20 results found with an empty search
- Choosing Compassion in a Divided World
The world feels heavy right now. Between the headlines and social media debates I see so much so much hatred and divisiveness. I find myself alternating between feelings of anger, fear, and deep sadness—then retreating into denial, like an ostrich sticking my head in the sand, trying to protect myself and carry on with gratitude and positivity. But both of these extremes feel disconnected and inauthentic. I’ve been struggling with this tension, trying to figure out what aligns with my true self. Then, yesterday, I listened to a podcast that brought so much clarity. This keeps happening lately—where I wrestle with something, letting it percolate in the background without forcing a solution, and then, suddenly, the right message appears. A book, a conversation, a podcast—it’s like the universe is sending me signs. The episode that resonated with me was from 10% Happier with Dan Harris , featuring Tara Brach: A Counterintuitive Strategy for Navigating Tumultuous Times. I’ve linked the podcast on my website under Free Resources , but here are some parts of the discussion that spoke to me the most: Behind Anger, There is Always Compassion In these challenging times, many of us feel anger. But beneath anger is fear. Beneath fear is grief. And beneath grief is compassion. That truth struck me. When I dig deep, I always come back to compassion. And I realize that compassion feels so much stronger, so much more right than anger, fear, grief, or denial. RAIN: A Practice of Radical Compassion Tara Brach shared a simple but powerful mindfulness tool called RAIN , which puts into words what I have already been trying to practice: Recognize what is happening Allow the experience to be there, just as it is Investigate with curiosity and care Nurture with self-compassion This practice has been a game-changer in helping me sit with my emotions rather than resisting them. Beyond Mindfulness: Taking Intentional Action The podcast also explored the Four Immeasurables in Buddhist practice: Self-Awareness – Noticing your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Compassion – Meeting suffering with kindness rather than resistance. Loving-Kindness – Actively cultivating goodwill toward yourself and others. Intentional Action – Taking action rooted in wisdom, not just awareness. The first three I was familiar with and have been practicing, but the fourth step— intentional action —was newer to me. Mindfulness is important, but real change happens when we pair awareness with action. This is why I created my website. Even if I never get a single paying client, I know that putting myself out there to help others is an action. And in the process, I’m growing into my most authentic self. Compassion in the Face of Division One part of the podcast that really struck me was Tara Brach’s story about someone she knew—someone she found to be kind and generous, yet whose political beliefs were vastly different from hers. She made a conscious decision not to argue with him, but instead to meet him with compassion. At first, this idea felt counterintuitive. But then, I thought back to a situation a couple of years ago when I got into a heated debate with some casual friends over LGBTQ+ rights. I felt so overwhelmed and upset that I had to leave the room. I went into fight-or-flight mode and couldn’t think straight for many hours. This moment has bothered me for years—not just because I feel so strongly about the issue, but because I didn’t know how to respond. I’ve always wished I could be like Jon Stewart, calmly and brilliantly dismantling arguments with facts, logic, and humor. But that’s not who I am. What I am is compassionate. And suddenly, I realized—I should have responded with compassion. And curiosity. I know what some of you might be thinking: Why should we extend compassion to people whose views are harmful? But hear me out. Arguing often makes people dig deeper into their beliefs. It creates distance. It divides us. And the further away I am, the less influence I have. I can’t control what others think, but I can control how I respond. And if I respond with compassion—without condoning what I wholeheartedly believe to be wrong—maybe, just maybe, I can reach people in a way that anger and arguments never could. That doesn’t mean I’ll always get it right. But if I keep practicing self-awareness, compassion, loving-kindness, and intentional action, I know I’ll grow. Three Powerful Lessons to Carry Forward The podcast left me with three final takeaways that will help me stay on this path: Everyone is carrying an invisible black bag. This bag is filled with past trauma, current struggles, and fears for the future. When I think about people who act from a place of hatred, I will remind myself—they are carrying heavy burdens. And maybe I can show them a little grace. Compassion doesn’t mean weak boundaries. Showing compassion doesn’t mean I have to tolerate harmful behavior. It doesn’t mean I can’t set boundaries or stand up for others. But I can do those things more effectively when they come from a place of clarity and love rather than reactivity. It’s okay if I don’t always get it right. There will be people and situations where, no matter how hard I try, I will struggle to show compassion. And that’s okay. I’m human. None of us are perfect. What matters is that I keep practicing. This is the path I want to walk—one of self-awareness, compassion, loving-kindness, and intentional action. And maybe, in a world that feels so divided, that’s exactly what we need more of. If this resonates with you and you'd like to connect, I’d love to chat. You can reach me by clicking here or follow me on Facebook.
