Balance in the Deep Waters of Feeling

Finding Steadiness When Emotions Run Deep

Last night my dream was vivid, layered with memory, emotion, and meaning. My mother was there and just as alive and radiant as ever, and for a moment, it felt real. Then I remembered: she had transitioned long ago. A wave of sadness rose, but instead of letting it pull me under, I reminded myself to feel it fully...and then let it pass. 

That, I realize, is an empath's sacred practice: to feel deeply without becoming paralyzed by the weight of it. My mother, my superhero, taught me so much about the power of silence, the precision of words, and the strength of presence. In the dream, she was still teaching me without saying a word. 

The scene shifted to a celebration. I was surrounded by people from every chapter of my life: family, old friends, even my children in their youth. Pink polka-dot dresses, curled hair, and a hall filled with hundreds reminded me of both a wedding and a milestone birthday (which ironically, I am celebrating this year). Perhaps it was both a union with myself as I step into a new season, my 50th year of life. 

Later, I was helping a friend who had lost her mother, sorting through dresses and memories. I told her gently it was okay not to have the strength to decide what to keep or release. In truth, I was speaking to myself as much as to her. 

Somewhere in the dream was water, a symbol of feeling, cleansing, and flow. And an old car. A reminder of the journeys I've taken and the ones still ahead. 

When I woke, I carried with me not just the images, but the lesson: I can be fully present with my feelings without letting them consume me. I can celebrate, remember, and grieve all at once. And in this balance, I honor my mother, myself, and the life I am still creating. 

Your story might not look like mine. Your waters may be stirred by different memories, people, or seasons of life, but the current is the same. We are all invited to stand in the waves of our emotions without drowning in them, to let grief and joy hold hands, and to find our own rhythm in the tide. What memories still rise in you, unannounced, and how might you allow them to teach you something new today?

With Thoughtfulness and Balance,

Stacie J.

When Healing Demands a Little Surgery

This past week has been....interesting. And by "interesting," I mean challenging. I've been walking in growth, healed in many ways (still healing in others), but life still finds a way to drop surprises in my path. 

Most mornings, I start my day in quiet time with God. Not the "let me talk non-stop until the sun comes up" kind of time I used to think was required, but the still, knowing kind. I've learned that God hears even the essence of our silence, after all, God is all-knowing!

So, I lay there...breathing, centering, listening for His voice, feeling the rhythm of my heartbeat. I read scripture and speak it over my family and those connected to me. I pray. I reflect. Sometimes I jot down my thoughts or the dreams I had the night before. Occasionally, that quiet moment births a blog post. 

Then I drink my water, always waiting for me on the nightstand, sometimes infused overnight with lemon and lime, and I consider my day. Depending on time, I might walk, job, do tai chi, kickboxing, HIIT, strength training, or yoga. Not always 2 hours at once, but I fit movement in. 

But this week? My flow was disrupted by an uninvited guest: an annoying cyst right under my bra strap. A cyst with no respect for my healing journey or my schedule. For almost a year, it lived in peace, just a little blackhead, about the size of an unsharpened pencil tip, minding its business. 

Then in less than five days, it blew up like it had been offended, growing to the size of a half  dollar, angry, red, and painful. So painful I couldn't lay back, sit comfortably, or even move my upper body without wincing. The doctor ended up removing a cyst about 3-4 inches deep and just as wide. I'll spare you the picture, but let's just say... I could have charged admission. 

Here's the thing: as I relfected on my healing journey, the books I've been reading and listening to, the supplements, the juicing, the meal prepping, the study, it hit me... of course this came out. My body is detoxing, aligning, and releasing what no longer serves me. 

When we realign, when we tune ourselves to the frequency of God, things buried deep will rise to the surface. Sometimes it's emotional pain. Sometimes it's an old habit. Sometimes...it's a cyst. Healing isn't always pretty. Purging is rarely comfortable. But it's necessary. 

Self-reflection points for your journey:

What "old things" in your life might be surfacing because you're finally strong enough to release them?

Are you resisting the pain of the purge, or allowing God to remove what no longer belongs?

How can you better listen, not just to God, but to your body, your spirit, and your emotions?

I believe God sometimes uses our bodies as living parables. This cyst wasn't just about flesh and skin, it was about patience, trust, and surrender. And now, I'm lighter. I'm freer. I'm covered. 

So whether your purge looks like tears, forgiveness, lifestyle changes, or even a minor surgical procedure, remember: healing is never wasted. The pain has purpose. 

And sometimes...the ugly stuff coming out is the most beautiful part of the journey. 

1. Purging / Removing What Doesn't Belong

"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2 

2. Cleansing / Renewal

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

3. God's Healing Process

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Stop Apologizing

A Love Letter to the Empaths Who Carry the Fire

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that being an empath isn’t just a trait. It’s a calling. It’s a lens. It’s a whole way of being, a blessing and sometimes a burden.

We empaths carry a peculiar aura, an archetype shaped by everything we’ve endured, everything we’ve seen, and everything we still dare to hope for. We are forged by fire. We learn to read a room before a word is spoken. We feel everything: the joy, the grief, the hidden stories that others don’t speak aloud.

