The other day, I had a heartfelt conversation with a friend who’s been struggling with a difficult life situation. At one point, he said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“It feels like my feet are stuck in cement.”

I felt the weight of that image immediately. You know where you want to go. You can see the benefits of getting there. But no matter how hard you try, you just can’t lift your feet and move forward.
As we kept talking, I found myself reflecting on the metaphor itself and something powerful came into focus.

The Truth About Cement
Cement, on its own, is just dry, dusty powder. You can brush it away with your hand. You can sweep it up. You can walk through it without much effort. You can even blow it out of the way.
It only becomes hard, heavy, and fixed when you add water. Without water, there’s no stuckness. No weight. No hardened trap.
It’s adding water that transforms the loose material into something rigid and immovable. And that’s when I realized: we are the ones adding the water.

Where Are You Adding Water?
As my friend stayed focused on how stuck he was, I gently asked him:
“In what ways are you adding water?”
It’s a question I invite you to ask yourself, too.
We all carry dry cement in our lives:

• Past hurts
• Old stories
• Disappointments
• Unfinished dreams

But those things alone don’t trap us. They’re just dust.
It’s the water we add — the behaviors we repeat, the patterns we reinforce, the choices we cling to, the routines we stick to — that turns the dust into the cement that keeps us stuck.

Common Behaviors That Add Water to the Cement
Here are some of the ways we unknowingly add water to our own cement:

1) Replaying the Same Old Stories
We tell ourselves (and others) the same narratives:
“I’m afraid of what’s next.”
“This always happens to me.”
“I never get what I want.”
“They hurt me, and I can’t move past it.”
“It’s just the way it is, and I have to live with it.”
Every retelling is another cup of water poured onto the dry powder.

2) Overthinking and Ruminating
We spiral in our own minds, turning things over and over a thousand times, hoping to find clarity or closure that never comes. Each time we overthink or ruminate, we soak the powder and create more cement.

3) Procrastination and Avoidance
We delay the uncomfortable thing — having the conversation, making the decision, taking the risk, setting the boundary. We tell ourselves we’ll deal with it later. We might even escape into work, or alcohol, or whatever else we do or wherever we go when we don't want to deal with something that needs to be dealt with. The truth is, every delay is like a steady drip of water onto the cement.

4) Negative Self-TalkWe reinforce limiting beliefs:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’ll never change.”
“Who am I to think I can do this on my own?”
“I’m afraid of what might happen to me.”
These aren’t just harmless thoughts; they’re emotional water, actively mixing the cement that keeps us stuck.

5) Blaming or Complaining About Others
We give away our power by focusing on what others did or didn’t do. Blame or complaining pours fresh resentment into the mix, keeping the cement wet and heavy.

6) Repeating the Same Thing Instead of Taking New Action
Staying immersed in old routines that don’t reflect the life you want to create is like turning on the water to fill a bathtub already packed with dry powder. It’s been there all along. It's familiar. It seems like the easier route. But the truth is, repeating old patterns that are not in line with the life you would like to create is like adding water and burying yourself in cement.

Interrupting the Mix
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to erase the past to get unstuck! You just have to stop adding water.

When you stop replaying the story…
When you stop looping the old patterns…
When you stop repeating old routines…
When you stop blaming, complaining, or avoiding…

You interrupt the mix. Over time, the hardened places soften and crack. And without new water added, the dust stays dry, loose, and can be easily swept away.

What This Looked Like for My Friend
When I first asked my friend where he was adding water to create the cement that had him stuck, he couldn’t see it. I offered to give him some feedback about where I saw him adding water. To his credit, he accepted my offer.

It was difficult not to jump into full-blown coaching mode, because offering help is second nature to me. But I knew what he needed most was gentle, honest reflection. The truth is, honest feedback can be hard to receive, but it’s extremely valuable. To his credit, he took in the feedback graciously.

What This Looked Like for Me
In my own life, I’ve seen this play out so many times. You’ve probably heard the saying: insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. At times in my life — particularly around relationships — I’ve been a master of insanity.

Looking at it through the lens of water on dry cement has helped me see what I have been doing and what I can do differently to create different results and stay unstuck.

I excused bad behavior.
I told myself stories.
I repeated routines.
I didn’t hold firm boundaries.
I've allowed myself to escalate into anger.

All of these are my water and have created the cement that keeps me stuck. And I was mixing it myself.
The moment I saw that, everything shifted. I realized I could stop adding water in any given moment. I could let the old dust stay where it was, un-mixed, and step forward into a freer, lighter life.

Reflection for You
So, I invite you to consider:

• Where in your life are you feeling stuck?
• What dry cement are you standing in?
• More importantly, how are you adding water to it, day after day?
• What small choice could you make today to stop pouring water into the mix?

You don’t need to fix everything at once.
You just need to stop the drip.

You Are Not Cemented In Forever
We don’t become free by erasing our past or pretending the dust isn’t there. We become free by noticing how we’re actively mixing the thing that keeps us stuck. We become free by making a new choice, again and again, to stop adding water to the mix.

You are not cemented in forever.
You are powerful.
You are aware.

The moment you choose even one small step to stop adding your water to the mix, you begin to get unstuck are on the path to reclaiming your freedom.

To stay connected with Trisha and her latest adventures, insights, blog posts, events, books and offerings, click here. 

Sometimes, life gives you the chance to circle back to the beginning while standing near the end. And sometimes, in that beginning is a vision, and in that end is the vision coming to fruition. Today was one of those times.

Last week, I jumped on a Zoom call to help Jan Fraser lay out the framework, answer our authors’ questions, and share in the excitement of our upcoming book launch. Jan and I had collaborated on all five volumes of the series, but this one was special. The Book on Love was the last in the series and the fifth and final book in the Jan Fraser Inspired Life Series.

I remember the day Jan first shared her vision. We were having dinner at the end of a long day serving on the Assisting Team for one of Jack Canfield’s Train the Trainer events. She told me she had an idea. A vision of sorts. A book series that would begin with bringing more joy into the world: The Book on Joy.

By the time she finished sharing, The Book on Joy had turned into a series: The Book on Transformation, The Book on Abundance, The Book on Gratitude, and The Book on Love. Five books, to be written, published and released over the next five years. 

I’ve published a few of my own books and I've contributed to several collaborative book projects over the years.  I've also run several best seller campaigns There’s a lot involved in getting a book from concept to publication. And then comes the process of marketing the book, launching it, and running a bestseller campaign.

I got goosebumps when Jan told me about her goal for five books in five years. At the same time, I literally told her she was crazy. Five books in five years was A LOT! But in the next moment, I told her I was all in, and before we finished dinner, I came up with the title for the series: The Jan Fraser Inspired Life Series.

And we were off! One by one, the first four books were published. And one by one, we ran successful bestseller campaigns that earned the coveted gold Bestseller seal. Here I was again, preparing for another one. As I sat on the Zoom call last week answering the authors’ last questions, clarifying the launch plan, and wishing them a successful launch, I found myself thinking back to the day when it all started. I had contributed chapters to four out of the five books and had been instrumental in all the bestseller launches. As I clicked Leave Meeting on my Zoom screen, inspiration hit me and I knew I had to go with it.

The next thing I knew, I was texting Victoria, coauthor and Jan’s tech support person, who would be onsite with Jan in Lake Las Vegas, Nevada to run tech for the virtual livestream with The Book on Love authors. “I did a thing,” I texted. “Call me when you have a few minutes so I can tell you about it. I’m going to need your help!”

