Not everyone will stay — and that’s something the heart learns the hard way. A few days ago, I saw a TikTok post from Rica Peralejo where she talked about friends who had cut her off — and how she’s learned to be okay with it. What she said really hit me, so I decided to write this. Twelve years ago, I suffered a stroke … Continue reading It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life
These days, it feels like bad news is everywhere. One quick scroll through social media, and you’re hit with headlines about disasters, conflicts, and every crisis imaginable. As adults, we know how heavy that can feel. Now imagine kids—still figuring out how the world works—absorbing all that negativity. It’s no wonder many of them are falling into a habit called doomscrolling. If you haven’t heard … Continue reading How to Spot When Your Child Is Doomscrolling—and What to Do About It
I never liked the sound of the alarm. That’s why I felt so at peace when I could wake up automatically at exactly the time I wanted—yes, like clockwork! If I planned to wake up at 5 a.m., I’d open my eyes at 4:59 a.m.—seriously! I never understood how it happened. Maybe as you get older, your body just makes you do certain things, and … Continue reading Morning Musings
Sometimes the bravest decision is choosing peace over a paycheck—because health and growth matter more. 🌱✨ #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #ChooseYourself #LifeAfterQuitting #PersonalGrowth” Continue reading The Day I Chose Myself
“12 years post-stroke, I’m proof that small, consistent habits can change everything—yes, even from the comfort of home. 💪 #StrokeRecovery #AVMRecovery #WorkFromHomeLife #LifeAfterStroke #RecoveryJourney #SurvivorStrong #StrokeSurvivor #DailyHabits #Resilience Continue reading Stroke Recovery at Home: Simple Habits That Help You Get Stronger Every Day
Some people say life can change in a second. For me, that second came while I was getting ready for work—on a regular Monday morning, October 21, 2013. Just two weeks after my 34th birthday. I’ve actually written a separate blog post that walks through exactly what happened that day, but to sum it up: I had a stroke caused by an AVM. I ended … Continue reading One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke
If you’re like most people, the fresh-start energy of the New Year has long faded, and now you’re standing in the middle of the calendar wondering, “Am I even on track?” Maybe life got busy. Maybe your plans took a different turn. Or maybe—like me—you’re feeling a little anxious about where things are headed. Career-wise, health-wise… it’s a lot to carry. Truth is, I’ve been … Continue reading A Simple Guide To Setting (and Hitting) Personal Goals Mid-Year
Time has this funny way of slipping past quietly. One minute it’s New Year’s Eve, the next you’re staring at a calendar that says July. We’re halfway through the year—and if I’m being honest, it doesn’t feel like six months have passed. It feels like maybe… two and a half? But the calendar doesn’t lie. So instead of wondering where the days went, I’m looking … Continue reading Halfway There: What the First 6 Months of the Year Taught Me
Understanding the Condition That Changed My Life It was just another regular morning. Nothing seemed off—at least, nothing out of the ordinary for someone who had been battling splitting headaches for over a year. I used to joke that Ibuprofen had basically become one of my food groups. Looking back, that wasn’t funny at all. In 2013, everything changed. One moment, I was pushing through … Continue reading What Is AVM?
Some days, it creeps in quietly—usually right after asking your teen for the third time to take out the trash… and getting a grunt in return. Or maybe it’s seeing them glued to a screen while you’re drowning in dishes, or hearing them talk back with that mix of attitude and indifference that could win awards. You try to stay calm, but the frustration builds. … Continue reading What To Do When You Feel Like a ‘Bad’ Parent
From My Corner of the Couch 