Rachel L. Norman's Blog

Thanksgiving has always been more than a date on the calendar. It’s more than turkey, pumpkin pie, and football games humming softly in the background. Thanksgiving is a gathering of moments, memories, flavors, and feelings. It’s a time when the world seems to slow down if only for a day, and invites us to return to gratitude, family, and the simple rituals that make life feel anchored and sacred.
In a world where everything seems to move too fast, traditions give us something steady. Something to hold. Something to return to when the year feels overwhelming or uncertain. And every Thanksgiving, we’re reminded that even in the hard seasons, gratitude still exists. Family still matters. And the smallest traditions often carry the biggest pieces of our hearts.
Today, we’re diving into the meaning of Thanksgiving, why traditions matter, and how to create (or rebuild) rituals that bring joy, connection, and purpose into your holiday season.

The Heart Behind Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving didn’t begin as a holiday about shopping sales or decorative centerpieces. It started as a moment of survival, unity, and gratitude. The early settlers celebrated the harvest and gave thanks for provision after a difficult season. Gratitude wasn’t optional—it was essential.
Fast forward to today, and while our lives look different, the meaning still matters:
• We gather to pause.
• We gather to reconnect.
• We gather to remember what’s good.
• We gather because gratitude transforms us.
Gratitude shifts the heart. It reminds us of what we have instead of what we lack. It pulls us closer to each other, and for many of us, closer to God. Even when the year hasn’t been easy, Thanksgiving whispers: Look again. There’s still something to be thankful for.

Why Traditions Matter
Traditions are the threads that stitch our families and memories together.
They give children something to look forward to.
They give adults something to remember.
They give generations a sense of belonging.
Traditions matter because they carry meaning, meaning that stays long after the meal is over.
Here’s why they are so powerful:

Traditions Create Identity
A family without traditions drifts. A family with traditions anchors.
Whether it’s the same prayer before dinner, the same menu every year, or the same cousins gathered around the same table, traditions tell you who you are and where you belong.Traditions Strengthen Connection
Every time we repeat something meaningful together, we reinforce a bond.
Shared laughter. Shared stories. Shared recipes.
It all brings people closer without even trying.Traditions Give Stability in Busy or Uncertain Times
Life changes. People grow. Seasons shift. But traditions remain steady.
Even when life feels chaotic, traditions give us a familiar rhythm:
We show up. We gather. We give thanks.Traditions Carry Legacy
Many traditions are handed down—grandma’s sweet potato pie, grandpa’s blessing before dinner, the same Thanksgiving table runner your aunt brings every year.
These aren’t small things. They’re legacy things—pieces of your family story.

Common Thanksgiving Traditions (and Why We Love Them)
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving with a full house, a small gathering, or even solo, traditions can make the day special and memorable. Here are some of the most beloved traditions and the meaning behind them:

Cooking the Family Recipes
Every family has that dish.
The one that everyone waits for.
The one that only one specific person can make “just right.”
The one that fills the entire house with warmth and nostalgia.
Maybe it’s:
• Grandma’s cornbread
• Mom’s dressing
• A perfectly glazed ham
• Sweet potato casserole
• Homemade rolls
• A secret stuffing recipe
• Or pies cooling on the counter
The food isn’t just food—it’s memory, love, and comfort all at once.Giving Thanks Around the Table
Some families go around the table and say one thing they’re grateful for. Others say a prayer. Others share a scripture or a blessing.
This simple act shifts everyone’s heart into gratitude mode.
It reminds the room that the holiday is about more than food.
It’s about perspective.Watching the Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition for millions. From giant balloons to marching bands to the official start of the Christmas season, it brings a cheerful spirit into the home before the feast even begins.
For many, it’s the background music to the holiday.Football Games
For some families, Thanksgiving and football are practically the same holiday.
Whether you’re watching, playing outside, cheering loudly, or snoozing through halftime, football adds energy and tradition to the day.The Post-Dinner Nap (or Walk)
We all know this one.
Some people nap on the couch.
Some take a walk to digest.
Some sneak into the kitchen to pick at leftovers.
It’s part of the rhythm of the meal.The Leftovers Ritual
Leftover sandwiches.
Turkey soup.
Cold pumpkin pie for breakfast.
Enough said.Black Friday Planning
Some families prepare for shopping the next day—making lists, printing coupons, matching deals, or planning who’s going where.
Even if they don’t end up going, the planning itself is a tradition.

Faith-Centered Thanksgiving Traditions
For many families, Thanksgiving is deeply spiritual. It’s a moment to reflect on God’s goodness, even through hard seasons.
Here are some faith-based traditions you can incorporate:

A Gratitude Scripture Reading
Before the meal, someone reads:
• Psalm 100
• Colossians 3:15
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Psalm 118:1
This sets the tone for the entire day.A Thanksgiving Prayer
A prayer of thanks doesn’t have to be long—just heartfelt. Something like:
“Lord, thank You for this home, this food, and every person gathered here. Even in difficult seasons, You are faithful. Help us remember the blessings we often overlook.”A Family Gratitude Jar
Everyone writes something they’re thankful for and puts it in a jar. This can be opened the next year—or even on New Year’s Day.Acts of Service
Some families serve at a shelter, donate food, or cook a meal for someone in need. This keeps the holiday centered on giving, not just receiving.A Moment of Reflection for Loved Ones
Many families have an empty chair or a candle lit to honor those who are no longer here. Thanksgiving can be emotional for those who’ve experienced loss—this tradition keeps their memory alive with love and peace.

How to Start New Traditions (Even If You’re Starting Over)
Not every family has long-standing traditions.
Sometimes families break.
Sometimes people move.
Sometimes you find yourself rebuilding life after loss, transitions, or new beginnings.
If Thanksgiving doesn’t look the way it used to—it’s okay. You can create something brand new and meaningful.
Here’s how:

Start Simple
Choose one or two traditions:
• A special dish
• A prayer
• A movie
• A walk after dinner
• One recipe you make from scratch
Small traditions often become the longest lasting.Make It Personal
Choose traditions that actually fit your life:
• If you love journaling → Start a gratitude journal every Thanksgiving
• If you love hosting → Start an annual Friendsgiving
• If you love cooking → Try one new recipe every year
• If you prefer quiet → Create a peaceful morning ritualHonor the Past, But Don’t Stay Stuck There
You can keep parts of what you grew up with while creating something new.
Traditions aren’t rules—they’re invitations.Make Traditions That Tell Your Family Story
The best traditions aren’t the fancy ones—they’re the meaningful ones:
• A certain playlist while cooking
• Matching pajamas while cleaning up
• A handwritten note to each person at the table
• A family photo every year
The memories add up.

