It’s International Day for Tolerance, so today I want to talk about tolerance from the perspective of a mental health advocate.  If you spend even a small amount of time interacting with others, you’re bound to find differences. From race and gender to political beliefs and worldviews, diversity is all around us. And as the […]

Emotional Health, LGTBQ, Mental Health, Mindset, Moods, Relationships

November 16, 2023

Practicing Tolerance: It’s Good for Your 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

Anxiety… Unless you live with it, you don’t truly understand. And even if you do live with it, you know that there aren’t adequate words to explain it to others. It’s always there – even when it’s dormant. And when it acts up, when it’s raging – no one else knows. It’s invisible, even though it feels […]

Anxiety, Blog, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mental Health, Moods, My Journey, Support

November 21, 2022

It’s Thanksgiving Week and a LOT is Happening!!

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

What’s wrong with me? It’s summer and everyone is happy but I’m stressed, depressed and overwhelmed.  Sound like anyone you know? Maybe you’ve been there yourself. And it’s Okay!  We live in a world that avoids uncomfortable conversations. And that makes everything worse. So let’s have the conversations.  Life is full of ups and downs […]

Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Health, Grieving, Mindset, Moods, Stress

June 30, 2022

What’s wrong with me? It’s summer and everyone is happy but I’m stressed, depressed and overwhelmed. 

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

Have you ever had a day where you were inexplicably “down” or grumpy – a day where you didn’t want to do anything? If you’re like most people, your answer is probably “yes.” Now, let me ask you another question: have you ever had one of those days where even though didn’t want to do […]

Moods

May 20, 2016

7 Exercises To Help Boost 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

Many of us feel somewhat out of control in today’s busy, fast-paced, hectic world. We constantly rush from one obligatory activity to the next, all the while wondering how in the world we are supposed to get everything done on time. In fact, stress is the most common chronic condition Americans face (and it’s easy […]

Mindset, Moods

March 2, 2016

Importance Of Daily Rituals

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