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, […]

June 27, 2023

PTSD and Drug Use: Let’s Rethink Our Approach

It's been a while!

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 

September 10, 2025
Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support

Samantha Ruth LLC in Colorado has officially closed.
All business can be directed to griefhab via sam@griefhab.org

Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

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.

Important person for life and business advice How often do you change your plans based on other people’s opinions? Even if you’re really excited about the plan and you really believe in it?  Whilst advice can help you make better life and business choices, it’s important to know when you should follow somebody else’s advice […]

August 26, 2021

The Most Important Person You Should Go To For Life And Business Advice

The most important person you should go to for life and business advice

It's been a while!

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 

September 10, 2025
Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support

Samantha Ruth LLC in Colorado has officially closed.
All business can be directed to griefhab via sam@griefhab.org

Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

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.

Domestic violence, like mental illness, isn’t discussed enough. We need to have open, honest dialogues and break the stigmas and silence! Domestic violence reports are on the rise throughout the US since Covid as people’s routines and lives have been so disrupted. Society/employers/government need to do more for the people struggling. It’s important to be aware […]

August 19, 2020

Domestic Violence Resources and 2020 Update

It's been a while!

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 

September 10, 2025
Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support

Samantha Ruth LLC in Colorado has officially closed.
All business can be directed to griefhab via sam@griefhab.org

Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

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.

Anyone can struggle with mental health, but some people are more likely to develop disorders as a result of their careers. Certain high-stress positions (such as firefighters, police, and other emergency services) are more likely to cause suicidal tendencies, as well as various mental health disorders like PTSD or depression. Since these issues are becoming […]

October 11, 2016

Saving Those Who Save Others

It's been a while!

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 

September 10, 2025
Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support

Samantha Ruth LLC in Colorado has officially closed.
All business can be directed to griefhab via sam@griefhab.org

Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

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.

We’ve all heard the term “PTSD” tossed around multiple times. Unless you have personally experienced it yourself or are closely connected to someone who has, however, you might know very little about it. Though some individuals are beginning to break past the stigma and discuss mental illness more openly, most people still say very little […]

September 30, 2016

11 Things Everyone Should Know About PTSD

It's been a while!

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 

September 10, 2025
Awareness, Blog, Healing, Inspiration, Support

Samantha Ruth LLC in Colorado has officially closed.
All business can be directed to griefhab via sam@griefhab.org

Not because I don’t care about you. Not because I haven’t had anything to say – but because I was living the words before I could write them.

Since last year, life has been full of deep endings and brave beginnings. I relocated back to Michigan.

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.