Modern Thanksgiving Traditions Growing in Popularity
As families evolve, so do traditions. Here are some newer practices becoming more common:

Friendsgiving
Especially for young adults, military families, or those far from home. It’s a beautiful way to create community when family isn’t nearby.Gratitude Boards
A chalkboard or dry-erase board where everyone writes what they’re thankful for.Photo Booth Setups
Fun for kids and adults—plus you capture memories.Themed Dinners
Some families add a twist:
• Taco-giving
• BBQ-giving
• Brunch-giving
• Southern-style Thanksgiving
• Potluck ThanksgivingCooking Together Instead of One Person Doing It All
This builds connection and prevents burnout—especially for moms or hosts.

How to Make This Thanksgiving More Meaningful
You can transform your Thanksgiving with just a few simple shifts:

Slow down the morning
Make coffee, light a candle, play soft music, and reflect on what you’re grateful for.Write a gratitude list
Even three items can change your mindset.Cook with intention
Put love into your food. Play music. Involve others.Put phones away during dinner
The best conversations happen when everyone is fully present.Share family stories
Talk about childhood memories, funny moments, and the people who made you who you are.Take time to reflect on the year
The ups, the downs, the lessons, the blessings—God has been in it all.End the evening with joy
Play a game, watch a movie, drink hot cocoa, or read a devotional.
Small details can turn an ordinary holiday into something deeply meaningful.

Final Thoughts: Thanksgiving Isn’t Just a Day — It’s a Mindset
Traditions don’t have to be perfect. The table doesn’t have to be picture-worthy. The food doesn’t have to be flawless. The family doesn’t have to be without flaws either.
What matters most is the heart behind it.
Thanksgiving is a reminder to pause and remember that even in seasons of struggle, God is still good, life is still precious, and gratitude is still powerful.
Whether you’re continuing old traditions or creating brand new ones, you have the ability to shape a Thanksgiving filled with love, purpose, and memories that linger long after the turkey is gone.
This year, may your heart be full, your home be warm, your table be blessed, and your gratitude be deep.

There comes a moment in every woman’s life when she looks at herself in the mirror and realizes she has been living her entire life trying to become someone she never truly was. Not because she’s fake. Not because she doesn’t know herself. But because somewhere along the way, she absorbed expectations, responsibilities, and silent rules about who she was “supposed” to be.
Maybe it came from childhood.
Maybe it came from family.
Maybe it came from society.
Maybe it came from survival.
But it stuck.
And before she even understood what was happening, she was shaping herself to fit an image that was never hers to carry.
This is the moment where surrender becomes necessary.
This is the moment where letting go begins.
This is the moment where freedom calls your name.

The Weight of Becoming Someone You’re Not
Most of us learn very early how to adapt. We learn how to act in order to keep peace, gain approval, avoid abandonment, or be loved. We start performing without even realizing we are performing.
You might have been the:
• Strong one who held everything together because no one else would.
• Quiet one who didn’t speak up because conflict felt dangerous.
• The Responsible one who carried the household at 10 years old.
• Survivor who learned to respond to chaos like it was normal.
• Peacemaker who kept everyone else comfortable, even if you suffered for it.
• Good girl, the one who followed the rules so no one would be disappointed.
And while those roles may have helped you navigate the world back then, they are not your identity. They are coping patterns. They are survival masks. They are armor.
Armor is heavy.
Armor wasn’t made to live in.
Armor was made to escape danger.
But if the danger is gone and you’re still wearing the armor, you’re not living — you’re hiding.
And most of the time, we don’t even realize we are hiding from ourselves.

The Narratives We Tell Ourselves
Somewhere along the way, you began telling yourself stories to justify the armor. Stories that sound so familiar you don’t even question them:
“I have to be strong.”
“No one is going to show up for me.”
“If I stop doing everything, everything falls apart.”
“It’s my job to make sure everyone is okay.”
“I don’t have the luxury of breaking down.”
“I don’t ask for help because I don’t want to be a burden.”
“I have to keep going. Stopping isn’t an option.”
But here’s the truth:
None of these stories came from God.
They came from pain.
They came from fear.
They came from moments where you needed to protect yourself.
And honestly? You did what you had to do. And there is no shame in surviving.
But now?
You’re not surviving anymore.
You’re living.
And living requires letting go.

Letting Go Feels Like Grief (Because It Is)
People never talk about the grief that comes with personal growth.
They never talk about how emotional it is to shed past versions of yourself.
When you let go of who you thought you had to be, you’re not just dropping habits. You’re releasing:
• Old identities
• Old expectations
• Old coping mechanisms
• Old wounds
• Old beliefs
• Old survival methods
And that process… is a kind of death.
It’s not dramatic.
It’s not destructive.
It’s a sacred undoing.
A release.
A return.
A remembering of who you really are.
You grieve the version of you who held everything together.
You grieve the girl who never got to rest.
You grieve the woman who learned to function with her heart in pieces.
And it is okay to grieve her.
She fought for you.
She kept you alive.
She protected you when you were vulnerable.
But now?
God is calling you into a softer season.
A season where you don’t have to be your own savior.

So Who Are You Really?
Let’s be clear:
Letting go of who you thought you had to be is not about losing yourself.
It’s about finding yourself.
This is the part where God whispers:
“Come home.”
Come home to your softness.
Come home to your joy.
Come home to your voice.
Come home to your gifts.
Come home to your calling.
You are not who trauma taught you to be.
You are not who pressure shaped you into.
You are not who struggle forced you to become.
You are who God says you are.
Loved.
Held.
Chosen.
Protected.
Purposed.
Valued.
Enough.
Right now.
As you are.
Without performing.
Without proving.
Without earning.
Because God does not require performance.
He requires surrender.

Surrendering the Old Identity
Letting go is not one dramatic moment — it’s a daily release.
Some days you’ll feel strong and certain.
Some days you will feel like you are unraveling.
Both are holy.
Here are some ways to begin this surrender:

Notice the moments you’re acting from pressure, not peace.
If you are doing something out of guilt, fear, or obligation, pause.
Ask: Is this truly mine to hold?Start telling the truth.
Out loud.
Even if your voice shakes.
“I’m tired.”
“I can’t carry this alone.”
“I don’t want to be strong all the time.”
“I need help.”
The truth sets you free.Let God be God.
Stop trying to manage everything, predict everything, fix everything.
He never asked you to.Allow yourself to receive.
Support. Rest. Kindness. Love. Guidance. Safety.
Receiving is part of healing.Be gentle with yourself.
Healing is not linear. Neither is surrender.
Some days you’ll feel like you’re becoming brand new.
Some days you’ll feel like you’re falling apart.
But both are part of the becoming.

The Freedom That Comes After Letting Go
There is a freedom waiting for you that is softer than anything you’ve ever known.
A freedom where you get to just be.
No pressure.
No masks.
No performing.
No pretending.
Just real, honest, grounded, present you.
And the world needs that version of you.
Your family needs her.
Your purpose needs her.
Your heart needs her.
God has been waiting for her.
The journey to becoming yourself is not about adding more.
It is about releasing.
Undoing.
Unlearning.
Returning.
Becoming whole.

