#LifeTransitions – The Balanced Equation

When Life Sends You Sideways

It’s been a long time between posts.

And not the kind of “life got busy” pause — but the kind of full-body halt that comes when life flips your world upside down and knocks the breath clean out of you.

A Dream Realised… Briefly

At the start of 2025, I finally did it — I boarded a flight to India for a long-awaited adventure with Camel Treks Australia. It had been years in the making. I was craving wide skies, desert stillness, shared stories, and soul-deep restoration.

For a while, it was all that and more.

But life doesn’t always follow the plan.

A Message at 4am

I had barely touched back down on Australian soil when everything changed.

Jet-lagged, disoriented, and still holding the scent of incense and dust, I checked my phone at 4am. A message was waiting from my partner of 2.5 years — a man I love deeply, who knows me in both stillness and storm. The message simply read:

“Are you awake?”

Something in me braced. My reply was quick.

His answer came faster — and chilled me to my core:

“I’ll be with you whatever happens. But there’s been an accident. I’ve heard something’s happened — you need to call the police and find out what hospital they’ve been taken to.”

My heart dropped.

The Unfolding

My son and my ex-husband — my life partner for 30 years and the father of my children — had been in a horrific car accident. Both were critically injured. Both were fighting for their lives.

What followed was a surreal blur: hospitals, emergency teams, burns units, and the heavy silence that fills the space between questions no one can answer.

Within a fortnight, my ex-husband succumbed to his injuries and passed away on my 55th birthday.

The complexity of that grief is hard to name. This was someone I once loved, built a life with, raised children with. Our paths had long diverged, but the roots ran deep. His death marked the end of an era I hadn’t realised was still quietly shaping me.

Holding Death in Both Hands

I’ve been here before — near death’s edge. I’ve walked alongside it during illness, felt its breath on my neck through my own near-death experiences, and sat vigil with loved ones as they crossed over.

Death, to me, has never been a stranger. It is a powerful, mysterious teacher — one that strips away the unnecessary and leaves only what matters.

But this time… it asked more of me. It pulled at my roles as mother, as former wife, as woman, as witness — and forced me to sit with all the tangled pieces.

The In-Between

In the weeks and months that followed, I stepped back. From the blog. From work. From almost everything.

I poured my energy into being there for my son, into finding a path forward, into grieving with honesty and gentleness. I went quiet — not because I had nothing to say, but because there were no words wide enough to hold it all.

And Now

I’m not who I was at the beginning of this year.

Something in me has softened. Other parts have sharpened. I feel more grounded, more awake, more certain of what really matters.

This isn’t a return to blogging as usual. It’s a continuation — from where I now stand, in the middle of the mess and the meaning, still choosing to tell the truth, still choosing to grow.

Thank you for your patience, your presence, and for being part of this space — one that holds not just the light, but also the shadow, the mystery, and the unexpected turns that come with living a fully human life.

More soon — from the heart.

Finding Joy in Packing Up Memories

In the chaos of post-Christmas packing, the narrator grapples with a monumental task that evokes nostalgia and emotion. Each item unearths memories, blending laughter and tears. Emphasizing small victories, the process becomes a journey of letting go and making space for future growth, ultimately finding humor and humility in the mess.

It’s just a few days after Christmas, and here I am, staring at my house like it’s a life-sized game of Tetris, with pieces I have absolutely no idea where to put. The task before me is monumental: pack up my home, get it ready for inspection, and somehow, miraculously, make it all happen before I fly to India. Simple, right? Except it’s not. Not even close.

I start the day ambitiously, tackling three spaces at once—the garage, the upstairs landing that needs painting, and my walk-in wardrobe. Rookie mistake. Within an hour, my head is pounding, my patience is gone, and my house looks more chaotic than when I started. It’s like I’ve unleashed a tornado, but instead of Dorothy and Toto, it’s me in leggings, clutching a paintbrush in one hand and an old sweater I can’t part with in the other. Honestly, even Marie Kondo would throw her hands up and walk away at this point.

I pause and do the only thing that seems remotely sane: I clear the dining room table. Just the table. One surface, one tiny victory. And it feels glorious. I can see the wood again, and for a moment, I convince myself I’ve got this. Of course, the rest of the house is still a disaster, but I decide to reward myself with something that always helps me find my footing: writing.

When Memories Hide in Clutter

As I wade through my stuff, I quickly realise this is about more than just packing. Every box I open, every drawer I rifle through, feels like opening a time capsule. There’s the top I wore on that disastrous first date. There’s my boys’ old Lego set, the one I swore I’d never step on again, and here it is, mocking me. Each item carries a memory, and with each memory comes a wave of emotion that crashes over me like an unexpected tsunami.

