Feb 09

The Unsung Heroes

The Unsung Heroes: Finding Strength and Resiliency as a Caregiver

Life has a way of testing our strength and resiliency, often in ways we never expected. As a caregiver to my beloved, fondly known as my hunkyman, and my mom, I’ve discovered depths of fortitude I didn’t know I had. In this journey, I’ve learned that being a caregiver is not just a role, but a profound expression of love and commitment.

It’s dawn, and the world is just starting to stir, but my day as a caregiver began hours ago. There’s a quiet beauty in the stillness of the early morning, a time when I gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. This is when I find my center, my connection with faith, and the resilience to face the challenges that come with caring for the two people who mean the world to me.

Caring for my husband, my steadfast rock, has taught me about the unyielding power of love. His strength, even in vulnerability, is a constant source of inspiration. Together, we’ve navigated the complexities of health issues, finding laughter and love in the moments in between. He’s not just my hunkyman; he’s my partner in this dance of life, no matter how the music changes.

Then there’s my mom, the woman who raised me to be the resilient, independent spirit I am today. As her caregiver, I’ve discovered a role reversal that’s both humbling and enlightening, revealing the cyclical nature of care and compassion within families.

Through this role, I’ve become an overcomer, transforming from victim to victor in the face of adversity. It’s a path paved with decision, determination, and discipline. As a caregiver, I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about the ability to lift another person; it’s about lifting their spirits, sharing burdens, and celebrating small victories.

Resiliency, I’ve discovered, is not the absence of hardship but the ability to thrive within it. It’s about finding joy in the simple moments – a shared smile, a quiet conversation, or the gentle squeeze of a hand. It’s about being present, not just in the physical sense but with your whole heart.

Being a caregiver has reshaped my identity, but it has also amplified my life’s purpose. I’ve become a storyteller, an encourager, and a beacon of hope for others on similar paths. My aspiration is not just to survive this journey but to thrive and inspire others to do the same.

To all the caregivers out there, remember that your strength and resiliency are your superpowers. They are what make you extraordinary in the ordinary day-to-day. You are the unsung heroes, the quiet warriors, and the heartbeats that keep the rhythm of care and love going strong.

May we all embrace the caregiver within us with grace and grit, knowing that in the act of caring for others, we uncover the most resilient and beautiful parts of ourselves.

Aug 23

Feeding the Mind and Body

Choosing Healthier Foods for a Happier Life

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something super important—our food choices and how they reflect our mindset. 

Recently, I’ve shared the shifts in my thinking. It’s like a fog has lifted, and I’m seeing things clearer than ever before. My mindset is stronger, more positive, and you know what? It’s about darn time that my eating habits fall in line with this new outlook. 

Choosing healthier foods isn’t just about looking good in jeans (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about honoring our bodies with the nutrients they need to function at their best. It’s about saying ‘heck yes’ to feeling vibrant, energetic, and ready to take on whatever comes our way. 

So, I’m making a commitment, right here, right now, to be intentional with my food. I’m talking more vegetables, fresh fruit, lean proteins, and yes, even those fancy dark nutrient dense leafy greens that everyone raves about. This land locked beach girl will learn to love grapefruit y’all. 

It’s time to get creative in the kitchen, explore new spices, embrace new textures, find new recipes and savor the vibrant natural flavors that Mother Nature has to offer.

But let’s be real, it’s not just about the food itself — it’s about reinforcing the mindset behind the choices we make. It’s about choosing foods that nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls. It’s about creating a relationship with food that’s based on respect, love, and joy. 

I have demonized food for too long and I now get to celebrate all the good stuff all real foods have to offer – time to banish any and all beliefs around hard, icky, yucky, plain so I make room for vibrant, fresh and alive!

I’m inviting y’all to join me on this journey. Let’s share our favorite healthy recipes, our little victories at the grocery store, and the moments when we choose a salad over fries (and how proud we are when we do!). Let’s support each other in making choices that make us feel good from the inside out. 

Here’s to continuing to grow our mindset so it’s as nourishing as the food on our plates. Let’s eat well, live well, and love every bite along the way. Cheers to health, happiness, and a heart full of joy for the journey ahead. Bon appétit, my friends! 

#HealthyEating #MindfulChoices #NutritionMatters #FoodForThought #MindsetShift #FreshStart #EatWellLiveWell #HappyHealthyLife #WholeFoodLove #KitchenAdventures #NourishYourBody #JoyfulEating

Jun 13

Commitment to the Sunrise

Honoring My Circadian Rhythm

Good morning, y’all! Today, I want to share with you my commitment to witnessing the sunrise each day and how this one seemingly minor shift appears to be changing everything!   God promises His mercies are new every morning and I’m coming to realize how deeply I’m connected to and impacted by the natural flows He created in our circadian rhythms. 

