I saw a quote while scrolling through social media the other day that hit me hard. 

“You cannot complain yourself into what you want”

Read it again. 

Boy oh boy is that a hard truth. How often do you do that to yourself? How often do you allow yourself to complain about the way things are going instead of working towards a different outcome?

I think a part of it is human nature. It’s the low-hanging fruit that is easy to reach. Something happens that doesn’t quite fit your ideal, so immediately we process that displeasure by complaining. We know that the energy of anger, resentment, fear, and frustration are all very low. By spending time in that low vibration, we encourage more low vibrational energy into our lives, and all of a sudden your whole day is spent complaining instead of being productive! And if you’re anything like me, that makes you feel like complaining even more! It’s a vicious cycle that...

We are seeing so many shifts in our society right now. Shifts in inclusivity; shifts in how we use technology; shifts in how our kids receive their education; shifts in what social gatherings look like... Many things are shifting. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to change. It’s uncomfortable to see new, to embrace new, to like new. However, it’s sitting in that discomfort that we grow and evolve. It’s how change becomes everlasting, not just in society but in us as individuals as well. 

Throughout history, women have had to fight for equality and the same freedoms or rights that men have. For instance, the right to vote (Wyoming Territory, 1869. USA, 1920), the right to equal pay in the workplace (1963), right to obtain your own bank account without a man’s name on it (the 1960s, credit cards 1974), right to participate in education and school-sponsored extra circulars: Title IX (1972), right to take birth control as an unmarried woman (1972),...

There is a quote that says something like, “Preach the gospel every day, and when necessary use words.” I love this as it is a great reminder that actions speak louder than words. Not just in a religious tradition, but in how we show up in the world. There is often some dispute between the way people act and the words they preach. So many tasks are easier said than done. Everyone has great intentions and poor execution. We all WANT things to be different, but very few people do the work to create a different life. There’s never any judgment here, but what a great opportunity for some self-reflection. 

My mom always used to tell me, “do as I say, not as I do” anytime she was going against her own teachings. “Don’t cross your legs like that, it’s bad for your circulation and your hips” “Don’t drink pop, it’s a hard addiction to break” “Don’t stay up too late, you need your...

Can you believe it’s been a year? A year since our world shut down and everything started to look different? 

I’m not here to talk the politics of it all, the policies, the economy, or what’s right or wrong. Let’s get a little deeper than that. By now we realize we are living amongst some very historical moments. Things that will be the stories you tell your grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Maybe you laugh a little about the toilet paper shortage, maybe you cry a little about the deaths that occurred… and maybe you admit that this last year changed you. 

You’ve realized the big picture change in the country and in our world, but have you seen the big picture change in yourself? Have you taken the time to reflect on everything that happened and how you’re different because of this time in history that we get to be a part of. 

I am blessed that the impact of Covid-19 was not as severe as it could have...

Growing up there were a couple of sitcoms we watched as a family (back when TV was a little more family-friendly) that often referred to anger management techniques. The two I remember the most were the rubber band on the wrist, to be snapped during moments of anger, and the “close your eyes and count to 10 before responding rule.” I feel like these things were mentioned often on TV, but maybe they were just techniques that stood out to me so I remembered them… either way, this conversation is more about that choice to respond differently. The decision to snap the rubber band, or count to ten before responding is a conscious choice that affects the outcome. In a big way. 

In every interaction you partake in, you have the ability to choose how you will respond to the situation. There are SO many human emotions, your options are truly endless. The question becomes, what does this response create in my life? See if you respond with a low vibration energy (read...

What defines you? Is it your hair color? “I’m blonde so I must be ditzy” “I’m a redhead so I am short tempered.” Is it your gender? “I’m female so I’m supposed to enjoy cooking.” “I’m male so I must know a lot about vehicles.” Is it your education? “I have a PHD so I know everything.” “I dropped out of high school, so I know nothing and cannot be successful.” …. These all sound crazy don’t they.

Try these one on for size:

“I don’t have a partner so I am not loveable.”

“I have a chronic illness, so I cannot be happy.”

“I was abused, so I cannot have a healthy relationship.”

Are any of those true? Or just as crazy as saying your hair color determines your attitude?

You are not defined by the way you look.

You are not defined by the things that happen to you.

Yes, there are defining moments in your life. The...

Do you remember the old story of the tortoise and the hare? They are racing towards the finish line and the hare is so sure he will win that he got distracted and decided to take a nap. Not because he was tired. Not because it was his normal time of day to rest, but because he was being arrogant. The tortoise, on the other hand, continues slow and steady until he wins the race. He does not rest, but he does not hurry through either. 

What lessons we have to learn from these two!? 

The hare hurries in the beginning, becomes sure he will win, so he rests and misses his opportunity to cross the finish line first. How many times have you done this with your own goals? Maybe you decide you’re going to “get in shape” so you start by running a mile on day one, even though you haven’t run a mile in years. On day two you’re so sore that you need to rest. Day three hurts worse than day two, so you rest a little longer. By day four your...

Remember when we talked about why it is so important to grow?

And when we talked about how everyone grows at their own pace? Well, what happens if it is you who is not ready to grow? I recently had someone say to me, “I know I need to do my own work, but I’m not ready yet. So, for now, my life will stay just as it is.” How profound is that statement?! I am so proud of this person for recognizing this. For saying, “you know what, I certainly have some room for growth, but I don’t want to put the work into it so... this is my life right now.” You guys, that is just as powerful as someone who says, “I’m committed to living a different life.” You know why? Because she recognizes it and she chooses. And that is a beautiful thing!

There are wonderful seasons for growth and there are wonderful periods of rest. Watch how other natural cycles work. Your kids for example. Same size clothes for a season and then *poof* they are growing...

One of my favorite expressions is “don’t should on yourself.” As Americans, male and female alike, we have this idea of what should be happening in our lives every day. We don’t all have the same ideals, thank goodness, but each of us carries this thought process of what “should be” happening. A while back we talked about mom-shame and keeping up with the Jones’, but let's talk about self-shame a bit. The only thing you should ever do is honor your body, mind, and soul. Everything else is either something that you have been taught or a societal norm you are trying to fit. Think about it... “I should vacuum once a week.” Says who? Where in the world is that rule written? Unless you love to vacuum and it makes your heart happy to see vacuum lines on the floor, this “I should” idea was taught. Please note, I am not telling anyone to abandon all responsibility and all obligation from their lives. This...

Someone asked me recently how I continue to “have it all together” despite everything going on in the world. My answer: I don’t. 

Today, I’m going to be real with you... the last few months have been HARD. A downright challenge. Hospital life is crazy, home life is crazy, and supporting Purely You Healing through it all has also been crazy. I lost an uncle. I rescheduled my wedding. The fear, the politics, the resentment in society; it has all been weighing heavy on me. In the last few weeks, I have had to step back and practice what I preach. It was time to rest. Time to honor my body and nourish my soul. I stepped back from the hustle and grind. I took breaks from social media and the news. I rested often. I walked a lot. I drank all the water and ate more salad and more chocolate-balance is key. And I set different boundaries. I reminded my friends, family, and clients that I needed time to decompress. Working hours are for working and all the other...