I want to share something with you that completely changed my life. It was a revelation that reshaped how I see myself, my relationships, and the world around me. It was a pivotal choice point in my healing journey—one that determined whether I would remain stuck in old patterns or finally break free to become the person I was always meant to be.

Here’s the secret… We all have trauma.

Every single one of us.

Some of us have endured significant traumatic events. Others have faced chronic or repeated trauma. And some have experienced deeply painful situations, like a breakup, job loss, health crisis, or harsh criticism. These experiences may not seem like “trauma” in the traditional sense, but they absolutely leave lasting imprints on our hearts, minds, and bodies. Trauma shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how we respond to conflict.

Ever heard of the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses? These are all ways our nervous system reacts to trauma. And while they ma...

This morning, I sat down with my trusty energy drink and my ever-growing "to-do" list, only to feel a familiar but unwelcome wave of sluggishness settle over me. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time, so naturally, it caught my attention. Instead of brushing it off, I leaned into the discomfort and asked myself, What’s really going on here?

After some deep self-reflection, I uncovered two culprits behind my mental and physical funk:

1. A limiting belief about what it means to be “successful.”
2. A lingering fear of other people’s opinions.

Stay with me—I promise there’s a lesson in this (and a little bit of humor). Let me walk you through what I discovered and, more importantly, how I worked through it.

The Story Behind the Struggle

For over 21 years, I worked as a behavior analyst specializing in helping neurodivergent children, mentoring parents, and training teachers. I had a thriving client list, loved my job, and felt confident in my purpose. But in Summer of 2023, my world sh...

Winter can feel like you're wrapped in a weighted blanket—not just because of the cold, but because of shorter days, gray skies, and the temptation to retreat from the world. For many women, this season brings a noticeable dip in energy and mood, often referred to as the winter blues. But here’s the thing: with a little intentional self-care, winter can become a season of self-discovery and renewal instead of just hibernation.

Understanding the Winter Blues

Winter blues are more than just feeling "off." For some, it’s tied to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to the darker, colder months. Symptoms can include:

• Low energy
• Sleep changes (wanting to sleep all day or not sleeping at all)
• Feeling unmotivated
• Difficulty concentrating
  Whether you’re grappling with full-blown SAD or just feeling sluggish, small self-care changes can help you reclaim your spark.

1. Chase the Light 🌞

Winter’s shorter days mean less sunlight, which can mess with your moo...

Working from Home with Kids (Birth-5): Activities, Tips, and Sanity-Saving Self-Care

Hey Mama! Let’s dive into the adventure (and sometimes chaos) of working from home with little ones underfoot. Whether you’re juggling emails with a baby on your hip or trying to finalize a report while refereeing a toddler snack war, you’re doing a lot. Let me help make things a little easier with activities, tools, and sanity-saving tips to keep everyone — including you — happy and productive.

Activities to Keep Your Little Ones Busy While You Work

0-12 Months: Baby Explorers

Babies may be little, but their need for stimulation is big. Here are some activities to keep them happy:

1. Tummy Time Zone:
   Create a colorful, engaging area with a soft blanket and sensory toys like crinkly fabric, mirrors, and rattles.

• Recommended Product: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym — Keeps babies entertained with lights, music, and dangling toys.
• Pro Tip: Rotate toys daily to keep the area exciti...

Hi, Mama! Let me guess—you’re juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, meal prep, and maybe even a toddler who thinks naps are optional. Sound familiar? I see you. I’ve been there, in the trenches of parenthood, wondering if brushing my teeth counts as self-care some days.

Here’s the thing: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary. You know that old saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? Well, it’s true—except as moms, we usually don’t stop to refill our cups. We’re running on fumes, and then we wonder why we snap over spilled milk or cry because the laundry never ends.

Let’s change that, starting right now.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Being a mom is like running a marathon every day—but without the finish line. If you’re the engine keeping your family’s train moving, self-care is the fuel that keeps you from breaking down. Here’s why it matters:

1. It Keeps You From Burning Out

Remember that day when everything felt like too much? Maybe yo...