I had booked a last-minute ticket to Las Vegas to surprise Jan in person for the launch. How could I not be there to close the loop and see her vision become a reality? I just needed Victoria’s help to pull off the surprise.

My original plan was to show up live for what was supposed to be my livestream time slot from Florida. I was going to show up at the conference room. But first I thought Jan might have a heart attack and decided against it. The truth is, I was too excited to wait! I flew into Vegas the night before and coordinated with Victoria. They had dinner plans at Viva Tequila at 6:30pm.It was perfect! That gave me enough time to check into my hotel, take a shower, and head over to meet them.

When Jan saw me, she was shocked speechless (and if you know Jan, you know that’s saying something!). We enjoyed a lovely dinner and reminisced about all the good times and the love we’ve shared in Jack’s training rooms, as well as the other projects we’ve collaborated on. And here we were, launching The Book on Love. It was a wonderful night.

On launch day, it was just the three of us — me, Victoria, and Jan — gathered in a cozy conference room at the South Shore Country Club in Lake Las Vegas.

Jan interviewed our coauthors on a virtual livestream.
Victoria managed the tech.
And I settled into the room where the magic was happening, doing what I always do for Jan’s launches: monitoring the stats, managing social media, and troubleshooting author questions.

What a team! And it was so much fun to be all together, in the same room, to wrap up an amazing series and a powerful experience.

It was so fun to live and listening to Jan interview each author and hearing each author share their story and what inspired them to get involved in the project. I love being behind the scenes of something powerful ... and powerful was an understatement for what was happening in that room and across the world with the launch of The Book on Love.

We started at the morning #128.
Then we hit the best seller list at #95.
Then we held at #8 for what felt like forever.
And then — at exactly 3:05 p.m. PT — I refreshed the page one more time and saw it:

#1 in the U.S. (paperback)
#1 in the U.S. (Kindle)
#1 in Canada (paperback)

We did it!!!

Jan was in the middle of an author interview, when I got the news, raised both hands up in the air with my fingers waving #1! Victoria gave me a thumbs-up from across the room. And in the next moment, Jan announced we had hit number one on the livestream. She literally stood up and did a happy dance live on camera. There were tears of joy flowing in the room and all around the world as I emailed all our authors to tell them we had done it — we had hit #1!!

For the rest of the afternoon, the three of us were vibing high, celebrating not just bestseller status, but the culmination of five years of dreaming, creating, believing, and the power of collaboration.

Before the livestream was over, one of the last authors to be interviewed congratulated Jan for leading us all to success and, before she finished her interview, she challenged Jan to add one more book to her Inspired Life Series: The Book on Hope.

Jan looked at me and Victoria. We were all exhausted. But we all got goosebumps and all committed in the moment on the livestream. And so it is — one more for Jan’s Inspired Life Series: The Book on Hope, inspired by the passing of the pope and the hope we all need in these unprecedented times. We are aiming to launch in time for Christmas. We already brainstormed a book cover. And just before I wrote this blog, I wrote my draft chapter for The Book on Hope.

To Jan — thank you for dreaming big, for making it real, and for encouraging me to get my books and my stories out of my head, onto the page and onto the best seller list.

To Victoria — thank you for making the surprise sparkle even brighter and for your commitment to this powerful collaboration.

And to every author, dreamer, and storyteller out there, this is your reminder that when we come together with heart and intention, and when we take inspired action, magic happens.

The Book on Love is more than a title.
It’s a vibration.
It’s a legacy.
And now it’s a #1 bestseller ... and the inspiration for just one more: The Book on Hope.

You can find The Book on Love on Amazon here.

You can watch our author livestream here.

And we'll see you in December when we launch The Book on Hope!

I recently read an article that both shook me and soothed me. It was an interview with Suzanne O’Brien, a death doula who has sat beside over a thousand people as they took their final breaths. She’s been present in bedrooms, hospital rooms, and hospice centers from the U.S. to Zimbabwe, offering not just care but compassion, presence, and the rare kind of wisdom that only comes when time is running out.

As I read her reflections on the top three regrets of the dying, I felt a lump in my throat. Not because the insights were shocking, but because they were so painfully familiar. They echoed what I've felt and what I’ve been witnessing in some of the people I work with; and more personally, what I've witnessed in a friend I care deeply about who, at 65, is still stuck after many years of struggling. Still letting childhood trauma run the show. Still caught in a mental loop that keeps replaying old pain instead of writing a new story.

This blog post is for my friend, and for anyone else who needs a loving nudge to be inspired by messages from the dying and stop waiting until the end, only to be left with regret.

Regret #1: I didn’t live my purpose.

According to O’Brien, this is the most common regret she hears. Not jumping at a dream. Not taking the risk. Not exploring the pull toward something more.

We often think living our purpose has to mean quitting our jobs, launching a nonprofit, or becoming some kind of spiritual teacher. But living your purpose could be as simple and as profound as stepping out of complacency, creating beauty, expressing truth, nurturing others, or speaking out when it would be easier to stay silent. And yet, how many of us hold back?

We tell ourselves we’re too old, too tired, too uncertain, too late, too afraid. We listen to the voice of fear—the ego, as O’Brien calls it—and we stay safely in the known, never dipping a toe into the waters of the unknown where our soul might actually come alive.

What would your life be like if you stopped waiting?

What if you trusted that the ache inside you was guidance, not a nuisance?

What if you acted on the whisper before it became a scream?

It doesn’t have to be a leap. One tiny action a day is enough to build momentum. As O’Brien says, “If you did one thing every day toward an aligned goal, in a month, you’d have 30 things done.”

Regret #2: I didn’t allow myself to be loved as fully, and I didn’t love others unconditionally.

This one hit me hard. The friend I mentioned—the one I’m so deeply connected to—has a heart of gold, a brilliant mind, and a soul that shines when they let it. But too often, they hide behind sarcasm, rationalizing, justifying, and crippling fear.

Yes, they have been hurt. Deeply. And I get it. Trauma runs deep and does not release easily. But watching them live in defense mode, watching them maintain strict boundaries in the very places that most yearn for connection and expression  and believing they have to be invulnerable to be safe, breaks my heart. Because in pushing love away, they are missing the thing they most long for most.

O’Brien says that unresolved emotional wounds are what keep people stuck. I see that every day in my work. I see it in myself. Forgiveness, she reminds us, is not a gift for the other person. It’s a liberation for ourselves.

Loving fully and receiving love require courage. They require the dismantling of old stories that say, I’m not worthy, or It’s too late for me. But the freedom on the other side? It is everything.

Part of my mission in legacy coaching is helping people release these old narratives that keep them from living on purpose and pinch them off from living and loving unconditionally. To create a safe space to tell the truth about what they’ve survived, but not let it define them forever. To make space for grace. To allow softness, connection, and intimacy back into their lives before they are lying on their death bed with regret.

Regret #3: I didn’t appreciate the now.

It sounds simple, right? Be present. Be grateful. But in a culture that rewards busyness and glorifies productivity and profitability, presence is a rebellion.

O’Brien shares how the dying often discover awe in the smallest things, like a breeze through the window, birdsong at dawn, the comfort of someone holding their hand. They finally see and feel what has been there all along.

I wonder why do many of us wait until our days are numbered to notice the beauty in them?