A Prayer for Letting Go
God,
I release the version of myself I created out of fear.
I release the expectations placed on me by others.
I release the pressure to perform, to prove, to hold everything together.
I surrender my need to be strong all the time.
Teach me how to rest in you.
Teach me how to receive love.
Teach me how to trust that I am safe now.
Help me embrace who I truly am,
not who I believed I had to be to survive.
Amen.

Journal Prompt for Today
• Who did I learn I “had to be” in order to feel safe or loved?
• What part of me is ready to rest now?
• What is one belief I can release today?
Take your time.
Let the words come out honestly.
This is your becoming.

There are seasons in life when God calls us not to act, but to release.
To stop striving, controlling every outcome, and carrying every burden alone.
Lately, I’ve found myself in one of those seasons — one where God continues to whisper, “Daughter, it’s time to surrender.”
That word, surrender, has followed me everywhere — in my prayers, my thoughts, my work, and my relationships. It’s as if God is reminding me that to move forward, I must first loosen my grip.
This month, I’m taking that call seriously. I’m beginning a 30-Day Surrender Challenge — and I’d love for you to join me.

Why I Chose Surrender Over Gratitude
Gratitude challenges are everywhere — and they’re powerful. Gratitude shifts perspective, cultivates appreciation, and helps us recognize the blessings around us.
But I’ve realized something deeper:
Gratitude helps me see what I have.
Surrender helps me release what I shouldn’t carry.
Gratitude says, “Thank You, God, for what’s here.”
Surrender says, “Take what’s not mine to hold.”
Right now, that’s where God is stretching me. I don’t need another list of things to be thankful for; I need a posture of release. I need to stop reclaiming the things I’ve already handed to God.
Because true peace doesn’t come from control. It comes from trusting the One who already has everything under control.

The Purpose Behind the 30-Day Surrender Challenge
This challenge isn’t about perfection — it’s about trust.
For 30 days, I’ll be praying through surrender: releasing control, fear, plans, emotions, and expectations — and allowing God to lead.
Here’s the twist: I won’t be sharing the specific things I’m surrendering here on the blog.
Instead, you can follow along daily on Instagram @randrnorman_l.l.c where I’ll post short reflections, scriptures, and prayer prompts.
Each post will focus on one area of surrender — something real and relevant that God is working on in my own life. My hope is that it inspires you to pause, reflect, and begin your own journey of release.
Because surrender isn’t about giving up — it’s about giving it over.

What It Means to Truly Surrender
Surrender is one of the hardest acts of faith — not because it’s complex, but because it requires trust.
We say, “God, I trust You,” but we still try to fix things ourselves.
We pray, “Lord, take this burden,” but we keep replaying it in our minds.
We claim to let go, yet we continue reaching back.
Sound familiar?
Surrender exposes the truth about our faith. It reveals whether we truly believe that God will care for us, even when we can’t see how.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Every time I surrender something to God, He replaces it with peace.
Every time I release control, He reveals purpose.
Every time I let go, He creates room for something better.
Surrender isn’t about loss — it’s about alignment. It’s where our will meets His wisdom.

Why Surrender Matters in This Season
We live in a culture that glorifies hustle — work harder, do more, never stop.
But that constant push often leads to quiet exhaustion.
As an author, business owner, and mother, I’ve learned that hustle without surrender leads to burnout. That’s why this challenge isn’t just spiritual — it’s deeply personal.
It’s about choosing peace over performance, obedience over overwhelm, and faith over fear.
Because I don’t just want a successful life — I want a surrendered one.
A life guided, not forced.
A life full of grace, not grind.
A life that honors God more than goals.

My Prayer for This Challenge
“Lord, I surrender these next 30 days to You — every thought, emotion, and situation I’ve tried to control. Teach me to release, not resist. Help me trust what You’re doing, even when I can’t see it. Let this journey remind me that peace comes through surrender.”
That’s my prayer as I begin this journey — and perhaps, it’s yours too.

What You Can Expect
Over the next 30 days, I’ll share short reflections, scriptures, and prayers focused on surrender.
Each day will cover a new area to release — some big, some small — all meaningful.
I won’t reveal them in advance because surrender also means letting go of knowing what’s next.
But each post will invite you to pray along and trust God’s leading in your own life.
Whether you’re releasing something heavy or something subtle that keeps stealing your peace, this challenge will help you experience the freedom that comes from fully trusting God.

Why You Should Join Me
Maybe you’ve been praying but not hearing answers.
Maybe you’ve been carrying burdens that feel heavier with each passing day.
Or maybe, like me, you sense it’s time to stop forcing outcomes and start trusting again.
If so, this challenge is for you.
It’s not another gratitude journal or productivity tracker — it’s a heart reset.
A space to breathe again.
A reminder that you don’t have to do this life alone.
And you won’t be — there’s a community walking alongside you, choosing faith over fear, surrender over stress, and peace over pressure.

Why Not Gratitude This Time?
Gratitude challenges are powerful, but surrender reaches deeper.
Gratitude looks at what is.
Surrender releases what isn’t.
Gratitude says, “Thank You for what I have.”
Surrender says, “Take what’s not meant for me.”
Gratitude builds appreciation.
Surrender builds trust.
Right now, God isn’t calling me to focus on what I have — He’s asking me to let go of what I keep holding onto. That’s a deeper kind of obedience — one that refines faith and transforms the heart.

What Happens When We Surrender
When you live surrendered, something shifts:
• Peace increases — because you stop fighting battles that aren’t yours.
• Clarity deepens — because you begin to hear God’s voice over your own noise.
• Faith strengthens — because you learn to trust Him even in the unseen.
• Joy returns — because you realize it was never your job to fix everything.
Surrender is where transformation begins — where miracles unfold quietly in the stillness.

Join the 30-Day Surrender Challenge
I believe this challenge will change something in you — just as it’s changing me.
Over the next 30 days, I’ll be sharing daily prayers, reflections, and surrender prompts exclusively on Instagram @randrnorman_l.l.c.
Each day is a new opportunity to release, to trust, and to rest in God’s presence.
You don’t need to plan, predict, or perfect — only to show up with an open heart.
Because surrender isn’t about control — it’s about connection.

Final Reflection
This season, I don’t just want to be grateful.
I want to be surrendered.
Gratitude thanks God for what He’s done.
Surrender prepares me for what He’s about to do.
For the next 30 days, I’m focusing on letting go, trusting more, and watching how God moves when I stop trying to manage what was never mine to control.
If this message resonates with you, join me.
Follow the journey, pray along, and take this walk of faith with me.
Together, we’ll release what’s heavy and make space for what’s holy.
Follow along on Instagram at @randrnorman_l.l.c
and be part of the 30-Day Surrender Challenge — one prayer, one release, one act of faith at a time.