That is why we must be mindful, know when to step back, to steal away, to renew our spirits. Restore, discern, and guard the light we carry.

Carl Jung wrote, “Discernment is love in its highest form.” That’s something every empath should tattoo on their soul.

---

The Boat and the Lighthouse

Carl Jung once described the soul as a boat adrift on dark waters, seeking the steady light of a distant shore. I’ve felt that journey in my bones, the pull of tides both gentle and fierce, the fog that swallows sight, nights when the stars seem too far away to matter.

There were seasons when I thought the storm would claim me. Yet even then, a quiet voice whispered: Row.

The lighthouse, the faithful beacon, wasn’t always in view. Sometimes I only felt its warmth in memory, a glow just beyond the veil. Each small stroke of the oar, each breath of courage, brought me closer.

One evening, I understood that the light wasn’t just ahead, guiding me. It was within me, pulsing from my heart’s own harbor.

Jung gave me the image, but life gave me the truth: the boat is my spirit. The sea is my becoming. The lighthouse is both home and self.

---

For the Empaths Who Feel Too Much

You are a prophetic gift. You are ancestral fire. You are not here to fix others, though I know how hard it is to believe that. Your truest role is to hold space for them, to be the calm shore where they can rest, to allow the sacred circle. the Sangha, to do the healing.

Stop apologizing for your unique perspective. Stop letting emotional energy vampires drain your flame. Protect it. I’m grateful I learned that, though it took time.

As Jung said, “Softness is not weakness. The gift of feeling is not the end of the journey, but a doorway.”

---

The Shadow Side

Here’s the truth we don’t admit too often: When we ignore our own needs, the empath’s gift can warp into defensiveness, numbness, or paradoxically, narcissism.

We become “wounded healers,” those who pour from an empty cup, and in doing so become cautionary tales.

Self-sacrifice is not love. Your purpose is not to bleed for others. Your calling is to transform wounds into wisdom.

Resolve past pains, and your aura will radiate. Heal at your core, and you can love deeply without being drained.

Brené Brown said, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”

---

My Prayer for You

Don’t let the church, or the world, tell you you’re broken, too much, or wrong because of how you see, how you feel, how you love.

God gave you this softness, this discernment, this fire, because He believed you could carry light into darkness.

So, beloved empath, stop apologizing for who you are. You are not here to carry the river. You are here to shine.

(Truth from Jung, truth lived and spoken.)

---

Keys for Empathic Living

Protecting your inner light while navigating the world

1. Anchor in Stillness
   Begin or end each day in quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation to steady your “boat” before the waves rise.

2. Name the Storms
   Learn what drains you. Boundaries aren’t walls; they are shoreline markers that protect your inner land.

3. Seek the Beacon
   Identify people, practices, and sacred spaces that restore you, and return to them often.

4. Tend the Flame
   Nourish yourself with rest, joy, and healthy rhythms so your inner lighthouse never dims.

5. Travel Light
   Release the guilt of saying no. Every “no” to what dims you is a “yes” to what sustains you.

With Love, 

Stacie J.

Ready, Set, Register!

 50/50/50 Virtual 10K / Race Registration is Live

Miles. Milestones. Memories. 

Goal: Raise $50,000 by my 50th birthday
Mission: To fund accessible wellness coaching, healing-centered events, and scholarships for women...all rooted in community, storytelling, movement, and purpose. 

The countdown to November is on! As we step into a new month, I'm inviting you to lace up, wherever you are in the world, and join me for the 50/50/50 Virtual Run. This is more than miles; it's about milestones, memories, and momentum. 

Whether you decide to sit on the sidelines and watch, complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, or 50 miles with me, you can do so at your own pace from October 24th to November 24th. So sit, walk, jog, or run at your own speed, in your own space, and be part of a community moving toward health, reflection, and celebration. 

Registration is now open! Tap the link below to secure your spot, and visit my website for more details on the mission, purpose, and vision behind the 50/50/50 Campaign. 

Register for the Virtual Run Here

Excitedly,

Stacie J

I See You

A Sacred Returning to Self

This morning I walked the dogs under the gaze of the rising sun, trotting and breathing with the trees as my witness. I sat in the grass barefoot, present, and grateful. My hands cupped prayers, my lips shaped affirmations, my heart pulsed with scripture. Then came breakfast: vibrant and healing eggs with garlic, basil, and turmeric, accompanied by slices of carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumber, kissed by the morning chill, as well as ruby red grapefruit and tea made with cinnamon bark and pau d'arco. Sacred nourishment for sacred terrain. 

I am reminded: My body is sacred land. My voice is sacred thunder. My presence is prayer. 

This isn't just about me. It's about all of us. 

You are seen.  You are loved. You are supported. You are protected. You are provided for. You are part of a royal and holy lineage, flowing through your veins like ancestral rivers stretching across continents, across generations, across all the names you carry and the ones you've yet to remember. 

A Return to the Divine Within

God is not a system. Not a pulpit. Not a punishment. And certainly, not politics. 

God is breath. God is blood. God is the whisper before the thunder. God is the soft yes in your bones when you finally trust yourself. 

