of…
Asking for Help: The Hard. The Beauty. The Freedom.
I. Need. Help. Three words that bring rise to a myriad of feelings, emotions and physical reactions. To ask for help is to be vulnerable. It’s scary. It’s risky. And…
Healthy Ways to Boost Your Mind and Body Out of the Mid-Season Funk!
Ever feel like you need a little mid-season boost after the holidays? During the final quarter of the year, we are celebrating with lights and laughter, spending time with loved…
The Magnificent Mundane: Finding Belonging From Your Line of Survivors
All the little moments that get lost when you are busy running the race to achievement. It's within these moments where belonging waits to be found.
From 30 to 40, a Decade of Transformation
For me, the time between 30 and 40 was truly a decade of transformation. Sometimes it can feel like we haven't accomplished much. Usually, though, when we take time to…
A Lesson I Learned From My Mom: Be Yourself
My mom says lots of things. Let me clarify. My mom has a big mouth. Okay, wait, that’s not what I’m going for either. My mom tells me when she’s…
The Wave of Suffocation: Longing for More
The wave of suffocation had finally reached shore and was pulling me under. You see, I used to be the girl who longed for more. More books, more serving dishes,…
Crapper Canvases: Lessons Learned From Bathroom Art
This reflection of the impact my mother’s bathroom decor had on my life lessons got me reminiscing on other lessons I’ve taken from crapper canvases.
Making Friends (Again) as an Adult.
No matter the stage or age we’re in, having great friends is a coveted circumstance. Finding a squad of authentic friends who appreciate you in spite of your quirks (hopefully…
Fighting your Inner Mean Girl with Positive Self-Love
Up until fifth grade I felt I had led a positive, normal Midwest life. Although not together, my parents loved me. I had lots of books to keep me happy…
Keep your Marriage Thriving: Tips for Special Needs Parents
Let’s talk about how to keep your marriage thriving, and some tips for special needs parents. Let's face it, having a good marriage does not come easily. Add to that…
Your Legacy is Still Yours to Create- How Will You Build It?
My maternal grandmother lived in a small town in Iowa. She wore curlers in her hair at night and didn’t leave the house without lipstick. Just thinking about her lasagna…
Curb the distractions: Journey Together with 2 Techniques
Do 24 hours a day seem not enough to handle it all? You aren't alone. Balancing family and business while maintaining a sense of self is challenging. Add in social…
My Husband Annoys Me Beyond Belief: Five Reasons Why I Stay Married
I’ve been in a relationship with my husband for almost twenty-five years. We bonded over deep belly laughter and amazing sex. That grew into sharing our perspective and finding out…
Let Yourself Go: Breaking Free From Harmful Self Control
How many of you cringed just reading the words "Let yourself go"? From a very early age we are exposed to external forms of control. Parents tell us when to…
Just One Child? Why People’s Family Sizes Are None of Your Business
In a New Year’s quest to declutter, my husband and I decided to sell our piano that had been sitting in our house collecting dust for more than a decade.…
My 2020 Personal Reading Challenge: Six Great Books in Six Months
In a world of audiobooks, podcasts, online videos and information overload – it’s easy to get out of the habit of good old-fashioned reading. Reading real books not only exercises…
The Power in a Personal Development Conference
I recently attended a personal development conference called Rise, created by Rachel Hollis (more info here). This excited me so much that I bought the tickets the day they released.…
Parenting a Tween Daughter: What She Needs Most
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The Power of Yet: Making Space for a Growth Mindset
I don't know how many times my yoga teacher told me that I just "had" to read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Many. Because I procrastinated for months…
Telling Your Story Can Be a Survival Guide for Special Needs Parents
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Mommy Guilt: If You Are Giving it to Yourself, Stop it
Before I was a mom, I knew that mommy guilt was a thing. I knew to be careful if I experienced this. One thing I didn’t expect was to give…
You Reap What You Sow: How This Phrase Affected My Mindset
There is an old proverb that mentions the idea of you reap what you sow. If you've ever heard this growing up, how did you decern it? When I heard,…
Empowered Women Should Not Equal Disempowered Men
I would say that I got onto my own path of empowerment in my early 20's. I was a single mom with my daughter for 8 years, went to college…
Behold: A Powerful Practice to Embrace
I stepped out of the car and happened to glance down at the ground before landing on my feet. An odd-shaped rock caught my eye. I immediately beheld how the stone…
The Importance of Having People Like Us and Un-like Us!
