How much do you really know about substance use? Today, for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, let’s learn about the topic together. Content Warning: This blog contains discussions of drug and alcohol use, overdose, overdose death, and other difficult mental health issues. If you find these topics uncomfortable or distressing, take the time to […]

Addiction, Awareness, Disorders, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Substance Abuse

March 21, 2024

What You Don’t Know About Drug and Alcohol Use

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

Today is National Overdose Awareness Day. Substance abuse is closely tied to mental health, and by breaking the stigmas around both of these issues, we can begin to raise awareness about overdose deaths. So let’s talk about it. The most recent statistics from the CDC report that in 2021, almost 107,000 people in the US […]

Addiction, Grieving, Mental Health

August 31, 2023

Mental Health and Overdose Awareness

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

June 26th was International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Since the month of June is also PTSD Awareness Month, let’s talk about PTSD and drug use.    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a life-altering diagnosis. You probably think of veterans when you hear the term. But PTSD is more common than you think, […]

Addiction, Disorders, Emotional Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Stress, Substance Abuse

June 27, 2023

PTSD and Drug Use: Let’s Rethink Our Approach

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

Our society is fertile soil for addiction. Addiction is about instant gratification, and instant gratification is the mantra our society lives by today.  How many hours do children spend on the internet, giving them access to anything?  They are learning things earlier–and learning how to find things earlier—thanks to the technology we have become attached […]

Addiction

July 25, 2020

Addiction: The Evil That Haunts American Society

Woman silhouette

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

Clean. It might sound silly, but focusing on minute details with a clear objective in mind (a clean stove) does wonders for our brain.  Call someone (who relieves stress/not someone who adds to stress), and let them do the talking. You can even say “distract me.” (I think it’s helpful to tell a few people […]

Addiction

July 1, 2020

Addiction: Five ways to cope by distracting the mind from cravings/urge

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of medical doctors, mental health professionals, drug treatment counselors and many more people across our society, we are all moving towards a brighter future of comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment. Working with a huge number of clients from all walks of life over the years, I’ve come to realize […]

Addiction, Mental Health

December 19, 2018

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025

The holiday season is in full swing, and many of even the strictest dieters have thrown caution to the wind. We’ll pull ourselves together and begin eating responsibly again after January 1, but until then there’s no harm in eating whatever we want… right? Unfortunately, this may not be the case. Studies have shown that […]

Addiction, Depression, Mental Health, Moods, Stress

December 23, 2016

Can Your Diet Affect Your Mood?

I relaunched my business. And most importantly, I showed up for what
matters most—even when no one was watching. 

My world was already shattered after losing Jim in 2017, but on May
8th, my sweet SassyGirl passed away, causing it to shatter in so
many new ways. 

If you know me, you know she wasn’t just “my dog.” She was my
shadow, my heartbeat, my constant in a world that rarely stays still. She
was also another connection to Jim.

I left one piece behind when we left Colorado - the place he loved so
much and so proudly helped me love and call home. 

And I lost another as Sassy crossed the Rainbow Bridge and went from my
arms into his.

That’s the only peace I found. Knowing they’re together again ❤
watching over me (and Dallas, and of course, Denver, too!!)

I put Sassy first when we got to Michigan. It wasn’t about adjusting or
exploring. I wasn’t about me or work or meeting people. It was about
Sassy and making sure she was as well adjusted as possible.
That was never a question.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose her this year. Her
decline was rapid! But this isn’t about her pain…. 

Grief doesn’t pause for convenience, and neither does love. 

Dallas, my youngest (and now, somehow, my oldest), has stepped into a
new role of her own. And little Denver—full of mischief and magic—keeps
me on my toes in ways only little dogs can. 

I’m learning so many lessons. Every day!! And sharing the stories with
Sassy and Jim. Every night. 

These transitions haven’t just shaped my days—they’ve reshaped me. 

So no, this isn’t about starting over. It’s about starting again. 

With more clarity. More conviction. And the same core mission: to tell the
truth loudly and proudly about grief, healing, and mental health, even
when it’s hard. To show up as my authentic self every single day,
especially when it’s hard. 

So other’s know that they don’t have to wear the masks. That they don’t
have to prioritize the world’s comfort above their own. 

That takes energy that can better be used simply surviving.

This blog is the first page of my next chapter. 

If you’ve been with me through the podcast, the posts, and the
newsletters, thank you. You’ve seen the in-between. You’ve witnessed the
messy middle. And now, I’m bringing it back to my favorite place, the
written page - not to rehash the past, but to write what’s next. 

So here’s my question for you as I return to my page:
What part of yourself have you been too busy living life to write down?

Remember that you can reach out anytime - to say hi, share feedback, ask for a
resource…. whatever you need! Connect at: sam@griefhab.org 

Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support
September 5, 2025