For those who might not be familiar, our circadian rhythm is like an internal clock that runs in the background of our brain and cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. It’s what tells our bodies when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to wind down.   It’s fascinating to explore how God changes sunlight during the day and uses that to trigger physiological changes in me to give me energy or to signal the shift to periods of rest. 

Seeing the sunrise isn’t just about catching a beautiful moment, although that’s a pretty great perk. It’s about aligning my body with God’s rhythms for the earth, resetting my internal clock, and starting my day with intention. There’s something magical about the quiet of the morning, the soft light that paints the sky, and the fresh start that each new day brings. That uninhibited soft glow on my face and in my eyes actually emits light at frequencies that trigger chemicals in my brain to give me the ability to level, do, perform and be in every moment of every day. 

Committing to this practice has been a game-changer for me. It’s improved my sleep quality, boosted my mood, and given me a sense of peace that truly does surpass understanding. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens during the day, I began it with God and received His gift of a moment of serenity filled with beauty.

But it’s not just about the feels—there’s science to back this up too. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, which can lead to better sleep and more energized days. It’s about going with the flow of our natural state, not against it. And let me tell you, it feels right.

So, I invite y’all to join me in this commitment. Whether it’s stepping outside with a cup of coffee, sitting on your patio for your morning meditation, taking a walk or just opening the door to let the light on you, try it out. Tune into the circadian rhythm and flow of life. Let’s greet the day together with open hearts and open eyes. Here’s to mornings that feel as good as that first stretch after a great night’s sleep. 

#SunriseCommitment #CircadianRhythm #MorningRitual #Nature’sAlarmClock #WakeUpWithTheSun #MorningSerenity #DailyIntention #SleepHealth #RiseAndShine #NewDayNewStart #PeacefulMornings #EmbracingTheDay

May 07

Embracing Health

A Journey of Spirit, Mind, and Body

What does it really mean to be healthy—beyond the numbers on a scale or the food on our plates. I’m choosing a holistic approach that encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

I’ve realized that there is a sequence to getting healthy when the goal is staying healthy. I’ve had some things out of order for most of my life and I accept responsibility for all the ups downs and loopy loops I’ve experienced on this wellness journey of mine. 

First off, let’s talk about spiritual health. For me, it’s rooted in my faith in Jesus. It’s about finding peace in His presence and strength in His word. Spiritual health means nurturing our connection to something greater than ourselves, which provides a sense of purpose and direction. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around us, it’s vital to carve out time for spiritual growth.  

This isn’t a step to be rushed through. In the past, I gave the easy or perceived right answer and moved on. This time, I really sat in it. The daily conversation with God about how I see me and really listening to His responses when I asked Him to point out lies in believed about me.  And know this – during this part of the journey – I had zero tolerance for pity parties and shame.  It started by putting on a white lab coat for objective information gathering before digging into all the feels of what lies I believe leading to what wounds do I get to heal?

Moving on to mental health, it’s about resilience, optimism, and a playful spirit. It’s overcoming challenges with grace and humor, and keeping our thoughts aligned with our values and goals. Mental health involves self-care, seeking personal growth, and maintaining healthy relationships. I needed to redefine boundaries, forgiveness, self love while growing my belief to know I’m worth it … It’s about being assertive in our needs and kind in our interactions. It’s the zillions of choices we make every minute of every day to live according to what we know spiritually!

And let’s not forget physical health—oh, how important that is!  This is the opportunity to demonstrate the changes we’ve made on the inside.  It’s not just about being in the 120s or having lean, toned muscles. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that includes consistent movement, whole foods, and practices that support our total well-being. Physical health is about being strong, flexible, and having a core that supports us through life’s adventures. It’s about celebrating what our bodies can do and treating them with the love and care they deserve.  The pure love and mad respect for my body changes when I start on the inside and fully acknowledge what my body has done to get me to this spot today. 

When we focus on all three aspects—spiritual, mental, and physical—we create an alignment that resonates through every facet of our lives. It’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all journey, but it’s one worth embarking on. 

So here’s to being healthy in every sense of the word! I’m here to cheer on, support, and encourage anyone on this journey – and open to receiving that support in return. We are more powerful with each other on this path and share our victories, big and small. Remember, health is wealth, and when we’re thriving spiritually, mentally, and physically, we’re truly living our best lives. Let’s change our world, one healthy choice at a time!

#HolisticHealth #SpiritualWellness #MentalResilience #PhysicalStrength #FaithAndFitness #HealthyLifestyle #MindBodySpirit #Balance #Wellbeing #ThriveTogether #JourneyToHealth #LiveYourBestLife #HealthIsWealth

Apr 15

Discovering Self-Worth

The Journey to Surrounding Yourself with Believers

Howdy, y’all! Let’s get real on something that’s as real as real gets – recognizing our own worth! It’s like finding a rare pearl in an oyster; once you see that shine, there’s no unseeing it. I think that is the reason I attended the Seint Wildflower Convention – I needed to fully embrace and own my worth.