- Managing Stress: Understanding, Navigating, and Reducing Stress in Everyday Life
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but how we respond to it can make all the difference. By understanding the stress cycle, learning to pause between stimulus and response, and incorporating daily stress-reducing techniques, you can build resilience and find balance in challenging moments. Let’s explore how to take control of stress step by step. The Stress Cycle: From Trigger to Completion Stress often begins with a trigger, which is shaped by past experiences and learned patterns of behavior. These triggers frequently arise when our needs—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—are not being met. When faced with a trigger, the body reacts by entering the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the body, preparing us to handle the perceived threat. In this state, non-essential systems slow down, critical thinking becomes difficult, and emotions like fear, frustration, or overwhelm take over. However, even when the external threat is gone, our thoughts can keep replaying the situation, delaying the completion of the stress cycle. This prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and weakened immune function. The key to breaking free? Recognizing when the threat has passed and consciously completing the stress cycle. Techniques like physical activity, deep breathing, creative expression, or laughter can help release tension and restore balance. PAUSE: Creating Space Between Stimulus and Response Between the moment of stress and your reaction, there’s an opportunity to PAUSE. This intentional pause helps you respond calmly and thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Here’s what PAUSE stands for: Presence: Breathe deeply and focus on the space between your thoughts and your awareness of those thoughts. Acceptance: Embrace what cannot be changed, practice self-compassion, and approach others with curiosity rather than judgment. Unmet Needs: Ask yourself what you need in this moment. Do you need rest, nourishment, love, or stronger boundaries? Safety: Remind yourself that you are safe in the present moment. Engage in Tension Release: Choose a stress-reducing activity like physical movement, laughter, or a warm bath to help your body release cortisol and increase calming hormones like oxytocin. For example, if you’re triggered by an overwhelming workload, you could pause to take three deep breaths, remind yourself you’re safe, and identify the support or boundaries you need to move forward thoughtfully. Stress-Reducing Techniques for Everyday Life Building daily habits that reduce stress can help regulate your nervous system and equip you with positive coping strategies for life’s challenges. Try incorporating some of these practices into your routine: 1. Prioritize Rest and Recovery Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind. Take regular breaks during the day to stretch, hydrate, or simply breathe. 2. Stay Physically Active Exercise releases endorphins, your body’s natural stress relievers. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, or dancing, movement helps release built-up tension. 3. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection Spend 5–10 minutes daily practicing mindfulness or meditation to ground yourself. Use breathwork techniques like box breathing to calm your nervous system in moments of stress. Journal your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity and process emotions. 4. Soothe Your Senses Use aromatherapy with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus. Enjoy a hot bath, savor a cup of tea, or wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. Play soothing music or embrace physical touch to release tension and foster calm. 5. Cultivate Joy and Connection Spend time with loved ones who uplift you. Laugh, play, and engage in hobbies that spark joy. Try creative activities like painting, cooking, or gardening to express yourself and recharge. 6. Reduce Digital Overload Set boundaries around screen time to avoid overstimulation. Replace mindless scrolling with activities that nourish your mind and body. 7. Create a Stress-Free Environment Organize your space to create a sense of calm. Declutter where you can. Manage your time thoughtfully by prioritizing tasks, delegating, and saying no when necessary. Takeaway Managing stress is a journey, but by understanding how stress works, learning to pause, and incorporating daily practices, you can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience. Start small—choose one or two techniques to try today and build from there. Remember, every little step counts in creating a calmer, more balanced life. What’s one small change you can make today to support your well-bein g? Click here to get in touch with me for personalized support on your journey toward a more balanced, stress-free life today!
