I want to talk about something deeply personal—something that has been a part of my life since childhood: fear. I was raised in a high control religion where fear was used as a tool—something meant to keep people in line, to control behavior, and to be seen as “pleasing to God.” Fear wasn't just a feeling; it was framed as a virtue. And when you're taught that from a young, impressionable age, it leaves a deep mark. Our brains are incredibly adaptive. When fear is introduced early and reinforced often, it forms strong neural pathways. That means even everyday life—simple decisions, relationships, or new experiences—can feel threatening or overwhelming. And when bigger challenges come along? Fear can completely take over. But here's what I've come to learn, both through my personal journey and my work with clients: Fear doesn't have to run the show. It doesn't have to define your choices or dim your light. There are healthy, healing ways to work with fear—ways that honor your experience, support your nervous system, and help you reclaim your power. That's what we're exploring together in this blog. When approached with compassion and awareness, fear becomes a powerful ally. Here's how to work with it, not against it: Pause & Breathe Fear often triggers a fight-or-flight response, pulling us into panic or avoidance. Start by simply breathing—slow, deep inhales through the nose, slow exhales through the mouth. This calms your nervous system and brings you back into the present moment. Name the Fear Put it into words. “I'm afraid I'm not good enough.” “I'm scared I'll lose control.” Naming your fear helps diffuse its power and gives you a chance to respond rather than react. Get Curious, Not Critical Ask your fear: What are you trying to protect me from? So often, fear is just a misguided attempt to keep us safe. When we listen gently, we often uncover old wounds, unmet needs, or limiting beliefs that are ready to be healed. Take Aligned Action Once you've acknowledged your fear, ask yourself: What small step can I take that aligns with courage—not avoidance? Even the tiniest step forward begins to shift your energy from stuck to empowered. Lean into Your Support Tools This might be meditation, journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or pulling an oracle card for insight. Maybe it's a walk in nature or a quiet moment with your morning coffee. Your support tools are your sacred anchors. A Gentle Reminder: You are not your fear. You are the one witnessing it, feeling it, transforming it. And within you lives everything you need to move through it. If fear has been whispering (or yelling!) at you lately, you're not alone. I'm here to walk with you through the shadows and back into the light. If you need support, click to schedule a complimentary appointment with me.

I hope you had a magical Christmas and a safe, fun New Year!   Every year, you’ve probably noticed people sharing their "word for the year." It’s become quite popular in recent years, and in many ways, it has replaced those New Year’s resolutions that often fizzle out after just a few weeks. But why choose just one word to guide you for an entire year?   The power of a single word lies in its simplicity and focus. Instead of setting broad, often overwhelming resolutions, a word offers clarity and intention. It serves as a reminder of your values, goals, or mindset throughout the year. Whether it’s something you want to embrace, improve, or achieve, your chosen word can be a daily touchstone that keeps you grounded and motivated.   Why One Word?   1. Focus: A single word is easy to remember and brings you back to what truly matters. It’s not a list of things to do, but a guiding principle to steer you through challenges and changes. 2. Clarity: Rather than setting specific, detailed goals, choosing one word offers a sense of purpose. It might be “growth,” “balance,” or “courage” — whatever resonates most with where you are in life. 3. Simplicity: Life can get complicated, and sometimes we need a simple reminder. A word doesn’t overwhelm you with expectations; it invites you to reflect and adjust as you go.   How to Choose Your Word   • Reflect on the past year: What were your challenges? What did you learn? What would you like more of in the year ahead? • Listen to your intuition: What word calls to you? Trust your gut in finding something that feels meaningful. • Keep it simple: Choose a word that feels manageable, something you can easily bring to mind each day.   A Word Can Transform Your Year   Choosing a word for the year isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth and intentional living. It’s your personal guide, helping you stay focused and aligned with what you truly want to achieve. Embrace it and let it inspire your decisions, big and small. My word for 2024 was 'Grow,' and wow, did I! Choosing a word and focusing on it really helps us manifest the year we want!   Do you already have a word for the year, or are you still deciding? The word I’ve chosen for 2025 is “Bloom.” I’m excited to see how this word will guide my growth and help me embrace new opportunities. Whether you’ve chosen your word or are still reflecting, I encourage you to think about what you want to manifest in the coming year. As Socrates wisely said, "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." As we embark on 2025 together, let’s focus our energy on new possibilities and fresh beginnings. If you need support along the way, I’m here for you. If you’re looking for guidance on what to focus on this year or need support in choosing what will make your life feel lighter, I’d be happy to schedule a call with you. Click to schedule a complimentary appointment with me. Let’s make this year one of growth, purpose, and transformation—together!

November 12, 2024 This past week has brought some intense and stressful feelings for many. So, I thought I'd take a moment to share some ways to manage those moments when stress levels rise and anxiety creeps in.   First, it's essential to have a self-care routine. Self-care looks different for everyone, but I'd like to share a bit of mine with you—perhaps some of these practices will resonate and be useful in your own routine.   My mornings begin with gratitude. I mentioned this in my last newsletter, but in times of uncertainty, it feels especially important to revisit. I take a moment to reflect on what I'm thankful for, even the small things—like the warmth of my bed, the beautiful colors in the early morning sky, or the song of a bird greeting the day.   In fact, gratitude can reduce stress hormones and help regulate the autonomic nervous system, positively impacting anxiety and depression. It can also increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which helps manage negative emotions. Starting your day by acknowledging what you're grateful for can set a positive tone and ground you.   Setting positive intentions is another helpful practice. After a few deep breaths, I say to myself, “Today is going to be a good day.” When I pour my morning coffee, I imagine it infused with “magic dust,” filling me with positive energy as I sip it. Studies show that words and intentions hold power, so even small rituals like this can help ward off anxiety.   Anxiety often stems from our brain's response to a perceived lack of safety, driven by the amygdala, which triggers the body's "fight or flight" response. When anxiety strikes, I remind myself: “You are safe.” Reassuring ourselves in this way can help calm the amygdala, allowing our minds and bodies to feel more secure and at ease.   Another way I calm myself (a technique I learned in my college psychology class many years ago) is to find a quiet place, close my eyes, and visualize stepping into an elevator. I imagine it slowly rising, and when the doors open, I'm in a calm, peaceful place—like a secluded beach or serene mountains, a place entirely my own. I sit there for a while, letting the peace of this place surround me. These are a few practices I turn to in anxious moments, and if you already have a routine that works for you, fantastic—keep it up! In those tougher moments, I like to remember the words of author Glennon Doyle: "We can do hard things." This simple reminder gives me a boost of positive energy and encouragement when I need it most.   If you need support, I am here for you. Whether you're looking for someone to talk to who truly understands where you're coming from, or if you'd like a reading or an energy clearing, we can work through it together. I love working with my clients; they're one more thing I add to my list of things I'm grateful for. If we haven't had the chance to meet yet, you can schedule a complimentary appointment with me.