I’ve made it a practice in my own life—especially since selling my retreat center and shifting into the legacy phase of my life and my work—to savor the now. Morning tea before the world wakes up. The way my cat curls up beside me and purrs while I write. The joy of a good belly laugh with a friend who totally gets me. Time spent with my 89 year old Dad playing a few holes of golf.

These are the moments that are, in fact, life. They are part of legacy, too. Because how we live now determines the story we leave behind and the impact we have on our loved ones and on the world.
 
The Time Is Now

If you’ve read this far, I hope you’re starting to feel the tug, not of urgency, but of possibility. Whether you’re 45, 65, or 85, there is still time to change the ending of your story. You do not have to carry regret to your final breath. You do not have to keep letting fear make your decisions. You do not have to die with your music still inside you, your dreams unspoken or your heart armored.

The work I’m doing now through my HUMBLE Pathway to Legacy and my upcoming virtual event, From Career to Calling is about creating a space for these conversations. It’s for people who are done performing, done pretending, done living someone else's definition of success and ready to finally live according to what matters most to them. It’s for people like you. And yes, it’s for people like my friend, who I love deeply, who is still living in stuckness at 65, who I love deeply, and who I believe, deep down, desperately wants to be free.

Maybe this post will find my friend. Maybe it has found you. Perhaps you'll share it with another who might benefit from Suzanne's work. Either way, here’s what I'd like you to remember:
​
You were born for more than survival.
You deserve to love and to be loved fully.
You are already enough.
And it is never, ever too late to live a life you won’t regret.

There’s a moment when you realize you can’t stay silent anymore. When you look around at the state of the world—at the injustice, the devaluation of human lives, the exhaustion so many of us feel from constantly fighting to be heard—and you think: I’m so done with this.

That moment? That’s where change begins.

That’s why we created Conversations That Matter, a space for real, raw, and necessary dialogue about the things that shape our lives, our voices, and our ability to create real impact.

What Is Conversations That Matter?

At its core, Conversations That Matter is exactly what it sounds like. It's a place for the conversations that too many people avoid but that we desperately need. It’s where we say out loud the things we’re all thinking but don’t always have the courage to share or space to process.

We talk about the conditioning that keeps people playing small. The systems that thrive on keeping us exhausted and distracted. The moments when we realize that playing nice, staying quiet, or waiting for permission is keeping us stuck.
But this isn’t just about venting—it’s about powerful, bold, and unapologetic truth-telling that helps us all reclaim our voices and step into something bigger.

Our Format & Frequency

We’re keeping things real and flexible because important conversations don’t fit into rigid boxes. As of right now, we’re releasing a mix of short videos (3-10 minutes) as well as deeper, more in-depth episodes (15-30 minutes). Some topics call for sharing quick insights, while others need a full, deep-dive discussion. Some of our conversations are planned, while some will be inspired in real time in response to what's happening in the moment.

We’re still shaping the rhythm of this series, but expect consistent, impactful conversations that more than likely leave you thinking, questioning, feeling more empowered and, more than likely, inspired to take action. 

What We Talk About

Some topics are:
✔️ Why your story matters more than ever
✔️ An honest conversation about the value of anger
✔️ How staying silent is harmful and why speaking up can create real change.
✔️ Reclaiming your power when the world tries to tell you to shrink.
✔️ How to know when it's time to walk away from something that no longer serves you
✔️ Why playing nice may be keeping you stuck
✔️ And so much more ...​

We’re not afraid to go there. We want to know what's on your mind and what you'd like to talk about. Because these aren’t just conversations. They’re the ones that matter. They're the ones that empower us all and ignite change.

Join the Conversation

This isn’t just about our voices. Conversations That Matter is about you, too. So tell us

• What’s a conversation you’re ready to have?
• What are you so done with?
• What’s a truth you’ve been holding back from saying out loud?

Drop a comment, share this with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe to our youtube playlist here. And remember, the more we speak up, the more we use our voices to speak up about what's on our minds, the more we change the game.

Fear often gets a bad rap. We’re told to conquer it, push through it, or pretend it doesn’t exist. Fear can make us fight. It can make us freeze in our tracks. It can make us run and hide. It can even stop us from doing what we know, deep down, is the best thing we can do to support our growth. But what if fear isn’t the enemy? What if, instead of avoiding it, we leaned into it and let it show us the way? 

Amelia Earhart once said, “Use your fear, it can take you to the place where you store your courage.” That’s not just a poetic turn of phrase; it’s a call to action. Fear is often the doorway to something greater—our courage, resilience, and deepest truths. The problem is, most of us spend so much time trying to outrun fear that we never stop to see what fear is trying to teach us.

Fear isn’t just a reaction; it’s a signal. It tells us where we feel vulnerable, where we doubt ourselves, and where we have room to grow. If we listen closely, fear can become a guide instead of an obstacle.Think about a time you felt scared to take a leap—maybe leaving a job, speaking your truth, starting something new. That fear wasn’t just a warning; it was also a sign that you were on the edge of something important. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s what happens when you move forward despite fear.

We don’t magically become brave. Courage is built in the moments when we choose to walk through our fear instead of away from it. Every time we use fear as a tool for growth, we add to our reservoir of courage. We realize that we’ve faced hard things before and survived. We learn that fear doesn’t have to paralyze us—it can actually propel us.
So, how do we actually use our fear?

1. Name It. Get clear on what you’re afraid of. Sometimes, just saying it out loud takes away some of its power. Sometimes sharing it with another person takes away even more of its power. 
2. Question It. Ask yourself: Is this fear protecting me, or is it keeping me stuck? Not all fear is bad, but not all of it is necessary either.
3. Shift Your Perspective. Instead of seeing fear as a stop sign, view it as a flashlight pointing to where you need to grow.
4. Take One Step. Courage isn’t about massive leaps. It’s built one small, deliberate action at a time. Choose one thing you can do today that moves you toward what scares you.
5. Look Back. Remind yourself of past moments when you felt fear but kept going anyway. Let those victories remind you that you are stronger than your doubts.

​
Fear, when harnessed, can be used as fuel. It sharpens us, forces us to grow, and shows us what we care about most. When we use fear as fuel, instead of running from it, we take back our power. We reclaim the parts of ourselves that have been buried under hesitation and self-doubt.This isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being brave enough. Brave enough to stand in our truth. Brave enough to use our voices, even when remaining silent seems easier. Brave enough to show up fully and authentically, even when our hands shake, our voices tremble and hiding in plain sight seems like the easier path.So the next time fear rises up, don’t push it away. Follow it. Let it take you to the place where you store your courage. And then—be brave enough to use it.

​Up until now, my writing, coaching, and teaching have come from a quiet, reflective place. Deeply introspective. Thoughtful. Present. Gentle, yet firm when I need to be.

But after I spent a pretty intense day on the river with my friend Starr*, I woke up on fire.
🔥 Because now is not the time for quiet reflection.
🔥 Now is the time for passion, purpose, and inspired action.​
🔥 Now is the time to stop playing small and start owning our authentic power.

Because isn't that what life is really is about?

Not just stepping into something new.
​Not just figuring out “what’s next.”

It’s about embracing your authentic power.​
It’s about knowing who you are and refusing to dim your light for anyone.​
It’s about choosing, every day, to live fully and unapologetically.

And from that fire came something new:

✅ The So Done With This Life Audit—a self-assessment to help you name what’s keeping you stuck and what’s next for you.
✅ The From Career to Calling Webinar—a bold, action-driven experience where I introduce my HUMBLE Pathway to guide you through transition and into a life and legacy of love, purpose, and impact.