You are not separate from the Divine. You carry the sacred in your marrow. When you honor your needs, when you rest, nourish, create, and pray, you honor the sacred fire within you. The rituals of your life are holy. Your laughter, your tears, your resistance to what no longer serves: these are all hymns. 

Lessons From the Ancestors

Like the Akan people who greet life with reverence...

Like the Cherokee who believe in the seeds of Eloheh (harmony, wholeness, abundance, peace); the sacred, just, and sustainable earth...

Like the Blackfoot and Sioux who commune with wolf spirits and wind songs...

Like the ancient drummers of Dahomey, the herbalists of Mali, the Irish seers who know the skies...

Your story is wide, woven, and worthy. 

We remember, like the story worlds of Avatar, that to live well means to listen to the land. The blue beings did not dominate nature. They lived with it, loved through it, and greeted one another with a soul-deep, "I see you."

May we do the same, starting with ourselves first. See your own holiness. Witness your own strength. Sing your own return. 

Reflection Prompts for You, Beloved One:

1. What part of your life feels sacred right now, no matter how small?
2. How does your body speak to you when you slow down and truly listen?
3. What rituals are calling you to reawaken your inner fire?
4. In what ways can you greet yourself and others with "I see you" from the soul outward?

You are becoming. And you are already whole. You are awakening. And you are already wise. You are healing. And you are the medicine. 

May your food nourish your spirit. May your movement remind you of your power. May your rest be wrapped in peace. May your days be laced with unseen hands of those who walk with you still. 

And may you always remember: You are the prayer. You are the altar. You are the sacred space.  

Amen, and so it is!

Peace and Love,

Stacie J. 

Earth, Water, & Rebirth

 A Weekend Reminder to Rest

Today, I gave myself a quiet, sacred yes: a swim. Not long. Not loud. But just enough. Enough to feel held. Enough to remember. The water welcomed me gently, cool, clear, and restorative. It met me like an old friend who knew what I needed before I could say it out loud. And just like that, my soul softened. I settled into a chair afterward, letting the breeze move across my skin like a song. I closed my eyes and listened, not just to the soft music playing nearby, or the occasional hum of airplanes overhead, but to my body and spirit exhaling. 

Even my watch seemed to exhale, detoxing itself from the water, reminding me that rest heals more than just the body. And, I smiled and chuckled to myself.  

Water as Womb, Earth as Anchor

In that still moment, I remembered what I've always known: Water heals. Air clears. Earth steadies. And rest restores. We were made for rhythms like this, for floating, breathing, listening, releasing. Water reminds us of where we began, in the safety of the womb and the promise of rebirth. And stillness gives us permission to remember who we are without the noise. 

A Gentle Practice for You

1. Find your water - a pool, a shower, a bath...whatever holds you in calm. 
2. Be present - No pressure, just pause. Let the water carry what you've been holding. 
3. Rest afterward - Sit somewhere quiet. Let the air kiss your skin. 
4. Breathe - Inhale slowly, exhale more slowly. Feel your body at the same time as the world.
5. Whisper this truth - "I am here. I am whole. I am home."

A Gentle Nudge

I've lived in this space for two years. But today was the first time I said yes to the pool. There's even a jacuzzi I've yet to enjoy. And that's the lesson tucked into this moment: How often do we live surrounded by rest, beauty, and healing, but keep postponing our own permission to receive it? So let this be your reminder. Use the keys you already hold. Say yes to your joy. Make time for your exhale. 

To you, dear reader, may this weekend carry its own quiet water. May it wash away your worry. May you find a chair, a breeze, and a breath that says:

"Welcome back to yourself!"

With love and gratitude,

Stacie J.

Exactly 4 Months to 50: The 50/50/50 Campaign Begins!

Miles, Milestones, and Memories In Motion

Yesterday, July 24th, marked a powerful turning point: we are exactly four months away from my 50th birthday. 

If you know me, you know this journey has been anything but linear. Doctors once said that I would not live this long. But God had other plans. Every breath I take is proof that purpose always wins. 

So yes, this milestone deserves celebration.
But even more than that, it deserves intention. 

This year, I'm walking into 50 with movement, meaning, and mission.
And, I am inviting you to walk with me. 

Introducing: The 50/50/50 Campaign

A soul-led journey to honor my life and legacy by committing to:

• Walk/run 50 miles between October 24th and November 24th. 
• Raise 50,000 to grow my wellness coaching and peer support services (will support scholarships)
• Celebrate turning 50 on November 24th
• Honor nearly 100,000 blog views from this amazing community built on love, learning, and healing. 

This isn't just a personal milestone.
This is a collective movement for healing, for legacy, for community impact. 

It's about saying yes to wholeness.

Yes to visibility. 

Yes to transformation one step at a time...LITERALLY!

Join Me for the 50/50/50 Mile Campaign Challenge

Let's walk into healing together between October 24th and November 24th. 

• Walk or run 50 miles over 30 days (your pace, your path)
• Post weekly photos or videos of your progress
• Receive a special keepsake when you finish
• Know that your $50 registration fee directly supports coaching scholarships for women seeking support on their healing journey. 