I'm a big believer in finding our circle, and squad. Individuals who have similar ideas, beliefs, and values is important because they will encourage, support, and cheer us on. It's…
My Husband is Not the Romantic Valentine’s Type, He’s His Own Novel.
Happy Valentine's season my fellow comrades. I know this can be a sensitive time for many of us and it can also be a time for envy and anger. Well…
Celebrating the Lives and Legacy of Childless Women
The Lives of Childless Women I often struggle in celebrating the lives of growing families around me. Counting myself among childless women I feel like an anomaly. Although maybe more…
Creating Positive Affirmations — Change Your Mindset and Your Reality
How affirmations can be a calming force for people with anxiety or stress.
Losing My Voice, Gaining Perspective: Two Lessons I Learned from Staying Quiet
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.Ram Dass Losing My Voice; Literally Last week, I lost my voice. And I mean that in the literal sense. I went…
Love and Kindness Go Together: A Relationship Reminder
Love and kindness go together. They really do. In my 20 years as a counselor, I've been astounded at how many people say and do the most unkind things in…
Opinions: Everyone Has One But You Never Know Who is Sitting Next to You
Opinions are like... and everyone has one. We’ve all heard the saying, but I find myself baffled that while we wouldn’t dare to share our nether regions, why do we…
When Grief Moves In and Unpacks Her Bags: How Grief Changed Me
When grief officially moves in and unpacks her bags, she becomes a part of every breath and every moment whether we like it our not. When she came to visit…
Phobias for Fuel: Recognizing the Other Side of Fear
It's hard to know what not to fear because the other side of fear isn’t commonly acknowledged. However, it can be advantageous to do so. When I left the country…
Just Begin Again: The Power of Your Personal Reset Button
We've been sold the lie of perfection. Perfection lies out there, somewhere, with someone else. However, life has never been about being perfect. It's always been about being and becoming. And one of the greatest tools we have on our journey of being and becoming is our personal reset button.
Your Kids Are Going To Leave: Stop Expecting Them To Fill Your Needs
Our children are miracles. They make us proud, frustrate and challenge us and they teach us a lot about ourselves. However, they are not ours to keep. We don't own…
Finding Yourself in the New Year: Awakening Your Creativity in 2020
It seems that everyone sets some type of goal or selects a word for the new year. Today I wanted to share some ways to find yourself in the new…
Sleep Deprivation: Affecting Your Daily Function, Relationship and Sex Life
What is it about you having a lousy night’s sleep that makes everyone else seem so awful? Sleep deprivation is no joke when it comes to having children and the…
Learn.Change.Grow; Evolving to Become The Next Version of YOU!
We all make goals this time of year, and we should – learning and growing should be something we aspire to always do. Realizing where we are right now, and…
Finding Comfort in JOMO – The Joy of Missing Out
I have lived half my life with the fear of missing out or “FOMO” – even when this now-popular acronym didn’t exist to describe my state of being. I have…
New Year? New You? What About a New Clean Space?
Happy New Year to you all. Tis' the season for resolutions and promises for the upcoming year. I hear a lot about working on ourselves, inspirational mindsets and much more.…
Ditching Diets and Embracing Self-Acceptance Instead: The Healthiest I’ve Ever Been!