I try to ride the waves, but let’s be honest—it’s messy. Sometimes I laugh; sometimes I cry. Occasionally, I find myself doing both simultaneously, which must look absolutely ridiculous. But this is where I am: mid-fifties, physically fit (thankfully), and knee-deep in a task that is equal parts cleansing and chaotic. I’m grateful to have the energy to do this on my own, but let’s not romanticize it—this is hard, humbling work.

Finding Humility (and Humor) in the Mess

Something about packing up your life makes you realise how absurdly attached you are to random objects. Why am I holding onto the hideous vase a distant relative gave me in 1992? Why do I own three fondue sets when I’ve never made fondue? And why, oh why, did I think it was a good idea to start painting and packing and decluttering all at once? I have to laugh because if I don’t, I might cry again, and I’m trying to pace myself on the tears.

But I do know why I’m doing this. Letting go here, in this nurturing space that has been my home for over a decade, feels important. This house has held so much of my story, and clearing it feels like honoring the past while making room for the wonderful things I know are coming my way in 2025.

Writing gives me a chance to breathe, to step back from the chaos and make sense of it. It helps me process the emotions that rise like a tide—sometimes gentle, sometimes relentless. I remind myself that these e(motions)—energy in motion—are a natural part of clearing space. As much as I’d like to think I’m in control, the truth is, I’m just here for the ride, trying to keep my sense of humour intact.

Small Wins, Big Lessons

Clearing that dining room table taught me something important: start small. One surface, one drawer, one box at a time. It’s not about doing it all perfectly or all at once. It’s about finding those little wins that keep you moving forward. Each cleared space is a reminder that I’m making progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.

This process isn’t just about letting go of clutter. It’s about creating space—for growth, for joy, for whatever comes next. As I pack up my house, I’m not just saying goodbye to things; I’m saying goodbye to old stories, old identities, and old expectations. And that, my friends, is no small feat.

Embracing the Waves

When the tsunami of emotion hits, I grab my pen and write it out. Writing helps me remember that these waves, as overwhelming as they feel, will pass. It reminds me to breathe, to laugh at the absurdity of it all, and to trust that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—surrounded by chaos, covered in paint, and slowly, steadily clearing space for what’s next.

And you know what? That’s enough. One box, one memory, one laugh-cry at a time, I’m moving forward. Here’s to finding humour, humility, and maybe even a little joy in the mess.

Finding Peace This Christmas: A Journey of Growth

Christmas Eve Morning: A Sacred Stillness

It’s Christmas Eve morning. Like most mornings, I wake to the soft dawn light. It streams through the open shutters of my bedroom overlooking the Blue Mountains. Today’s light feels particularly radiant, bathing the room in a golden glow and promising the start of a beautiful day. The sun rises with its unhurried elegance, and I find myself drawn to my yoga mat, grounding myself in meditation. I savor the stillness of this sacred moment, letting the peace wash over me.

Unusually, my peace is interrupted by a phone call. It’s my partner, 60 kilometers away, gently reminding me that he’s patiently waiting for my arrival later today. Christmas treats are packed, and together we’ll prepare our lunch for tomorrow. His kind voice carries a reassurance that surprises me. I feel truly at peace. This happens even in this quieter, more solitary lead-up to Christmas.

Christmas has always been a complex time since my divorce. With my boys no longer at home, it has often felt tinged with loneliness. In past years, I buried those feelings in busyness. I cooked meals for my parents and took them to their home. I visited my sister, brother, and aunt, all in separate places. The constant flurry of activity left little time to sit with my emotions.

This year has been different. I’ve intentionally allowed myself to feel the emotions for the first time. I’ve processed the emotions that surfaced in the weeks leading up to today. Instead of pushing them aside, I’ve worked through them, piece by piece. And now, as Christmas approaches, I’ve reached a quiet acceptance: everything is exactly as it is meant to be. There’s peace in letting go of the past and embracing the moment, just as it is.

2024: A Year of Challenge and Growth

2024 was a challenging year—there’s no doubt about that. But as the months rolled on, I discovered something remarkable: I’ve gotten better at navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs. Yes, some moments tested me. There were tears, big emotions, and times when life threw its curveballs. But I’ve learned not to let those moments keep me down for long.

I’ve started embracing emotion for what it truly is—e(motion)—energy in motion. It’s meant to move through us, not get stuck. Brene Brown’s analogy that emotions are like trains traveling through a tunnel resonates deeply with me. Solitude is the gift that lets me sit with my emotions. I can feel them fully. Then, I let them pass through that tunnel. And here’s the beautiful part: as I practice this, I notice the process gets quicker. How powerful is that? I realise I can shift my emotional state. I do this not by suppressing it but by feeling it. I release it and embrace the growth it brings. Honestly, it feels like I’m developing a superpower.