P.S I may also post it on the blog too. Let me know what you think?

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Let’s be honest — starting out broke can feel hopeless.
Bills pile up, paychecks disappear before you even get them, and saving feels like something other people do. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay broke forever. Every wealthy person started somewhere — and many began right where you are now.

Whether you’re rebuilding your life, supporting a family, or trying to make sense of your finances for the first time, this post is for you.

Step 1: Accept Where You Are — Without Shame

The first step to financial freedom is facing your numbers.
Grab a notebook or open a spreadsheet and write down:

What you earn each monthWhat you spend each monthWhat you owe (debts, credit cards, loans)What you own (checking, savings, cash, etc.)

It’s okay if the math doesn’t look good — that’s your starting line. You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge.

Mindset tip: Stop saying “I’m broke.”
Instead, say “I’m in a rebuilding season.” The language you use shapes your habits, and your habits shape your wealth.

Step 2: Create a Budget That Actually Works

Budgets aren’t about restriction — they’re about direction.
Here’s a simple breakdown to get started even if your income is small:

Category% of IncomeExample (from $2,000/month)Essentials (rent, food, utilities)60%$1,200Savings/Debt Payoff20%$400Fun/Misc.10%$200Giving/Charity10%$200

Even if you can only save $10 at first — do it. The habit matters more than the amount.

Pro tip: Use the “Pay Yourself First” method. Set up an automatic transfer to savings right after payday so you don’t “accidentally” spend it.

Step 3: Get Out of the Survival Loop

When you’re broke, it’s easy to stay stuck in survival mode — working just to cover bills.
But wealth starts when you learn to make your money move instead of just managing it.

Here’s how:

Cut unnecessary expenses (subscriptions, impulse buys, eating out daily).Build an emergency fund — start with $500, then grow to 3–6 months of expenses.Pay off high-interest debt first. Snowball or avalanche method — whichever keeps you motivated.Start investing early, even if it’s $25/month. Apps like Acorns, Fidelity, or Vanguard make it easy.

Remember: Saving makes you stable. Investing makes you wealthy.

Step 4: Find Ways to Increase Your Income

You can only cut so much — eventually, you have to earn more.
Here are a few ways to grow your income while building toward financial freedom:

Freelance your skills: bookkeeping, writing, design, virtual assistanceSell what you create: books, journals, art, or digital downloadsStart a small business or side hustle: tutoring, reselling, print-on-demand, handmade goodsInvest in yourself: education, certifications, and skills that make you more valuable

Mindset shift: Don’t think “I can’t afford it.” Think, “How can I afford it?” Then start finding solutions.

Step 5: Build Wealth with Intention

Once you’ve stabilized your finances, it’s time to build wealth on purpose.

That means:

Living below your means — not as punishment, but as protection.Letting your money multiply — through investments, assets, or business ownership.Automating savings and retirement — make it a habit, not a thought.Building multiple streams of income — because one check should never define your freedom.

Remember: Wealth isn’t just money. It’s peace, time, and choices.

Step 6: Heal Your Money Story

If you grew up in lack, it’s easy to repeat those patterns without realizing it.
Learning about money isn’t just numbers — it’s emotional healing.
Forgive yourself for past mistakes.
Start fresh today.

Every small, consistent step you take — saving $5, paying off a card, saying no to impulse spending — is rewriting your story.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be rich to start — you have to start to get rich.
Even if you’re starting at $0, your discipline, creativity, and faith can build more wealth than you imagine.

Remember:

Save what you can.Spend wisely.Invest consistently.Believe it’s possible.

This is your wealth era. Not someday — today.

