Ego, Ego, Ego! Why Do We Try so Hard?
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…
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.”…
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…
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”…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
"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’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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
Whether you're a new business owner or you've been invested in your business for some time, we're going to review a few key items to ensure your business is set…
A big struggle moms come to me with, as a mom mentor, is how to stop yelling at their kids. My answers and help always surprise them. It sounds like…
Awakened by tweeting and the singing of birds outside my window, my heart did a flip and my spirit soared. What a welcomed sound! It was the reminder I needed…
Let me start by saying I LOVE my children! Becoming a mom was not an easy journey for me and there were times I thought it might never happen. I love…
What is your duty as a child to your capable parents? Is it your job to make them happy? What happens when you have guilt for wanting to lead your…
Dear Graduating Senior, I write to you as one who is now a 30-year post-high-school graduate. One thing I can say is: hold on---oh, what adventure and joy lay ahead…
Recently, I was chatting with a friend of mine. School had been cancelled for consecutive days in a row, thanks to massive amounts of snow dumped on our side of…
Masturbation. Even the word itself conjures up discomfort for many women. The guilt, fear and anxiety that surround masturbation in our society is astounding. Of course this makes sense. Growing…
I write a lot about how the beauty of giving is a gift itself, literally and figuratively. What about boundaries or cut-off points to your extended hand? If you do,…
Okay, I know what you're thinking. How can expectations get in your way of happiness? You have to have expectations to achieve more. How do your children achieve the high…
The most kind man drifted into my life during my mid 30's. He was like no other. Tall, muscular, kind eyes, quiet and clean cut. He was a man of…
I'll start by saying this quarantine thing hasn't been easy...at all. I have enjoyed some aspects of it and I've downright despised other parts. But I try to look on…
I’m cuddled up under one of my grandma’s blankets. A Mendoza painting of hers is now hanging in my entryway, a statement piece I’d overlooked countless times when it hung…
Facing my emotions has never been easy for me, but the fear of change I would have to say is one of the worst. I don't like to sit with…
Hello there and greetings to all who read this article. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. That is indeed my hope for you. This article was going…
Change is inevitable and the only thing that is constant throughout our lives. The world is always shifting and changing, even when we are not aware. I have a complicated…
I used to say it all the time. "I am a recovering perfectionist." What I really meant was more along the lines of, "Yeah, yeah, I know it's a bad…
March 18 was selected as Trisomy 18 Awareness Day because it is the 18th day of the third month. I'm sure this is a day you've never heard of. Just…
As I listen to my internal and external dialogue, it strikes me that I hear a lot of complaining. Coming from me. I'm the one doing all the complaining. So…
"People will forget what you said people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelo Women In History Who Did Big…
Where have all my adult friendships gone? This is what I think when I'm cruising "social media" and I see pictures of the girl's weekends I was never invited to,…
What is a plant-based diet? A plant-based diet is meals planned specifically around foods that consist of plants and no animal products. Also, a plant-based diet is not the same…
For women with a known chance of a high-risk pregnancy, finding out you’re expecting can be a terrifying experience. I am one of those women. It's difficult to share such…
Filled with a sense of indifference, I sat and watched as the young sapling's leaves rustled in the light breeze. Its small trunk swayed gently as the wind swirled around it.…
I have been a divorced single mom now for 18 years. My three daughters are adults now. My former husband and father to my children lives out of state. Basically,…
Warning: traumatic birth story detailed below. Please read on with caution as the material or descriptions may be triggering. Every January, as his birthday draws near, I have a tightness…
I was 26 years old when I birthed my daughter, the final child we were to have...the icing on our cake. She was, like her older brothers, a joy to…
How do you know when it’s time to move on? Or to say no to something that you’ve previously said yes to? Are you a “Yes” Person? If you find…
Overwhelm is not a feeling most of us welcome. Our typical response to ever-growing responsibilities and demands is to do more and work harder, rather than take a step back…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?…
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…
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…
Life with adrenal fatigue syndrome means managing stress in a healthy way
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
I slowed my stroll down the sidewalk and paused to lean against the side of the building. Casually I observed the bypassers and wondered at the look on their faces.…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 Beauty of History The value of our History is such a beautiful thing! Because there’s so much you can learn from it. And by reading the writings left behind we…
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.
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…
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.…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
"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…
"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…
Dear Friend, I have something to tell you that maybe you didn’t know!I I see you with your head down and tears flowing. I see the discouragement in your eyes.…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
"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…
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…
“Everything is falling together perfectly, even though it looks as if some things are falling apart. Trust in the process you are now experiencing.” — Neale Donald Walsch Sometimes life can feel exhausting,…
Teenagers! For me, it's an experience beyond anything I could have ever imagined summed up into one word. I have a rebellious teenager that likes to push boundaries. If something…
My dad was in the military and left early every day for work. When I woke up I would go to the kitchen and find something to eat. Then I…
In today’s market, women understand the importance of work-life balance and taking a more holistic approach to address challenges. It’s no surprise they are starting to emerge as leading influencers in the financial services industry using the same mindset and parameters!
Nearly two years ago, I took the biggest trip of a lifetime. I flew to Bolivia in search for my brother who was left abandoned and homeless in the streets…