May is mental health awareness month, which brings us to talk about stigma, percentages of untreated mental illness, and interventions to help. With one in five people in the United States alone having an untreated mental illness, a lot of people are hurting. Compounding this is the 27% of individuals who find themselves cut off from their families. The natural support system for humans is to belong to a family unit, and this system has failed millions of people. What can ordinary people do about this? What if we started by leaning into a not-so-revolutionary thought? Start with what you can ..read more

Sometimes money problems are not really about the money. If we could just focus on our money obstacles, we’d all be just fine! “I just need to get my act together” and “I just need to make more money” are things I hear frequently from financial coaching clients who are dealing with feeling stuck, out of options, out of time, and have a scarcity mindset. Decisions made in this mindset are rarely good for us in the long-term. And those decisions, in turn, just generate more crises, less choices, and more scarcity. Any time we try to intervene to somehow magically force ourselves to “make the ri ..read more

This article is sponsored by QVC. As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days get longer, it’s time to refresh your beauty routine with the hottest picks from QVC. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or simply enjoying a summer soirée, these essentials will keep you looking and feeling fabulous all season long. Enhance Your Natural Beauty with the Best Makeup! Makeup for mature skin requires a delicate balance between enhancing natural features and addressing specific concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Opting for lightweight, hydrating form ..read more

Have you ever considered doing something that sounded fun or interesting, but it just made you feel too anxious and full of fear? This is part 3 of a three-article series about common ways we hold ourselves back from living the life we truly desire. The first article discussed how easy it is to find ways to talk ourselves out of making life changes that will move us toward fulfillment. The second article explored the role of “busyness” in keeping us stuck when we truly desire something different. Finally, we will normalize the fears that may arise when we decide to make a change in the comfor ..read more

A book about a death doula sounds pretty morbid. But I’m here to say that The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is anything but. It is an uplifting read with themes and wisdom of living well abounding throughout. Yes, there is much to say about grief and dying. And there is also much to say about what goes into living a good life. As a Society, We Don’t Do Grief Well We shy away from talking about death. We are uncomfortable around other’s pain and sadness and, therefore, don’t come too close to a subject that is just that. So, we need to normalize grief as not something wrong but ..read more

It can be challenging to buy a gift for your senior family members or friends who have visual impairment. You want gifts to be useful and make your loved one’s life easier. This list contains 8 useful products and devices that would make great gifts for visually impaired individuals. 1. MagniPros 3X Page Magnifier Photo source: Amazon This ultra-bright page magnifier with 24 anti-glare dimmable LEDs is one of the best gifts for visually impaired individuals. It is ideal for seniors with weak hands as it is ultra-light. Other features include: Reduces Eye Strain It provides an evenly lit ..read more

Sustainable gardening is an approach that allows you to cultivate your garden by working in harmony with nature. It involves practices that reduce your environmental impact and make your little piece of the earth a healthier place for plants, wildlife, and yourself. By harnessing the power of renewable resources like solar energy you can maximize the productivity and vitality of your garden. Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or just starting to explore the wonders of your own backyard oasis, sustainable gardening is both a practical and fulfilling pursuit. Planning Your Sustainable Ga ..read more

Everyone has complaints about their work, and often, retirement seems an idyllic time of freedom from schedules and appointments with far fewer responsibilities. But, as with all phases of life, there are good and bad facets. One unexpected aspect may be a sense of grief over leaving your career or work. Loss of Identity Many people develop their sense of identity through their work. That identity is very strong and when it is gone, there is often a feeling of loss and confusion. Who are you now if you are not an accountant, business owner, etc.? You need self-compassion because you and your ..read more

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in, lasting relationships have become increasingly precious and vital. These bonds are the cornerstone of our emotional well-being and are essential for our personal and professional growth. Research has shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer, experience less stress, and enjoy better mental health. Relationships also provide a safety net in times of crisis and offer opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether it’s the unconditional love of family, the unwavering support of friends, the pleasure o ..read more

Actually, I’m not sure just how new bidding up is. It could be a few years old, but I just discovered it. I recently went by train to visit my best friend. It’s hard when your best friend lives so far away (10 hours by car) but fortunately, Amtrak goes directly from my home in Michigan to where my friend lives near Omaha, Nebraska. Also fortunate in that I love traveling by train. And that it only takes one day, with no overnight travel. Getting an Upgrade Well, almost no overnight travel. It does arrive late at night (midnight by my time zone) and leaves early in the morning on the return tr ..read more