I did some hiking recently in uncharted territory in northern Arizona. For those who know me, it goes without saying that any hiking territory is unfamiliar to me. I don’t hike, but I have friends who do, and I aspire to be able to climb mountain trails and leap tall buildings with them. It was […]
When you come to the end of your rope
Eleven years ago, I was there – at the end of my rope. Holding on by threads, I knew if I let go I would plunge into a bottomless pit of despair. When cancer strikes, and death comes, and your life is changed forever, you are numb from the pain of loss. Any strength you’ve […]
A toothache, a root canal, and a dental visit I’ll never forget
(This month we bring back one of Susan’s most popular blogs. Definitely worth repeating!) It isn’t actually the tooth that hurts, it’s the gum above the tooth, I told myself. I put up with the discomfort for a week, but when a week came and went, my better judgment said go to the dentist. I called […]
Podcast episode 11 – What do you do when you’re in a lockdown situation?
When circumstances are tough you might be tempted to pull into an emotional or even physical lockdown. It can feel safer to shut down emotionally and pull back from everything and everyone. Injury or illness can lead to a physical lockdown. There are steps you can take to break free.
Fear and gophers – a tale of empowerment
It’s true. I have gophers in my backyard. My backyard wall, (walls are common around houses in Arizona), backs up to a shallow ravine, commonly called a “wash” in neighborhoods like mine. I love the privacy the wash provides between my home and the neighbors’ homes. My neighbors can’t see me on my patio in […]
The Woman with the Red Purse and How My Life Changed
It was a visual picture that will be forever imprinted in my mind. She was an attractive, petite woman in her mid-forties, with shoulder-length black hair, white blouse, and a dark colored pencil-thin skirt. My eyes were drawn to her large red purse as she walked down the long corridor. It seemed almost too big […]
Yes I can!
If you’re like me, and have experienced a life-changing loss, the holiday season could look and feel different to you. You might somehow want to escape all the memories, traditions, and decorations. It’s just too hard, and you’re just too numb to face the pain of what will never be the same again. As many […]