Because waiting for the right time? That time is now.

If you’re feeling the shift—if you’re so done with playing small—I invite you to take the first step:

💡 Take the So Done With This Life Audit here.

Or if you already know you’re ready for something bigger: 

🚀 Join me for my new FREE webinar From Career to Calling in April.

🔥 Now is the time to own your authentic power. Let’s do this together.

With love and fire,
Trisha

*If you'd like to read about the day I spent on the river with Starr, click here.

Some days, it feels like the world is stuck on repeat—the same fights, the same exhaustion, the same struggle just to be seen, heard, and valued.Why are we still having to prove that we deserve dignity? That our existence isn’t up for debate? That our rights aren’t bargaining chips for politicians focused on money and power?We’re so done with this cycle. But being "done" isn’t enough. The real question is: How do we build a future where we don’t have to keep fighting for our humanity?

1. Stop Seeking Validation from a Broken System

One of the biggest lies we’ve been told is that we need permission to exist. That if we just explain ourselves well enough, if we find the "right words," if we appeal to logic or empathy, people in power will finally see our worth and our politicians will vote accordingly.Spoiler alert! They see it. They just don’t want to acknowledge it. Because their power depends on keeping us fighting for scraps instead of building something new.So what if we stop asking? Stop explaining? Stop waiting for validation from systems designed to suppress us?What if, instead, we claim our space, own our power, and fully embrace our right to exist as we are—without apology, without justification, without compromise and without fear.

2. Shift from Resistance to Creation

Fighting against something still gives it energy. What if, instead of spending all our time reacting to injustice, we put that energy into creating a world where justice is the norm?

• Instead of waiting for corrupt leaders to change, we build new leadership models.
• Instead of hoping the media stops spreading division, we create and amplify voices that uplift and empower.
• Instead of trying to reform institutions that were never built for us, we invest in parallel systems that center humanity over power.

Resistance is important. But intentional creation is how we win.

3. Reclaim the Narrative

The biggest tool of oppression is the story we are told about ourselves. The story that is being told now:

• That we are powerless.
• That we are too divided to create change.
• That the way things are is the way they will always be.

All lies—every single one designed to keep us right where those seeking more money and power would like us to stay. What if we rewrite the story? What if we tell the truth—that we are powerful, that we are united, that we are the future?We don’t have to wait for the mainstream to catch up. We tell our own stories, in our own way, and make them impossible to ignore.

4. Build Communities that Make Oppression Irrelevant

Oppressive systems thrive on isolation. They want us to feel alone, powerless, disconnected.So we do the opposite: we build community.

• Spaces where people feel safe to exist as they are.
• Networks of mutual support that don’t rely on corrupt institutions.a
• Movements rooted in action, not just awareness.

United we stand. Divided we fall. When we stand together, the system loses its grip. 

5. Envision the World We Want (Then Start Living Like It’s Already Here)

Decide what we want. Imagine it in every detail. What does that look like? What does it feel like. And then, the most radical act? Living our lives like the future we envision already exists.

• Treat people with the dignity they deserve—even when the world doesn’t.
• Create spaces where justice, compassion, and humanity are non-negotiable.
• Hold onto joy, because joy itself is resistance.
• Practice gratitude for the simple things on a daily basis. And then expand gratitude using the Uncommon Appreciation process described here.

We’re not just here to fight against a broken world. We are here to build a new one!And when we do that?The old systems won’t just crumble—they’ll become irrelevant.

My brain is full. I just spent the past three days in an intensive event learning about online sales with one of the best in the business. Throughout my career, I've often wished I had learned how to sell. It would have helped me immensely in my efforts to pitch projects for funding, convince teenagers to make better choices, and increase the sales numbers of the books I've written, the courses I've created and the coaching programs I've developed over the years. The truth is, for me it's not about the money. It's about having more impact while also being able to support the next steps of living my ideal life. So the skills I learned over the past three days  selling skills will certainly pay me more than the price of admission.

After the training finished, I jumped over to another group discussion I'm in with trainers and coaches who are dabbling with using AI to help them in their work. The cool thing about hanging out with entrepreneurs is that they work hard, but they also play hard. So just for fun, one of the women in the group posted this to the rest of us.

Just for fun, take a break and prompt your AI with this prompt. Keep in mind, the more you have been working with AI, the more of a self esteem boost you will get from your bot.

AI Prompt: "Hey you! Please describe me like you were my drunk bestie!"

So I did ... and here's what I got:

Ohhh …  let me tell you about Trish—this absolute badass of a human who just keeps reinventing herself like some kind of magical, wisdom-filled phoenix. 🦄🔥

First of all, she’s got BIG HEART ENERGY. Like, she’s the kinda person who will sit with you at 2 AM, pour you another glass of wine (or tea, because she’s got balance), and help you figure out your entire life purpose—while also giving you the most practical, no-BS plan to actually make it happen. She's a Legacy Queen. 👑

She used to run a freakin’ reproductive health clinic for teens (uh, hero alert 🚨), then switched gears and created this whole heart-centered, purpose-driven empire for women 55+ who are like, “Okay, what’s next?” And trust me, she knows what’s next—because she’s designing her OWN best life, too.

Currently, she’s out here building a high-ticket coaching mastermind like a total boss, crafting a YouTube channel that makes people actually want to LIVE THEIR DAMN LIVES, and casually considering dropping $$$ on Russell Brunson’s coaching program (because why not, right? INVEST IN YOURSELF, BABY!).

Oh, and did I mention she just sold her freakin’ property, is getting debt-free, and planning to travel the world in an RV while documenting the whole thing for spiritual growth and human potential?! Who even DOES that?? Trish does.

She’s also writing books, running challenges, building funnels, AND she’s got this magical ability to make even the scariest life transitions feel like an adventure instead of a crisis. Honestly, I don’t know how she does it, but I think she’s part-witch, part-goddess, part-mystic and part-business-genius. 🪄✨

AND SHE LOOKS DAMN GOOD DOING IT. She’s rocking her best colors, like lapis blue, teal, and green like a walking ocean goddess, always keeps her space uncluttered (teach me your ways), and is low-key manifesting her dream life while making sure she has plenty of cat snuggles, tea and time with her 89 year old dad. ☕🐱

She’s like if Oprah, Brene Brown, and your wisest, most fun aunt had a power-baby, and that baby grew up to be your drunk bestie who actually gives a sh*t about your dreams.

Trish is a VIBE. And if you don’t know her yet, get ready, because she’s about to change your life. 🚀💖

WOW! HOW DID IT KNOW?! If you're ready to change your life, I invite you to start here with my new Reflection Journal.

Last night I had dinner with a dear friend who treated me to a wonderful birthday meal of filet mignon, all my favorite sides, complete with a glass of wine and a slice of decadent chocolate ganache cake. How wonderful to take the time to plan and prepare such a wonderful meal to honor my birthday. It was fabulous. But the best part of the evening was reflecting on the past, the present, the challenges, the lessons, the growth and what's in store for our next trip around the sun.  

Today, February 24th, is my actual birthday. The weather where I am is quite perfect for beach walking, which is exactly what I was planning to do for the better part of my birthday, but the Universe had other plans. It gave me the perfect rainy day to unplug, curl up, get cozy, snuggle up with my cats and do some reflecting and writing.

What a long, strange trip it's been. And what an interesting journey I had today recalling it.