This is movement with meaning. A sacred walk of support and shared joy. 

Not a walker? That's okay. Maybe movement looks different for you. You can still be a part of this. Your energy, encouragement, and donations are deeply valued. 

Over the years, so many of you have stood beside me. You've read my words. Shared my journey. Encouraged my growth. Shared your personal stories. 

Now, I'm asking you to stand with me again as I step into this next divine chapter.  

Want to join the challenge or donate?

Email me at GodsGiftLLC@gmail.com and I'll share all the details.

You can also support now via PayPal - Click Here

More updates are coming: early registration, behind-the-scenes moments, and a growing 50/50/50 Community built to support this sacred mission. 

Let's celebrate healing in motion:

Every mile. 

Every memory. 

Every miracle. 

Exactly four months from now, I turn 50. 

And I'd love for you to be part of every step that gets me there. 

Excitedly Yours, 

Stacie J. 

From My Kitchen to the Continent: A Mandela Fellowship Gathering

When Botswana, Angola, and Arizona Meet at the Table

Mandela Fellows Dinner | June 28, 2025

A few weekends ago, my kitchen became a portal, a place where stories, laughter, and cultures from thousands of miles away met under the soft glow of candlelight and the hum of jazz. I had the profound honor of hosting two Mandela Washington Fellows, brilliant young women from Botswana and Angola. What began as a simple dinner quickly transformed into something sacred. It reminded me that we are all woven from threads of resilience, love, and hope. 

It was an evening filled with culture, comfort, connection, and courage. The kind of soul-stirring community that leaves a lasting imprint. We shared far more than a meal; we shared pieces of our stories, childhood memories, favorite foods, dreams, challenges, and the shared hope that bridges continents. 

Laughter echoed (cornbread is now affectionately known as "cake" 😄), the tea was soothing, and the conversation was deeply nourishing. We explored themes of identity, spirituality, therapy, family, and purpose. By the time my guests (sisters from the Motherland) left, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for divine alignment, meaningful exchange, and the truth that we are never truly alone in our journeys. 

This was more than hospitality; it was healing. A reminder that though we live in different places, many of us are navigating similar questions, hardships, and awakenings. Together, we've chosen to lean into love, wisdom, growth, and joy, to take chances, to expand, and to keep showing up. Thank you, ASU, for the opportunity to connect with these phenomenal women. I'll carry this evening with me always. 

With gratitude,

Stacie J. 

 

We Are Still Here

 A Journey into Memory, Spirit, and Belonging

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of walking into the Heard Museum. I did so with childlike curiosity. As I walked, my soul stirred. 

Though much of the museum focused on the art, history, and survival of Native people of Arizona, like the Navajo, O'odham, and Yavapai, it sparked something deeper in me. It awakened a knowing. A remembrance. A rootedness that whispered, "You belong here, too!" 

As I moved through the gallery spaces filled with pottery, textiles, ceremonial regalia, and stories of endurance, I could feel the voices of my own ancestors rising from within me. I am Cherokee. I am Blackfoot. I am Sioux. I am Tikar from Cameroon. I am Irish. I am Nigerian. My DNA holds codes from the peoples of Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, and several other places from the Motherland. And somehow, in that sacred space, every thread of my lineage felt honored. Unified. Present. 

We are still here.

We are the songs of rivers, the fire of story, the drum of memory.

I stood still in one gallery room, sunlight pouring through the arched windows, and for a moment, I saw her: a grandmother I had never met. A woman who perhaps walked with the earth's pulse beneath her feet, who prayed in song, who knew herbs and how to speak to birds. I thought of my mother, her rich brown skin and soft, round face, her wisdom wrapped in gentleness and fierce love. I thought of my children and the stories they now carry. I thought of every person whose feet have walked with purpose, even when the path was unclear. 

This experience reminded me that though we come from different tribal nations, our stories are braided together by the sacred threads of resilience, reverence, and renewal. 

We are earth-tenders. Story-keepers. Dreamers. Warriors of compassion. 

Affirmations from Ancestral Truth:

• My identity is layered, complex, holy, and whole.
• I am the living prayer of those who walked before me.
• I walk in the strength, wisdom, spirit, insight and resilience of my ancestors.
• I am grounded in the Earth's, wisdom, guided by ancestral memory, and inspired by a future that honors all that I am.
• I am called to be a voice for the voiceless, a vessel for healing, a bridge between worlds. 
• The stories I carry are sacred gifts. 
• I belong everywhere the Creator has placed me, and I bloom again and again. 

Reflections for the Soul:

• What rituals or practices ground you in who you are?
• What part of your ancestry have you not yet explored, but feel called to remember?
• How can you honor the lands you now live on and the people who first stewarded them?
• What stories are you carrying that your descendants will one day need to hear?

In this season of continued transformation, choose to honor every part of your lineage, not just in word, but in love, in learning, in sacred living. The museum reminded me that healing isn't just personal, it's collective. It's generational. It's sacred. 

And, we are still here! 

May we walk gently. May we rise powerfully. May we remember. 

