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

The fate of our future rests on our children’s shoulders. That seems like a lot of responsibility to place on kids, but it’s true. As the next generation, the future of our world will depend on the type of environment our children create. As parents, it goes without saying that we should do everything we […]

Children, Mental Health, Mental Illness

May 2, 2017

Mental Illness In Children: 17 Potential Warning Signs

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 parent, few things in life matter as much as the health and well-being of your child. While dedicating time and energy to supporting their physical health is important, it is equally crucial to spend time nurturing their emotional and psychological health. The emotions children experience in their early developmental years lay the foundation […]

Children, Emotional Health

April 12, 2017

Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: 6 Guidelines

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

In the United States, it is culturally unacceptable (or at the very least, frowned upon) for men to cry. Men who outwardly display too much emotion, especially vulnerable emotions such as sadness or fear, are traditionally viewed as weak and unmasculine. However, the fact is that men are emotional beings too, and men who stuff […]

Children, Divorce, Emotional Health, Relationships

June 15, 2016

Emotional Support For Dads

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

Summer is here, and kids, teenagers, and college students across the States are rejoicing over their much-needed break from school. Many of them have exciting plans for the summer, whether it’s traveling on a fun vacation or simply heading to the local swimming pool as frequently as possible. While this break from school is important […]

Children

June 7, 2016

Tips To Keep Your Kids Out Of Trouble This Summer

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