This year I’m turning 40 and I have one intention for the year: to be the healthiest I have ever been. I would venture to guess that when most people…
Exchanging Our Agendas for a Posture of Curiosity this New Year
It’s the New Year and we all know what that means….New Years Resolutions. While I think the idea behind the practice of making goals for the New Year is good,…
Seven Lessons I’ve Learned from Unplugging for Seven Days
I recently took a trip to Jamaica for a week. It was heaven. The weather was warm and the water was turquoise. It was everything my husband and I needed. Before…
Holiday Money Blues: 4 Tips to Get your Finances Back on Track
Now that the holidays are over, and the first credit card statement shows up, gulp! Did you spend more than you planned? It happens to us all! I think especially…
Navigating Friendships Through All Stages of Life: 4 Things I’ve Learned
Friendships are hard. Period. Navigating friendships through all stage of life is hard, especially as life changes. When friendships are good you feel great, but when they come to an…
Honor the Cycles of the Moon to Reconnect to Your Natural Rhythms
I often look up at the night sky and feel my home is up there somewhere. I can feel my soul pulling toward the stars and moon, aching to return…
Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect: Embracing the Imperfect
There’s nothing quite like one’s first-ever blog post to serve up a big helping of vulnerability, is there? But really, the craving to be more vulnerable is largely what nudged…
There is Nothing Wrong With Having Postpartum Depression: It is Okay
The reality is, Postpartum Depression is a very real thing. According to the CDC, 1 in 9 women experience symptoms of Postpartum Depression. And there is nothing wrong with having…
Word of the Year: Find Empowerment Through Words in 2020
Someone very close to me once told me that she had a 'Word of the Year' that she reminded herself of frequently throughout 2019. She wanted this word to be…
Hope Deferred Makes The Heart Sick: How to Handle Disappointment
Shattered Dreams Six months ago, our lives became shattered and fractured in one fatal swoop. All of our dreams and our sense of security vanished, leaving nothing but a nasty…
Put Me In, Coach: Why I Quit Therapy to Hire a Coach
I walked into my very first appointment with a therapist around the age of 12. I don’t remember if there was a particular instance that led my parents to make…
My first Zumba class!
I Hate Going to the Gym: 5 Tips For Making Working Out Fun
Finding Joy in Going to the Gym I have loathed going to the gym my entire adult life. I do not get that “high” that many people feel during and…
Cultivating Patience to Gain Self-Control: 5 Lessons From Avocado Seeds
When we try to cultivate patience to gain self-control it can be a difficult task. To cultivate means to prepare or nurture something, more so in a way of practicing.…
Vision Boards – Express Your Desires and Visualize Your Future
There is a lot of buzz around the idea of vision boards. You've been probably seeing vision board workshops popping up all over your social media accounts. Is this something…
This New Year: Resolve to Finally be Your Authentic Self in 6 Steps
“To be authentic, we must cultivate the courage to be imperfect — and vulnerable. We have to believe that we are fundamentally worthy of love and acceptance, just as we…
Looking Back: A Heart-Centered New Year’s Eve Ritual
Rituals are an integral part of the holiday season. They are shaped by ancestry, faith, and culture, varying from person to person, family to family. A tree with ornaments collected…
Let’s Gift the Gift of Being Present: 4 Tips to Enjoy the Holiday Season
Creating a list, checking it twice, sticking to a budget, making sure the kids are happy and loved. It's easy to get so wrapped up in the shopping and the…
The Holidays are Hard For Me: Navigating a Tough Season
The holidays are hard. Driving into work the other day I could barely keep the tears back. I hurt. Life hurts right now. The holidays are a hard season for…
The Universe Gives Us Signs: Listen and Take Action!
"The universe is always speaking to us...sending us little messages, causing coincidences and serendipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else."-Unknown Have you ever received…
Holiday Blues: Coming Face to Face with Loneliness and Discovering Joy
It was a crisp autumn day, down under in the southern hemisphere of New Zealand. Wandering around the city of Auckland, I found myself people-watching while simultaneously soaking up my…
Holiday Memories: 3 Ways to Capture Them in Your Journal
This time of year I enjoy reflecting on my holiday memories, of a time when we all gathered around the tree to open presents or sat around the table for…
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas; with the Giving of Tzedakah!
