April 15th was National Rubber Eraser Day—a small celebration for something most of us took for granted in our school days: the rubber eraser. I posted about this on social media and added a bit of trivia which generated a couple of interesting comments. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could erase away the mistakes we’ve made in our lives? Or would it?

Life transitions aren't just passages in time; they're profound shifts that can stir up a mix of emotions—excitement, apprehension, and everything in between. Believe me, I've been through my fair share of changes: recovering from a significant car accident, leaving an abusive marriage, and recently, retiring and moving out of state. Whether you're starting a new job, moving to a fresh city, or evolving in your personal relationships, each transition brings its own uncertainties.

Ever wonder why you might find yourself feeling stuck?  Maybe you are trying to lose weight and the scale isn’t moving?  Maybe you are trying to reach a business goal and find yourself inundated with one obstacle after another?  Maybe you are not where you want to be in your relationship?  Or perhaps your finances.  So why do we get stuck and how can we get unstuck?

Life-changing events happen, and they tend to happen when we least expect it.  Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a career shift, a major health diagnosis, or any other significant upheaval, these events can shake our foundation and often strip away the confidence we once held. In the aftermath, it can feel like starting from scratch, standing at the base of a mountain looking up, wondering how we ever reached the summit before. I know this is how I felt when I left my seventeen-and-a-half-year marriage and had to literally start over with not much to my name.  Fortunately, rebuilding confidence is not only possible; it's a crucial step in moving forward. Here’s how you can start that journey:

I hope this message finds you well and ready to embrace a fresh perspective! Today, I want to share a powerful concept with you—one that could dramatically shift how you view life's ups and downs: Life happens for you, not to you. You see, I was listening to an instructor for an online course when he made this prophetic statement. And the more I thought about it, I realized that he was right. At the end of the day, it is all about our mindset when we react to the lemons that life can throw at us. Let's take a deeper dive into this statement.

No, I am not talking about the “F” word that rhymes with duck but the other “F” word that can be debilitating and paralyzing.  That word is “FEAR”.  How many times has this kept you from living your best life?  It kept me paralyzed for many years until I decided to end an abusive marriage.  Taking that step propelled me into a new life filled with wonderful and sometimes challenging experiences.  Let’s look at what “fear” is and what we can do to overcome it.

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, appearances often take precedence over authenticity. Many people find themselves donning a mask of happiness and composure, even when they're struggling internally. A recent survey I conducted showed that 80% of respondents replied that they sometimes or often find themselves pretending to be okay when they are not.  This phenomenon is rooted in several deep-seated social and psychological factors.  Let’s take a closer look!

Did you know that sharing your story can be a profoundly healing experience? Whether through writing, speaking, or creating art, opening up about your personal journey fosters emotional release and self-awareness. I know this can be hard to believe, but I personally experienced this when publishing my first book, “Torched- Burnt By a Gaslighter.”  Here’s some of the ways sharing my story benefited me:

I was recently speaking with my coach the other day and jokingly said, “I don’t need enemies, I have me!” The conversation involved my questions, and yes, struggles, with growing a business. After the call, I thought about my statement further and the number of times those voices in my head told me that “I wasn’t good enough!” or “I didn’t have what it takes!”

Have you ever felt stuck?  Stuck in your job?  Stuck in your relationships?  Stuck in life?  I know I have!  In fact, I have worked with spiritual, business and health coaches as my goal is to continually work on me.  But what about you?  Have you ever worked with a coach? Let’s delve into the world of coaching and look at how having a coach can benefit you.

Did you know that one’s self-esteem is intricately woven into the fabric of our psychological well-being?  It also plays a pivotal role in shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us. It is the mirror through which we view ourselves, often reflecting on our perceived worth, abilities, and inherent value. The journey of nurturing our self-esteem is deeply personal and varies significantly from one individual to another, often influenced by our life experiences, social interactions, and personal achievements or setbacks. Sharing one's story, therefore, emerges as a powerful vehicle for fostering a healthier self-esteem. It offers an opportunity for introspection, healing, and connection, allowing individuals to reclaim their narrative and affirm their worth.