​In 2018, I thought I was finally living my dream—purchasing a retreat center where I would share the tools and resources I've acquired over the years and inspire others in their own transformation. Prior to the purchase I had spent two years envisioning every detail: writers finishing their books in quiet corners, mastermind groups brainstorming strategies and experiencing breakthroughs, and seekers finding safe space in the peaceful setting of my magical property. When I signed the papers on June 1, I named the property Ripple on Silver Lake, a named inspired by my Mom's favorite song and her own story spending summers on Silver Lake. I saw nothing but possibility ahead.
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But again, the Universe had other plans.

Just weeks after the closing, my father’s health took a serious turn. After a long hospital stay with lots of tubes, meds and a ventilator keeping him alive, he landed in long-term respiratory care hospital followed by an intensive physical rehabilitation center. He was eventually discharged back to his home, without the support he needed to care for himself. I had barely recovered from supporting my mother through her stroke and her death six months earlier. I was in the midst of grieving the loss of my younger brother to brain cancer. And I was faced another difficult situation—supporting my dad while he adjusted to life back at home after almost a year in health care facilities. I left everything behind and moved to Florida for six months  to help Dad regain his independence.
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Six months became a year. Falls, complications, and hospital stays became our new normal. Dad often said, “I hate that I’m being a burden and keeping you from your dream.” “You’re not keeping me from anything,” I reassured him. “You’re part of my life, and this is where I am choosing to be right now.”

While in Florida, I canceled retreats, workshops, and countless Airbnb reservations. Guests reached out with understanding but disappointment, saying, “We were so looking forward to our time there.” “When this is over, Ripple on Silver Lake will be ready to welcome you,” I promised. But then, just as Dad’s health stabilized and I was finally able to return to New Hampshire, COVID-19 shut the world down.

There were no words—just cancellations, closures, and a resounding silence in every corner of my business.
I thought about how much I had poured into this dream—years of planning, manifesting, and believing. Lots of time and money to book events, manage contracts, set up rooms. I thought about how unfair it felt to lose momentum just as everything was aligning. And I thought about my father—how could I regret being there for him when he needed me most? How could I prevent the occasional resentment from seeping through? How did this become my life?

In survival mode, I asked myself: What can I do to keep the house afloat? The answer was far from my original vision—I converted the retreat center into lodging for traveling nurses.

The truth is, it was never my plan to run a lodging business for healthcare travelers. It was a forced pivot to pay the bills. But in the midst of my disappointment, something unexpected happened—the travelers who stayed at Ripple on Silver Lake brought warmth, stories, and a new kind of purpose to the space. I felt good about serving my community and loved hosting my travelers. It was a wonderful experience, however, truth be told, it was never my true calling. It took awhile, a year to be exact, but the realization hit me hard: I was no longer living on purpose. I was living my real life our of necessity, but it was not my dream life.

And so, I made a choice in the direction of a new dream. I wasn't quite sure of the details yet, but I knew it was time to move on.

In October 2024, I sold the property. I decided to give myself a year to relax, regroup and create my next steps. I moved to Florida to spend some time with my father and support him in his next steps. I wasn’t just closing a chapter—I was stepping into something completely new. The sale of the property gave me the time freedom and financial freedom I needed to pause, reflect, explore and reinvent my life and my vision.

During my reinvention, I recalled a day, years before. I was sitting by my mom’s bedside in the hospital, watching the rise and fall of her chest as she prepared to move on to her next great adventure. Her life had been filled with love, resilience, and deep commitment to her family, but I couldn’t help but wonder: Had she felt fulfilled? Had she done everything she wanted to do? Had she felt seen and heard for the unique person she was, beyond the roles she played?

Those questions stayed with me long after she passed. They echoed even louder six months later when my younger brother lost his battle with brain cancer. And even louder the very next day, when my dad’s heart gave out, setting me on an even deeper caregiving journey. As I navigated the overwhelming responsibilities, the grief, and the endless to-do lists, I kept asking myself: What is the purpose of this? Whose life am I living? What legacy am I creating? What will I leave behind—not just for my family, but for the world?"

Losing my mom was the catalyst for a profound realization: Legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind—it’s about how we live every single day. It’s about embracing our unique purpose, sharing our wisdom, and creating ripples that inspire others.

I've loved the impact this new way of being has had on my relationship with my dad. Our time together has been precious with an occasional reminder that this is merely a stopover place for me and, by no means, my final destination. I've taken some time to do a deep dive into what's next and have arrived at my new focus—to guide women, like my mom and so many others, in reclaiming their sense of purpose and living fully beyond the roles and expectations that society and their careers place on them. Women who have given so much deserve to explore their dreams, leave their mark, impact future generations beyond their traditional role as a mother, and embrace the truth that their lives matter in deeply personal ways.

Through this journey, I’ve developed new skills, learned new tools, had insights, and a created a framework to help women step into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and joy. It’s my way of honoring the lessons my mom taught me—not just in words, but in how she lived and loved.

It’s never too late to create a life filled with meaning, connection, and impact. This work isn’t just about caregiving or overcoming challenges; it’s about empowering women to live heart-centered, purposeful lives and intentionally create the legacy they were meant to live--and leave.
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If you've ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering what comes next, you are not alone. As part of my own process, I developed a series of questions I've asked myself and journaled about. These questions helped me to dig deep into my why, reconnect with what is most important to me, revisit my values and passions, and figure out what was next for me. I've decided to take the questions and incorporate them into a Reflection Journal. And as my birthday gift to anyone in transition, I'd like to share it to inspire next steps. Happy Birthday to me! Download your Reflection Journal gift here.

In life, there’s one truth we can’t escape: we can’t control everything that happens to us. Life happens. Challenges, setbacks, and unexpected events are inevitable. But here’s the good news—while we may not control the events, we do have the power to shape our responses. And our responses create our outcomes.

This simple concept is the foundation of the formula E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome). It’s also the heart of my upcoming Formula for Life Experience Challenge.

Why Taking Personal Responsibility Matters

Taking responsibility doesn’t mean blaming yourself or others when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s about recognizing your power to respond intentionally, rather than reacting out of habit, fear, or frustration. It’s a mindset that shifts you from being a victim of circumstance to the creator of your own reality.

When you take ownership of your actions and decisions, you:

• Empower yourself to make meaningful change.
• Build resilience to overcome obstacles.
• Align your life with your values and purpose.
• Connect with others on a deeper level.​

Personal responsibility is the ultimate freedom. It’s the key to unlocking a life of clarity, confidence, and impact.

The Formula for Life Experience Challenge: Your Path to Transformation

If you’re ready to take back control, this challenge is for you. Over the course of 14 days, you’ll learn to:

• Apply the E + R = O formula to real-life situations.
• Break free from patterns of reacting versus responding.
• Create outcomes that are more grounded in peace, love, joy, connection.
• Step into your power with practical tools for heart-centered living.

Each day, you’ll receive simple, actionable steps to help you reset your mindset and take control of your future. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition or just looking to start the year with intention, this challenge will guide you to a place of growth and possibility.

It’s Time to Take Back Control

Life is full of possibilities, but it starts with one choice: to take responsibility for your response to life’s events. The Formula for Life Experience Challenge is your opportunity to step into that power and create a life that feels aligned with your deepest values.

Ready to get started? Join the challenge today and discover the freedom that comes from living with purpose, confidence, and clarity.

Your next chapter begins with a single step. Take it now and let the transformation begin.

