top of page
Tune in to the podcast on Spotify!
Breathwork
"As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breath out, cherish all beings."
- Dalai Lama
Breathwork offers powerful benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By consciously controlling the breath, it helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and bring the body into a state of balance. Deep, intentional breathing increases oxygen flow, supports healthy circulation, and enhances energy levels, while also helping to release tension and anxiety stored in the body. Practicing breath work regularly can improve focus, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, allowing individuals to feel more grounded and centered. It's a simple, yet profound, tool that connects the body and mind, fostering relaxation, clarity, and overall vitality.
Recommended Reading
Micro Activism - How You Can Make a Difference in the World (Without a Bullhorn)
by, Omkari L. Williams
This book celebrates the power of small actions that cumulatively add up to a large contribution. It reminds us that everyone can be an activist, even if they feel they don't have much to offer.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Top 6 Favorite Books About Money
Money Money Money!! I’ve heard it said that money makes the world go 'round. I’m not entirely sure about that, but it definitely does make our minds run around in circles sometimes doesn’t it? We’d all love to have more of it, but the pursuit of money can be draining, and even damaging to our relationships and health. No amount of money can buy happiness, but it can buy comfort and experiences, and the lack of money can definitely cause stress.
My Top 7 Favorite Books For Young Children
When my children were younger, I spent a lot of time reading them stories. We made frequent trips to the library or bookstore, to carefully select what we would be reading that week. There are hundreds of wonderful titles to choose from, and we enjoyed almost all that we shared together, but a few stood the test of time. They became the tales that were told over and over, until the pages were worn and we knew all the words by heart.
Review: "You Are Not a Rock" by, Mark Freeman
Rocks do not have feelings. But, humans definitely do, and that’s ok. That’s the basic premise for this intriguing book about mental health. Mark Freeman is not a licensed therapist. It's important to understand that when evaluating the advice he proposes. He’s more of a mental fitness coach, giving practical tips on how to navigate a healthy path based on his personal experience. He candidly shares the negative effects that OCD and anxiety had on his own daily life and relat
Review: "The Little Paris Bookshop" by, Nina George
This book is passion and pain. Whimsy and wrath. Love and loss. The hunger that makes us feel alive, and the walls we construct to hide behind. It’s been a long time since a novel drew me in at this level. All in, where my raw emotions live. This is one of those rare stories that leaves you deeply changed as you turn the final page.
Review: "Songs of the Humpback Whale" by, Jodi Picoult
Have you ever really listened to the song of a whale? The slow, haunting melody that seems to carry with it the wisdom of the ages. What lessons would they teach us if we could comprehend the meaning of their tones? What truths could we uncover if we paid greater attention to understanding the voices of loved ones around us speaking our very own language?
Review: "Millionaire Success Habits" By Dean Graziosi
The truest thing I gathered from the book was the reminder that happiness is the ultimate creator of success, rather than the other way around. I loved that in a book about increasing wealth he took the time to speak at length about focusing on creating happiness first and foremost.
Review: "To Hell With the Hustle" by, Jefferson Bethke
It seems like everyone (including yours truly) has a side hustle (or two?) these days, doesn’t it? Multitasking has become the way of the world in an ever increasingly frantic charge to get ahead. Competition is fierce out there, and enough just never seems to equal enough. Is this fast paced, driven lifestyle sustainable? Or even desirable? Jefferson Bethke says no.
Review: "Sweetwater" by, Christina Baker Kline
Skeletons in the family closet seem to rattle around louder and louder over the years, until they are finally brought to light. Healing rarely, if ever, comes from hiding secrets away.
This seems to be the overarching theme of Sweet Water - a Novel by Christina Baker Kline.
Review: "What Struggle Brings" by, Kevin Faulkner
This book is special to me personally, because it was written by someone I love dearly - my son Kevin. I walked much of this journey with him. From the painful life experiences that led to "The Dark" section, all the way through to the joy of "The Light." I've seen him grow as an artist and as a man along the way, and it's been so exciting to see this book come to fruition.
Spread Too Thin
When I was a young mom I took a series of cake decorating classes. I wanted to know how to make cute, unique cakes for my kids' birthdays. It was fun learning to make my own icing and create roses and fancy designs. I spent hours working on what, in many ways, were art pieces. My favorite that I ever made was an aquarium cake. Imagine seaweed made from green fruit leather. You get the idea. It was a lot of work, but I loved the process.
The Simplicity of Doing Nothing
There is a toll taken on our minds and bodies when they are continually active, and not given the chance to rest. Physical exhaustion and mental fatigue ensue, and even anxiety and depression can result in extreme cases. I knew I was far too busy and needed to slow down, but I didn't realize the full extent of how severe it was until I actually tried to do it.