This Christmas season, I encourage you to celebrate the spirit of giving by embracing the Jewish tradition of Tzedakah! More Faith, More Fun! Our family gets the honor of having…
Looking Back to Get Ahead: Gratitude and Presence, not Perfection
Does the quest for perfection in the world and in your own heart constantly nag at you? Looking back to get ahead can become a key factor in living well…
How to Be Alone for the Holidays — A Survival Guide
Being alone for the holidays is hard, so here are 7 tips to make it a little easier.
Finding Those Raw, Real, Authentic Connections
Raw, real, and authentic can be hard to find Moving. We’ve all done it. Maybe it was for that dream job or maybe it was to be closer to family.…
Pushing Pause: The Power and Gift of Our Presence
I’m unsure where this year went. It feels like just yesterday, my kids and I were filled with much anticipation and excitement for the return of our husband and daddy…
Preparing For the Holidays: Tips For Families With Children on the Spectrum
It is the most magical time of the year and notably the most stressful for many. If you are raising an autistic child then you have some added stress that…
Christmas, Don’t Break My Bank Account! Ways to Save This Season.
Tis’ the season for Christmas: Christmas time can be a magical time. It can also be one of the most stressful months of the entire year. It has this true…
Sleep Training: A Gift To Our Family
When our daughter was little we started doing all the things to get her to sleep and it wasn't working. That is when we decided to teach our daughter independent sleep skills.
Step Up Your Winter Self Care with Ayurveda: What You Need to Know
Learn how to be well this winter with these five self-care tips from yoga's sister science, Ayurveda. Also includes basic Ayurceda and dosha types.
This Isn’t A Hallmark Movie! 6 Ways to be Present, Not Perfect, During the Holidays
If you know me, you know I really love a good, sappy Hallmark movie, especially a Christmas one. During the holiday season there's little I enjoy more than snuggling up…
The Heaviness of Our Own Expectations Can Weigh Us Down
The heaviness of our own expectations can weigh us down and cause a rigidity that if our life turns out different than we planned, it can feel like failure.
Going for the Win-Win: Decision Making in Relationships
We value strong, healthy relationships, but nothing can damage them more than poor decision making skills. Whether it is a spouse, sibling, long-time friend, or business partner, we want to stay close and feel connected. Going for the win-win is the solution to this problem.
A Christmas Love Story: How A Dog Became My Greatest Gift Ever
All good love stories start the same way...a brain injury and cold noses. Get some hot cocoa and a snugly blanket and let me tell you all about the Christmas…
Epic Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Route and Tips Along the Colorado to Washington Loop
Route and tips from our Pacific Northwest road trip. From Greeley, Colorado to Friday Harbor Washington. See all the sights and highlights along the way!
Embracing The Woman I’m Becoming: An Ongoing Journey
"Life is a lively process of becoming"-Douglas MacArthur Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a kid? Perhaps a teacher, a doctor, a ballerina or all…
To Give or Not to Give: Showing My Kids the Real Meaning of Christmas
I wrestle with the best way to make Christmas magical while not going overboard. Every year I struggle: To give or not to give.
Having the Courage to be Disliked: Why it’s so Important
"It's better to risk being disliked for living your truth than to be loved for what you are pretending to be." -Dawn Gluskin Let’s face it, no matter how hard…
I Got You, Babe: Creating Authentic Female Friendships
Every December for the last five years or so, when my husband and I sat down to list our goals and intentions for the next year, I’ve included “make new…
Pumpkin Pie Modified; An Ode to my Uncle John and His Delicious Recipe
Pumpkin Pie recipes are right on time this month. However, let me be honest, this wasn’t the article I had planned to write for this month of Thanks. I had…
Why You Should Be Throwing a Friendsgiving and How to Do It
It’s November so Start Planning: In the last few years we have had a Friendsgiving at our house with 6 of our closest friends and it’s something that I look…
It’s Not Too Late! 3 Steps to Take Charge and Make Change Before the End of the Year
There are only a few more weeks left in this year—in this decade, in fact! Have you had a chance to stop and think about that yet? At this point…
How to Talk to Veterans: Beyond the Thank You
This Veteran’s Day season I challenge the status quo and invite you to STOP thanking us for our service. Instead ask us ABOUT our service, especially our Vietnam, Korean, and pre-9/11 service members.
