Last week, I released an episode from my podcast, Bent Not Broken, that discussed unresolved trauma and its impact. Having dealt with some trauma in my own life, I was surprised to learn how unresolved trauma can manifest itself in our bodies – physically and emotionally – and I wanted to learn more.

There’s a quiet voice that follows me more often than I like to admit. It whispers that no matter how much I accomplish, no matter how hard I try, I’m still falling short. Not smart enough. Not healed enough. Not successful enough. Just… not enough.  Do you ever feel this way?

The holidays are often wrapped in sparkle, celebration, and family gatherings. But for many people—especially women navigating divorce, healing from emotional abuse, or rebuilding life after trauma—this time of year brings something very different:

Loneliness.
Silence.
Grief.
Triggering memories.
And a sense of not belonging anywhere.

Suicide affects people in deeply personal ways. For some, it means living through an attempt. For others, it means facing the unimaginable loss of someone they loved. Both experiences bring profound pain — and both require understanding, compassion, and informed support.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it creeps in quietly. One missed lunch break. One more late night. One too many “yeses” when you should have said “no.” Before you know it, you’re mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, and physically wiped out. Sound familiar?

Divorce can feel like a devastating ending. Unfortunately, I know this feeling all too well having experienced my own messy divorce. But what I learned is that it can also be the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Whether the separation was mutual or one-sided, healing from the emotional fallout requires time, intention, and support. The good news? You can rebuild your life—and create something even stronger and more aligned with who you truly are.

Every November, homes across the United States fill with the familiar aromas of turkey, pumpkin pie, and holiday spices. Families gather around crowded tables, friends reconnect, and time seems to slow down—if only for a moment. But Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it is a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

The holidays have a way of magnifying everything—our joy, our stress, our expectations… and yes, our loneliness. If you’re going through a divorce or navigating your first holiday season without your kids, the emptiness can feel louder than the Christmas music in every store.

After all, in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to brush off low energy, lack of motivation, or emotional numbness as just stress or exhaustion. But if these feelings linger, you may be dealing with more than just a bad week—you might be experiencing depression.

"Can you die of a broken heart? Learn the truth about grief’s impact on health, broken heart syndrome, and healing steps after losing a loved one."

Struggling to move forward after a breakup, divorce, or toxic relationship? Discover the best life coaching and personal development tools to help you rebuild, reclaim your voice, and thrive through life transitions.

We’ve all seen the recent viral video of a couple caught cheating at a Coldplay concert. The moment exploded online, and with it, the internet coined a new term: being Coldplayed—the act of being unintentionally exposed while cheating, particularly in a public or high-profile setting.

But this term has deeper roots.

Freedom comes in many forms—not just political or historical, but deeply personal. This month, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we’re reminded of the power of liberation and the courage it takes to step into your truth.

Toxic relationships are more than just emotionally draining. They can have a lasting impact on your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. I know, as I have first-hand experience of being in a toxic relationship.

Silence can be deafening—and when it’s used by a narcissist, it becomes one of the most painful forms of emotional abuse. The silent treatment isn’t about taking time to cool off or reflect—it’s about punishment and control. It’s their way of sending a clear, devastating message: You don’t matter until I say you do.

If someone asked you to explain what a trauma bond is, would you be able to provide an example? Have you ever experienced a trauma bond? It happened to me many years ago and I will never forget its impact.

As I’ve been interviewing guests for my new podcast, Bent Not Broken: Starting Over After Abuse, several have mentioned the term “covert narcissist.” I’ve experienced narcissistic behavior before, but it made me wonder—what’s the difference between a narcissist and a covert one? The word “narcissist” has become more familiar in recent years as research sheds light on this complex personality disorder.

Life has a way of testing our strength when we least expect it. One moment, everything feels steady—and the next, we’re facing a storm that shakes the very foundation we stand on. But here’s the truth. Resilience isn’t about never falling apart. It’s about learning how to bend without breaking.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Suicide is often preventable. Most people who consider suicide exhibit signs before they act. Some of these signs are subtle while others are more obvious. Recognizing those signs and responding quickly can save a life. Asking the right questions, staying present, and connecting with someone who can help may be the most important thing you ever do.

Suicide is rarely caused by a single event. It often builds over time. This post explores the spectrum of suicidal thoughts, key risk factors, and life-saving protective factors. Understanding this process is a critical step toward compassion, prevention, and hope.