So, what’s changed? A big part is the sacred, joyful collection of rituals and practices I’ve created for myself. They’re small things—simple and ordinary—but they bring me immense joy. It is a morning meditation. It’s a walk in the mountains. It is lighting a candle at the end of the day, or at the beginning of a yoga practice. These practices honour my own needs. They keep me grounded. They’re the foundation. They allow me to show up for others in a true way. I do this without losing myself in the process. Most of the time, anyway. Let’s call it progress, not perfection. 😉

Closing One Chapter to Open Another

Five years after my divorce, I finally feel ready to let go of something I’ve held onto tightly: my home. Yesterday, I signed the contract with the agent. I spent so much time toying with the idea of selling. I often wondered what life might look like beyond these walls. Suddenly, it felt right. The decision didn’t come overnight—it’s been a slow, deliberate process. I’ve entertained the idea. I have contemplated it in my mind and heart. I tried it on for size in countless ways. But now, I feel ready to close this chapter and start anew.

As Rumi so beautifully says:

“This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.”

That’s exactly where I find myself. I have no clear picture of what 2025 will bring. I know that I’ll no longer be tied to the identity this home has attached to me. It defined me as mother, wife, suburbanite, and host. It’s time to redefine myself without the labels this space has so lovingly carried for me. It’s a leap into the unknown, but for the first time, it feels exhilarating rather than daunting.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Anticipation and Gratitude: Embracing What’s Next

I am flying to India in January, and with each passing day, the anticipation builds. People tell me such a journey can be life-changing. But here’s the thing: when you live fully in the moment, every moment is life-changing. There are no expectations, no regrets—just the now. How freeing is that?

Perhaps when I return, a new home will have found its way to me. Perhaps it will take longer. Who knows? All I know is this: I’m embracing the unknown for what feels like the first time in my 55 years. As I write this, if I’m honest, I remember this feeling from childhood. I’m embracing it with a sense of wonder. It’s that same exhilaration I felt as a little girl when I discovered the tree outside my bedroom window and begged my mum for a spoonful of Vegemite to fuel my climb. That pure, unfiltered anticipation is what I’m feeling now as I look ahead to 2025.

The thought excites me. It’s a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity to create a space that reflects who I am now. It does not reflect who I’ve been. The Blue Mountains will stay my sanctuary. My future identity will be lighter and freer. It will be untethered from the stories of the past.

Gratitude for the Chapter That’s Closing

This Christmas, I am preparing to leave the home that has held so much of my story. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent here. I appreciate the growth it has nurtured. I admire, in myself, the courage it has taken to finally step into what’s next. This home has been a place of love, resilience, and transformation, and now it’s time to carry those lessons forward.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the joy we cultivate within ourselves radiates outward. It helps us show up, serve, and live fully—without losing sight of who we truly are. That joy is my anchor as I move into this next chapter.

Carrying Peace Into the Holidays

As the day unfolds, I’ll pack up the Christmas goodies and head to my partner’s place. But I won’t just be carrying treats—I’ll be bringing the joy and peace that have taken root in my heart. This Christmas feels different, lighter. It’s a season of transition, a celebration of what’s been and what’s to come. Wherever this journey takes me, I’m ready to greet it with open arms and a heart full of gratitude. Wherever you are today, I hope you’re finding your own moments of stillness. I wish that you experience joy and maybe even a little courage to take a step without feet. Wishing you a Christmas filled with light and love. 🎄✨

The Four Dharma Principles for Peace and Clarity

In 2016, I found myself lying on my bathroom floor, utterly spent from yet another round of chemo. I was somewhere between exhaustion and sheer determination. I started listening to Yoga and the Dark Night of the Soul by Simon Haas on Audible. As I have already mentioned, I was searching for anxiety antidotes. That book opened the door to new possibilities. A new way of thinking and over time, a new way of being. Soon enough, I had The Book of Dharma lined up. It was set to be my next dose of inspiration.

As the YogiCFO, I aim to balance Dharma and Data. I thought now is a good time to introduce Dharma.

I was drawn to yoga when I heard it described as the “Science of the Mind.” This wasn’t about blind faith or dogma. It was about trying things out and seeing what worked. I kept only what resonated with me. That same spirit of experimentation drew me to dharma. In ancient Indian texts, dharma was the set of principles used to guide sovereigns in ruling wisely. And, after facing cancer, I came to realize I was my own “sovereign” in the truest sense. Cancer made one thing clear: every choice I made came with consequences, and only I could walk that journey. I wanted my decisions to be rooted in wisdom, not fear. I realised life was short, and prior to this, I was not really fulfilling my potential.

For me, dharma has been less of a rulebook and more of a compass, as Simon Haas describes it. It’s a way to navigate life with purpose by holding close four principles: Truth, Purity, Non-Violence, and Discipline. I’m not here to tell anyone else how to live. I can say that these principles have offered me a lifeline when I needed one. Through the storms of cancer treatment and chronic pain, facing the haunting fears of recurrence, and learning to find peace in solitude, dharma has been a gentle guide back to myself. Here’s how each principle has shown up for me.

