Finding Gratitude

Small Joys That Light the Way

It sounds simple, but sometimes finding gratitude feels like digging through rubble. And yet — even in the middle of grief, or chaos, or exhaustion — I keep stumbling on small joys that soften the edges. These posts are about noticing those moments, holding them gently, and remembering that light can still find its way in.

motherland book

Motherland: A Memoir

by Barb Higgins ・ Proceeds go to The Molly B Foundation

The Stigma. Period. (E178)

When you hear the word period, what word comes to mind? Probably not something happy or optimistic. It’s most likely something rooted in misogyny or self-hatred. There is still so much stigma surrounding periods today and how they are seen as...

My Month in Bali (E176)

I went to Bali for a month and it was the most unexpected experience. I saw the juxtaposition of wealth and poverty as well as pollution. But I also saw a culture of respect, beauty, and it opened up conversations in ways I could never talk about...

How Movies Lie (E174)

Wow, the amount of movies that take someone’s life and completely misrepresent it? Too many to count. It hurts the lives of the people who the movie was made about, but also anyone that is like them. Because if they believe the story, they get false...

Episode 169: Part 2: Lies About Food

The school lunch program in this country is not healthy and creates a divide between the rich and poor. The amount of rules and regulations make it difficult to operate and none of these kids are getting something that is actually fresh and...

Episode 165: Lies Women Are Told

Women are told so many lies around their bodies, sex, and social rules. From being told they’re unclean to being told that they can just turn their period off, sometimes men just really have no idea. In this episode, I dive into some of the wildest...

Episode 155: Being Open and Putting Ego Aside

Step seven has taught me a lot about putting my ego aside, living in gratitude, and focusing on the good in life instead of all the bad. It has shown me that even if you don’t drink alcohol anymore, you still have to change your mindset, otherwise...

Episode 154: Living in Gratitude, Not Obligation

As I take a breather in between steps I realize that I don’t have to worry so much when things don’t go to plan. That I can view my life in gratitude and not an obligation that drags me down. In this episode, I go through everything I’ve learned...

Episode 153: Which Comes First: Chicken or the Egg?

In this week's episode, I take a dive into step six: acknowledgement, taking responsibility, surrendering, and letting go of your ego. It made me think of my flaws, how I over apologize, and how I need to let my flaws flow through me.   Key...

Episode 151: Looking at my Morals

This episode caused me to look at my moral inventory, what I carry with me, and what I’m learning to let go. It’s made me question my childhood and how that impacts my life today as well as using failure in my life as an excuse not to move forward...

Episode 150: Renouncing Myself Over to God

Step three of AA had me delving into my need for control, resisting change, codependency, and trying to find gratitude when I find that difficult. In this episode, I dive into the third step and what renouncing yourself, giving yourself over to god,...

Episode 149: Opening the Heart, Mind, and Body

In step two of AA it’s all about opening my heart, mind, and body. It’s a tough journey to accomplish though and it makes me look at points in my life where I made choices I didn’t feel great about, but also choices to forgive others. In this...

Episode 148: I feel Powerless

To kick off the theme of season 9, I’m talking about Alcoholics Anonymous and my struggle with addiction. I discuss what AA is like, what I learned, how I feel powerless, and how I’m trying to improve my life.     Key...

Episode 145: Gossiping Over Social Media

After a post was made for pride month, I had a reaction - and I ended up deleting my comments. It was a learning experience that taught me patience and where to best put my words. In this episode, I dive into the meaning words have especially in the...

Episode 143: Six Japanese Techniques to Combat Laziness

As I’ve had a frustrating day, this reel on six techniques to combat the freeze response were just what I needed. It has motivated me and made me think about what my ikigai is most of all. In this episode, I explore the different times of my life...

Episode 128: Living with POTS after COVID with Rosie & Lauren

Rosie came on with her partner Lauren to tell her story of getting POTS after having COVID and how it’s affecting her life now. She’s currently in the process of trying to get a service dog which will hopefully help give her more independence. In...

Episode 127: Can I Make My Life Count?

When I talk to my friends about aging we’re all in this spot where we feel somewhat unfulfilled by life, like somethings missing. It makes me wonder what’s wrong and where in my life I need to improve. In this episode, I look at where I am in...

Episode 126: I’m Working on Slowing Down

As January ends, I realize I need to reevaluate when I make goals and what a routine looks like for me. I also take time off coaching, slow down, and try to enjoy the moment which is difficult for me. But through it all I am working on creating the...

Episode 122: What Does Being Humane Mean?

While doing our home renovation we discovered a whole treasure trove of things in the walls. One of those things was a book on humane education by an amazing woman, Irene Hart who changed the history of education for New Hampshire and helped to...

Episode 121: The Secrets to Living to 100

I recently watched a documentary on living to 100 and what special things people did in certain communities to allow them to live that long. Some of it was not surprising and other parts were. There was so much information that I took from this...

Episode 119: Creating Double Binds

My business coach introduced me to double binds and it makes so much sense. I’ve created them, but a lot of other people in my life have too and it has wreaked havoc. I can now look back on past relationships and why it wasn't working. In this...