Fall is more than just a season—it’s a mood, a celebration, and a reminder to slow down and savor life’s cozy moments. As the air turns crisp and leaves paint the world in warm hues of gold, amber, and crimson, people everywhere look for ways to immerse themselves in autumn traditions. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, seasonal crafts, or simply sipping warm cider by a fire, fall offers endless opportunities to make memories.
In this post, we’ll dive into more than a dozen fall activities you can enjoy—ranging from simple and cozy home traditions to adventurous outings that connect you to nature. By the end, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to fill your calendar with autumn magic.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches are practically the crown jewel of fall. Whether you’re taking kids along or enjoying it with friends, the joy of wandering through fields of bright orange pumpkins is timeless.
• Pick your own pumpkin for carving, decorating, or baking.
• Many patches also offer extras like corn mazes, hayrides, apple cider stands, and even petting zoos.
• Turn it into a photo opportunity—fall outfits, pumpkin backdrops, and natural lighting are a perfect combo.
Pro tip: don’t just pick the largest pumpkin you see—choose one that feels firm, with a healthy stem. These last longer if you’re decorating your porch.Go Apple Picking
Apple orchards are bursting with flavor in the fall. There’s something special about plucking fruit right off the branch and tasting its crisp sweetness.
• Popular apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are often at their peak during September and October.
• Many orchards also sell fresh cider, donuts, and homemade pies—making the trip extra rewarding.
• Use the apples for baking pies, crisps, or even homemade applesauce.
Apple picking can also double as a gentle workout—walking the orchard rows, carrying baskets, and reaching high branches all get your body moving while your soul relaxes.Explore a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a fall favorite for all ages. Designed with twists, turns, and sometimes spooky themes, they combine fun with problem-solving.
• Families can enjoy them as a daytime adventure.
• Thrill-seekers might try haunted mazes after dark.
• Some farms add scavenger hunts or checkpoints to make it more engaging.
Corn mazes are also great team-building activities—working together to find your way out builds laughter and camaraderie.Host a Bonfire Night
Crisp autumn evenings are perfect for gathering around a fire. Invite friends and family over, grab some blankets, and make it an unforgettable night.
• Roast marshmallows for s’mores.
• Sip hot chocolate or mulled cider.
• Share ghost stories or play acoustic music.
Just be sure to check local fire regulations and practice safety. Adding string lights or lanterns can make the space even more magical.Take a Scenic Drive
Fall is arguably the most beautiful season for road trips. The changing leaves turn highways and backroads into works of art.
• Research peak foliage dates in your area—these often last only a few weeks.
• Bring a camera, because every mile offers a new postcard-worthy view.
• Pack snacks, a thermos of coffee, and a cozy playlist to set the mood.
Some of the best drives in the U.S. include New England, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains—but even a local parkway can feel magical this time of year.Bake Seasonal Treats
Fall flavors are irresistible—pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, maple, and caramel. Baking seasonal recipes is one of the coziest ways to bring the season indoors.
• Pumpkin bread or muffins
• Apple pies and crisps
• Maple-glazed donuts
• Caramel apples
Invite family or friends to join the baking process—it’s a fun bonding activity, and you’ll get to share the delicious results.Decorate Your Home for Fall
Transform your space into a cozy autumn haven.
• Place pumpkins, gourds, and mums on your porch.
• Add plaid blankets, candles, and throw pillows inside.
• Create DIY crafts like wreaths made of leaves or corn husks.
Not only does it feel festive, but decorating also lifts your mood and helps you fully embrace the season.Go Hiking or Camping
Fall is the perfect season to connect with nature. The cooler weather makes outdoor activities more comfortable, and the views are stunning.
• Hiking trails lined with colorful leaves are breathtaking.
• Camping by a lake or in the woods feels extra cozy under the crisp sky.
• Don’t forget to bring layers—temperatures drop quickly in the evenings.
For an added bonus, bring a thermos of hot cider or cocoa for a trailside treat.Attend Fall Festivals
Communities across the country celebrate fall with festivals. These often include live music, food vendors, hayrides, contests, and artisan crafts.
• Oktoberfest events highlight beer, bratwursts, and polka dancing.
• Harvest festivals feature seasonal foods and handmade goods.
• Cultural celebrations often align with fall—like Día de los Muertos in late October/early November.
Festivals are not only entertaining but also a great way to support local businesses and artisans.Try Fall-Themed Crafts
Get creative with autumn-inspired DIY projects:
• Paint pumpkins instead of carving them.
• Make leaf prints with paint and paper.
• Create garlands using pinecones, acorns, or dried oranges.
• Knit a scarf or blanket in fall colors.
Crafting is especially relaxing when paired with a warm drink and good music—it turns into both a creative outlet and a mindful practice.Go on a Haunted Adventure
Fall and spooky season go hand in hand. If you love a good thrill, there are plenty of options:
• Visit a haunted house attraction.
• Take a ghost tour in a historic city.
• Explore local legends or spooky trails.
Even if you’re not into scary things, lighthearted activities like pumpkin carving contests or Halloween parties bring out the festive spirit.Volunteer at a Local Farm or Food Drive
Fall is also a season of gratitude and giving. Volunteering can be a wonderful way to celebrate:
• Help harvest crops at a local farm or community garden.
• Participate in a fall food drive to support families in need.
• Offer to bake or cook for community events.
Not only does volunteering help others, but it also strengthens your own sense of community and purpose.Start a Gratitude Journal
As the year begins winding down, fall offers a natural pause to reflect. Writing down what you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and boost happiness.
• Set aside 5 minutes a day to jot down 3 things you’re thankful for.
• Pair the practice with a morning coffee or an evening wind-down ritual.
• Use a fall-themed journal to make the practice feel more special.
Gratitude journaling is a simple but powerful activity that can carry into the holiday season and beyond.Host a Seasonal Dinner Party
Gather your loved ones for a cozy fall feast.
• Cook seasonal dishes like butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetables, and spiced desserts.
• Decorate with candles, leaves, and rustic tableware.
• Encourage guests to bring a dish that reminds them of fall.
These gatherings often become cherished memories that carry warmth into the colder months.Cozy Indoor Days
Sometimes the best fall activities are the simplest. On rainy or chilly days, create your own cozy retreat at home:
• Watch fall movies or Halloween classics.
• Read a good book by the fireplace.
• Work on a puzzle or board game.
• Brew spiced tea or coffee and just enjoy the slower pace.
Fall reminds us that slowing down is just as important as staying busy.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Fall
Fall is a season that invites us to gather, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of transition. From the vibrant leaves outside to the warmth of baked goods inside, there’s a balance of movement and stillness that makes autumn unique.
Whether you spend the season picking apples, exploring festivals, or cozying up at home, the key is to be present. Let the season remind you of life’s simple joys—crisp air, laughter around a fire, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the warmth of community.
So grab your favorite sweater, pour yourself a cup of cider, and step into the magic of fall.

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For so many years, my life revolved around my children. My identity wasn’t just “Mom”—it was chauffeur, cook, counselor, cheerleader, nurse, teacher, mentor, and at times, even referee. For those of us who homeschooled, that identity was even stronger. The home wasn’t just a place to live; it was a classroom, a library, a science lab, and a safe haven where I poured my energy into making sure my children were not only cared for but also educated and prepared for the world.
And then one day, just like that, they were grown.
The transition to being an empty nester is something no one truly prepares you for. You spend decades with your days dictated by your children’s needs, only to wake up one morning and realize the nest is quiet. The house feels bigger. The schedule feels empty. And you’re left with a question that cuts to the core: Who am I now?

The Unique Emptiness After Homeschooling
For parents who homeschool, the shift can feel especially sharp. When you homeschool, your role isn’t just about parenting—it’s about being deeply involved in your child’s daily growth and education. You’re not just sending them off to school or just getting them ready for school. You’re there for the math lessons, the history discussions, the science experiments that left glitter or baking soda explosions across the kitchen counter.
You’re the one who tailored lesson plans to fit their personalities, who celebrated when reading finally “clicked,” and who carried the weight of making sure they didn’t “fall behind.” You wore the badge of responsibility proudly, because you knew homeschooling wasn’t the easiest choice, but it was the one you felt called to.
So when that chapter closes, the silence hits even harder. You don’t just lose the daily presence of your child, you lose the role of “teacher.” The part of your identity that consumed so much energy, thought, and love suddenly doesn’t have a place anymore.
I remember packing up textbooks, flipping through notebooks filled with years of memories, and feeling like I was closing a door on an entire era of my life. There was pride, of course, in seeing my kids succeed, but there was also grief. The grief of realizing that the version of me who lived inside those homeschooling years was fading into the past.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Empty Nesting
Becoming an empty nester is often described as bittersweet, and that’s the best word I can find.
On one hand, there’s pride. Watching your children step into adulthood, whether they’re heading to college, building a career, or starting families of their own, fills you with joy. You know you did your job. You poured out everything you had, and now you get to see the fruits of those years.
But on the other hand, there’s an undeniable ache. The ache of walking by empty bedrooms. The ache of making dinner for two instead of a bustling table. The ache of silence in a house that used to be filled with laughter, squabbles, and activity.
And if I’m being honest, there’s also fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of not knowing who I am outside of motherhood. Fear of rediscovering myself and realizing I might not recognize her anymore.

Rediscovering Yourself in the Quiet
The quiet, though painful at first, can also be a gift. It gives us space to rediscover who we are outside of being a mother and teacher.
When my kids were young, I barely had time to think about what I wanted. My schedule was jam-packed with lesson planning, co-op meetings, sports practices, church activities, and everything in between. My goals and hobbies were pushed to the background, often saved for “someday.”
But when the nest empties, “someday” arrives.
The first step is asking yourself questions that you may not have asked in years, or maybe ever:
• What do I enjoy when no one else is around?
• What dreams did I set aside while raising my kids?
• What gifts or talents have been sitting dormant?
• What new passions am I curious to explore?
For me, journaling became a powerful tool. Sitting with a cup of coffee and a blank page, I began to write down what I felt, what I wanted, and even what I feared. Slowly, I uncovered pieces of myself I hadn’t touched in years.

