From living with an invisible chronic illness to using mindfulness tools to navigate anxiety and painful triggers, these inspiring stories will leave you feeling less alone and more confident to be you, without fear of judgment. Mourning the Life That Was, An Episode Honoring Chronic Illness Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone.  Most people […]

August 12, 2021

Mourning the Life That Was and Why Mindfulness Matters, 2 Beautiful Episodes You Are Going to Love!

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.

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!! […]

June 18, 2020

My Dad Always Wanted a Boy

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.

Clothing, food, and shelter are staples that we all need to survive. As a parent, your first and foremost responsibility is to ensure that your children have access to these basic needs on a daily basis. However, your parental responsibilities extend far beyond providing tangible objects. Often, the most valuable gifts you can pass on […]

May 24, 2017

5 Ways To Improve Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

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.

Self-confidence is the secret ingredient to success, both in business and in personal life. It is the tool you need to overcome fear of failure, to garner the courage to break out of your comfort zone, and to persevere when something doesn’t work out quite the way you planned. The question is: where does it come […]

April 27, 2017

7 Powerful Ways To Build Your Self-Confidence

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.

Grocery aisles are adorned with chocolates, sweetheart candies, and countless other goodies. Radio stations, billboards, magazines, and television are flooded with advertisements for Valentine’s Day specials. Everywhere you look (and listen), you are reminded that Valentine’s Day is only a few days away.  What Do You Think Of Valentine’s Day? If you’re like most people, […]

February 10, 2017

5 Ways To Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day

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.

When is the last time you allowed yourself to truly be yourself in front of another person? If you think about it, there are probably only a few instances in your life when you have really let your guard down and allowed yourself to simply, truly be yourself. There are likely only a very few […]

July 14, 2016

Taking Off The Masks We Wear For 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.

When you think of a beautiful person, what comes to mind? Many of our thoughts wander towards images of slender women with perfect hair and muscular men with narrow hips. We fail to take into account that beauty comes in many different shapes and sizes. As your trusted therapist in Michigan, I want to remind you […]

January 19, 2016

Don’t Be Victimized By The Media’s Beauty Standards!

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.