SEO Description: Discover the importance of self-care routines for the mind, body, and spirit with inspiration from Sandy the squirrel in Tamarindo. Learn how to schedule self-care into your day and raise your vibration to attract abundance and inner peace.

For the past four days in Tamarindo, I’ve noticed something remarkable: the same squirrel, at the same place, at the exact same time. She’s friendly, animated, and seems determined to grab our attention—or maybe just our food! I’ve named her Sandy, and as I’ve watched her, I realized she’s got a daily routine down pat. Sandy comes here every day to socialize and eat. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why I’m here too! At a beachside restaurant, I’m soaking in the same sun and the same social vibes while nourishing my body and spirit.

This simple observation got me thinking: self-care isn’t just for humans. It’s a universal need. Sandy’s routine reminds me of the importance of establishing consistent practices that nurture our mind,...

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, laughter, and sometimes, a lot of stress. As moms, we often put our needs last, forgetting that our well-being is the cornerstone of a happy family. Prioritizing self-care doesn’t have to mean hours at the spa or a weekend getaway. Sometimes, all it takes is five minutes. Here are some quick and effective mindfulness practices and self-care tips designed just for you.

1. Mindful Breathing: Your Portable Stress-Relief Tool

What to Do:

• Find a quiet spot, or simply close your eyes wherever you are—even if that means locking yourself in the bathroom for a moment of peace.
• Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts.
• Repeat for five breaths.

Why It Works: Mindful breathing reduces stress by calming your nervous system, making it a perfect tool to reset your mood anytime, anywhere—yes, even while your kids are reenacting a WWE match on the couch.

2. The Gratitude Pause

What to Do:

• Take a moment to
...

Winter Break Survival Guide: Routines, Activities, and Calm Parenting

By Stephanie Greco, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Founder of Stepping Stones Behavior Solutions and Stepping Stones for Successful Parenting

Introduction

Ah, winter break—a magical time of glittering lights, hot cocoa, and ... utter chaos. Let's face it, while this season offers endless opportunities to make memories with your kids, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Disrupted routines, boundless energy, and the infamous cabin fever can make even the most patient parent long for January.

But here's the good news: a little preparation, a splash of structure, and a generous dose of self-care can transform the holidays from "survival mode" to "thriving mode." Together, we can create a winter break filled with connection, fun, and just enough calm to keep everyone sane.

Maintaining Routines During Winter Break

Why Routines Matter

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, both at home and in the classroom, it’s that ...

Heartbreak sucks. Period. Whether you were together for two weeks, two years, or two decades, the pain of losing someone you cared about hits like a freight train. It leaves you questioning everything—your worth, your choices, even your sanity. You replay every moment, every conversation, wondering, “Where did I go wrong?”

But here’s the thing: You didn’t. Heartbreak isn’t a reflection of your worth. It’s a brutal, messy, but powerful invitation to grow, heal, and take your power back.

I know because I’ve been there. I made every mistake in the book. I’ve also watched so many amazing women get stuck in the same traps—wasting time, energy, and even money, chasing relief that never comes. So, let’s talk about those pitfalls and how you can heal in a way that actually works.

My Story: When Healing Felt Impossible

I’ll never forget that day. I was sitting on my living room floor, surrounded by tissues and empty Chardonnay bottles, feeling like my heart had been ripped out. The man I th...

Let me start with a little confession. Yesterday? It was rough. I felt like a human teapot—on the verge of boiling over into tears all day. And when I did cry, I quickly wiped those tears away because, well, “toughen up” and “stop being a baby” were phrases that have stuck with me since forever. Sound familiar?

As I sat at my desk with my messy bun, sleepy eyes, and a headache that wouldn’t quit, I had a moment of clarity. I wasn’t taking care of myself—not really. Sure, I was doing the basics like eating and showering, but real self-care? Nowhere to be found. And it hit me: could neglecting myself be why I was snapping at my husband, struggling to focus, and feeling so completely drained? Spoiler alert: the answer is a big, resounding yes.

The Lightbulb Moment

Last night, I decided to experiment. I grabbed my trusty (but neglected) grounding blanket, queued up a guided meditation, and let the soothing voice guide me away from my intrusive thoughts. For the first time in weeks, I fe...