The value you assign your worth is a game-changer, isn’t it? The moment you start to see your worth, the world shifts a bit. You’re the same person, but now you’re wearing these brand-new, worth-seeing goggles, and let me tell you, they’re more than just a fashion statement.

But here’s the kicker – as you begin to value yourself more, you’ll notice something. You’ll start to feel like a square peg in a round hole when you’re hanging around folks who don’t recognize that worth. It’s the square peg in a round whole – it just doesn’t work.

Remember, y’all, it’s not about finding people who think you’re perfect, but those who understand you’re worth the effort. Those are your cheerleaders, the ones who will be there when the chips are down and the ones who’ll celebrate with you when you’re riding high.

When you start seeing your worth, I promise you will find it harder to stay around people who don’t. It’s not about being high and mighty; it’s about alignment. When you understand your value, you naturally gravitate towards people who see you for the gem you are. And sometimes, that means letting go of relationships that dim your sparkle. It’s tough, but it’s also freeing.

So, what’s the take-home message? Start seeing your worth and watch as the universe helps you sort out who’s meant to stay in your life. It’s a journey, sure, but it’s one worth taking. And trust me, the company you’ll keep at the end of it? They’ll be the kind of folks who not only see your worth but raise it.

I’m all ears, friends. Have you felt this shift? How has seeing your worth changed your circle? Drop your stories below. Let’s inspire each other to keep seeking those who see the gold in us, even on the days we feel a little rusty. #SelfWorth #TrueValue #QualityCompany

Mar 09

Breaking Free from Medical Labels

My Journey to Wellness starts now 

Today, I’m getting real with y’all about something that’s been weighing on my heart. I’m just flat-out sick and tired of being defined by medical labels.

The past few months of neurological and GI test results that I simply refuse to believe and an endocrinology appointment with labs and labels that left me feeling hopeless … I’ve been stuck in a nasty loop of not feeling good, and frankly, I’m done with it.   

I know I’m not the only one who’s felt trapped by a diagnosis or frustrated by the constant search for what’s ‘wrong’ with me that can be ‘fixed’. It’s exhausting, y’all. But here’s the thing—I’m ready for a change. I’m ready to take control of my health and my life. I’m ready to try anything!

I’m talking about a full-on commitment to transforming my lifestyle. No more just going through the motions; it’s time to be proactive again!  I’ve proven to myself I’m a fighter, survivor, and even warrior over my five decades on this planet – so why stop now?

And as I think about all the daily things to change like embracing whole foods, cutting out the processed junk, and getting my body moving, I feel so overwhelmed with the how’s and why’s?

It’s not just about the physical changes. I also need to change my mindset.  Time to dive all the way in to examine between my ears!!! Who do I think I really am?  What do I really believe I’m capable of? What does healthy even mean to me now after so many years living in a medical extravaganza?  Do I trust the whispers in my heart saying “you can do it” or the medical labels? It’s about creating a life that feels good from the inside out. 

Time to focus on what I can do, not what I can’t. I will learn to listen to my body and to trust that I can heal and thrive, without being defined by any condition. 

I’m sharing this journey with you because I believe in the power of community and support. I want to inspire anyone else who’s feeling stuck to take that first step. Let’s encourage each other, share our triumphs, and lift each other up on the tough days. 

So here’s to shaking off those labels and to a future where we feel good every single day. I’m ready to live my life with the volume turned up, and I invite y’all to join me. Let’s do this, y’all—let’s change our narrative and live our healthiest, happiest lives! 

#NoMoreLabels #HealthJourney #WellnessWarrior #LifestyleChange #MindsetMatters #WholeFoods #MoveYourBody #ListenToYourBody #CommunitySupport #ThriveNotJustSurvive #HealthyLiving #PositiveChange #NewBeginnings

Jul 06

Taking the Leap

The Unseen Beauty of Doing Scary Things

Time for a heart-to-heart: y’all we have to do the downright scary stuff. Staring down your fears doesn’t always mean a win. But, I guarantee you, it’s one giant leap towards it. The only way to make scary things less scary is action. That is the only way you feel better about doing them more frequently. And the more you do consistently, the greater your chance for success to happen. So go do your scary thing!

It’s like this – when you step up to the plate and swing at those scary pitches, you’re training yourself. Each swing, whether you miss or hit, you’re getting braver. And let me tell you, that bravery? It’s a muscle, the more you flex it, the stronger it gets.