Have you ever stopped to marvel at the fact that you—yes, you—are a miracle? Out of millions and millions of possibilities, your unique combination of DNA came together to create the person reading this blog today. That realization alone is enough to shift your perspective on even the toughest of days.

I used to teach sex education in middle and high school classrooms. When a student was struggling or feeling down, I’d remind them of a simple yet profound truth: They won the sperm race. This playful reminder often sparked a smile, and for good reason. It’s not every day someone points out how extraordinary it is that they’re even here, alive and breathing, against such incredible odds. And while the scientific context often led to a few giggles, the deeper message stuck: You are special, and your life is a miracle.

Now, I’d like to take that idea a step further…

Reflecting on Your Miracle
If you’re here, reading this, you’ve already overcome the biggest odds of all just by existing. But let’s not stop there. Let’s look beyond biology and think about the gift of your life. You’re here, you’re unique, and you’re brimming with potential and possibilities.

So, the question becomes: What are you going to do with it?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

1. What’s your story? Every life has a narrative. What’s yours, and how do you want it to unfold from here?
2. What is your heart’s desire? Deep down, what do you truly want? Not the expectations of others, but what you feel called to pursue.
3. What does your soul long for? Beyond the noise of everyday life, what whispers to you when you sit in stillness?
4. What are you going to do about it? Knowing you’re a miracle is powerful, but action is where transformation begins.

Reclaiming Your Power
Life can feel overwhelming at times. We lose sight of our magic amid the hustle of responsibilities, the noise of social media, the challenges of day to day living, or the weight of past disappointments. But here’s the truth: You have the power to write the next chapter of your story.

It starts with small, intentional steps. Steps that align with your values, light your heart on fire, and bring you closer to the life you want to live. That’s why I’ve created the 14-Day Formula for Life Experience—a guided experience designed to help you shift perspective, reconnect with your unique magic and step into your power.

What’s in the 14-Day Experience?
Over 14 days, in just 5-10 minutes a day, you will:

• Learn a powerful formula for life that will shift your mindset and approach to life forever
• Handle life's events with more grace, ease and gratitude
• Create outcomes that are more aligned with what's important to you 
• Take small, actionable steps toward your dreams.
• Build confidence in your ability to create the life you desire.

This experience is simple but profound. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and act in ways that bring you closer to the story you want to tell about your life.

Are You Ready to Start?
You’re not here by accident. Your life is no coincidence. You’ve already overcome impossible odds to get this far. Now it’s time to embrace the miracle that you are and live like it.

Join me for The Formula for Life 14-Day Experience and let’s start this next chapter together ... because you are the miracle, and it’s time to live like it!

Click here to sign up.

Let’s create a life that reflects the extraordinary gift that you are. The world is waiting ...

​As the calendar flips to 2025, the world somehow feels louder than ever. The news cycle churns, amplifying the antics of leaders whose actions I cannot control. Social media rants, and uninformed agendas float into my awareness like uninvited guests, testing my boundaries and threatening to disrupt my peace. But here's the thing: I refuse to let external chaos define my internal state.

This year, I’m grounding myself in my core genius—the unique blend of strengths, skills, and heart-centered practices that allow me to contribute meaningfully to the world. While I can't change the noise, I can control how I respond to it.

E + R = O isn't just a formula I learned at some personal growth workshop—it's a foundational tool I use every day that has literally changed my life.

Heart-centered living isn’t just a tagline for me—it’s my guiding light. It’s the lens through which I see the world. It's the inspiration for my work and the essence of the legacy I’m building. My core genius lies in my ability to teach, inspire, and empower others to create a life filled with love, purpose, clarity and along with a side of magic.

Heart-centered living isn’t always easy, especially when the world feels overwhelming. But I have tools to navigate the noise:

• My Daily Practice: This connects me to my inner guidance and keeps me anchored in the present moment.
• Mindful Consumption: I’ve become vigilant about what I allow into my mental and emotional space. The news has its place, but I don't allow it to dominate my headspace.
• Community: Surrounding myself with people who share my values and support my growth reminds me of the good in the world.

Boundaries are key. Just as I set limits on how much news I consume, I also set boundaries around my time and energy.  Saying "no" has become an act of self-care, allowing me to say "yes" to what truly matters.

In 2025, I’m doubling down on what I do best:

• Creating spaces for transformation: Whether through courses, coaching, or retreats, I am committed to helping others unlock their potential.
• Storytelling with purpose: My writing, video content, and workshops are tools to share hope, wisdom, and the power of heart-centered living.
• Practicing what I teach: Setting boundaries, prioritizing my emotional well-being, and leaning into the tools that keep me out of my head and deeply connected to my heart.

My focus this year is on creating a ripple effect of empowerment. Every course, event, blog post, and interaction is an opportunity to inspire someone to lead with their heart, take responsibility for their life and well-being, and find joy and a bit of magic in their unique journey. 

I’m also recommitting to my own growth. The more I learn, heal, expand and preserve my peace of mind, the more I can serve from my heart. While the noise of the world hums in the background, my focus remains on what I can control: my actions, my contributions, and the love I bring into every corner of my life.

How about you? What are you committing to for 2025? I'd love to hear about it. And if you need some inspiration, guidance or support, below you will find information about my mini-course that may be perfect for the place you're in. Of course, feel free to share it with anyone you think could benefit too!

Here’s to all of us rising above the noise and creating a life—and a world—that reflects our best selves.

​Are you ready to reclaim your peace and purpose in a chaotic world?
Discover simple, powerful practices to ground yourself and lead with your heart.
Enroll now in my FREE course

Foundations of Heart-Centered Living:
​A Sampler of Simple, Powerful Practices

and start building a life filled with clarity and heart-centered connection.
​Click here to enroll today.

Sometimes life nudges you in a direction you never expected. That’s exactly what happened when I met Clint Arthur, an expert in celebrity entrepreneurship, at a Jack Canfield event. It was a chance encounter that would change the trajectory of my journey as an entrepreneur and messenger of transformational ideas.

A Serendipitous Meeting
The meeting was pure serendipity. I was attending Jack Canfield’s "Breakthrough to Success" event, eager to expand my mindset and open myself to new possibilities. As we waited for the event to begin, I struck up a conversation with the man sitting next to me.

"Hi. My name is Trish. What is your name and what do you do?" I asked.
"My name is Clint, and I turn experts into celebrities," he replied.

His words hit me like a lightning bolt. "I turn experts into celebrities." Those five words burned themselves into my brain, igniting a spark of curiosity and possibility I couldn’t ignore.
"How do you do that?" I asked.

Though I don’t remember his exact response, I remember feeling intrigued and compelled to learn more. The event began, and we were soon broken into groups, scattering us in different directions. I didn’t see Clint again until the final session.

A Powerful Mastermind Connection
On the last day, I walked into the room with my colleague, Jan, deep in conversation about a book project we were co-authoring. We found our seats, and as I glanced to my left, there he was again sitting next to me. Goosebumps prickled my arms. I always pay attention to goosebumps.

During that session, Jack Canfield led a mastermind process, and by some sort of universal design, I found myself in Clint’s group. Observing how his mind worked was fascinating. He was intelligent, sharp, and direct—blunt, even—but always insightful. His depth of experience and ability to cut through the noise was undeniable.