Arrington Vineyards - TN
Bring a blanket and a picnic, or purchase food and wine onsite. There is no charge to listen to the bands and wander the grounds. Parking is also free. Most weekends there are gourmet food trucks, wine tastings and picnic tables available. Date night, family fun, hanging out with friends or parties. It's all around casual good time. Gorgeous views from the lawn area, and they'll even let you stroll through the vineyard itself.
Free Up Space
10 time wasters I personally discovered and eliminated or at least limited: (maybe some of these will sound familiar to you too)
Never Forget That Your Life is Happening - Right Now
One of the most powerful realizations I ever had was that I have no future. I don't mean that in a fatalistic way. Simply that the future isn't actually real. It is only an illusion or idea of what might or might not be real someday. So I have hope for things in the future, of course, but I don't have an actual future that can be owned, pinned down or guaranteed. A million factors could come along between this moment and a future moment to alter the outcome or course I am on.
Grandma's Treasures
I've been feeling sentimental as of late, and felt prompted to bring Grandma's collectables out of hiding, and back into view. At my favorite local antique shop I found the display racks shown above in these photos, and hung them in prominent places in my home. I want my kids to see them regularly. They didn't have the opportunity to know their lovely great-grandmother, but she can still be influential and present in their lives through these items and all that they represent
Rest
In our modern world we run awfully fast. In addition to our primary jobs, many of us have "side-gigs." In the pursuit of lofty goals we push ourselves so hard sometimes that we have no days off. Many households are being run by single parents. That's a lot to carry alone. Cell phones are a blessing, but also mean that we are "available" 24/7. Even in downtime we are busily scrolling social media and games. There is immense pressure to keep our bodies and homes magazine worthy
"Waterfall" by, Laura Wakefield
Untethered and alive at last. Stepping into my passion hurts a little.
But it’s the sweetest kind of pain that leads to joy.
Your Heart is Revealed in Your "Want-To's"
Who do you love? I mean really, really love? What do you love? Deep down at your core?
Sometimes it can be surprisingly hard to sort this out actually. Your brain may give one answer, while your actions are telling a different story.
Never Miss the Chance to Make Someone Else Smile
Love people. Just simply love them and they will feel it. Never miss a chance to make someone else smile. Their happiness will radiate right back to you.
Turning Your "Why Me?" into Your Why
We can wait it out patiently. At times that is all we can do. But usually there comes a critical moment where we have the opportunity to make a decision. To consciously look for the benefits that can come from the twists and turns life throws at us, and deliberately walk toward them. To not only endure the tears, but choose to embrace ways to transform them into happiness. On purpose. To actively participate in turning your "why me" into your Why.
Run For Your Joy
I ran and I ran and I ran, several times a week. I was seeing improvement at long last, but dreaded going out every day. I was pushing myself grudgingly along one morning, as usual, mumbling to myself about how much I hated running, when I suddenly just stopped in my tracks and started to laugh. Wait...what?? I hated running, I realized. Not because it was hard, or because I lacked drive or willpower. I had achieved many other fitness goals in other realms over time, that too
Highest and Best Use
We understand this concept instinctively when it comes to money. If we have a thousand dollars to invest, we will search for the vehicle that will bring us the highest return on investment, and put our money there. This just makes sense right? But do we do this with our time?
Before and After - Master Bedroom Feature Wall
I'm so proud of my oldest son. He saw this master bedroom feature wall idea on Pinterest and decided to try it himself, even though he'd never attempted a project like this before. This is his DIY before and after. Nailed it!! I wanted to share these results with you, because my son is not a carpenter or professional handyman. He's an economist. But he took the time to research diligently and had the courage to step out of his comfort zone and try something new. As a result
Do What You CAN Do
Do you have something in your life that you would like to change or accomplish that seems elusive and impossible? Think about ONE thing you CAN do today that starts you moving in that direction, even if it seems insignificant or like it won't make much impact. The biggest change will be in YOU. That you believed in yourself enough to start walking.
Breathe into the Rhythm of Life
The rise and fall of the lungs. The continuous flow of living. Embrace it. Allow that rhythm to sustain your body, soul and vitality without impeding it. Breathe into it. Just breathe.
Never Shut Up
I had my older kids pretty much convinced when they were little that "shut up" was a swear word. I still kind of think of it that way. There is a cruelty in such a demand. To enforce or even imply that someone else's voice ought to be silenced is arrogant and often dangerous.
Follow Your Joy
Don't over think it. Don't judge it. Don't restrain it. Just follow joy where it leads and embrace the journey.
Create Beauty From the Broken Pieces
I believe that one of the greatest challenges of this journey called life, is learning to find beauty in the broken. To piece-by-piece create something unique and new as often as is required. Lessons learned, compassion gained, perspective and strength all combine into the dazzling mosaic of a life reimagined.