Truth: The Art of Being Honest with Myself

Truth sounds straightforward, right? Just be honest. But after a cancer diagnosis, honesty takes on a new level. I convinced myself for a while that I was okay, that I was moving forward without fear. But if I was honest, I was living with a constant, nagging worry about recurrence. Truth, I learned, isn’t about pretending to be fearless or always having it together—it’s about admitting when I don’t.

These days, Truth means being real about my fears and not burying them under a mask of “I’m fine.” Sometimes, that’s admitting I’m scared or that I’m not okay. By acknowledging what’s really going on, I can acknowledge it, notice how it makes me feel and let it go. Truth, as it turns out, has been a source of freedom for me. It allows space for the parts of myself that need compassion. This is much better than denial.

Purity: Clearing Out the Clutter to Find Peace

Purity isn’t about some impossible level of perfection; it’s about clarity. For me, this principle became vital as I learned to manage chronic pain. Pain is exhausting—mentally, emotionally, physically. If I let my mind fill up with resentment, it only worsens the situation. Adding frustration is like fueling an already intense fire.

So, Purity for me is about letting go of that mental clutter and simplifying. I make time each day to clear my thoughts through meditation or writing. I let go of the “extras” that don’t serve me. Even physically, I’ve pared down my space to include only things that bring some peace or joy. Creating this clarity doesn’t make the pain go away. However, it allows me to be present with it. Instead of getting lost in the fog of frustration, I can face it directly. When I keep things clear, I feel a bit more in control. I feel this way even when the pain is out of my hands.

Non-Violence: Treating Myself with Kindness (and Forgiving the Not-So-Great Days)

Non-Violence, or Ahimsa, has been a real journey. It’s about compassion, both toward others and myself. This hasn’t come easily for me, especially when it comes to loneliness. Loneliness can make even the most grounded person feel off-kilter. But I’ve found that when I practice Non-Violence toward myself, I can transform loneliness into solitude. Solitude becomes a place where I can grow and find meaning instead of just feeling isolated.

Some days, that means I let myself rest rather than pushing through. Other days, it’s letting myself feel what I’m feeling without layering on guilt or criticism. And yes, some days it’s as simple as reaching out to a friend. I don’t have to sit with the feeling that I need to do it all alone. Non-Violence reminds me that I deserve kindness, even on the hardest days. This is one of the most powerful lessons I’ve found in dharma.

Discipline: Showing Up for Myself, No Matter What

Discipline used to feel rigid, all about self-control and willpower. But these days, discipline feels softer, like a commitment to myself. After cancer, I needed to rebuild my routines, to show up in ways that nurtured rather than depleted me. Discipline became my way of finding stability in the chaos.

Keeping a bedtime routine, doing my yoga, or sticking to my morning tea ritual are acts of discipline. They remind me I’m worth the effort. The small choices matter. Each one builds on the other. They create a foundation I can rely on even when life throws a curveball. Discipline isn’t about being harsh with myself. It’s about staying consistent with the things that help me feel grounded and whole. Over time, discipline enables freedom.

Living by Dharma as a Gentle Guide

As Haas explains, Dharma isn’t about rules. It’s more of a framework, a gentle guide that brings clarity and helps me focus on what really matters. I’m not here to preach. I won’t tell anyone else what to do. These four principles have offered me something I desperately needed: a way to live with intention. They help me stay present, choose peace over chaos, and show myself some compassion in the process.

The real beauty of dharma is that it doesn’t demand perfection. Some days I’ll nail it, and other days? Well, we all have those days. I realign with Truth, Purity, Non-Violence, and Discipline. Then I feel like I’m steering my life more purposefully. Life won’t ever be perfectly smooth. However, it feels a little lighter. It feels a little clearer. Life becomes much more manageable when I have these principles as my compass.

Finding Your Own Path

As Simon Haas explains, the power of dharma truly shines when all four principles—Truth, Purity, Non-Violence, and Discipline—work together, supporting each other to create a balanced and purposeful life. Each principle reinforces the others, guiding us to make choices with integrity, clarity, compassion, and commitment. If you’re curious about dharma, try engaging with each principle in small, manageable ways, observing how they resonate and complement each other in daily life. Or, you could read the book! The Book Of Dharma

You don’t need to dive in all at once; just allow these principles to be gentle reminders, guiding you towards choices that feel aligned. And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear how these ideas shape your journey. What practices or perspectives help you navigate your own path? Drop a comment below—I’d love to learn from your experiences, too. After all, we’re all finding our way, one choice at a time.

The Power of Rituals—Bringing Structure to Spirituality

Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re diving into a topic that has truly transformed my life: rituals. Now, I know what you might be thinking—rituals? Aren’t those reserved for ceremonies or something mystical? Well, yes and no. Rituals, in the way I practice them, are about creating small moments of intention in the day-to-day—a way to bring both structure and spirituality into this wonderfully chaotic journey we call life.