- Creative Ways to Make Learning Fun and Engaging for Kids
Learning should be an adventure, not a chore! When kids are engaged, curious, and having fun, they absorb information more easily and develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, here are some creative ways to make learning exciting and meaningful for kids. 1. Turn Learning into a Game Kids love games, so why not turn lessons into interactive play? Educational Board Games – Games like Scrabble (for spelling), Math Bingo, or storytelling dice can make learning feel like play. Escape Room Challenges – Create an at-home or classroom escape room where kids solve math problems or answer reading comprehension questions to unlock the next clue. Quiz Show Style Learning – Set up a Jeopardy-style game to review topics like science facts, history, or vocabulary words. 💡 Try this: Write math problems or vocabulary words on Jenga blocks. Each time a child pulls a block, they solve the problem before placing it on top! 2. Use Hands-On, Sensory Activities Many kids learn best by touching, building, and experimenting rather than just listening or reading. Science Experiments – Make a baking soda volcano, grow crystals, or create a homemade lava lamp. DIY Counting or Spelling with Playdough – Have kids form letters or numbers with playdough, kinetic sand, or pipe cleaners. Sensory Writing Trays – Fill a shallow tray with sand, salt, or shaving cream, and let kids "write" their spelling words or practice math equations with their fingers. 💡 Try this: Freeze small toys in ice cubes and let kids "excavate" them using warm water and salt while discussing states of matter! 3. Get Kids Moving Movement-based learning helps improve focus and retention, especially for energetic kids. Hopscotch Math – Draw a hopscotch grid and write math problems in each square. Kids must solve the problem before they hop! Spelling Scavenger Hunt – Hide letters around the room and have kids find and arrange them to spell words. Learning Obstacle Course – Set up a mini obstacle course where kids must answer a question correctly before moving to the next challenge. 💡 Try this: Write sight words or math equations on index cards and tape them to the wall. Kids use a Nerf gun or soft ball to hit the correct answer! 4. Bring Stories to Life Books come alive when kids can act out, draw, or recreate what they’ve read. Storytelling with Puppets – Use puppets or stuffed animals to retell stories and boost comprehension. Create a Comic Strip – Have kids draw and write a comic strip retelling a book in their own words. DIY Theater – Act out scenes from a book using costumes, props, or even sock puppets! 💡 Try this: Read a book together, then have your child design a "new cover" for the book based on what they imagined while reading! 5. Connect Learning to Real Life Kids are more engaged when they see how learning applies to the real world. Cooking for Math & Science – Have kids measure ingredients, mix, and experiment with recipes to practice fractions and chemistry. Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt – Look for different leaves, rocks, or animals and discuss their characteristics. Grocery Store Challenge – Give kids a small budget and let them pick out ingredients for a meal while practicing addition and subtraction. 💡 Try this: Have your child "open a store" at home with play money and price tags. They can practice math while buying and selling items to family members! 6. Use Technology in a Meaningful Way Technology can enhance learning when used creatively! Interactive Learning Apps – Apps like Khan Academy Kids, Duolingo, or Prodigy Math make learning feel like a game. Virtual Field Trips – Explore museums, zoos, or space from home using Google Earth or virtual tours. Create a Stop-Motion Animation – Have kids create a mini-movie about a historical event or science concept! 💡 Try this: Let kids record themselves "teaching" a concept as if they are YouTube stars—it boosts confidence and reinforces what they’ve learned! 7. Make Learning Social & Collaborative Kids thrive when they learn with others. Group Story Writing – One child starts a story, and each person adds a sentence. Math Relay Races – In teams, kids solve a math problem and "pass the baton" to the next teammate. Pen Pals or Video Chats with Kids from Other Countries – This teaches culture, geography, and communication skills. 💡 Try this: Have kids work together to build a bridge or tower using marshmallows and toothpicks while discussing engineering principles! 8. Take Learning Outside Nature provides a dynamic and stimulating environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Math in Nature – Practice counting, sorting, and measuring using natural objects like leaves, rocks, or sticks. Older students can calculate perimeter and area by measuring playground spaces or create bar graphs based on things they find outside. Outdoor Storytelling & Writing – Have students sit under a tree or on a grassy hill and describe what they see, hear, and feel. Use nature as inspiration for creative writing, poetry, or storytelling. Science & Exploration – Study ecosystems by observing plants, insects, or weather patterns. Set up simple science experiments, like testing how different surfaces absorb heat or tracking the growth of a plant over time. Reading – Take some nature books outside to read in a quiet spot, organize scavenger hunts for vocabulary words, or take a walk in your neighborhood and read any signs you see. Mindfulness & Reflection – Encourage students to sit quietly and observe their surroundings, then journal about their thoughts and feelings. Outdoor mindfulness activities help kids develop focus and emotional regulation. Building & Creating – Give students materials like sticks, leaves, and stones to build structures, make art, or even create small habitats for insects. This encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and fine motor skills. 