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Tested by Trouble: How Vulnerability and Faith Helped Me Healing Through the Hardest Moments
Sometimes, life brings trouble to test our faith and push us toward true vulnerability. For a long time, my instinct was to keep things to myself and say, “I’ll figure it out”. But suppressing that struggle manifested physically and emotionally—leading to stress-related psoriasis, feelings of depression, and constant tears. I realized I couldn’t navigate it… →
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Speak Up Before It’s Too Deep: Birthday Reflections on Vulnerability and Support
When you’re trying to dig yourself out of a hole, remember: you need both hands to dig. But how are you going to pull yourself out without reaching for help? Whether it’s from above or through the people placed directly in your path, help is available—if you’re willing to speak up. If you keep silent… →
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Turning Frustration into Kindness: How a 3 A.M. Gym Habit Taught Me About Community
How do you react when someone leaves a total mess in a shared space? 🏋️♀️🧹 When I head to the gym at 3 A.M., it can be frustrating to see heavy equipment left lying all over the turf where someone could get hurt. But instead of staying annoyed, I shift my mindset: I clean up… →
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Don’t Ignore the Red Flags: Lessons in Intuition and Perception From My Dog
Trouble rarely arrives completely unannounced—it usually gives off a subtle scent or warning sign first. But how often do we ignore the signs or underestimate what’s coming? On this birthday, I’m reflecting on how my dog, Zack, always senses when something is brewing long before I ever do. Dogs have an incredible instinct for picking… →
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Stopping the “What If” Spiral: How to Reframe Worst-Case Fantasy Thinking
Have you ever caught yourself spiraling down a “what if” rabbit hole? 🌀💭 We often think of fantasy as daydreaming about positive possibilities, but focusing on all the negative worst-case scenarios that might transpire is a fantasy of its own—and it steals your peace. Ask yourself: are you actually dealing in reality, or are you… →
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Overcoming Self-Doubt: How Our Humble Beginnings Shape Worthiness and Growth
Do you ever catch yourself doubting what you’re capable of or feeling like you don’t deserve praise? 💭✨ In this heartfelt clip from Tricks My Dog Taught Me, Michelle and I open up about how our humble beginnings can sometimes subtly seed self-doubt. Whether it’s talking ourselves out of a small challenge (like doing push-ups!… →
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Loving People in “Small Doses”: Setting Healthy Boundaries Without Losing Your Compassion
In your 50s (and honestly, at any age!), protecting your peace becomes non-negotiable. 💡 In this clip from Tricks My Dog Taught Me, our guest Michelle drops a real truth bomb about dealing with constant pessimism in friendships: you can still love people, pray for them, and wish them well—from a distance, or in “small… →
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Finding Yourself Again: Navigating Identity Loss, Big Changes, and New Beginnings
“My whole life was centered around my kids and husband at the time… I got so lost in that that I lost Michelle.” 💔✨ In this clip from Tricks My Dog Taught Me, Michelle shares a vulnerable, real, and humorous look at what happens when you lose your identity in a relationship—and the big changes… →
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Releasing Perfectionism: Learning to Be Enough in Every Role You Play
“I came to the realization: I can’t do everything at once. And I have to be okay with that.” 🤍✨ In this clip from Tricks My Dog Taught Me, Michelle and I dive into the constant pressure of wearing so many hats—mother, professor, wife, friend, sister, and faithful servant. For a long time, not being… →
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Setting Boundaries Without Resentment: The Art of Accepting People for Who They Are
“You have certain friends you hang out with because they’re fun… but when you go into emotion, you can’t call them. Just accepting them for who they are and respecting it.” 🌿✨ In this clip from Tricks My Dog Taught Me, Michelle and I dive deep into understanding friendship boundaries. Not every friend can play… →