Redefining Your Identity
One of the hardest parts of this season is redefining your identity. For decades, the answer to “Who are you?” was tied to your children. You were so-and-so’s mom, the homeschool mom, the team mom, the Bible study leader.
Now, the challenge is to find an identity that isn’t built solely on someone else’s needs.
That doesn’t mean you stop being a mother. That role never ends. But it does mean you begin to see yourself as more than that. You allow yourself to expand.
Maybe you’re an artist who set down the paintbrush years ago. Maybe you’re a writer with stories waiting to be told. Maybe you’re an entrepreneur ready to finally build that business. Or maybe you’re simply a woman ready to rest, breathe, and find joy in the little things again.

Healing From the Guilt
Let’s be honest: it’s not easy to shift focus back to yourself. As mothers, we’re conditioned to put everyone else first. When the kids are grown, investing in yourself can feel selfish.
But here’s the truth: it isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
Your children need to see you thrive in this next season. They need to know that life doesn’t end after parenting. By living fully, you show them what resilience, growth, and joy look like. You model that it’s okay to reinvent yourself at any age.
And you deserve it. You poured out your heart for years. Now it’s time to pour back into yourself.

Practical Ways to Transition
Here are some ideas to help navigate the empty nest season, especially if homeschooling has been a huge part of your life:
1 Create a memory project. Put together scrapbooks or photo albums of your homeschooling years. It allows you to honor the past while creating something tangible to pass down.
2 Reconnect with old hobbies. Did you love reading historical novels? Knitting? Gardening? Painting? Pick them back up.
3 Try something new. Sign up for a class, cooking, photography, foreign language, pottery, or anything that sparks curiosity.
4 Prioritize health. Take walks, try yoga, or explore new recipes. Caring for your body helps clear your mind and re-energize your spirit.
5 Rebuild relationships. Spend intentional time with your spouse or friends. Reconnect with people outside of the homeschooling world.
6 Explore new callings. Volunteer, start a side business, write a book, or mentor other young moms. Let your experience bless others.
7 Dream forward. Make a vision board of what you want for this new season. Think about travel, creative projects, or personal growth.

The Faith Perspective
For me, faith has been the anchor in this transition. When I felt lost, I leaned on the truth that my identity was never meant to be only in being a mom. It was always in being a child of God.
Motherhood was a calling for a season, but God still has new plans, new purposes, and new dreams for me in this next chapter. That perspective shifted everything. Instead of feeling like life was over, I began to see it as just beginning again, this time with wisdom, freedom, and space to grow in new directions.

Embracing Who You Are Becoming
The empty nest doesn’t mean the end of your story, it means the start of a new chapter.
Yes, the transition is hard. Yes, the silence can feel overwhelming. Yes, there’s grief in letting go of the life you once knew. But there’s also an opportunity. Opportunity to rediscover, to heal, to dream, and to become the woman you were created to be.
Being an empty nester isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about finding yourself again. The version of you that has been patiently waiting through the noise and busyness of motherhood now has a chance to rise.
So take a deep breath. Give yourself permission to step into this new season with curiosity and hope. You’re not just someone’s mom anymore—you’re a whole person, with gifts, passions, and dreams that matter.
And who knows? The best chapters of your life may still be ahead.

To My Fellow Empty Nesters: If you’ve homeschooled or simply devoted your entire world to your children, know this: you are not alone in the transition. You are seen, valued, and worthy of building a life that excites you in this next season. What’s one dream or passion you want to rediscover now that your nest is quieter?

Why I Chose September 21st to Release My Book
Some days live inside of us forever.
They are not just dates on a calendar. They are turning points, wounds, and at the same time, markers of strength. They shape us in ways we cannot escape.
For me, that day is September 21st.
On September 21, 1997, my mother left this earth. I was just a girl, and the world as I knew it cracked wide open. Every year since, that date has returned like a shadow — heavy, haunting, inescapable. This year, September 21, 2025, will mark 28 years since my mother has been gone.
And it is also the date I chose to release my book, Reflection of Her.
It is not coincidence. It is not marketing. It is not chance.
It is sacred.
It is intentional.
It is love stitched into legacy.

Twenty-Eight Years Without Her
Twenty-eight years.
How do you measure that kind of time?
It is longer than I had her with me. Longer than I got to hear her laugh, longer than I felt her arms wrap around me in comfort. It is nearly three decades of holidays without her presence, birthdays without her voice, milestones without her blessing.
And yet, in those 28 years, I have lived a lifetime.
I grew from the broken teenager who couldn’t find her footing into the woman I am now: a wife, a mother, an author, a daughter still reaching toward heaven.
Grief has been my teacher, but it has not been my prison.
Loss has been my wound, but it has also been my shaping fire.
This book is the ember I’ve carried all these years — now finally glowing bright enough to share with the world.

Why September 21st
People sometimes ask me, “Why would you release something so personal on the day your mother died?”
The answer is simple: because this day already belongs to her. It always has.
Every year on September 21st, I pause. I remember. I cry. I ache. But this year, I want to do more than ache. I want to honor her. I want to take the day that has symbolized death and transform it into a day of creation.
September 21st is the day she left, yes. But now, it will also be the day I share my words with the world. A day not just of endings, but of beginnings. A day where grief and growth walk hand in hand.
I chose this date because I wanted to give back to her what she gave me: life, love, and the courage to create.

The Teenager Who Was Lost
I was not prepared to lose her. Whoever is?
As a teenager, the grief was too big for me to hold. It felt like drowning. I was angry, rebellious, messy, and broken. I was searching for my mom in all the wrong places, chasing after anything that felt like comfort, even when it wasn’t.
I didn’t understand myself. I didn’t know how to move forward. I thought maybe I never would.
But here’s what I now see, looking back: that girl survived. She held on, even when she thought she couldn’t. She stumbled, but she never stopped moving. She cried, but she never stopped hoping. She lost, but she never stopped becoming.
That girl was me. And without her, I wouldn’t be standing here today, ready to release a book born out of both her pain and her resilience.

Becoming a Wife and Mother
Years passed. And slowly, life began to reshape me.
I became a wife. I learned partnership, compromise, and the quiet power of building a life alongside someone else. Love wasn’t just about filling the hole in my heart — it was about planting roots and learning to grow.
Then I became a mother. And everything shifted again.
Motherhood opened my eyes to my mom in a way I had never known. Suddenly, I understood her sacrifices, her exhaustion, her love that went beyond words. Suddenly, I felt closer to her, even in her absence.
My children became my anchor. They gave me a reason to fight through the grief, to push forward, to live. They became living reminders that life continues, that love multiplies, that legacy never dies.
My marriage and my children are my world, but writing has been my soul’s survival.