Why Rituals Matter

For most of my adult life, I ran on routines. Wake up, get the kids ready, work, cook dinner, sleep, rinse, repeat. The routines kept life organized and predictable, and, if I’m honest, I often felt like I was on autopilot. Looking back, it’s as if life happened, and I hardly even noticed because I was so busy with the day-to-day. But once the nest was empty, those routines became redundant and meaningless. I needed more than structure— connection, purpose, and calm. And that’s when I realized rituals could bring something new: balance between my rational mind and my spiritual heart.

Rituals are more than just habits—they are sacred moments woven into our daily lives, filled with purpose and intention. They invite us to slow down, to indeed be present, and to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. For someone like me, who often gets lost in the details and the constant hum of analysis, rituals have become a lifeline—offering stability amidst chaos while nurturing the deeper, more tender parts of myself. They remind me that life isn’t just about productivity; it’s about connection, purpose, and finding grace in even the most minor actions.

Morning Rituals: Setting the Tone for the Day

Something about the morning makes it the perfect time to bring a sense of intention into your day. I’ll admit, there was a time when my mornings consisted of hitting snooze three times before frantically scrambling to start the day. But now, I’ve transformed those early hours into a sacred time, and it’s made all the difference.

1. Morning Journaling
One of the most grounding rituals I’ve adopted is morning journaling. It doesn’t have to be anything profound—I simply sit down with a cup of tea (more on that later) and write whatever comes to mind. Some days, it’s a gratitude list. Other days, it’s a brain dump of all the worries and to-dos circling in my head. Occasionally, it’s just a description of the weather outside.

For my analytical side, journaling is a way to organize my thoughts, put those racing ideas on paper, and see them from a distance. For the spiritual side, it’s a way to connect with my inner self, to ask, “What do I need today?” and “How can I be kind to myself?” It’s a practice that brings me back to the present, where everything is a little more manageable.

2. Meditation and Breathwork
After journaling, I take a few minutes to meditate. I’m not talking about hours in the lotus position—just ten to twenty minutes of focused breathing or sitting quietly with my thoughts. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is my go-to. It helps calm my mind, balancing my brain’s rational and creative sides and bringing a sense of equilibrium before the day’s demands begin.

Meditation allows me to feel the connection between my mind and body, creating a moment of stillness in what is often a whirlwind. For someone who leans into analytical thinking, it’s not about “finding zen”—it’s about creating mental space, giving my mind the rest it needs to tackle the day with clarity and focus.

3. Setting Intentions
Before officially starting the day, I take a moment to set an intention. It might be as simple as “I will be patient today” or “I will stay present.” Setting an intention makes me feel like I have some control over navigating the day, even if I can’t control what happens. For my rational side, it’s like programming a mantra that guides my actions. For the spiritual side, it’s a reminder that I get to choose how I show up, no matter what the world throws at me.

Evening Rituals: Closing the Day with Calm

Just as the morning sets the tone, the evening offers a time to reflect and release. I used to end my days exhausted, scrolling endlessly through my phone, hoping that would help me unwind. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. I was left overstimulated, with a racing mind that refused to let me sleep. That’s when I knew I needed to end the day differently—with rituals that would help me close the chapter with intention.

The Ultimate Wind-Down: Tea, Gratitude, and Unplugging

When it comes to protecting my sleep, I don’t mess around. Post-cancer, sleep became my top priority. After reading Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep,” I realized how crucial it is and permitted myself to treat sleep as a sacred gift. My go-to? Herbal leaf tea.

Step 1: Tea as the Ultimate Ritual

My sleep ritual begins with the kettle. Boiling water isn’t just part of the process anymore—it’s my signal to wrap up the day. I turn off the lights, light a candle, and let the quiet settle in. The soft hum of the kettle heating up is like a gentle reminder to unplug from the day’s chaos.

As the water boils, I mentally run through my gratitude list. No need for a journal—just a quiet reflection. I think about three things that went well. Some days, it’s big stuff like a supportive friend. On other days, I’m just grateful I didn’t spill the tea leaves all over the kitchen. It’s my time to appreciate that, even in the chaos, there’s always something to hold onto.

Selecting my tea feels almost ceremonial. I choose my herbal blend, like greeting an old friend—delicate, calming, exactly what I need. I watch the leaves fall softly into the pot, transforming the simple act of making tea into something meditative. When the 80-degree water (because, yes, we’re fancy now) pours over the leaves, I watch them swirl and release their calming aromas.

Step 2: Gratitude and Unplugging, Tea in Hand

As the tea steeps, I’ve already begun unplugging. No screens, no doomscrolling. This is my moment to disconnect. I might grab a book, sit by the window, or close my eyes and breathe. With its rising steam, the tea becomes the centrepiece of my unwinding ritual. It’s not about rushing—it’s about letting the tea do its thing while I take a moment to unwind.

By now, my gratitude list is fully formed. I’ve acknowledged the small wins of the day, like that perfect cup of coffee or the fleeting sunshine. It’s a simple reflection but enough to shift my mood from stressed to serene.

