How do I know it’s possible to cultivate lasting relationships? Because this is my life's journey, the path that led me to where I am today. When I face uncertainty, I reach out for help without shame. I take the time I need to make decisions so that I can choose either a full yes or a full no. My voice matters in this world, and the way I show up influences others, especially my children and loved ones. I want to model authenticity and sincerity so they, too, can pay it forward in their lives.

I embrace this path because I understand that all my emotions make sense. Every single one of them matters, and it's crucial to dispel distortions that label some as "bad" or "wrong" while elevating others. It's essential to learn to listen to your body's wisdom. When your body contracts or withdraws, it's a signal to slow down and be present because life is truly for you.

Life can only seem against you when you're pretending to be someone you're not. So, how do you step into being...

Today, I've been reflecting on the profound importance of human connections in our lives. It's a recognition that for some of us, our early years were marked by low self-esteem due to a lack of these vital connections.

In response, many of us developed coping mechanisms. Some became excessively kind to ensure they mattered, while others suppressed healthy anger. Some struggled to say "no," shouldering excessive burdens that caused immense stress. This often led to difficulty expressing our true emotions, as our bodies and minds grappled with the consequences.

You might find that your body instinctively resists because you weren't able to say "no" before. This emotional isolation can create a gap that separates us from the human connections our souls crave.

On my own journey, I've discovered that it is not only possible to embrace yourself but also to genuinely enjoy the company of others. Through the healing process, you come to realize that you truly matter, a truth reflected in...

I recall a time in my life when it felt like everything was falling apart. My mother was battling cancer, my responsibilities were overwhelming, and I was wearing a mask, pretending to be someone I wasn't. I was attempting to endure an unnamed pain. When my mother passed away, I felt broken and done. I was finished with pretending to be someone I wasn't, and it was time to rediscover who I truly was.

A dear friend opened a door for me, connecting me with a gentle therapist who understood me. When we summon the courage to let our vulnerable, fractured parts be seen and held with compassion by another, and when we trust in something greater than ourselves to create that safe container, miracles can unfold. As my trust in this person grew, she asked if I'd be willing to participate in group sessions.

I hesitated, feeling safer with just her. She leaned in and acknowledged, "Yes, I understand that you feel safer with me, and that's perfectly okay. When you're ready, would you consider...

Making decisions can be a formidable challenge for some while others breeze through them with ease. What's the underlying factor that distinguishes these two perspectives?

From my own experience, it often stems from developmental trauma. It could be the result of neglect during our formative years, a lack of attention, or the absence of acknowledgment that we matter. It might also emerge from not having our distress recognized or not feeling safe enough to express it. Each of these experiences can create unique complexities within us.

As our nervous system evolves, we form intricate connections within our brain and body. The map of our identity is shaped by both nature and nurture, influenced by the epigenetic imprints we carry and the potential for generational trauma. However, it's important to note that these patterns need not remain unchangeable.

It may not be a quick fix, but lasting transformation rarely is. Healing yourself is undoubtedly a journey worth embarking upon.

So,...

I've been reflecting on those moments in my day when I slip into autopilot, becoming an unwitting passenger in my own life. It's left me wondering: how did I let myself become a spectator in my own story? How can I reclaim my presence, slow down, and truly regain control of my choices?

This phenomenon can be incredibly subtle. For instance, when I'm out feeding my horses, a wave of reminiscence can wash over me, and suddenly, I find myself lost in the "ever-present-past." In those moments, I'm no longer fully engaged; I'm merely going through the motions.

Just yesterday, as I chatted with my aunt on my headset while driving to visit my grandkids, I realized I had missed my turn-off entirely! It's become evident how frequently I slip into autopilot throughout the day. I've come to appreciate the beauty of being fully present and empowered, the ability to slow down my inner processes and truly observe my life and the choices it presents. To consciously direct where I channel my...

