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 […]

Domestic Violence, Mental Health, PTSD, Relationships, Support, Therapy

August 19, 2020

Domestic Violence Resources and 2020 Update

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

My dad always wanted a boy. I’ve been aware of this fact my entire life.  Maybe it’s the reason I’m a tomboy. It certainly isn’t a coincidence that I play tennis, like my dad does. I went to Michigan (Go Blue) which was his dream. He actually came to class with me more than once!! […]

Emotional Health, Mindset, My Journey, Relationships, Self Esteem, Support, Teenagers

June 18, 2020

My Dad Always Wanted a Boy

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

Let’s talk truth. What’s your definition of toxic? I initially think of chemicals. But there’s emotional toxicity, too. We’ve all dealt with people who blame and deflect instead of just taking responsibility and apologizing. I have someone who makes this into an art form, to the point that I question myself. Bottom line: I know […]

Emotional Health, Ideas, Inspiration, Mental Health, Mindset, My Journey, Relationships, Support

June 4, 2020

Let’s Talk Truth…Emotional Toxicity

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

December (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, specifically) is the most popular time to pop the question. Thousands of couples all across the States will get engaged this month. With so many new couples preparing to spend the rest of their lives together, I thought it would be appropriate to use this week’s blog to shed […]

Relationships

December 16, 2016

3 Reasons To Consider Premarital Counseling

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

How would you describe the strength and quality of your marriage? Many couples who have been married for several years admit that their relationship is no longer as “exciting” or “romantic” as it once was. This does not necessarily mean they are contemplating divorce, but it does mean that there is probably room for improvement […]

Relationships

May 23, 2016

Date Your Mate: Creative Date Ideas For You & Your Spouse

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

Last week, we delved into the inner workings of romantic relationships and discussed five tips for strengthening those dynamics. With Mother’s Day less than a week away, I thought it fitting to continue the conversation about relationship dynamics by addressing one of the most complex relationships in existence – those between mothers and daughters. Mother-daughter […]

Relationships

May 2, 2016

8 Strategies For Improving Your Mother-Daughter Relationship

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

Relationships are living, breathing, ever-changing dynamics. They need constant love, dedication, and attention in order to thrive. If your relationship is not one of your top priorities, it will suffer. In my practice as an online mental health therapist, I have spent a lot of time working with couples to improve their relationship’s dynamics. In […]

Relationships

April 26, 2016

5 Tips To Strengthen Your Relationship

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

It doesn’t matter if you and your partner have been together for six months or six years – marriage is a big step and not one that should be taken lightly. You and your partner are preparing to (hopefully) spend the rest of your lives together; shouldn’t you do everything you can to set your […]

Relationships

February 15, 2016

Is Your Relationship Ready For Marriage?

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

While no recently engaged or newlywed couple wants to think that their marriage will fail, the divorce rate in the United States continues to hover around 50%. With so much emphasis placed on the division of assets and custody during a divorce, the emotional trauma that divorce brings sometimes gets pushed to the back burner. […]

Divorce, Relationships

January 26, 2016

6 Tips For Coping With Divorce

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

Humans, by nature, are social creatures. We rely heavily on our relationships and interactions with others for security, connection, and fulfillment. With the onset of the digital age, however, we must now answer a new (and potentially very serious) question: is the medium we rely on the most to establish human interaction actually undermining our […]

Relationships

November 19, 2015

Is Social Media Hurting Our Ability To Form Deep, Fulfilling Relationships?

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