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
I fear that in this age of email and texting, the art of handwritten letter writing is getting lost. I can't argue that the new ways are far faster and more convenient. I use them too, and wouldn't want to go back to a time when I couldn't communicate with such speed and efficiency. However, we often aren't as cautious with what we say when responding so quickly. In the massive barrage of messages we don't pay as close of attention to what others are saying either.
There is Beauty All Around
Is a dandelion pretty? I guess it depends on how you decide to look at it, and whether you focus on the weeds or the wishes. The same is true for a body image or even a life. Where your focus goes...that is what you will see. But that may not be the whole picture.
Make it Count
On the day that I die, whenever that time may come, my hope and prayer is that I will leave echos of love and light behind me. The incomparable Mae West once said, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." In other words - Make it Count!
Just Say No to Multi-Tasking
One day at a time. One step at a time. One breath at a time. One task at a time. This is your life. Be there.
You Are a Diamond - Heart and Soul
Your value does not decrease based on someone else's inability to see and appreciate your worth. It makes zero actual difference what anyone else thinks at all. Stay close to those who know that you are a unique gem, and help you to believe it too.
Live Thankful
It is about THANKS and GIVING. Hugs. Smiles. Love. Let's take some time this week to refocus our lives on these beautiful principles. Life changing in their simplicity. And make a commitment and a plan as to how to incorporate them into the rest of the year as well, so they become part of our very beings. Gratitude is the foundation of joy. You can't really have one without the other.
Sometimes You Follow
After a couple of months taking ballroom dance lessons, I have come to a surprising realization. The hardest part for me has not been the steps or the rhythm as I had expected. Those have been coming fairly naturally. As it turns out, the thing I have found most challenging is learning how to follow.
Leave the Elephants to the Circus
Ahhh the proverbial elephants in the room. You know - those things we don't talk about that continue to grow until they finally force our attention.
Learn to Exist in the Quiet
Learning to create and exist in the quiet is well worth the effort. To truly hear what your heart has to say, when you take the time to listen. It may surprise you.
Empty Spaces
It is often from emptiness that beauty is born, and only empty arms are free to give a hug to someone who needs one. Empty bank accounts, wine glasses and gas tanks can all be refilled. Souls can be too.
My Love Affair With the Ocean
To me the ocean, in essence, is a place of love where my inner child laughs and plays. And that, above all, is where its true magic and beauty is found.
Shoutout to the Single Parents
Single parenting is not for sissies. It's really tough. So I want you to know today that you are seen. You are known. You are loved. I understand, because I am in the trenches beside you. Most of us didn't plan to become single parents. Life took turns we didn't expect, but yet here we are.
Never Too Late
What have YOU been putting off and waiting for? It's never too late to believe in your dreams, even the ones you haven't nurtured for awhile.
Saving Money in the Laundry Room
Small, easy ideas that when combined can have a big impact on the cost of doing laundry.
Charming Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for the quintessential laid back island town, Key West is the place for you. The furthest south you can get in the continental US, it has romance and character to spare. Friendly locals, plenty to do and see and did I mention chickens that roam free in the street?
Doing More Than You Can
What does that look like when we are doing more than we can? How do we recognize when we have crossed the line?
The Power of Paint: Before and After Home Exterior
I fell in love with this house the first time I laid eyes on it. The bay windows let in so much light, and the overall charming essence of it appealed to me. It was built in the 80’s, so I knew it needed a little updating. Ok, let’s be real. It needed a TON of updating,
No Rebuttals Please
It’s important to remember that your relationship isn’t a war to be won. If it’s feeling like a battle far too often, try taking the rebuttals out of the conversation. Lead with active listening, and a sincere effort to understand. Even if both parties aren’t giving at that level, change can begin with only one person stepping out of the fight, and into the love. Winning an argument may be somewhat satisfying at a low level, but the real lasting victory comes from building tr
The Most Important Answers Aren't Found on the Internet
The internet is great for facts, figures, amusing anecdotes and research. We can even find self-help information, motivation and a form of connection on its pages. But spiritual inspiration, advice from loved ones and intuition are important resources too, when seeking answers to the questions that matter most. Love and pure wisdom on a real, personalized level are not found on a computer screen, and I don’t believe they ever will be.
You Are Enough
I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but YOU ARE ENOUGH. Let that sink deeply into your heart, and believe it.
Coping in a World Full of Fear
We never can eliminate all possible problems or sources of angst, but we can live a life full of joy in spite of them. Happiness can be a powerful antidote to fear if we allow it be.
Planting Blueberries
Wouldn’t it be great to just walk out into your yard and pick fresh blueberries for your morning breakfast? Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, blueberries are a wonderful, healthy addition to any home garden. They'll add beautiful, vibrant pops of color to your landscape as well.
bottom of page