Through journaling, I asked myself difficult questions: What do I want my life to look like? What’s getting in the way? What beliefs am I holding that no longer serve me? The answers didn’t come overnight, but over time, the pages became a safe space for me to process my divorce, acknowledge my exhaustion, and envision a life that felt aligned and fulfilling.

Growth isn't just about cramming in more knowledge, more responsibilities, or more perfection. Sometimes, real growth means cutting back, slowing down, and letting go of that which is no longer working. The Empty Cup Theory is a powerful reminder of this.

I started to play with my days.  I tried new classes.  I changed my routines.  I slowly felt the spark come back.

Even when you are aware of the importance of self care, it can become more things to do on our to do lists if we are not present while we are practicing.

So if you’re feeling like you're just getting through the day instead of loving your days, this flatness could be a nudge in a new direction.

You deserve more than just pushing through. You deserve joy, growth, expansion, excitement…

But what if sometimes, you're carrying something so heavy that you just don't know what to do or you're frozen because you think you should make a decision, but it's a decision that you might not want to make? 

When I find myself in these situations, I ask the universe for a sign.

(If the Universe does not work for you, insert God or the deity/energy force that speaks to you).

What if life could be easy?  What if, instead of ruminating over decisions, communications and what’s next, you could move forward with ease?  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, blocked, uncertain about work, a relationship or what’s next, or like you're carrying something heavy that you just don’t know how to handle, play along with me right now. Let’s simplify everything.

The Universe is always responding to your energy, so access a little bit of presence and a little bit of calm in this moment and just see how quickly you return to that presence of love and connection. It's available to us at all times, we just have to choose it.

When we let go of trying to control everything… when we release even a little of the tension we’re holding… something powerful shifts. Inside that stillness, even if it’s just for a moment, there's a quiet presence—a sense of spaciousness, a whisper of peace.  An inner knowing of what’s next.  That is what happened to me.   

By loving our life and being intentional about what we pour our energy in to, and what we focus on, we can intentionally create fulfillment and joy despite the conditioning of the external world.

While motivation may ignite your path, it is discipline that sustains it. There will be days when motivation wanes, but push through anyway. Keep your commitments to yourself. Your goals are the bridge connecting the life you currently live to the life you aspire to achieve. Know what you want to do and commit to doing it, even when you don’t want to.  I am practicing this right now.

Discipline is the key that unlocks transformation. It requires commitment to your goals, even when motivation wanes. Doing what you ought to do gets you to where you want to be.  Make and honor commitments to yourself.  Even when you are tired.  Even when you're busy.  Even when you don’t want to.  And with that said, embrace the idea that it’s okay to pivot when necessary. 

Again, I didn’t necessarily set out for any of this, but as I took the next inspired action, my life fell into place in a way that was better than I could have imagined, without forcing it or trying to control the outcome!  Ask yourself, what brings you joy and purpose? What is one tiny step you can take in that direction?  Real success aligns with your values and passions, not society's expectations, though you may find that you end up meeting some of them, too, but on your own terms.

And then, a whoosh from within, came a different thought: What if joy isn’t something I have to chase? What if it’s something I get to choose?  So, I did something radical that day. I stopped obsessing over outcomes, stopped attaching my happiness to the next success or the next fleeting pleasure. I stopped at my favorite trail on the way home and went for a walk.  And there it was!  I soon felt the sun on my face, my heart rate accelerate, and joy like it was going to burst through my chest.  It had been a long time since I felt that feeling.

Spring marks a powerful opportunity for your own growth and renewal. In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to prioritize yourself and your self care. You can only uplift others when you first nurture your own well-being. What are you doing to commit time to your personal needs and desires?

I am grateful to have this chance to redefine myself, pursue joy, get into some of the best shape of my life, deepen my connection to others and increase my joy, I encourage you to look at your Then and Now.  What has changed for you?  Where were you, who were you, what were you like?  What have you let go of?  What have you picked up that is in your highest good?

Growth and change go hand in hand, yet many think they are the same thing.  They are different and they happen at different rates.  Reflecting on my journey, I have undergone a pivotal transformation. How can I tell? Practicing the Then and Now method allows you to see the incremental steps and the huge shifts. Here’s how…

Relationships can enhance our lives if we allow them to. They act as mirrors, reflecting our behaviors and patterns back to us. Today, I want to delve into different kinds of relationships where our choices may feel limited, while emphasizing that we always have control over how we respond to others and various circumstances.

As we enter 2025, take time to reflect. Use the following prompts to gain clarity, celebrate your achievements, and set meaningful intentions for the upcoming year.

It’s important to recognize that in a nurturing relationship, your feelings should never be up for debate. If something causes you discomfort, that feeling is significant. Your partner's responsibility is … to listen, empathize, and strive to improve in the future.

Being clear about your desires and how you wish to feel will help you navigate obstacles without losing focus or spiraling. Any energy that you put into an intentionally aligned year will help you feel super aligned and help you to co-create the life you want.

It is at times like these that it is important to double down on self care. During such hectic times, I often seek accessible ways to cultivate peace and relief amidst the chaos. I wanted to share three simple self-care practices to help you navigate this season…