Soulfully, 

Stacie J. 

73,000+ reads. 63 countries. Countless hearts connected.

 THANK YOU!!!

To every single person who has read, shared, or quietly reflected with me along the way...thank you!

This blog has become more than a space for words, it's become a sanctuary for healing, hope, and honest connection. Whether you've been here from the start or just found your way here, please know that your presence matters. Your engagement, seen or unseen, gives life to every post I write. 

Let's keeping growing together with grace, courage, and creativity! 

With love and gratitude, 

Stacie J. 

Vibrations, Veggies, & Vitality

 A Morning Grove To Remember

Let me tell you something about good intentions and loyal dogs: they don't always align. 

After a late night out, I had grand dreams of sleeping in, wrapped up in blankets and denial. But at 6:14 AM (yes, that precise), my dogs reminded me that their body clocks don't care about mine. And you know what? I'm grateful. 

I thought I'd sneak back into bed after our usual "outdoor business" run. But before I knew it, my hands were grabbing workout clothes, as if my soul already knew we were going on a journey. We ended up walking/jogging nearly five miles. At the halfway point, we plopped down in one of my favorite parks. Just me, the pups, the breeze, and the birds. I sat in the grass, prayed, meditated, even sang to the trees (they were kind enough not to judge my morning voice, but instead swayed rhythmically). Another reminder to be grateful. 

I kid you not, I felt vibrations from the ground beneath me. Either I was totally aligned, or the Earth decided to jump-start my spiritual Wi-Fi. Either way...I received it all!

When I returned home, I treated myself to an hour of yoga and a few moments of stillness with soft music playing in the background. Then came the nourishing part: a creamy banana, pumpkin seed, and ginger smoothie with nut butter, and my vibrant homemade juice made of beets, watermelon, mixed berries, and red cabbage. Add in some ice water and a bubble bath steeped in health clay and magnesium, and listen, that was just the reset I didn't know I needed to start my day. 

Here's your gentle reminder: 

Your version of self-care might look totally different. Maybe it's journaling with a cup of tea. Maybe it's dancing in your kitchen in fuzzy socks. Or maybe, like me, it's slow sips and soaking in the goodness of life, minerals, music, and all. Whatever it is, be kind to yourself. If you're just getting started, start small: one breath. One moment of stillness. One walk outside. And if you find it hard to stay consistent, consider joining a community of like-minded people who care about wellness, wholeness, and showing up for themselves every day. 

Cheers to slow sips, steady movement, deep breathing, and meaningful connections; to the Earth, to others, and most of all, to yourself. 

With love and support, 

Stacie J. 

The Sacred Power of Grounding

 A Spiritual and Scientific Look at Earthing without the Woo-Woo

Grounding is not a “trend” or strange ritual; it’s an ancient practice rooted in creation itself. 

Sitting beneath a tree or walking barefoot on the Earth is one of the simplest ways to realign with your Creator, your breath, and your body. 

This post explores how something so natural can support our spiritual, physical, and emotional wellness, and why it’s time we reclaim these sacred rituals without fear, guilt, or confusion.

Benefits of Grounding Under a Tree on Grass 

1. Electron Exchange & Anti-Inflammatory Effect
   • The Earth’s surface is rich in negatively charged electrons.
   • When you make skin contact (e.g., bare feet, hands), your body absorbs these electrons, which may help neutralize excess positive ions (from stress, EMFs, inflammation).
   • This can lead to reduced inflammation, better immunity, and faster healing. 
   
   
2. Nervous System Reset
   • Being in natural settings (especially under a tree) calms the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest).
   • Helps reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep.
   
   
3. Tree Connection Amplifies Energy
   • Trees emit subtle bioelectromagnetic frequencies, and when you sit beneath them, you are enveloped in their grounding, stabilizing field.
   • Many believe trees help regulate your energy field (aura) and support emotional balance, think of them as ancient, living conduits of wisdom and Earth energy. 
   
   
4. Boosts Mood and Brain Chemistry
   • Direct contact with Earth increases serotonin and dopamine levels naturally.
   • Exposure to phytoncides (aromatic compounds trees release) improves immune function and elevates mood. 
   
   
5. Vitamin D (if sun is out) + Circadian Reset
   • Morning sun exposure while grounded helps balance circadian rhythms, boosts Vitamin D, and may support better melatonin production at night.

Supercharging with Ions: Is It Real?

Yes, in a simplified sense:

• The body accumulates positive ions from stress, pollution, and electronics (EMFs).
• The Earth is rich in negative ions, which can help restore electrical balance.
• This “exchange” is like recharging your internal battery, hence the feeling of calm, clarity, and even physical energy after grounding. 

Try This Grounding Ritual: 

1. Sit or lie in the grass, bare feet or hands touching the ground. 
2. Lean your back against a tree or gently rest your palms on it. 
3. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. 
4. Visualize the Earth’s energy flowing up through your body, and stress draining down into the Earth to be transmuted. 
5. Stay at least 20–30 minutes (though even 10 minutes can help).