Step 3: Sipping into Serenity

When the tea is ready, that first sip is like a reward for making it through the day. The warmth in my hands and the soothing flavours tell my body, “You’ve done enough.” The steam is like a soft hug, signalling to my brain that the work is over and it’s time to rest.

This ritual—tea, gratitude, and unplugging—has become my nightly grounding practice. By the time I finish my cup, I’m already halfway asleep. It’s not just about the tea; it’s about carving out space for myself, acknowledging the good, and transitioning into rest mode.

Rituals as Bridges Between Rationality and Spirituality

Rituals bridge the gap between our need for structure and our desire for connection. They bring predictability to the day, which soothes the rational mind. They also invite mindfulness and reflection, nurturing the spiritual side. Rituals remind us that we’re more than just “doers”—we are beings capable of deep connection with ourselves and the world around us.

For analytical thinkers, rituals provide a sense of control—structuring the day to reduce stress and bring clarity. But they also invite surrender, presence, and a moment to simply be. This balance is why rituals are essential to my life and why I encourage you to try them.

Create Your Own Rituals

Here are a few simple ideas to help you create rituals that bring structure and spirituality into your day:

Morning Gratitude: Before getting out of bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for. Start the day on a positive note and notice the shift in perspective.
Mindful Breaks: Set a timer during the day to take a breath, stretch, or check in with yourself. A simple way to bring mindfulness into a busy schedule.
Evening Reflection: Before bed, reflect on the best part of your day. Let it be the last thought before sleep, fulfilling the day.

Moon Cycles: Create rituals that align with the moon’s phases. For the new moon, set fresh intentions and be grateful for the lessons coming for your highest self. During the full moon, practice reflection and prepare to release anything that no longer serves you as the moon is emptying.

Seasonal Shifts: Welcome each new season with a ritual. For example, in the winter, light candles, journal what you wish to nurture within yourself and begin a new creative course online or locally. In the spring, plant something, be it seeds or intentions, and watch them grow.

Birthday Rituals: Your birthday is the perfect time for a yearly ritual. Set
intentions for the coming year, reflect on the past year’s lessons, and perhaps even create a self-care ritual to celebrate yourself.

Rituals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. They just have to be intentional. In that intention, they create balance—a way to connect the rational with the spiritual, the structure with the flow, and the mind with the heart.

Here’s to making space for rituals that calm the mind, nurture the soul, and bring a little sacredness to our daily routines.

The Creative Awakening – Finding Joy After the Empty Nest

Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re diving headfirst into that gloriously weird, wonderful journey of finding creativity once the kids have flown the coop. The house that was once bustling with slammed doors, lost homework, and constant noise is suddenly… quiet. Really quiet. And let me tell you, that silence? It can be both freeing and terrifying. What the heck do you do with all that empty space? I’ll tell you what I did: I had a creative awakening (involving paint, plants, and yes, even a blowtorch—but we’ll get to that).

The Empty Nest and The Great Identity Crisis

The Creative Awakening: Finding Joy After the Empty Nest (And Yes, a Blowtorch Was Involved)

When my children left home, it was a mixed bag of emotions. There was pride—they were off living their lives, which meant I’d done something right. There was a weird sense of relief—I no longer had to negotiate breakfast menus or rescue socks from the dog. But there was also a gnawing emptiness. My role as “Mom” had always been my headline act, and suddenly it was a bit part in a play where everyone else had moved to a new theater.

So, what did I do with that emptiness? Well, for a while, I did what many of us do: I tried to fill it with productivity. I threw myself into work, reorganized the pantry (to an obsessive degree), and even attempted cycling—once. Let’s just say cycling and I did not become fast friends. But something was missing. I needed a spark, a sense of joy, something that was just for me.

And then I remembered creativity—something I had pushed aside for years, buried under the chaos of raising kids and being everything to everyone. And it wasn’t always that way. Back in high school, I had been incredibly creative—I even won awards for textile and fashion design. I loved making things, experimenting with textures, and creating pieces that were uniquely mine. And I danced, oh how I danced! I studied classical ballet for 12 years, even teaching younger dancers, and finished just six months shy of my teaching certificate. That spark had always been there, but life had dimmed it.

Now that the house was quiet, I decided to find out if I still had that spark somewhere in me. Spoiler alert: I did, and it was ready to roar back to life.

The Messy, Beautiful Joy of Creating

I started small—a sketchpad and some colored pencils that I found gathering dust. I gave myself permission to be messy, to draw terribly, to doodle like a bored teenager in math class. And you know what? It felt amazing. It wasn’t about making art to impress anyone; it was about feeling the pencil on the page, about letting my mind wander and play. It was freeing, and it was fun.

Then I branched out. I took to painting, and let’s be clear, I am no Picasso. But my abstract attempts—full of color and chaos—now hang proudly in my office because they are mine. They represent my refusal to be perfect, my willingness to make a mess just because it feels good.