You’re at a crossroads and you have a choice – one path’s all cozy and familiar, the other’s got “next level” written all over it. That’s the moment, right there, where you gotta ask yourself – am I gonna snuggle up in my safe zone, or am I gonna leap into what God’s got lined up for me? Only I can decide! Am I going to stay comfortable or jump to the next level? And y’all, sometimes you have to fling yourself out of your comfort zone with wild abandon to see what you are really made of.

I haven’t been able to travel or do much of anything independently for almost 3 years. I couldn’t tell you if it was that I didn’t trust myself or if I didn’t trust others to help if I became desperate . Either way it’s my responsibility to take full ownership of every single limit that I’ve experienced in my life. They were mine to own, just like every single leap of faith was mine to claim.

I had to do the work to make things happen and that it was my effort, commitment and dedication that brought me to this moment in time. Breathing through the fear, asking for help as needed and choosing authentic, choosing vulnerable changed me. I’m the one who did the legwork. My effort, my grit, and my heart – that’s what got me here. And choosing to be real, to be vulnerable, that’s what’s reshaping me. For that, I’m grateful.

So, what am I sayin’? Go on and do your scary thing. It might not be a surefire ticket to success, but it’s the road that leads there. And who knows? You might just find that the scariest steps are the ones that bring you the most joy. #LeapOfFaith #EmbraceTheJourney #BeBrave

Jun 19

Happy Fathers Day

Day 234568765435687654 of camp COVID Really it only feels like it because we have slept 22-23 of 24 hours every day for like the past 2 weeks So good news is we slept through aches, pains, coughs, GI excitement and a whole bunch of stuff in the world!

I believe God woke me up today so that I could celebrate and share my daddy. It seems the natural progression is to be born, play through childhood, rebel through teen years, grow up, make your way, and then at some point the scale tips. You are given the opportunity to give back, love on and take care of your daddy. I’m still trying to figure out when that tipping point is going to come.

It was my daddy who held me in the ER when I found out hunkyman’s brain was bleeding. It was my daddy who canceled a trip to see his siblings to help hunkyman during my back surgery. It was my daddy who brought hunkyman to the hospital every single day and made sure I was properly cared for. And every doctor appointment, test, neuro wonky day and then some he has carried me through – love, prayers, ubers, laughter, milkshakes, lego days, and then some. I am so grateful my daddy is mine! Happy Father’s Day …. I love you!

May 14

Celebrating Mother’s Day

The exciting time of celebrating all things mom is fast approaching. I am so excited to celebrate the powerful influence that mom’s have on our lives – all the things they do to love us and help shape us into the incredible adults we become. My mom led by example and not only had a fabulous career, she went on to start her own educational consulting business (before anyone knew what that even was) giving her the ability to impact hundreds and hundreds of children and families. Thanks mom for believing in yourself and showing me what it meant to work hard and pursue every God sized dream He laid on my heart! Grateful the opportunity to share my mom with y’all!

Apr 29

National Infertility Week

Today marks the end of National Infertility Week … and this year it hit hard. I don’t share my journey of never having children often, but after a lot of tears this week it seemed appropriate.

Thad and I dreamt of having a big family and had so many plans … we started trying pretty quickly and had some conversations with my OB/Gyn that led to numerous surgeries during our first few years of marriage. It was the late 90s so after all the cleanup, I was given a few medications and we were told to have fun. This was us in May of 1999 at Disney – dreaming of the times when we would bring our children too!

In the spring of 2000 after nothing had happened for over a year, I was sent to a specialist for further testing. The office called told me to bring Thad with to hear the results.

I don’t think I will ever forget the doctor showing how truly messed up my female parts were. How come no one had explained this to us after any of the 11 procedures? To find out that our specialist thought I could carry a baby for 3-4 months max and then I’d either miscarry or we’d both likely die when my uterus ruptured. I was so very grateful for Thad’s leadership in the moment – he said risking me was not an option. We thought that was it.

Only the doctor had more news, I had several large tumors and a full hysterectomy was needed as quickly as possible – within a month, all of my baby making parts were gone. The pathology on the tumors was not good, though everything was completely contained which was the silver lining of a very dark season.

Within 3 months, I had my first stroke (though we didn’t realize it at the time) and the ebbs and flows neurological wonkiness became part of living life. We looked into adoption and we’re told I needed to have clean medical for 5 years and my body simply wasn’t capable of that either.

All these years later, the aches can still creep in – seeing the baby clothes in the store; watching my friends start their families; going to the baby showers and gender reveals … holding the precious newborns … to now seeing friends with their grandkids. Parenthood wasn’t meant to be part of our story.

And God was so much bigger and carried me through all of it storing up my tears in a bottle, teaching me to love well – so through the years, I‘ve been blessed to become momma bear to many. That is where I get to share the momma love well beyond what I could have ever done through the physical act of giving birth. And I’m grateful for all the women who have invited me in – y’all are truly the best “girls” a momma bear could have ever wished for.