Published in ILLUMINATION·PinnedMember-onlyThe Perceived Wrath of a Vegan or VegetarianI’m often met with raised eyebrows, surprise, and rolled eyes when I mention I don’t eat meat. My mother even called me an extremist hippie. I get it — I used to feel the exact same way. My journey to the vegan hood was a very gradual progression. It started…Vegan5 min readVegan5 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·PinnedMember-onlyCaregiver Fatigue as a Pet OwnerThe love. The anger. The resentment. The hatred. The guilt. The misery. The self-shame. The exhaustion. The sadness. The frustration. The roller coaster of emotions. The just wanting it to be over but not really because I don’t want her to die. The screaming gets to the point I don’t…Pets12 min readPets12 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jun 5, 2022Member-only10 Self-Worth Quotes You Need TodayOver the years, I have kept track of my favorite quotes. Self-worth, self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-love are timeless topics and so very important. The original authors of these quotes are unknown and none of them are my own. I do agree with every single one of them, though!! 1) Many…Life2 min readLife2 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jun 5, 2022Member-onlyAre You an Easy Target for a Narcissist? Signs to Look For.I used to be, and then I learned a few things. If you’ve been on the receiving end of a narcissist, it won’t happen again because you’ve learned that you’ll never win. The difference is now you finally know it’s not your fault. If you’re in a relationship and struggling…Life7 min readLife7 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Jun 4, 2022Member-onlyPreparing Children for the World: Ten Valuable LessonsSociety isn’t raising kids, it’s raising adults. My closest brother has one adult son and two younger children. The oldest is engaged to be married and the kids will be grown-ups in time. It’s not my place to parent them, but if I had it my way, there are valuable…Life4 min readLife4 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Sep 18, 2021Member-onlySingle People are as Busy as Partnered PeopleDo you ever feel like you’re walking around with a sign on your person that reads: Hey, everybody, grab a body part! I was just about to relax…can’t have that! Both of my brothers have families and we expect them to be crazy busy. That means that if there is…Life4 min readLife4 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Sep 18, 2021Member-onlyFinding the Joy of Going Places AloneWelcome to the freedom of true independence. Back in the days when I couldn’t fathom the thought of going somewhere without company, a friend of mine taught me two valuable lessons with one simple statement: I want to see the band. She wanted to see the show, and she didn’t…Life6 min readLife6 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Sep 18, 2021Member-only12 Secrets Revealed from an IntrovertDon’t take it personally when a friend (or acquaintance) doesn’t respond to you immediately. They’ll get to it when they’re ready. Yes, weeks may go by, but that’s not unusual. As the mother of all introverts, otherwise known as self-proclaimed hermits, I’m unveiling the truths we don’t tell extroverts. It’s…Life6 min readLife6 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Aug 1, 2021Member-onlyPeople with Trust Issues: 5 Things You Need to KnowThere are millions of us. Good-hearted individuals who just want to find love. To connect. To share our lives with The One. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve met plenty of people who are “all in” for the first couple of months, and then suddenly — the confusion starts. …Life Lessons7 min readLife Lessons7 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·Aug 1, 2021Member-onlyThe Search for My Birth Family Was an Absolute SuccessI’m adopted. I can tell you with absolute conviction that the number one question I disliked the most was, “Do you want to find your real family?” My response: “No. I have a REAL family. Do I want to find my natural / birth family? Absolutely!” My REAL parents are…Life7 min readLife7 min read