Writing as Survival
When the pain was too heavy to speak aloud, I wrote.
When the memories felt like they would drown me, I wrote.
When I wanted to reach for my mom and couldn’t, I wrote.
Writing became my therapy, my prayer, my lifeline. It was the place where grief and hope could sit side by side.
Every poem I wrote was a conversation with her.
Every page was a love letter.
Every word was both my wound and my healing.
Reflection of Her is the collection of those words. It is my journey in poetry: from the girl who lost her mom to the woman who built a life in the shadow of loss. It is memory, grief, love, and healing woven together into something I hope will touch others who have walked through the valley of loss.

Why This Battle Was Worth It
Looking back, I can see the long, hard battle for what it was: necessary.
Grief taught me compassion.
Loss taught me strength.
Survival taught me faith.
The battle wasn’t just about getting through. It was about becoming.
Without my mom’s absence, I would not be this woman. Without the fire, I would not know the strength of my own survival. Without the pain, I would not have these words to offer.
And so, though I would give anything to have her back, I cannot ignore the truth: her absence shaped me. Her absence gave me this voice. Her absence gave me this book.
The battle was worth it, because the beauty that grew from it is worth sharing.

The Legacy of Love
The 21st is no longer just a day of loss.
By choosing it as my book’s release date, I am turning it into a day of legacy. My mother’s legacy. My legacy. A legacy of love that continues even after death.
She may be gone for 28 years, but she is everywhere in my words, in my children, in the woman I have become.
This book is not just mine. It is hers, too.
She is the reflection I write of.
She is the echo in every line.

To Those Who Grieve
I know I’m not the only one who carries a date like this. Many of us have anniversaries we dread, days that reopen wounds, reminders of who we’ve lost.
To you, I say: you are not alone.
Grief is not a weakness. It is love with nowhere to go. And yet, even in grief, we can create. We can transform. We can honor.
If you carry a date that feels unbearable, know that it can one day become a date of meaning, a day of legacy. It does not erase the pain, but it can transform it into something that breathes life again.

Closing Thoughts
On September 21, 1997, I lost my mom.
On September 21, 2025, I will release Reflection of Her.
Twenty-eight years apart.
One date, two meanings.
Loss and love.
Death and creation.
Grief and healing.
This is not just a book release. It is a full-circle moment. It is me standing in the very place that once broke me and saying: I survived. I healed. I created. I honor her.
The 21st will always be sacred.
Now it is no longer only the day I lost my mom.
It is also the day I give something back to the world in her name.
And that, to me, is the truest reflection of her.

When Grief Finds You

Losing a mother is a wound that never fully closes. For me, the loss of my mom felt like someone had pulled the ground out from under me. Our relationship was a complicated one, and knowing I would never be able to fix anything that was left said between us. Left me feeling lost, hollow, and disconnected.

Grief is complicated. Some days it’s a whisper, other days it crashes like a storm you didn’t see coming. I tried many things to cope: long walks, late-night prayers, talking to family and friends. But the thing that became my lifeline was something I had always turned to in smaller ways—writing.

Writing gave me a place to put my pain, my confusion, and even my love. It became my therapy, not in a clinical sense, but in a deeply personal one. It was where I could be raw and real without fear of judgment.

In this blog, I want to share how writing helped me through grief, what I discovered about myself in the process, and why I believe words can heal—not just for me, but for other women who have walked through the same kind of loss.

The Silence Grief Brings

When my mom passed, one of the hardest things wasn’t just her absence; it was the silence. There were no more talks no more hearing her voice, or no more “just checking in” conversations. That silence was deafening.

I quickly realized grief has its own language, but most people don’t know how to speak it. Well-meaning friends would say, “She’s in a better place,” or “At least she’s not suffering anymore.” Those words didn’t help.

I needed a way to process what I was feeling without needing anyone else to understand it. That’s when I picked up my pen and notebook again.

Writing as a Safe Place

The first night I wrote after her passing, I didn’t even think—it just spilled out. Tears blurred the ink, but I kept going.

In my journal, I didn’t have to make sense. I didn’t have to sound strong. I didn’t have to filter my words for someone else’s comfort.

Writing gave me permission to:
    •    Say the things I couldn’t say out loud. Like the anger I felt at God for taking her too soon.
    •    Capture memories before they slipped away. Little details, like her laugh, her favorite sayings, the way she drink her pop or the way she talked.
    •    Explore the contradictions of grief. How I could feel deep sadness and gratitude in the same breath.

My journal became a safe place where my grief had room to breathe.

Poems Born Out of Pain

What started as journaling slowly turned into poetry.

Poetry gave me a way to structure my emotions when they felt unstructured. The rhythm of the words became a heartbeat when mine felt broken. The imagery helped me capture what I couldn’t say directly.

That’s how my first book, Reflection of Her, was born.
    •    It became my tribute to my mom—the way she lived, the love she gave, and the legacy she left behind.
    •    Each poem in Reflection of Her is a piece of her story, seen through my eyes and my heart.

I wrote Echoes of Me out of the poems I wrote during the grief process and the healing journey. These were my notes to myself to help me process what was going on in my life or around me during that time. Not all of those poems made it into this book; some were so raw and so dark, I didn’t feel like they belonged in the light. I took out the ones that kept pointing me back to God. When I had run away.

Those two collections are deeply connected: one reflects my mother’s life, the other reflects my journey of continuing without her.

Writing as a Mirror

One thing I didn’t expect was how much writing would show me about myself.

Grief strips you down. But writing reflected back pieces of me I didn’t know were still there: my resilience, my creativity, my voice.

I began to see patterns in my entries. Days when I wrote honestly often left me feeling lighter. Days when I avoided writing were usually the days I felt most weighed down.

In many ways, writing was a mirror. It reminded me I was still here, still breathing, still creating even when I didn’t feel like myself, and most importantly, my mother lived on within me.

Healing Through Words

Over time, writing became more than just an outlet it became a tool of healing.

Every time I wrote, I was taking steps toward wholeness. My pen became a bridge between who I was with my mom and who I was learning to be without her.

Through the pages of my journals and poetry, I began to notice something important:
    •    I wasn’t only writing for myself anymore.
    •    I was writing for every other daughter who has sat in the same grief I had.

That’s when my perspective shifted. My healing wasn’t just for me; it was for others, too.

For the Motherless Daughters

There is a unique ache that only motherless daughters understand. The moments when you reach for the phone to call her and realize you can’t. The milestones birthdays, weddings, the birth of your own children, when you feel her absence the most.

That’s why I share my writing, and why I put my poems into books. Because I know there are countless women who are carrying this same weight in silence.

Reflection of Her is not just my story—it’s a mirror for other motherless daughters to see themselves in. It’s proof that their grief is valid, their memories are sacred, and their love for their moms continues even after death.

When I wrote those poems, I thought I was just trying to survive. But now I see that my survival became a message: you are not alone.