Soup’s On: Delicious and Easy Butternut Squash Recipe
As the wind whips around, red, orange, and yellow leaves swirl around into a frenzy. Large snow clouds roll in across the horizon, threatening to release white, fluffy flakes by…
Wake Up Girl: Your Body Size Doesn’t Define your Worth
"Dear Body, You were never a problem. There is nothing wrong with your size, your curves, your scars, your flaws, your stretch marks or you. It's not your job to…
Caution Work Ahead: It’s OK to be a work in progress!
My life is in a current state of unrest. I'm a wife, mom of three kids (two are 5 and under), an employee, and an entrepreneur. In my quiet time,…
Finding the Light in the Midst of Darkness: A Walk In Central Park
Last month, my 40th birthday wish came true. I got to tour New York City and see a Broadway show. It was a spectacular and eye opening adventure. Walking through…
Hate: 5 Reasons We Let Negativity Take Over Our Emotions
Hate has always been a hard topic to discuss. It is usually seen as negative and can be deemed as an unacceptable emotion, making us feel like a bad person…
5 Natural Ways to Manage PTSD- Simple Habits for Daily Life
How to manage PTSD in a healthy and constructive way can feel impossible. There are so many unknown things happening inside our brains that it seems daunting to try and DO anything about it. I hear you. I understand.
When Seasons Change- Deciding to Take a Break From Social Media
I was fairly young when I had my son, and none of my girlfriends were in this season of their lives. So they always seemed well put together, on time,…
What Dancing with My Husband Taught Me
I used to be the girl who was afraid of dancing. I was afraid to be in front of other people and worried about what they might think. Picture this:…
I’ve Been That Girl! Forgiving Myself For Not Knowing Better
"Forgive yourself for not knowing better at the time. Forgive yourself for giving away your power. Forgive yourself for past behaviors. Forgive yourself for the survival patterns and traits you…
The Power of Our Words in Life and How They Shape the Future
The power of words in our life is something that is so underrated that we trip and fall over it! We don’t recognize this power and neither do we teach it…
Embracing Gen Z: Learning to Relate Across the Generations
Allow me to be brutally honest. I struggle understanding adolescents and the young culture of today. It is more than not understanding their eye rolls or deep sighs upon, yet again,…
Learning to Be Kind to Myself: What Does that Look Like?
I’m unsure where to start. What to write. What to say. I guess that is common when you hear news that causes your breath to be caught. While sitting in…
Middle Aging: What the Hell is Happening to Me?
The more wisdom and knowledge I gain by growing older, the more my physical body starts to get quirky. Just when I feel like I'm starting to really know and…
Mind Your Gurus: How to Manage All Those Voices We Follow
Jim Rohn, a renowned businessman, once said, "You're the average of the five people you spend most of your time with." In short he's saying we emulate who we surround…
5 Tips to Succeed While Serving on a Nonprofit Board
It can be hard getting started and making a significant contribution as part of a non-profit board. Once you are selected, finding where to apply your unique gifts and hitting…
Time is a Blessing; Don’t Waste it, Allow it to Elevate You!
Time is precious. We've all heard that old proverb thousands of times, but we still take it for granted. We aren't usually mindful everyday of how blessed we are to…
Three Core Life Values: Inspiration for the Game of Life and Football Fans
Fall is in the air, which means it is football season! Whether or not you love the game of football like I do, there are some really great life lessons…
Three Ways to Deal with Rejection and Live a Healthy Life
No matter what form it comes in, rejection carries side effects that can throw us off track. Rejection can take away precious moments with loved ones, distract us from doing…
A Smoothie Love Affair: How Green Smoothies Changed my Life!