💡 Helpful Tip: Keep a “grab-and-go” outdoor learning kit in a wagon or backpack with essentials like clipboards, pencils, magnifying glasses, measuring tape, and a small whiteboard. That way, when inspiration strikes, you’re always ready to take learning outside! Final Thoughts Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be an adventure, a game, a hands-on experience! Whether you’re a parent looking for ways to keep learning fun at home or a teacher trying to spark engagement in the classroom, these ideas can help make education exciting and meaningful. If you’re looking for more ideas for creative learning activities, customized lesson plans, strategies to foster a positive learning environment or just need guidance from someone who’s been there, I’d love to help! Click here to connect with me and explore how we can work together.
- Why Coaching?
Much like a flower gradually blooming from a seed, life coaching provides the guidance and support to help you grow into your fullest potential. Here are some of the key benefits life coaching can offer you: 1. Clear Goals and Purpose Life coaching helps you identify what you truly want in life and aligns your actions with your values and long-term aspirations. Benefit: You gain a clear vision of where you're headed and the steps needed to get there. 2. Improved Self-Awareness Through guided reflection and questioning, life coaching enhances your understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and potential blind spots. Benefit: Greater self-awareness allows for better decision-making and personal growth. 3. Enhanced Focus and Productivity A coach helps prioritize your goals and eliminate distractions, keeping you accountable and on track. Benefit: You can achieve more in less time with a structured plan. 4. Increased Confidence Life coaching builds self-belief by addressing limiting beliefs and celebrating small successes. Benefit: You feel more capable of taking on challenges and pursuing your dreams. 5. Better Stress Management Coaches provide strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain emotional balance during difficult times. Benefit: Improved mental and emotional well-being. 6. Improved Relationships Life coaching often focuses on communication, empathy, and understanding, helping you strengthen personal and professional relationships. Benefit: Healthier, more meaningful connections with others. 7. Accountability and Motivation A coach serves as an accountability partner, ensuring you stay committed to your goals even when motivation wanes. Benefit: Increased likelihood of achieving goals through consistent effort and discipline. 8. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs Life coaching addresses negative thought patterns and self-doubt, helping you replace them with empowering beliefs. Benefit: You unlock your potential by shifting your mindset to one of possibility and growth. 9. Skill Development Life coaches often guide you in developing essential life skills like time management, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Benefit: You become more effective in managing your personal and professional life. 10. Work-Life Balance Coaches help you prioritize and balance different aspects of your life, such as career, relationships, and health. Benefit: A more fulfilling and harmonious lifestyle. 11. Career Growth Life coaching provides guidance on career choices, transitions, and strategies for advancement. Benefit: Greater job satisfaction and alignment with your career aspirations. 12. Support During Transitions Whether it's a new job, relationship changes, or other life transitions, a coach provides support and direction during uncertain times. Benefit: You navigate changes with confidence and clarity. 13. Personal Growth Life coaching emphasizes continuous improvement, encouraging you to reach your full potential. Benefit: You experience long-term growth and transformation. 14. Customized Approach Coaching sessions are tailored to your unique goals, personality, and circumstances. Benefit: You receive personalized strategies and solutions that work for you. When you book Life Coaching with me, we'll start with an initial chat - whether by phone, text or video conference - and get to know each other and explore your needs. Together we'll set clear, attainable goals that align with your vision and priorities. I'll guide you through a tailored process designed to help you achieve those goals, offering personalized strategies, tools and support. Along the way, I'll ensure you feel empowered and motivated to embrace your journey with confidence. Click here if you’d like to ask questions or learn more about how Life Coaching can help you live your best life!