Recap: Grounding supports your health, reduces, inflammation, increases electron absorption, lowers oxidative stress, helps with better sleep, regulates cortisol and melatonin, provides emotional balance, calms the nervous system, promotes mindfulness, boosts circulation, reduces tension, it's an energetic reset, neutralizes EMF exposure, recharges aura and so much more.  

So be sure to take care of yourself. Be still and know!

With love,

Stacie J. 

Heart Swell for Nature & Continued Transformation

Today, a pigeon walked up to me freely and boldly. I smiled and greeted it, only to notice that something was different. “Clokie Warrior,” as I named this brave bird, had two legs but only two toes on one foot, and just one on the other. My heart swelled.

I asked, “What happened to your toes?” Of course, I didn’t expect a reply, but I wanted to speak to him with love. When I realized I didn’t have any food to share, I told him so, still engaging, and still holding space for this vulnerable, wounded creature. Another pigeon approached but veered away, leaving Clokie Warrior alone again. And suddenly, I felt sadness, not just for this one bird, but for all who walk with wounds we cannot see.

I thought about people. Veterans who return home missing limbs. Children born with disabilities. Individuals fighting battles with invisible illnesses. I wondered: In the animal kingdom, do creatures care for each other when they are wounded? And if so, how much more should we as people, those made in the very image of God, do the same for one another?

Scripture Reflections on Compassion & Worth

 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” — Luke 12:6 (NIV)


If even the smallest bird is not forgotten by the Creator, how dare we forget each other.

 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)


God draws near to those who hurt. Shouldn’t we do the same?

 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 (NIV)


Every act of kindness, especially for the vulnerable, is an act of worship.

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

The law of Christ is love in action.

Reframing How We See the Vulnerable

We live in a time where compassion sometimes seems overshadowed by competition, power, and appearance. It’s easy to dismiss people who are struggling, especially when we label them as lazy or incapable. But Jesus didn’t do that. In fact, He often stopped specifically for those whom others ignored or cast aside.

Yes, Jesus asked the man at the pool if he wanted to be made well (John 5:6), but that wasn’t a challenge; it was an invitation. An invitation to believe again. To hope again. To see that change was possible. What if we approached people with that same grace? Instead of condemnation, what if we asked:

• What would healing look like for you?
• How can I support you?
• What strengths do you carry that the world might not see?

From Nature to Neighbor: Let’s Be More Like Love

I believe we are called not only to observe nature, but to learn from it. In the animal kingdom, there are instances of animals protecting, nurturing, and even grieving for one another. If God placed that within them, what greatness of empathy and divine love must lie within us?

After all, we are God’s hands and feet on earth. We are the chosen vessels to carry His compassion, justice, and healing into the world.

And if Clokie Warrior, the bold, wounded pigeon, can walk with courage and approach another creature in peace, surely we can walk forward in the same manner. With bold love. With compassionate presence. With grace.

Reflection & Action

• When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice someone else's pain?
• Who around you may be “walking with missing toes,” hiding their wounds?
• How can you offer love, not pity, but love with dignity?
• Are there beliefs you need to unlearn about those who are vulnerable or struggling?
• This week, can you choose one act of intentional compassion for someone who might feel unseen?

Closing Blessing

May we have eyes to see as God sees.
Hearts to love as Jesus loved.
Hands that heal.
Voices that uplift.
And spirits anchored in truth:
That every life, winged or walking, is sacred.

With love, peace, and joy,

Stacie J. 

A Heartfelt Thank You

WOO HOOOOOO! 

To every soul who has read, shared, commented, or quietly journaled along with me, THANK YOU! 

My blog has now reached over 71,000 readers in over 63 countries, and I am both humbled and honored. That’s 71,000 moments of connection, reflection, healing, and hope. What a beautiful and sacred thing!

Whether you've been here from the beginning or just recently found your way to this space, I want you to know how much your presence matters. Your engagement, seen and unseen, fuels the purpose behind every post I write.

If the reflective questions in any of my posts resonated with you, I invite you to take a moment to journal your answers or even share them in the comments if you feel called. These questions are more than prompts; they're gentle doorways into growth, clarity, and healing.

As we continue this journey together, I’d love to walk with you in even deeper ways.

If you’re looking for more personalized support or you want to gather your own tribe for a creative healing and writing experience, I offer 1:1 coaching sessions and virtual healing circles through my coaching website:

👉 www.StacieJWhitakerHarris.com

Feel free to book a session for yourself or reach out about curating a healing circle for your community, team, or sister friends. Let’s keep growing together, with grace, courage, and creativity.

With deep gratitude,

Stacie J.

Halfway There

A Gentle Check-In for the Soul

Can you believe we’re already more than halfway through 2025? This year has been full of wonder and awe. Yes, it's also had a few bumps and rough patches along the way, but we are still here, and that alone is a testament to our resilience and perseverance.

Isn’t it interesting how time can feel like it’s racing by one moment and standing still the next? So far, I’ve made meaningful strides toward the goals I set, and as I enter this next half of the year, I’m going full throttle, totally committed to finishing what I’ve started. And while that’s exciting, I’ll be honest: it’s also a little nerve-wracking. Passion sometimes flickers under the weight of unexpected delays or detours. But I’ve learned that courage can coexist with uncertainty. I’ve also learned the power of being held by community when I need encouragement, and honoring solitude when I need to recharge.

