We live in a world where mental illness is misunderstood and judged, and we’re on a mission to change that! Too many people suffer in silence rather than seeking the help they need and deserve. We believe that in order to break the stigmas, we must first break the silence.   Faces of Mental Illness […]

Anxiety, Depression, Disorders, Mental Health

July 20, 2021

Faces of Mental Illness, Breaking Stigmas With A Dream Project

Faces of Mental Illness

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

Returning to school for the 20-21 school year is in full swing and the excitement behind the usual back-to-school shopping, preparation and celebrations will be a far cry from ordinary. I’m seriously concerned for not only the physical health and safety of our kids and teachers but also their mental health. Anxiety is at an […]

Anxiety, Children, Disorders, Emotional Health, Ideas, Inspiration, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Teenagers

August 11, 2020

Children Returning to School with Anxiety? There are programs that can help!

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

Life becomes easier to handle and more fulfilling once you accept this difficult truth: Anxiety doesn’t go away! There is no cure. It is a part of the human condition.  Sure, it might lie dormant for periods of time and give the illusion that it has left forever, but the moment something exacting triggers it, […]

Anxiety, Depression, Disorders

May 31, 2020

Accepting Anxiety

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

Losing a spouse is traumatic. A tragedy. Losing a spouse unexpectedly has been, let me be honest with you…complete hell. Jim passed at the end of 2017. I’ve been surviving in the house we bought together since. I’m now taking the bold next steps, (oh my god am I really ready to step forward into […]

Anxiety, Grieving, Mental Health, Mindset, Quarantine, Support, Teenagers

May 10, 2020

High School Seniors Need to Grieve

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

How to find stillness in the face of a global epidemic. With greater access to technologies and more individuals now declaring themselves informants or reporters, a wave of panic can be set off instantly with a simple opinion or post. How does anyone know what to believe? I may not know the answer to that, […]

Anxiety

March 12, 2020

6 Ways to Find Calm Intervention During a Panic Storm

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

Anxiety isn’t like nervousness. Nervousness is an emotion that arises when you are faced with a challenging or intimidating situation. Though it may be all-consuming in the moment, it fades soon after the situation has passed. This is in stark contrast to anxiety, wherein feelings of anxiousness linger even when an intimidating situation is not […]

Anxiety

March 30, 2017

What It’s Like To Live With Anxiety

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

As a culture, we Americans tend to place our celebrities on high pedestals. We make it our business to know everything about our favorite celebrities’ business, and we are quick to believe the superficial judgments the media passes on those currently in the limelight. We often fail to recognize the heavy burdens that come from […]

Anxiety, Disorders

March 8, 2017

Ricky Williams: A Public Struggle With Social Anxiety Disorder

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

Though similar, anxiety and stress are two very different psychological issues. People who are stressed sometimes try to compare themselves to people with anxiety, but anyone who has ever experienced chronic anxiety knows that the two will never be the same. In my practice as an online mental health counselor, I have worked with several […]

Anxiety, Stress

December 7, 2016

Stress vs Anxiety: Understanding The Difference

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

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something that you are uncertain of its outcome. The key word in that definition should be “feeling,” yet many people allow anxiety to take on a form of its own. It becomes a great big bully in your life, doing its best to convince […]

Anxiety

September 15, 2016

5 Lies Your Anxiety Wants You To Believe

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

People that struggle with anxiety often do so in silence. From their outward appearance, you would never know that they are dealing with heavy issues on the inside.   In a recent blog, Overcoming Anxiety, I referenced a serious car accident that I was involved in two years ago on August 8th. The memory of […]

Anxiety

August 18, 2016

Overcoming Obstacles – A Personal Story

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

More often than not, anxiety is an inward struggle. Thousands of people deal with anxiety and self-confidence issues on a daily basis, but the people around them may have no way of knowing the challenges they face. Because others are unaware of their struggles, people with anxiety may feel isolated, misunderstood, and possibly even judged. […]

Anxiety

July 27, 2016

Overcoming Silent Anxiety – A Personal Story

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

Anxiety is one of the most crippling emotional disorders anyone can face. It manifests differently in every person it affects, making it challenging to identify. People who do not suffer from anxiety often have a hard time understanding how seriously it impacts those who are affected, and they may have trouble displaying appropriate empathy. In […]

Anxiety

July 18, 2016

10 Tips To Help You Control Your Anxiety (Not The Other Way Around)

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