Practical Ways Writing Can Help with Grief

If you’re grieving, here are some ways you can use writing as a tool for healing:
    1.    Start a Grief Journal.
Don’t worry about structure—just write what comes. Even if it’s a single sentence like “I miss her”, it matters.
    2.    Write Letters to Your Loved One.
Tell them the things you didn’t get to say, or update them on your life. It can bring comfort.
    3.    Capture the Small Memories.
Write down details before they fade: smells, favorite foods, inside jokes, songs. These become treasures later.
    4.    Use Prompts When You Feel Stuck.
Some prompts that helped me:
    •    “Today I wish I could tell you…”
    •    “One thing I never want to forget is…”
    •    “The hardest part of today was…”
    5.    Try Poetry or Song Lyrics.
Sometimes emotions come out easier through metaphor and rhythm than direct sentences.

How Writing Helped Me Rebuild My Faith

Grief can shake your faith to its core. For me, writing became not only therapy, but also a form of prayer. I walked away from God, and the only thing I had was my prayer Journal, and because of this, I saw God still working in my life and the lives of everyone around me. I did not understand then. How powerful this was, or how much it would affect me.

When I couldn’t find words to speak to God, I wrote them instead. Some entries were angry, some were broken, some were hopeful. But the act of writing kept the line of communication open.

Over time, I noticed my words shifting from despair to small glimmers of gratitude, from questions to a quiet trust. Writing didn’t give me all the answers, but it gave me space to wrestle with God and still hold on.

A Living Legacy

One of the most beautiful parts of writing through my grief is that it created something lasting. My mom may be gone, but through my words, her memory lives on.

Every poem, every journal entry, every story about her is a memory that will live on in me and my family’s lives, and by publishing my books, I get to share that legacy with others. Inviting them to reflect on their own loved ones and their own journeys.

That’s the gift of writing: it turns pain into something that can touch lives beyond our own.

Pick Up the Pen

Losing my mom broke me in ways I’ll never fully put into words. But writing became my therapy, my prayer, my survival.

It reminded me that even in loss, there is still creation. Even in grief, there is still love. And even in silence, there are still words waiting to be written.

If you’re a motherless daughter like me, please know this: you are not alone. Your pain is real, your memories are precious, and your healing is possible.

That’s why I share my words, and why I wrote Reflection of Her. Because I want every motherless daughter to have a reminder that our moms’ love doesn’t end it simply takes a new shape.

So if you’re grieving, I encourage you: pick up the pen. Write the messy, the painful, the beautiful. Write until the page holds what your heart can’t.

And one day, you may look back at your words and realize. They didn’t just hold your grief; they helped you heal.

If this blog resonates with you, you might also connect with my poetry collections:
    •     Reflection of Her – poems honoring my mom’s life and legacy. (Coming out 9/21/2025)
    •     Echoes of Me – poems about rediscovering myself after her passing. (Release date TBD)

Both books are pieces of my heart, written for myself, but also for you, my fellow motherless daughters.

There are moments in life when you feel like you’re drowning—but the world just keeps spinning. The to-do lists multiply. The bills stack up. The phone keeps ringing. Your body is screaming for rest, your heart is aching for peace, and your soul? It just needs Jesus.

But life doesn’t stop. It doesn’t pause when you need time to breathe. It keeps going even when you’re falling apart quietly in your car, whispering, “God, I can’t do this anymore.”

And yet, somehow… you do.

You keep showing up. Not because you have the strength—but because He does.

When You’re Tired of Fighting Alone

Life has this funny way of handing you more when you already feel maxed out. You’re holding the boxing gloves, trying to swing at everything life throws—and it’s exhausting. But here’s the truth that brings me back every single time:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Jesus never asked us to carry it all. That was never the plan. He offers a reset unlike any self-help plan or productivity hack. He offers soul rest. The kind that sinks into the ache. The kind that refreshes what’s been dry for far too long.

So How Do You Reset With Jesus?1. Steal away, even if just for a minute.

Jesus often withdrew to quiet places. You can, too—even if it’s just locking the bathroom door and breathing His name. Whispering, “Jesus, I need You.” And in that whisper, He meets you.

2. Let the Word be your anchor.

When life is loud, God’s Word is your grounding. Post a verse on your mirror. Play worship in the chaos. Meditate on just one promise a day. You don’t need a full Bible study to be fed—just a single verse can be a lifeline.

3. Remember: grace over grind.

You don’t have to hustle for God’s love. You don’t have to earn your worth. He’s not looking for perfect—He’s after your heart. He knows your weariness, and He still calls you His.

4. Surrender what you’re carrying.

You’re not meant to carry it all. Lay it at His feet. Every fear. Every frustration. Every unmet need. He sees it. He cares. And He’s already working behind the scenes.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Even when life won’t slow down, Jesus remains steady. He is your pause in the chaos. Your calm in the storm. Your strength when you’ve got nothing left.

So today, let your reset begin with Him. Not with a checklist, not with a new routine, but with a surrender. A breath. A prayer. A moment to say: “Lord, I’m tired. But I trust You.”

Because even when life doesn’t slow down, you can rest in the One who never changes.

There’s a certain kind of grief that hits differently—the grief of losing a cousin. It’s not just losing a relative. It’s losing a piece of your childhood, a lifelong friend, a shared history that no one else quite understands.

Cousins are the first best friends many of us have. They’re the ones we shared summer vacations with, snuck snacks with at family gatherings, and laughed with during long car rides. They’re the ones who knew all the family drama, the inside jokes, the silly nicknames, and the awkward teenage years. A cousin isn’t just family—they’re the person who knew your roots and still chose to grow beside you.

So when that bond is broken by loss, it leaves a hollow silence in its place. The texts go unanswered. The calls never come. You scroll through old photos, hearing their laugh in your head but knowing it’s now only a memory.

For me, the loss of my cousin was like a thread being pulled loose from the fabric of my life. We didn’t talk every day, but when we did, it was like no time had passed. We had different lives in different states, but we were always connected—by blood, by love, by stories only we knew. Now that connection feels frayed, hanging there with no one on the other end.

What hurts the most is not just their absence, but the weight of all the things left unsaid—the memories we’ll never get to make, the milestones they won’t be here for. The birthdays, holidays, and reunions now carry a quiet ache. They should be here. Laughing. Living. Loving.

Grief is a strange companion. It shows up in the most unexpected places—in a favorite song, an old inside joke, or a random memory that suddenly brings tears. And yet, in the middle of the heartache, I’m reminded of the gift of having loved someone deeply enough that their absence is this loud.

To anyone who has lost a cousin and feels that irreplaceable gap: you are not alone. It’s okay to mourn not just the person, but the connection—the lifelong bond that shaped who you are.

May we hold onto the laughter, the stories, and the love. May we find comfort in knowing that even though they’re gone from this world, they’ll always live on in the moments we shared and the legacy they leave behind.

And may we always remember: cousins are family by blood, but also by heart—and that’s a connection no distance, no time, not even death, can truly erase.