As a 6 year old, I got the message loud and clear: other people's needs come before mine and if something goes wrong, it's my fault.

I need to be clear: I don't blame my mom for showing me this example. She was doing the absolute best she could.

Doctors were telling her my Dad wouldn't make it and she was having to face the possibility of raising two kids on her own on a teacher's salary (about $23,000 a year).

You've heard about my Outgrow the Grind Women's Circle.

But what's it actually like from a participant’s perspective?

Meet [very sweet!] Caroline, Creative Professional + Bright Fashionista + Live Music Aficionado.

She's also the participant that blurted out "this shit really works!" in our 3rd session together.

What’s the true cost of our invisibility, both for us and for our world?

What new ideas never get created?

How many people miss the opportunity to truly know us when we’re hidden in plain sight?

And how do we see ourselves when other people aren’t?

Giving yourself permission to prioritize your needs is not only an investment in yourself, it's also an investment in the people you love.

Just like a full inhale and exhale gives you more energy, strength, and longevity when you're swimming, prioritizing your needs will give you more energy to share in a sustainable way.

Society tells you that you need better self-care to be happier.

But not many people are telling you that you also need to believe you deserve your own attention to make it happen.

Will bubble baths + massages + pedicures make you happier?

Not if you feel so burdened by guilt that you can’t enjoy them.

I've always been an appreciator and collector of heart shaped rocks.

When I backpacked part of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017, I was amazed by the number of heart shaped rocks I saw.

I learned [the hard way!] how these special rocks needed to be collected in photos instead of in my backpack.