- What I’ve Learned as an Educator
Teaching is much more than delivering lessons—it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and creating an environment where students feel empowered to learn. Over my years as an educator, I’ve discovered invaluable lessons that have shaped how I teach and connect with my students. Here are some of the most impactful takeaways from my journey: 1. Building Connections is Key Every student carries a story you might not know, so showing grace and empathy is essential. Taking the time to build relationships fosters trust and creates a safe space for learning. A small act of kindness or a moment of understanding can make a world of difference in a child’s day. 2. Joy and Novelty Matter Each day in the classroom is an opportunity to bring a little joy. Whether it’s through humor, creative activities, or unexpected surprises, infusing novelty keeps students engaged and makes learning memorable. 3. Encourage Collaboration and Reflection Allowing time for children to talk, reflect, and work together builds critical thinking and social skills. Collaborative activities and opportunities for self-reflection help students process their learning and connect with their peers. 4. Set Clear Expectations and Routines Children thrive when they know what to expect. Explicitly teaching and consistently reinforcing routines and expectations reduces confusion and helps students feel secure. Problems often arise when these boundaries aren’t clearly defined. 5. Gradual Release of Responsibility Every new concept or skill requires a gradual release of responsibility. Start by modeling, then move to shared practice before encouraging independent practice. This scaffolding ensures students feel supported as they build competence and confidence. 6. Tone Matters Your tone sets the stage for interactions. Using a neutral tone when resolving conflict helps to de-escalate situations, while an enthusiastic tone during lessons creates excitement and motivation. 7. Expand Your Toolbox Effective classroom management requires a diverse set of strategies. Continually refine your toolbox, and don’t be afraid to try new approaches if one isn’t working. Keeping a record of what works for different students can be a game-changer. 8. Foster Independence Don’t rush to solve problems for students. Give them time to process, struggle, and problem-solve independently. When you do intervene, start with guiding questions instead of immediate solutions. This approach builds resilience and critical thinking. 9. Work Smarter, Not Harder Efficiency is vital for maintaining balance as an educator. Use checklists and anecdotal observations to track student progress in academics and learning skills. These notes are invaluable when providing feedback, assessments, and report card comments. These lessons have shaped my approach as an educator, helping me create a classroom that is compassionate, joyful, and conducive to learning. By focusing on relationships, routines, and resilience, I strive to make each student’s journey as meaningful and successful as possible. Are you an educator looking for inspiration or strategies? Click here to contact me if you would like to discuss any of these teaching strategies or how I can help you with custom resources and personalized support!