Originally, this post was going to be a reflection on some of the troubling things I’ve seen and heard lately. But instead, I felt an intense nudge in my spirit to pause and reflect on how far I’ve come, and to encourage you to do the same! It’s easy to focus on what’s not working. Harder sometimes to truly acknowledge our growth. That’s why both solitude and community are vital; they help us see ourselves clearly, through rest and reflection, and through the eyes of those who remind us who we are.

So here’s a gentle invitation before you move on to your next task or goal...

Pause, Reflect, and Ask yourself:

• What have I learned so far this year?
• Where have I grown, even in ways I didn’t expect?
• What am I proud of, even if it’s something small?
• What am I ready to do differently in this next chapter?
• How do I want to show up in this next version of myself?

This is your moment to regroup, refocus, and reimagine. You’re allowed to be both a work in progress and a masterpiece in motion. 

Here’s to courage, clarity, and finishing strong with grace.

With love and support,

Stacie J.

When Asking Is the Bravest Thing You Can Do

Honoring Community, Rejecting Judgment, and Remembering the Power of Collective Care

I remember the struggles of motherhood. As a woman who raised three children, it was certainly challenging. After we lost our home, we lived pillar to post. Sometimes I made sure they had a place to sleep while I rested in a vehicle, just to avoid burdening the families offering us support. It took years to recover from the debt, the losses, the embarrassment, and the deep disruption to my life. I even started a fundraiser once, trying to raise $5,000 just to get back on track. Those were tough times.

Recently, a woman around my age that's still raising a family, bravely asked our community for help. Not surprisingly, some responded with messages lacking compassion. I saw things like: “Don’t be desperate,” or “It’s embarrassing to ask,” or the familiar “I’ll pray for you” with no real support behind it. I messaged her to let her know she is seen, known, felt, and cared for deeply. I offered quiet, tangible support and reminded her that God, the Creator of all would sustain and keep her.

This encounter made my heart and spirit feel deeply ready for tree-life living. A place where the community sits in a circle and eats from the same pot. Progress has, in many ways, broken down our capacity for care and collective concern. We’ve traded compassion for competition, community for individualism. Why are we so hell-bent on appearing whole, never in need, always polished, excellent, and put-together? I don’t believe that God ever intended for us to collect things (wealth, status, houses, cars, etc.) and neglect our neighbors and community. 

We till the ground and produce food, yes, but we’re also meant to sit together and enjoy the fruits of our labor as a community. I’m tired of rugged individualism and capitalism at all costs, even when it costs us our elders, our children, and the most vulnerable among us. I have thoughts and solutions. They’re not divisive, but sometimes when I share them, ridicule and scorn come my way. Some people like to have someone to look down on. I am not one of them. 

Though my means are modest, I give what I can to support the collective. I always have and I always will. My heart is not tethered to things; it’s anchored in love, for the betterment of humankind and the earth.

With Love for the Collective,

Stacie J.

🌷 Take Care of Your Mother’s Daughter (Borrowed Title)

A Love Letter for Daughters Missing Their Mothers and the Women Who Nurture Us All

My mother was, and still is, my rock.

If you didn’t know us, you might’ve thought I was an only child because I did all the “only child” things. Even at 21, with children of my own, I would curl up in her lap when I needed comfort. I’d lay my head on her lap when sadness hit. I called her countless times each week just to hear her voice. And yes, I even asked her to pat my back just because it soothed me. And she always did, without question.

May is always a complicated month. It holds both Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, and it carries the ache of deep remembrance for me. My mother passed away on May 29, 2000 which was Memorial Day weekend. This year marks 25 years without her, and while I’ve learned how to carry my grief, the weight never disappears.

In those early years, I created new traditions. Instead of focusing on her death in May, I celebrated her life on her birthday in February. As time passed and my healing deepened, those gatherings grew and shifted, and now, once again, I’m evolving.

This year, I’m holding space not just for myself, but for you. For every woman who has known the love, complexity, or absence of a mother. For every daughter navigating life with an ache in her chest. For every community caretaker, sister-friend, grandmother, or mother-figure who carries grief and gives love.

I invite you to join me for “The Power of Pause,” my inaugural post–Mother’s Day event, a gentle space for reflection, connection, and restoration. We will gather to breathe, feel, and be held in community.

Earlier today, I attended an online gathering called “Mother’s Day for Motherless Daughters,” and it moved me deeply. Nearly 400 women gathered virtually, sharing stories, tears, tools, and truths. One quote pierced my heart and stayed with me:

“Take care of your mother’s daughter.”

I don’t recall who said it, but it felt like it was meant for all of us.

So today, I say it to you: Take care of your mother’s daughter.
Speak kindly to yourself. Wrap your arms around your grief and joy.
Whether you had a beautiful bond with your mother, a complicated relationship, or none at all, your journey is valid, and you are loved.

And if your mother or any woman who’s nurtured you is still here, go hug her.
And give her one from me, too.