Next, I went into the garden. I dug my hands into the dirt, planted herbs, flowers, and vegetables, and felt something come alive in me as I nurtured those plants. There’s something wildly satisfying about seeing life grow out of something you’ve put in the ground. Plus, you get tomatoes, and who doesn’t love a good homegrown tomato?

Cooking also took on new meaning. I stopped seeing it as a chore and started experimenting—trying new recipes, using spices I couldn’t pronounce, and giving myself permission to create disasters that sometimes, miraculously, ended up delicious. The kitchen became my playground, and I discovered that there’s a kind of magic in turning random ingredients into something wonderful.

And then, there was welding. Yes, welding. Because why not? I’d always been curious about it—there’s something kind of badass about fusing metal together. It made me feel powerful, capable, and like I was creating something solid out of the raw materials of this new chapter in my life. And sure, there were some mishaps (burn marks are just creative scars, right?), but there was also a sense of triumph in every finished piece.

Travel also became a huge part of my creative awakening. With the kids out of the house, I had the freedom to explore. Whether it was a quick weekend road trip or a longer adventure, each journey sparked something in me. Seeing new places, tasting new foods, meeting new people—it was all fuel for the creative fire. I realized creativity isn’t just about what you make with your hands; it’s also about how you see the world and the stories you tell.

Creativity: The Ultimate Growth Hack

Creativity became my way to reconnect with myself. It reminded me that I wasn’t just a mother, or a worker, or a list of responsibilities—I was a person who still had things to explore, things to express, things to laugh about when they went hilariously wrong. It wasn’t about being “good” at anything. It was about the process, about giving myself permission to make a mess, to be curious, to find joy in something simply because it brought me joy.

Exercises to Rekindle Your Creativity (and Your Sense of Fun)

If you’re feeling ready for your own creative awakening, I’ve got some exercises to get you started—no pressure, no expectations, just fun:

The 10-Minute Doodle: Set a timer for ten minutes, grab a pen, and doodle. It doesn’t have to be anything specific. Let your hand move and see what happens. There are no rules—only the joy of making lines on a page. Bad doodles are highly encouraged.
Create a Collage of Joy: Grab some old magazines, newspapers, or print some photos online. Cut out images, colors, words, and textures that make you happy, and glue them onto a board. It’s like being a kid in art class again, except now you get to have wine while you do it.
Cook Like Nobody’s Watching: Pick a recipe you’ve never tried before, or better yet, make one up. Be messy. Add spices that smell good. Taste as you go. And if it turns out awful, well, you’ve got a story to tell and a reason to order takeout.
Take a Nature Walk/Hike and Collect Inspiration: Head outside with no agenda other than to notice what catches your eye. Pick up leaves, rocks, weird-shaped sticks—whatever speaks to you. Bring it home and let it inspire a drawing, a poem, or even just an arrangement on your table that makes you smile.
Try Welding (Or Something Equally Unexpected): Get out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s welding, woodworking, or something else that feels a little intimidating—go for it. There’s a thrill in trying something completely new and letting go of the expectation that you need to be great at it. Trust me, the experience alone is worth it.

Finding Joy in the Chaos of Creativity

The empty nest doesn’t have to be empty—it can be full of new possibilities, of rediscovery, of creation. It’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, to find out who you are beyond the roles you’ve played for others. It’s a chance to get messy, to play, to explore. And if you’re anything like me, you might just find that embracing creativity is the most fun you’ve had in a long time.

So grab that sketchpad, those gardening gloves, that blowtorch, or whatever it is that calls to you, and let’s make something—something joyful, something imperfect, something that’s purely yours.

Post-Menopause: Embracing the Transition with Grace (and a Little Dose of Incredulity)

Hello, wonderful readers! Today, I’m diving into one of the more unexpected chapters of my life—a chapter that begins with cancer, weaves through chemo, and somehow ends up with me in the midst of early menopause, trying to make sense of what exactly happened to my body. Spoiler alert: I didn’t even realize I was in menopause until I’d survived 18 months of treatment and was left standing in the aftermath, blinking at a whole new reality.

How Cancer Treatment Masked Menopause

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, it was like being dropped into survival mode. Everything became about getting through the next treatment, the next day, the next moment. My treatment involved neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and radiation—the full works. And during that time, my body was put through the wringer in ways that I was too focused on survival to fully process. There was hair loss, nausea, exhaustion, and let’s not forget the side effects that made me feel like I was living in a perpetual sauna.

It turns out, I was also going through early menopause. But between the chemo and radiation, I didn’t have the bandwidth to tell the difference. Hot flashes? They felt like just another side effect, blending right in with the sweats and flushes that chemo threw my way. I was simply trying to stay alive, holding on for my boys, and if menopause had decided to join the party, well, I didn’t exactly have an RSVP list.

