I’m sure I’ve talked about this before… but it’s worth continued conversations! So bare with me. It’s the simple things. The things that happen allllll the time but no one sees. It’s the effen peanuts… Jim didn’t just eat peanuts. He shook them first, the way you shake dice. And it always – I’m talking […]

Anxiety, Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health, Mindset, Support, Uncategorized

November 5, 2022

It’s The Effen Peanuts! The Unexpected But Always Present Grief Triggers

I’m approaching the 5 year anniversary of losing Jim. Almost five years… And it still feels like it just happened yesterday.            But I’ve also done SO much in these almost 5 years. I have four books already out, with 4 more coming!! Leading With Legacy will be available on Amazon […]

Anxiety, Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health, Mindset, Support, Uncategorized

October 24, 2022

Almost Five Years…

iT’S mENTAL illness aWARENESS wEEK My car gives me notifications to schedule tune ups and maintenance just like my doctor sends me reminders about physicals and check ups. Mental health needs to be on that list, too! It’s not only Mental Illness Awareness Week. It’s also National Depression Screening Day. Does anyone even know that […]

Blog, Depression, Emotional Health, Inspiration, Mental Health, Mindset, Support

October 6, 2022

It’s National Depression Screening Day During Mental Illness Awareness Week : Say What?

For some people, talking about feelings comes easily. And for others, it can take a lot of work.   Some do better in one on one situations, while others excel in group settings.   That’s why I’ve always run my practice my way.   Because no two people are alike.   Because insurance companies don’t […]

Blog, Emotional Health, Inspiration, Mental Health, My Journey, Support

September 22, 2022

Your Support – Your way

It’s Jimtember I’m not good at picking favorites – other than my sports teams, obviously. But when it comes to my favorite days of the year, Jim’s birthday is at the very top of my list. If you knew him, you know how much he loved celebrating his birthday. Usually with karaoke. And I adored […]

Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Inspiration, Mental Health

September 8, 2022

Celebrating Jimtember

On our walk this morning, Dallas just cracked me up! ♥ It’s impossible for her to look in front of her – ya know, the direction she’s actually going. Instead, she’s consumed with every noise, smell, neighbor, bird, squirrel, and even wind around her. I’ll come back to this… On the 31st, we’re celebrating our […]

Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health, Mindset, Pets

August 25, 2022

Celebrating our Ruthiversary: Life Lessons with Dallas Ruth

Someone reached out to me recently through my website, and of course I responded. The reply I received took me back to when I first lost Jim: “I don’t know what I need….” I so vividly remember that feeling. I remember people wanting to help – truly wanting to help and asking me what I […]

Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health, Mindset

August 11, 2022

Why WE need YOU: Showing Up for people dealing with loss

“There are 700,000 new widows a year In America – and that’s a pre pandemic number!” The W Word. The club we never ever asked to join. The loss of the future we planned. Starting over. Finding our new (widowed) self. Being a widow is absolutely devastating. That doesn’t even begin to describe it, though. […]

Anxiety, Blog, Depression, Disorders, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health

February 24, 2022

The Top 3 Reasons Why Widowhood Feels More Crushing Than You Ever Imagined

Widowhood

As a psychologist, grief expert and widow, I get a lot of questions about grief and depression – both from individuals dealing with loss, as well as friends and family members with loved ones dealing with a loss. Common questions include: “Is this more of a reaction to grief, or is this crossing over into […]

Anxiety, Blog, Depression, Disorders, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health

January 27, 2022

Grief vs Depression

Grief vs Depression

When do I donate my husband’s clothes? Is it too soon?Am I crazy for not being ready? I get these questions regularly, and they’re questions I asked myself during my journey. And here’s the not so simple but simple answer: it’s different for each one of us. So whenever it’s right for you is when it’s […]

Anxiety, Blog, Disorders, Emotional Health, Mental Health

January 13, 2022

3 Key Steps You Need To Take To Find Your Answer

answer

Four years. I don’t even know what it means… It doesn’t mean it hurts any less. Quite  the opposite. I miss you even more. It doesn’t mean I understand it any better. I still reach for you before I’m fully awake. Every Single Morning. Which means that I’m sleeping,  something I didn’t do much of […]

Anxiety, Blog, Disorders, Emotional Health, Mental Health

December 28, 2021

Four Years – Many Lessons

Four years - many lessons

I’ve dealt with loss in my life – all 4 of my grandparents, my childhood home, friendships. And when I lost Jim the first time – true love. But through all of those losses, the rest of my world remained unchanged. I still had my family, friends, the career I love. My future as I envisioned […]

Anxiety, Blog, Disorders, Emotional Health, Mental Health

December 16, 2021

Mourning the Loss of the Life That Was