Today, I've been contemplating the profound impact of fear on our lives. There are two distinct types of fear that have become apparent to me: one serves as an essential alarm, notifying us of real danger, prompting our entire being to ensure our safety. The other kind of fear, however, is a much lonelier struggle – it's the fear that we don't matter. It's a distressing isolation, where we feel utterly alone, sometimes even convincing ourselves that we are insignificant in the eyes of the world, believing that nobody has ever experienced this pain before.

This particular fear can manifest as feelings of abandonment, rejection, or not measuring up to others' expectations. Have you ever been ridiculed or belittled? Perhaps you've felt dismissed, convinced that you lack something others desire, and that you can never truly measure up or find acceptance on your own. It's a bleak place to find oneself.

These feelings can arise at different stages in our lives. I recall my own...

I remember one biting cold morning last winter, when I found myself outside attending to my beloved lead mare, whose eye bore the signs of injury. The icy wind stung my face as I gazed into her troubled gaze, realizing that trauma had visited her world.

Her eye, cloudy and weeping, held a story of pain. It reminded me of how trauma's impact stretches beyond the surface, clouding our perception much like the misty film over her eye. It's an invisible burden that only those who experience it truly understand.

A visit from the vet shed light on my mare's struggle. An ulcer, an aftermath of trauma, had formed in her eye, casting a shadow over her vision. The pain she endured, hidden beneath the surface, resonated deeply within me. It echoed the unspoken pain we all carry.

As the vet carefully attended to her, administering a sedative to alleviate her pain, I witnessed a connection that transcended words. The mare's vulnerability touched my heart, reminding me of the universal longing...

This morning's session with a longtime client deeply touched my heart. This person and I have journeyed together for years, and their story has truly resonated within me.

Let's shine light on something often left unspoken: neglect. Neglect takes many forms, shaping our ability to form secure relationships. When neglected, our attachment styles can vary:

- A distant, avoidant attachment.

- An intense, ambivalent attachment.

- A chaotic, disorganized attachment.

These terms are rooted in attachment theories, not widely known by everyone. Yet, when born without a secure foundation, your survival instincts kick in. For many, the fight, flight, or emotional outbursts are attempts to draw in caregivers, to build that essential secure bond. It's a higher-frequency response, fostering greater resilience.

However, there are those who never experience this. Their environment imprints them deeply, leaving them emotionally numb. Beneath that numbness lies excruciating pain—the ache of...

Ever feel like you've tuned out of life's melody, lost in a sea of disconnection? It's a journey many of us unknowingly embark on. Picture this: a shutdown so complete, it's as if your soul's radio went silent. You're there, but not really there.

I recall leading a high-stakes business meeting, the room vibrating with tension. The irony? The company was about wellness, yet its energy was anything but. At that time, my life seemed to crumble on all fronts, leaving me vulnerable.

As I stood before my team, an invisible fog crept in. Panic whispered, 'You're going down.' In a surreal moment, I handed over control, my voice silenced. I retreated into my own mental fog.

But the fog lifted. I chose belief over despair, found the courage to reach out for help. I embraced my inner world, nurturing it like newfound skin. My energy matured, forming a protective cocoon. I began to differentiate my energy from others', engaging without personalizing intensity. I became my guide, listening...

I remember the morning a client inspired me to reflect on those moments when I was told I could never do something. The words, 'What do you think you're doing? You can't do that!' echoed in my mind, accompanied by dismissive looks and doubtful expressions.

I was told I'd never have my own business, that my voice wouldn't be heard or valued. Speaking up in a group? Impossible. I'd never be good enough or smart enough. Instead of dwelling on these limiting beliefs, I started questioning them.

It all boils down to B.S. - Belief Systems.

A huge revelation struck me: these beliefs might not have been mine alone. They were passed down through generations, shaping who I was supposed to be. But who I'm supposed to be isn't who I truly am!

Recognizing this, I found the courage to shed those shadows I hid behind for years. I feared showing my true self, scared of being alone. But guess what? It's possible to be authentic, to chase dreams, have meaningful friendships, and a job that fills your...