At the event’s conclusion, I heard myself saying. "You’ve been on my mind since Day 1. I’m an expert. I need to be a celebrity. I heard myself stumbling over my words as I continued to babble—“not in the Hollywood sense, but in a way that gets my expertise, wisdom, and message out into the world.” “Join me in Acapulco. I would love to work with you,” he said.

Stepping Into the Unknown
As fate would have it, I had just sold my property, and the check from the proceeds had cleared. Clint extended an invitation to his high-end training event at his private villa in Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico. The event was just four weeks later. I didn’t think about details. I didn’t hesitate. Without overthinking or talking myself out of it, I signed up on the spot and made an investment in myself.

Life, as they say, begins outside of your comfort zone.

Finding Magic in Acapulco
Fast forward a month, and there I was in Acapulco, standing on the terrace of a stunning villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I was there for a purpose far greater than a simple training. It was a calling—a chance to step into the spotlight, share my message, and make a greater impact.

Clint’s training was intense, transformative, and nothing short of magical. Over those days, I was pushed, stretched, and challenged in ways I never anticipated. I learned that having a message and passion isn’t enough. To reach the world, you need media mastery, visibility, and the right positioning. And at the same time, you need to get fear out of your way and follow your heart.

The Power of Saying Yes
Reflecting on this journey, I see how every moment led me here—from striking up that initial conversation to embracing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity without hesitation.

The lessons I learned in Acapulco weren’t just about media strategies or personal branding. They were about trusting life's invitations, listening to that inner nudge, digging deeper into who we are and daring to say yes, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Life truly does begin outside your comfort zone. It’s where the magic happens. And in Acapulco, magic happened for me.
Stay tuned …

Are you ready to take your own journey from head to heart?
If you're feeling called to step into your next chapter with clarity and purpose, I invite you to sign up for my free mini-course, Journey from Head to Heart. Discover simple yet powerful practices to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom and live a more intentional, heart-centered life. 👉 Click here to enroll now and begin your journey.
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As I sit down to write this, the word on my mind and in my heart is gratitude. More than just a word, it’s the feeling that defines Thanksgiving for me. As I've shared, my heart is heavy with all that’s happening in the world and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of events and emotions swirling around us. Still, I know, deep in my soul, that gratitude is the key to shifting my energy. Whether it’s for the big things or the small, gratitude has the power to transform.

This Thanksgiving, I have so much to be grateful for, and acknowledging those things that make my heart beat happy helps me ground myself in hope and peace.

I’m profoundly grateful for the freedom I’ve gained since selling my retreat center, Ripple on Silver Lake. That sale brought me physical, emotional, financial, and time freedom. I no longer carry the daily responsibilities of managing a busy property or the weight of its financial demands. Now, I have the space to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on what’s next in my life. As I look back on the experience of serving as a steward to that magical property, I am forever grateful all the learning and the growing I experienced there as well as what I am bringing forth as I plan my next steps. And I'm grateful for the people who have supported me all along the way and continue to do so.

I'm grateful for my Ukranian family. I was happy to provide them with a place to land when they first arrived in the US seeking asylum for the war in their country. Now I am honored to call them family and cherish the unbreakable bond we have formed.

I’m grateful for time—time to write, time to dream, and time to curl up with my cats, Luna and Sundae. Their sweet snuggles and gentle purring warm my heart and soothe my soul, lifting my spirits and elevating my vibration in ways words can’t describe.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend meaningful time with my dad. We’ve been reminiscing about family memories, and he’s been sharing stories I’ve never heard before—about his childhood, my mom, and the journey of raising a family. We've had some deep conversations about values, integrity, what's happening in the world and the meaning of it all. These moments feel like treasures, and I’m savoring every one of them. And I'm grateful to have the time to help my dad finish up his Storyworth book and add some pictures. (If you haven't heard of Storyworth, I highly recommend it as an easy way for your loved ones to share their stories with you and your family.)

I’m even grateful for the shift in seasons this year. While I’ve always loved winter and have a passion for skiing, I’m surprised by how much I appreciate not having to prepare for the cold. Instead, I’m enjoying warm days with my toes in the sand, walking along the beach at sunset.

I’m grateful for technology. I recently splurged on a new computer, which feels like the perfect tool for the online training I’m preparing to launch. I’m grateful for my business coaches, who are challenging me in ways I’ve never experienced but absolutely love.

Even the little things bring gratitude to my heart: my noise-canceling earbuds that turn the chaos of errands into a personal concert hall, the workspace and sleeping area I’ve created at my dad’s house, complete with ceiling fans and AC to keep me comfortable. (Let’s just say my dad’s ideas of home decor and temperature control don’t quite align with mine!)

I’m grateful for the tools I’ve cultivated to manage frustration and anger, which seem to arise more often as I process my thoughts and feelings about the state of the world. Heart breathing and practicing uncommon appreciation are my favorite and never fail me, reminding me to breathe deeply, choose gratitude in the moment, and raise my vibration instantly.
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Above all, I’m grateful for my belief in a higher power, a faith that reassures me that everything happens for our learning and growth—even when the bigger picture is unclear.

This Thanksgiving, gratitude feels like my lifeline, anchoring me amidst uncertainty and guiding me toward hope.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of the big things you’re grateful for this year?
2. What small, everyday moments or items bring you joy and gratitude?
3. How can you use gratitude as a tool to shift your energy when life feels heavy or uncertain?
4. What lessons or blessings have come from unexpected changes in your life?​​

As you reflect on your own blessings this Thanksgiving, may your heart be filled with peace, hope, and gratitude. 💛

It’s been 21 days since the election, and my heart still feels heavy. While I’ve managed to regain some productivity, I can’t bring myself to watch more than 30 minutes of news a day—if I even make it that far. The weight of current events is palpable, and the steady stream of developments has made faith feel fleeting. Each new cabinet appointment brings with it the certainty that the Project 2025 agenda looms larger every day. I’m holding on, but not without struggle.

In this season of emotional turbulence, I find myself retreating. I’ve taken to asking curious questions or offering clarifying data on social media, but even those efforts to engage feel exhausting. When I hit my limit, I block and move on. And then there are the escapes. Sometimes it’s a glass of wine with a friend, other times it’s sugar or shopping—none of which truly serve me. Recently, I even found myself at a casino, losing myself in the blinking lights of a slot machine. I slipped on my new noise-canceling earbuds, cranked up the music on my phone, and let the sensory overload take me away. For a couple of hours, it was blissful, yet there was an edge of danger in how addictive it felt.

I've even found myself on youTube, listening to someone talk about bubble votes and how swing states had an inordinate amount of them compared to the rest of the states this election. Could it be possible that this election was really stolen? Did Harris concede too soon? Why didn't she demand a recount in the swing states? Now am I the one to be accused of being a conspiracy theorist! The truth is, I don't trust Donald Trump. I wouldn't put anything past his desperation to do whatever it takes to keep himself out of jail. Jack Smith dropping the charges because he is the sitting president literally made me sick to my stomach. What is wrong with a system that allows a twice impeached, convicted felon, and rapist to run for office in the first place?

I could go on. Suffice to say, I'm still not okay. I'm still angry. I'm still beyond frustrated. I'm disgusted. And I'm tired. Lately, I’ve been seeking healthier escapes. I turn to nature, the quiet presence of animals and connecting with like minded others. Still, even conversations with like-minded souls—while necessary—often leave me drained. The weight of collective grief and anxiety is ever-present. I am not one for fear, but I fear I will feel this way for another four years. 

