Most of you know that I have a story, a story of pushing back, of breaking cycles, shattering glass ceilings, and of choosing healing over bitterness. My life work is spent sharing this story to help others break free from the chains of addiction, trauma, and mental illness. This past year, for the first time, […]
When our children reach the point of adulthood and leave the nest, it can feel like a profound loss for us as parents and even a loss of connection. We naturally have expectations for your lives: hopes for happiness, success, and safety. Letting go of those expectations has been one of the hardest parts of […]
“All that is not said is transmitted.” – Psychiatrist Nassan N. Munyandamutsa Take a moment to let that sink in. When we avoid confronting our pain, it doesn’t just disappear it finds other ways to show up in our lives and the lives of those around us 😢. That’s why it’s so important to press […]
📚Storytime with Steph📚 I was at TJ Maxx the other day, and I stumbled across this eyeshadow palette. I didn’t need it, but as soon as I saw the Tasmanian Devil on the front, I couldn’t help but smile. I had to buy it. It wasn’t because of the colors or even the product itself, […]
For those of us who have endured trauma, the messiness of life can extend beyond our emotions and into our physical spaces. Growing up in filth, clutter, and a scarcity mindset can make letting go of things feel impossible. We hold on because we’re afraid of losing even more. But over time, I’ve learned a […]
Yesterday, we celebrated 17 years of marriage, a journey filled with depth, meaning, and lessons that only time can reveal. As we reflected on our lives together, Danny said something that resonated with me: “Look at what our love has made.” Those words hold so much truth, not just in the family we’ve built, but […]
After leaving the public schools in 2023 I began to share my personal story or resilience and hope across the nation. If you would like to read my blog or connect about students and or families from hard places please let me know. I run a nonprofit called Simply Encourage where I coach families who […]
“In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice. What we yearn for is simply human connection a quiet presence, a gentle touch.” I recently read this quote and thought it might be worth sharing my own thoughts with whoever needs it: healing often begins not with answers, but with love that asks nothing […]
The Sweet Moments Life has a way of handing us bittersweet moments, doesn’t it? Some memories are etched so deeply that they linger, not because they were extravagant, but because they carried a sweetness that stood out from the chaos. For me, white powdered donuts from Mrs. Baird’s hold that kind of meaning. The fun […]
Luke 15:11-32 Once there was a girl who had been grafted into an imperfect yet loving family later in her life, not as a child, but on the edge of adulthood. Her new, very human, family had opened their arms to her, offering love, safety, and a home. She was given a fresh start, a […]
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