- What I’ve Learned as a Parent
Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding and challenging journeys. Over the years, I’ve learned a great deal about what it takes to nurture happy, healthy, and resilient children while also caring for myself. Here are some of the key lessons I’ve gathered: Connection is Everything The foundation of effective parenting is a strong and trusting relationship with your child. Building and maintaining this connection means showing up consistently with love and understanding. When children feel safe and valued, they are more open to guidance and collaboration. Everyday Communication: Building Connection Through Conversation Fostering meaningful communication with your children can strengthen your bond and provide insights into their world. Instead of asking broad questions like, “How was your day?”—which often yields one-word responses—try asking more specific, open-ended questions. For example: “What did you learn about in math today?” “Can you tell me about one conversation you had with a friend?” “What’s one thing you saw or heard today that made you laugh?” These prompts invite deeper conversation and help children reflect on their experiences more thoughtfully. Establish Rituals Creating rituals around communication can become cherished family traditions. In our family, we initiated a dinner table ritual where each person shares one way they helped someone that day or something they felt proud of. This practice not only fosters gratitude and empathy but also models positive communication for children. Another strategy we used involved intentionally sharing challenges we were facing and inviting our children’s input. My husband and I would regularly discuss dilemmas—whether personal or work-related—during family meals and ask our kids for advice. This approach not only demonstrated that we valued their opinions but also encouraged critical thinking and empathy. Boundaries with Compassion Setting reasonable boundaries is essential for creating structure and safety. However, it’s equally important to validate your child’s feelings, even when enforcing rules. Phrases like, “I understand this feels unfair, but this is why it’s important,” show empathy while maintaining clear expectations. Emotion in the Right Moments Expressing emotions during positive interactions—like excitement, pride, or joy—helps strengthen your bond with your child. On the flip side, when dealing with conflicts, maintaining a neutral tone can prevent escalation and encourage calm problem-solving. Prioritize Your Own Well-Being Just like the airplane safety rule about putting on your own oxygen mask first, parents need to take care of themselves to be fully present for their families. Whether it’s carving out time for hobbies, time with friends, exercise, meditation or rest, prioritizing your needs benefits everyone in your household. Nurture Your Partnership If you have a partner, investing in your relationship is just as crucial. A strong partnership sets a positive example for your children and creates a supportive environment where everyone thrives. Routines Pay Off Establishing consistent routines and expectations early on is worth the effort. For instance, teaching young children to pack their own lunches or help with laundry may take time initially, but it fosters independence and reduces your workload in the long run. Gradual Release of Responsibility As children grow, they need opportunities to take risks and learn from their experiences. Gradually releasing responsibility allows them to build confidence and problem-solving skills while knowing you’re there for support if needed. Embrace Mistakes Parenting is full of mistakes—big and small. The key is to own them, apologize, and model accountability. This teaches your children that it’s okay to be imperfect and that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. Be Specific with Praise Rather than offering generic praise like “good job,” focus on specific achievements or behaviors: “I’m so impressed with how you shared your toys today.” This reinforces the values and skills you want to encourage. Parenting is a continuous learning experience, and every family is unique. If you’d like support with any of these topics or other parenting challenges, feel free to click here to contact me. I’d love to help you navigate your journey with confidence and connection.
- Mastering Meal Planning: Tips for Eating Healthier and Saving Money
Meal planning has been a game-changer for me. Not only does it help me and my family eat healthier, but it also saves money and reduces stress during the week. If you’re looking to streamline your meals and make life a little easier, here are some strategies that work for me: Organize Your Favorites Start by creating a dedicated space for storing your go-to meals and recipes. I like to sort mine into categories like “Quick & Easy Everyday Meals” and “Special Occasion Dishes.” This makes it simple to pick something that fits the day’s vibe and time constraints. Shop Smart I aim to do my main grocery shopping on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Stores are usually restocked by then, and it’s before the busier rush later in the week. If we need anything over the weekend, I send my husband because I’m not a fan of crowded stores! Simplify Early in the Week On Monday and Tuesday, I stick to simple meals like pasta, soup with sandwiches or wraps, or even breakfast for dinner. These options use pantry staples and require minimal prep. Sometimes, I’ll defrost something I’ve previously frozen to make dinner even easier. Cook Once, Eat Twice Whenever possible, I double recipes so we have leftovers for lunch the next day or meals to freeze for the future. This small effort during meal prep can save a lot of time and stress later. Plan for Big Meal Prep Sessions (If It Fits) While I aim for larger meal prep sessions on Wednesday night or Sunday, they don’t always fit into my schedule. When I do, I prepare some meals to freeze and others for the week ahead. Even prepping a few items, like chopping vegetables or cooking grains, can make weeknights smoother. Take Stock Before Shopping Before heading to the store, I take a quick inventory of my fridge, freezer, and pantry. This helps me identify ingredients I need to use up and staples running low. From there, I create a shopping list tailored to the meals I’m planning. Get the Family Involved I like to talk with my husband and children about what they want for dinner and which meals they can help with—or even take charge of. This collaboration not only lightens my load but also gives everyone a sense of ownership in the process. Plan the Week with Flexibility I map out dinners for the week, accounting for leftovers that can double as lunches or be frozen. To keep things organized, I write the menu on a dry-erase calendar on the fridge. Life happens, though, so I stay flexible, swapping meals if something unexpected comes up. Use Technology for Your Grocery List The Keep app has been a lifesaver for our family’s grocery list. Everyone in the household can access it, add items, or check them off if they’ve been purchased. I also save a few recipes in the app so I can quickly adapt if I can’t find an ingredient for a planned meal. Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just takes a bit of practice and routine. If you’d like help creating custom meal plans for a week or a month, click here to contact me. I’d love to support you in making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable!