Post-Treatment Realization

It wasn’t until I finished the 18 months of life-saving treatment that the reality of menopause hit me. Suddenly, there was a stillness, a strange sense of “What now?” After months of focusing on fighting for my life, I was left with the quiet realization that my body had changed dramatically. The hot flashes were still there, but now they didn’t come with the label of chemo side effects. The sleep disturbances, mood swings, and bone-deep exhaustion were harder to ignore, no longer hidden beneath the noise of treatment.

But perhaps the biggest revelation came in the form of anxiety. After everything I’d been through, I was left feeling like I was constantly on edge—heart pounding, mind racing. A well-meaning counselor gently suggested that I was likely experiencing anxiety. I remember blinking at her, completely incredulous. “Really? You think?” I replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “I just thought I was Type A and highly efficient.”

It turns out, trying to stay alive for my boys had taken its toll. Anxiety had become my default mode, and the idea of adding more medication to my already lengthy regimen didn’t sit well with me. So, I did what I knew best—I started researching, and that’s when I stumbled upon meditation. The idea of finding calm without a prescription was too appealing to pass up, and that simple quest to manage anxiety without medication eventually led me to yoga.

Yoga: My Path Back to Balance

Yoga didn’t come into my life as a graceful calling. It arrived as a lifeline—a way to bring my body and mind back into some kind of balance after months of fighting just to stay alive. It was the start of reconnecting with a body I’d felt disconnected from for far too long.

Breathwork (Pranayama): One of the first things I learned was Nadi Shodhana—alternate nostril breathing. In a world that had felt chaotic and overwhelming, this simple practice brought a sense of control. It didn’t matter if the hot flashes were from menopause or remnants of chemo—what mattered was that I had a way to breathe through them, to find my way back to myself, one breath at a time.

Restorative Yoga Poses: Physically, my body was exhausted. Restorative yoga became my haven—gentle movements that allowed me to honor what my body had been through, rather than push it further. Legs Up the Wall was a nightly ritual, and Child’s Pose reminded me that sometimes, surrender is the strongest thing you can do. I needed rest, not rigor, and yoga gave me permission to take that rest without guilt.

Mantra Meditation: Emotionally, I was still on that rollercoaster—sometimes feeling deep gratitude, other times overwhelmed by the smallest things. Meditation gave me a new tool, and my mantra became “I am enough.” It was a simple statement, but after months of battling cancer and then facing menopause, it was exactly what I needed: a reminder that, in all my imperfection and struggle, I was still enough.

Tips for Embracing the Transition (Especially When You Didn’t See It Coming)

So, if you find yourself thrown into menopause when you least expect it—whether by chemo, life, or some other curveball—here are a few things that helped me find some grace (and humor) in the chaos:

Acknowledge What’s Happening: I spent a long time disconnected from my body, ignoring the signals it was sending me. One of the most powerful things I did was simply acknowledge, “Hey, I’m going through something big here.” Body scan meditations helped me reconnect—taking the time to feel each part of my body, without judgment, and recognizing what I needed.
Breathe Like Your Life Depends on It (Because Sometimes It Feels Like It Does): 4-7-8 breathing became a lifeline when anxiety and hot flashes threatened to take over. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. It’s amazing how something as simple as breathing can pull you back from the edge.
Rest Without Shame: Restorative yoga taught me that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Poses like Legs Up the Wall allowed me to let go of the day’s tension, and reminded me that after everything my body had been through, it deserved my care, not my criticism.
Laugh at the Absurdity: Anxiety, menopause, hot flashes—it’s a lot. But finding humor in the absurdity of it all became my saving grace. Like the time I snapped at my well-meaning counselor because, yes, anxiety is kind of inevitable when you’re fighting cancer. Or the countless moments I woke up drenched in sweat and just had to laugh because, honestly, what else can you do?
Embrace the Imperfection: I learned a lot about balance through Tree Pose—sometimes I could hold steady, and other times I wobbled or fell. And that’s okay. Embracing the imperfection, the fact that balance isn’t a destination but an ongoing practice, made all the difference. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, wobble and all.

Finding Grace, Even in the Unexpected

I wish I could say that early menopause has been a walk in the park, but the truth is, it’s been more like a stumble through unfamiliar terrain. The cancer treatment masked the symptoms, and by the time I realized what was happening, I was already in the thick of it. But through it all—through the anxiety, the sleepless nights, the endless waves of heat—I found moments of grace. I learned to reconnect with my body, to be patient with myself, and to find humor even in the most ridiculous moments.

Cancer forced me into survival mode, and menopause added another layer to that journey. But here I am, navigating it all, one breath, one yoga pose, one laugh at a time. And if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that there is beauty in surviving, in learning to thrive, and in embracing every imperfect part of who we are.

So here’s to the next chapter—whatever it may bring. Here’s to acknowledging the struggle, finding humor where we can, and celebrating the fact that we’re still here, still enough, and still growing.