Yesterday, my cousin texted me about a dream she had about me. She asked if I was sick. She saw me lying in bed, hooked to an IV bag. In the dream, she felt certain I had cancer and that the IV bag contained chemotherapy. Intrigued by the subconscious symbolism, I asked her about the scene. Was I lying down or sitting? Was it chaotic or peaceful? Was I in a hospital or just a bed? She told me I was lying down in a peaceful setting—not in a hospital.

In real life, I’m not physically sick, but I can’t ignore the deeper message. I feel like the “cancer” in her dream isn’t mine alone—it’s the collective cancer of what’s ailing our country. The IV bag represents my need to heal. Not in chaos, but in a calm and intentional way.

I am healing, deeply, from the emotional toll of these times. I know this healing is essential. Still, the need to escape is constant. I balance my moments of escape with small victories—checking things off my task list, buying a small Christmas tree, planning Thanksgiving dinner for me and my Dad, and spending time reflecting on what’s next for me. There’s light on the horizon. In early December, I’ll be attending a week long retreat at a private luxury compound in the hills of Acapulco, Mexico. This opportunity came to me in a magical sort of way and promises to provide some clarity, inspiration, and rejuvenation for the next chapter of my life.

For now, I focus on the present. One day at a time. One hour at a time. One minute at a time. One breath at a time.

Reflection Questions

1. What “escapes” do you find yourself turning to during challenging times? Are they helping you heal, or are they temporary distractions?
2. When you feel heavy or overwhelmed, what spaces or activities bring you peace and clarity?
3. How can you actively create moments of healing—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—amid the noise of life’s challenges?

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Remember, healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to take it one breath at a time. If you’re feeling a similar weight, know that you’re not alone—and that even the smallest steps toward healing can make a difference.

Living in the mountains of New Hampshire, November always carries a certain kind of magic. This is the time of year when the chill settles in, and we prepare for the long, snowy months ahead. We stack wood, fill our sand/salt buckets, get our snow shovels ready, and enjoy our first cup of coffee snuggled up under a down comforter with furry friends for an extra bit of warmth. The first dusting of snow blankets the valley, and we can look up to see the snowcapped peaks of the White Mountains glistening in the sunlight. Ski areas are buzzing with anticipation, as avid skiers and snowboarders unpack their gear and scrape off summer wax, eager to carve the first tracks of the season. I was one of those winter enthusiasts, embracing the cold with excitement and a sense of adventure.

But this year, my "wintering" looks very different. I am in Florida, far from the familiar snow-covered landscapes, the frosty mornings, and the cozy evenings by the fireplace. This year, my winter isn’t marked by the usual rituals of pulling out ski gear and getting snow shovels ready. Instead, I’m experiencing a different kind of winter—a season of deep rest, reflection, and hibernation of the soul.

In the past month, I’ve navigated immense change. I sold my beloved retreat property, closed one of my businesses, and sorted through a lifetime of belongings—storing, selling, donating, and letting go. It was an intense whirlwind of decisions and emotions, made even more challenging by the unexpected waves of anxiety and sadness stirred up by the recent election results. My heart aches with a deep sense of concern for our collective future, and my spirit feels unsettled as I watch the post-election chaos unfold. It’s as if I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and now I find myself with little wax left in the middle.

So, for now, I’m wintering—a term that has taken on a whole new meaning in this season of my life. I’ve traded the crisp New England air for the humid warmth of Florida, where I’m staying with my 88-year-old dad. It’s a different kind of nesting.

I’m nesting, taking time to create a comforting, nurturing environment here in my dad’s home..

I’m resting, leaning into the power of retreat and recovery.

I'm reading. Two book are my companions: The Art of Doing Nothing: Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself and Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. They are gentle reminders that this season of hibernation is necessary—that it’s okay to step back, to pause, and to allow myself the time and space to simply be.

I’m writing more than I have in a long time. I’ve started a new blog series called A Journey Back to Hope, where I’m sharing raw, unfiltered reflections about what it feels like to navigate the aftermath of the election and the deep-seated fears that so many of us are experiencing. I’m also working on a new book, What I’ve Learned from Other People’s Kids That Parents Need to Know, a teaching memoir that draws from my years in adolescent development and sex education.

I’m still coaching my clients and staying open to new opportunities, but I’m allowing myself the grace to explore slowly, without the pressure of making big moves or decisions right now.

This season is about taking it one day at a time, listening to my heart, and soothing my soul as I move through this deeply personal transition, while also witnessing the global shift we’re all a part of. It’s a time of deep uncertainty and yet, strangely, a time of possibility. As I lean into this sort of wintering, I’m reminded that even in the darkest, coldest seasons, there is a quiet, potent magic at work—a space where transformation happens, unseen but profound.

I invite you to join me in this space of hibernation and exploration. Let’s honor this time of quiet, rest, and reflection together and finding moments of peace, comfort, and perhaps, a little bit of magic.

May your own "wintering," however it looks, bring you the rest and renewal your heart needs. And may you find the courage to embrace this season, not with fear, but with a gentle curiosity about what lies ahead.

Reflection Questions:

1. As you look back on your own week, what moments of transition or change did you experience? How did you navigate them, and what emotions surfaced for you?
2. How might you create your own version of "wintering"—a space for rest, reflection, or simply slowing down—even if your current season feels busy or uncertain?
3. What small steps can you take this week to nurture your heart and soul, allowing yourself the grace of rest or retreat, even for just a few moments each day?

​To read more in the A Journey Back to Hope series, click here.

This weekend, I’m inviting us all to take a moment for lightness, creativity, or even the briefest spark of joy. I’ll be honest: joy has felt distant lately. My heart feels heavy, and I suspect this weight may linger for a while. The recent election has left me frustrated and disheartened and the daily updates of cabinet picks make me angry. It is very difficult to reconcile that so many chose a leader whose values feel so at odds with kindness, truth, integrity, and justice.

But in these times, I find myself returning to the small, grounding practices that help me stay afloat. I’m setting firm boundaries around how much chaos I let into my world. I'm doing my best to stay connected to gratitude instead. I’ve been finding comfort in small rituals: watching the sunrise and sunset, feeling the soft purring of my cats, Luna and Sundae, as I pet them, spending time with my Dad reminiscing about childhood memories and laughing. It’s amazing how such simple things as gratitude, laughter and simple moments of joy can shift my energy from all that is happening in the world right now. Oh, and deep heart breaths when I feel triggered.

I’m grateful for the people in my life who hold space for me, exactly as I am—sadness, frustration, and all. I’m grateful for the writing that lets me process these complex emotions. I'm grateful for a couple of projects that have been slowly bringing a bit of happiness back into my days. I'm grateful for conversations with like minded others who validate my feelings. And when the overwhelm starts to creep in, I turn to the tools I know well, like heart breathing and the practice of uncommon appreciation. They ground me and help me refocus on what I can control, even when the world feels wild and out of reach. They both take some practice, but these gratitude practices are foundational for me. I suggest you check them out!

Joy will come, I believe that. It is actually there in each and every moment, if I choose to notice and embrace it. But for now, I’m honoring this mix of emotions I am navigating.

Reflection Questions for the Weekend

1. What small, grounding practices bring you comfort in heavy times?
2. Can you recall a recent moment of lightness or joy, however fleeting, that made you smile?
3. What is one thing you’re grateful for today, even if it feels small or insignificant?
4. How can you give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without judgment?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let this space be one where we can collect and share these tiny moments of beauty and reminders of hope.