Sending Warm Hugs,

Stacie 

NOTE: This title was inspired by a phrase shared during the “Mother’s Day for Motherless Daughters” gathering. I may not remember who said it, but the words live in my heart—and now I pass them on to you.

Book Review: The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity

An Anthology by Eight Courageous Women

As a woman on her own healing journey, and one who serves others as a Healer, this book spoke directly to my soul. The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity is a powerful reminder that although our lives are vastly different, they are also deeply connected. Story is what weaves us together, offering understanding, validation, and the space to feel seen.

I had the honor of meeting one of the authors, Mrs. Nyoka Samuels-Gilchrist, during a women’s event where she spoke candidly about menopause. Her topic, “Girl, It’s Getting Hot in Here,” was both relatable and empowering. She offered practical advice, shared herbal remedies, and encouraged us to advocate for ourselves, starting with checking our hormone levels. Her presence and wisdom left a lasting impression.

Reading her chapter in this anthology felt oddly familiar. No, I didn’t immigrate to the U.S. like she did, but I do know what it’s like to be uprooted. To leave behind a place you love, filled with the laughter of childhood friends, and step into unfamiliar territory. I also know what it’s like to experience a “nervous breakdown” and have it dismissed by family, friends, and even medical professionals. Especially when you’re seen as “too young,” or “the strong one,” or accused of simply exaggerating.

This book mirrors the style I use in my own writing. Each chapter invites you to pause, reflect, and dig deep into your own soul. The journaling prompts are gentle nudges toward inner truth, and the stories are full of wisdom, vulnerability, and courage.

I give this anthology a solid 5 out of 5 stars—not just for the powerful narratives and healing reflections, but for its thoughtful design. The cover is stunning, and the layout pulls you in before you even read the first word.

If you are on a journey toward deeper self-awareness and wholeness, The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity belongs in your hands and your heart.

I Am the Carving: Embracing Divinity

Written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris 4/22/2025

There are moments in life when the divine speaks not through thunder or scripture, but through dreams, symbols, and the stillness of our becoming.

I had a dream. I was in the woods surrounded by trees; sacred, ancient, full of memory. In the dream, I came across a piece of carved wood. On it were three animals:

    • An eagle at the top
    • A bear
    • A Siberian tiger

I didn’t know then, but I do now: I am the carving.

This dream came at a time when everything in my life is shifting. I am transitioning into deeper healing, releasing control over what I cannot fix, trusting my gut like never before. I am learning that I don’t have to serve everyone at the expense of myself. I am becoming someone new while still honoring the woman I’ve always been.

• The eagle reminded me to rise, to see with spiritual clarity.
• The bear reminded me to protect my peace, to retreat when necessary, and trust my inner wisdom.
• The tiger reminded me to roar when needed and own my power, even when resources feel scarce. And, remember that the Earth is an abundant resource. I am not only connected to her, I am the physical manifestation of Mother. 

I am entering my 50th year with intention, running races, coaching, creating healing spaces, AND raising $50,000+ to continue the work I am called to do. My 50/50/50 Campaign isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s an offering. A declaration. A resurrection. I am no longer who I was, and (because multiple things can be true at the same time), I’m still not fully who I am becoming. I am walking this path with ancestors surrounding me and Spirit guiding me. 

Even as I feel all these things and live in my truth, I offer this to anyone else out there who feels like they’re in between:

You are not broken. You are being carved. And your shape will hold meaning for generations. 

 

With love,
Coach Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris
Your sister in healing, your witness in transformation.

 

Notice / Disclaimer:
This poem and all accompanying artwork are the original creations of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and are protected under U.S. copyright law. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in whole or in part without the express written permission of the author is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for honoring and respecting the creative integrity of this work.

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Unbound: I am a force

A Poetic Revelation from the Carved Spirit Within

Written by Stacie J Whitaker-Harris
4/15/2025

There are moments in our journey where Spirit speaks not in whispers but in echoes that rumble through our bones. This poem came to me days after a dream where I stood surrounded by trees, staring at a sacred carving—an eagle, a bear, and a tiger, layered in wisdom and power. I didn’t know then what message awaited me, but now, I do: I am the carving. I am the force. And I am unbound.

I am a force of nature.
A reckoning.

Tides high, I roll with the shift of each cascading wave.

I rise like the suns rays while gazing at the moon. Two lights, one purpose, to pave the way for all to see.

I am a force that fuels embers, sparks flames, and sets ablaze.

Igniting all on the pathway, building bridges of curiosity, and I paint the stage red, yellow, no blue, because my fire is the inferno that forges newness.

I am the destroyer and creator.
The terror and the peace.

I am the blackest night untold, holding scores of stars in the palm of my left hand and pouring millions of grains of sand with my right.

I am the weight weighing heavy on justices' scales, tipping over the tables of injustices because I am a force of nature.

I am unbound by time.
No chains on this mind.
I prevail.

I am a force, the source of freedom.
All doors open.
Blissfully welcoming opportunities to soar with eagles.

I am unbound.

Notice/Disclaimer:
This poem and all art is the original work of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in any form without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for respecting the creative integrity of this piece!