- Manifesting Abundance: My Journey to a Fuller Life
A few years ago, I took part in a three-week meditation course focused on gratitude. It was a deeply positive experience, helping me recognize the many things in my life I had to be thankful for. A year later, I enrolled in another three-week course, this time centered on abundance. Although I completed the course, I found it challenging and uncomfortable. At the time, I struggled to embrace the idea of abundance, and I didn’t feel like I gained much from it. I have always had so much to be grateful for in my life, but there were things I wanted to improve. However, asking for more felt selfish or greedy. I believed that if you want something, you have to go out and make it happen—not wait for it to come to you. But my perspective has shifted since then, and I’ve become much more open to the idea of manifesting abundance. I now recognize that the world is full of limitless possibilities, and I deserve an abundant life—and so does everyone else. That said, I don’t believe that simply thinking about what we want will make it appear. If we want to change our lives, we need to change ourselves. My Practice of Manifesting Abundance Since adopting a more open mindset, my life has started to change for the better—externally in ways like this website, and internally through increased joy and less stress. Here’s the practice I’ve been following: Clarifying What I Want I started by asking myself, “What do I want more of in my life?” I then wrote my answers in my journal: Love and acceptance Community and belonging Nature and beauty Art and creativity Peace and harmony Purpose Financial freedom Travel Daily Reflection Each day, I read over my list and journaled about one of the areas I wanted to attract more of. I explored how I would feel if I had it, and reminded myself that I am deserving of abundance simply because I exist. I also reflected on my gratitude for both the small, everyday things—like my daughter helping with dinner or new growth on a plant—and the bigger, more unique things—like my community coming together to support a neighbor in need or witnessing the beauty of a sunrise surrounded by birds. Seeking Inspiration I listened to podcasts on abundance and spoke with friends and family about the changes I wanted to make in my life. The more I immersed myself in abundance-focused content, the more open I became to opportunities. Noticing Small Shifts As I continued this practice, I noticed subtle yet significant changes in myself: more calm, focus, and energy. This newfound clarity motivated me to take more steps, such as spending more time outdoors, planning a home renovation, and reconnecting with friends. I also saw opportunities aligning with my goals: I came across a Mel Robbins workshop called Make It Happen (linked in the Free Resources section), I watched a YouTube video that inspired me to take action, and a friend recommended a book that profoundly impacted me. I even had a dream about creating this website. Daily Action Today, I spend time daily meditating, journaling, visualizing, affirming my worth, and focusing on positivity. I’ve learned to open my heart and recognize the abundance around me. I celebrate the ways abundance appears in my life and in the lives of others. I stay patient, remain open to unexpected opportunities, and trust that the universe is working in my favor. Each day, I take inspired action that moves me closer to my goals. Final Thoughts Manifesting abundance has not only helped me attract external changes but also transformed my internal world. By being open, staying patient, and taking inspired action, I’ve started to see more opportunities and positive shifts in my life. If you're ready to explore manifesting abundance in your own life, I invite you to check out my Free Resources or click here to contact me. I’d love to help you start your own journey toward a life full of abundance!