My Smoothie Love Affair I've been a lover of a good, wholesome smoothie for as long as I can remember. Well almost! It was 1998 when this love affair began,…
It’s Never Too Late; You Are On Your Own Timeline
"The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something."Antoine de Saint-Exupery I just recently celebrated my birthday, my 31st birthday to be exact. Birthdays are a…
Writing note showing Reality Check Ahead. Business photo showcasing Unveil truth knowing actuality avoid being sceptical written Sticky Note paper Wooden background Coffee Cup and Marker
Validation in the 21st Century: The Impact of Social Media and Communication
Validation? Validation is a hot topic in the 21st century. I don’t know about you, but I see it almost every single day. That is the entire reason for social…
Doubt: The Painful Reality About The Path To Healing.
“When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt.” -Honore de Balzac Ever since I was little I have trusted myself. If I dreamed it, I could do…
Starting a Podcast is Easier than You May Think: 5 Tips for Getting Started
If you’re an entrepreneur that wants to get the word out about your message, product, or service, you may be thinking about starting a podcast. What’s holding you back? I…
The Siren Song Of A Broken Heart: The Aftershock of Trauma
July is hard, August brings healing. Trauma is a strange thing. Every year I think I’m over it, I think I’ve processed enough. Then September comes, and my mind is…
A Letter to the Mama Who Didn’t Cry at School Drop Off
Dear Mama, I see you. Talking with your mama friends about your kiddos starting school this year. Them telling you how much they cried and didn’t know what to do…
How to Create Your Own DIY Handmade Art Journal
Disclaimer: I would not call myself an artist. But I do love my handmade art journal. Like many, I possess a creative bent. This means I love finding outlets for…
Exposing the Myths About Life Insurance and Why Women Are Under-Insured
September is LIFE INSURANCE awareness month. You may have seen some of the #LIAM2019 posts on social media or on a poster at the store. It's a whole month dedicated…
Redefining Rest: Practicing Pause, Presence, and Peace
A few years ago, I was introduced to a new idea to begin the New Year. Rather than making a resolution, I would take a moment to sit with God…
How am I already 40? Embracing the Other Side of the Hill
Today I turned 40 years old. I am now what is considered "mid-life," "middle aged," and "over the hill." All joking aside, It stops me in my tracks to think…
Music is Healing: Hope, Love, and Community Can Be Found Here
As the end of summer nears and fall begins, it is my favorite time of year for concerts. I love music all year long, but there is something special about…
Be the Dog: Lessons I Learned from my Greyhound
Cat people vs. dog people I am not...strike that. I WAS not a dog person. It's been said that there are two kinds of people in this world...dog people and…
Confessions of a Yoga Teacher: The Honest Truth
Yoga teachers have it all together, right? Not me. Just because I teach yoga does not mean I have it all figured out. Far from it! I have been teaching…
Stop the Meal Plan Mayhem! 3 Ways to Make Meal Planning Do-able Even With a Busy Schedule
Raise your hand if you have a busy schedule and you find it challenging to get healthy meals on the table every night—especially ones your kids will actually eat! My…
The First Time Kindergarten Mama: A New Season in Motherhood
My daughter started Kindergarten this year and it really caught this Kindergarten Mama off guard. Not the typical feeling of how much I will miss her or how hard it…
What Happened to the Fairy Tale? Embracing the Reality of Marriage
This year my husband and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary. That's 9 years of some hard work, let me tell ya. I'm not here to tell you about…
Happy Gut, Happy Life: My Journey to Good Gut-Health
Gut Health? Gut-health. Is it just another ‘buzz-word’ or ‘fad’ that's recently hit the world stage? I put my ‘curious hat’ on when I first heard about it. I’ve always…
Family care and protection insurance concept
Life Insurance: A Necessary Conversation
Shh, Let's Not Talk About "That. . ." Life Insurance. Nobody likes to talk about life insurance. It reminds us of our mortality and that we won’t always be around…
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…
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…