So many of us learned to survive by disconnecting from our own needs. We became the ones who pushed through exhaustion, ignored our emotions, overrode our boundaries, and kept performing strength long after our nervous systems were begging us to slow down. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that becoming “better” meant leaving parts of ourselves behind. But reparenting invites a different path. What if healing wasn’t about becoming harder on yourself, but gentler? What if rebuilding your life could begin with listening to the child within you who still longs to feel safe, seen, supported, and loved? The inner child who never needed perfection — only presence. The version of you who deserved comfort instead of criticism, rest instead of shame, softness instead of survival mode. Maybe real healing begins the moment you stop forcing yourself forward and start walking beside yourself instead. One compassionate choice at a time. One honest breath at a time. One moment of nervous system safety at a time. Today, ask yourself: What is one small act of kindness that would help my inner child feel loved right now? Maybe it’s resting. Maybe it’s feeding yourself nourishing food. Maybe it’s turning off the noise. Maybe it’s placing a hand on your heart and reminding yourself: “I don’t have to abandon myself to rebuild my life.” If this speaks to you, you are in the right place. What are you doing today to reach out to your inner child?

We pulled this card during a recent Insight Timer Live, and I felt called to share the accompanying exercise with our community. As I read through it again, what stood out to me is the invitation to remember. Not to chase happiness. Not to manufacture it. But to remember the moments when it naturally found us. Tonight's full moon can be a beautiful time to reflect: ✨ What brought you genuine joy as a child? ✨ What moments from your past still make you smile when you think of them? ✨ What activities, places, people, or experiences helped you feel most alive? The exercise suggests visualizing these memories and allowing them to reveal what truly nourishes your spirit. Sometimes our happiest moments contain clues about who we really are beneath the conditioning, expectations, and responsibilities of adulthood. If you decide to try the exercise, I'd love to hear what you discover. RECOGNIZE HAPPINESS Happiness is the result of events and actions that are free of expectation. It is a magical situation that occurs when least expected, but you and your ability to live in the moment form the foundations for all the happiness in your life. What the card means This powerful phoenix is holding up a mirror to you. Know yourself and you will find the path to happiness. Be absolutely clear in your mind about what it is that makes you happy and content. However, you should also be aware that happiness can never be forced, so let go of all your expectations. They will destroy your happiness and hamper the expression of your emotions. Happiness, on the other hand, is a fulfilling emotion that is unpredictable and free-flowing; it cannot be planned and can only occur in the present moment. Where do your thoughts take you all day? Perhaps you catch yourself repeatedly dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. This is a certain way to miss out on happiness; it will leave you feeling empty, trying to fill the void with material things. Forget about the assumption that your happiness depends on possessions, but understand instead that it relies solely on your ability to live in the present.

When the storm rises, become soft. Run your fingertip lightly over your arm. Slow. Present. You are safe now. 💞 Inspired by blog I wrote, posted below ⬇️ - if it resonates with you, I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections. 🌈 * * * * Yesterday I had a day that tested me. I was scheduled to represent the nonprofit I work for at an in-person wellness fair. I’ve done events like this before and generally find them to be great experiences — talking with strangers, networking with other wellness folx, sharing resources. The day was fortunately dry and sunny — a blessing, since it has been mostly rainy for weeks and we were outside. The site had provided tables, chairs, and canopies, so the effort required on my part was minimal. Still, I hadn’t slept well the night before and felt tired and sleepy as I left for the hour-long drive into town. When I arrived, I enjoyed being on the community college campus, and I was even more pleased to discover the hosts had provided coffee and donuts — exactly what I was craving. I don’t usually drink coffee. I’m very clear that it aggravates my anxiety. I allow myself to enjoy it about once a week as a treat. As I poured a cup, I felt a gentle inner nudge that maybe this wasn’t the best choice. But sugar is the universal panacea, and in a slightly uncomfortable setting, it felt like a welcome jolt. About an hour in, I could tell my body was not reacting well to the sugar-caffeine combo. I was animated and jolly, and I genuinely enjoyed the event. I caught up with familiar faces — welcome connections in a place where I haven’t made many in the two years I’ve lived here. I made new connections too, spoke about my own wellness journey and business, and shared information about the services offered by the nonprofit I was representing. I was gifted a free lunch — chili and rice — and an ice cream at the end. Overall, it was a good day. But when it ended, I was scheduled to go into the office for the rest of the afternoon.

Aloha Friends! I hope you like this short meditation I recorded after last nights Live on Insight Timer. Last one for February, can you believe its already March 2026? Let me know how this lands with you - Resourced? Too short? Too long? Im still working on a time for our community call. Its looking like next Saturday will work best for me. I had an opportunity for a sound healing training tomorrow. I can't wait to share what I learn with you!

When it comes to wanted and unwanted thoughts, it really only takes about 17 seconds to begin attracting another thought like the one you’re holding right now. Seventeen seconds. ⏰ If you can hold a thought — especially a wanted thought — in your mind for just 17 seconds, your mind will automatically begin reaching for another thought that feels similar. And the opposite is true too. Have you ever noticed that when you start thinking something negative, more negative thoughts seem to pile on? Almost like they’re being attracted to each other? It can feel like a tidal wave. 🌊 One thought becomes two. Two becomes ten. And suddenly you’re overwhelmed. That’s momentum. 🔄 So what if we worked with that on purpose? Instead of trying to jump to the “best thought you’ve ever had,” what if you asked: What is the best-feeling thought I can reach for in this moment? Not the most positive. Not the most enlightened. Just the best-feeling one available right now. Maybe it’s something simple. The sound of birds outside. Watching your cat groom itself. A branch moving in the breeze. The way the light hits the wall. Sometimes focusing outside of ourselves helps interrupt the spiral and gives the mind something softer to hold. Or maybe you imagine a place where you feel peaceful. A beach. 🏖️ A quiet stream. Your favorite chair. 🪑 A hammock in the backyard. A vacation memory where you felt completely at ease. 🌄 Can you take yourself there? Notice the light. The temperature of the air. The colors. Maybe even a scent on the breeze. And just stay with it. If you can hold that image, that feeling, for about 17 seconds, your mind will naturally begin reaching for another thought like it. That’s momentum working for you. 🔄 Whether we’re focusing on a better-feeling thought or a worse-feeling thought, the principle is the same: What we give our attention to grows in momentum. ⬅️ This practice is about gently directing the imagination. Not forcing positivity. Just the best feeling thought you can find in this moment only. 💭