by Debra Smouse | Feb 19, 2013 | Life's Lessons
As I mentioned earlier this year, we humans learn from the stories of others. Before the written word was accessible, we passed down our stories by singing and speaking them. Human history is recorded because people need to tell stories and people need to hear them ...
by Debra Smouse | Jan 1, 2013 | Life's Lessons
Happy New Year, Darling! Welcome to 2013! I often share pieces of my personal story here within the blog. Long ago I learned that people learn from the stories of others. It’s why we were read fairy tales and fables when we were children, because deep behind the...
by Debra Smouse | Dec 19, 2012 | Life's Lessons
We’re approaching the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. The sun is setting earlier and rising later. The edges of the dawn have been soft and subtle with the most beautiful filter of clouds. A new morning ritual has emerged the last few weeks: I go into...
by Debra Smouse | Nov 20, 2012 | Life's Lessons
It’s that time of year again. We’ve rounded the corner towards the holidays and the beginning of a new year. In the United States, Thanksgiving is mere inches away. That means the season of gratitude has arrived! Amongst the advertisements for the hottest...
by Debra Smouse | Nov 13, 2012 | Life's Lessons
How do you define and perceive the holiday season? For some, it’s an opportunity for holiday parties and time with friends, or an opportunity to spend time with parents, grandparents, siblings, and distant cousins. The promise of good food surrounded by love and joy...
by Debra Smouse | Oct 23, 2012 | Strategies To Get Your Life On Track
Darling, what do you want? What gifts and talents do you want to share with the world? What do you need to lean into in order to fall head over heels in love with your life? If you’re like many, the answer to this question is “I don’t know.” What if I shared with you...
by Debra Smouse | Oct 16, 2012 | How To Fall In Love With Your Life Once & For All, Strategies To Get Your Life On Track
Hello, darling! How are you doing? Are you finding ways of loving yourself and your life? Earlier this year, when I took my digital sabbatical, I never told you the real reason I did it. Part of it, of course, was that my partner and I were going to be in Europe for...
by Debra Smouse | Sep 4, 2012 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
There are two things I want to confess today. One: I regularly battle the perfectionist demon. Two: I have a bit of stubborn side. Combined, this means that there may be days upon days when I’m so determined to get everything done on my own that I won’t admit to...
by Debra Smouse | Aug 28, 2012 | Feeling Burned Out, Stressed Out, Overwhelmed & Exhausted
Hello, my dear. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired of how your life is going? Are you feeling scattered? Do you feel like you are hanging on by the knuckles to survive? I know it’s hard. It’s challenging to feel anything but dullness and pain. It’s a...
by Debra Smouse | Aug 16, 2012 | How To Fall In Love With Your Life Once & For All, Life's Lessons
Once upon a time, I did what good Southern girls are supposed to do: I got married young and created the appearance of the perfect white-picket-fence life. We bought a three-bedroom “starter home,” got a dog and a cat, and began to plan for children. When the...
by Debra Smouse | Jul 19, 2012 | Strategies To Get Your Life On Track
Tell me, darling: What do you want? No. I’m not talking about unlimited books, a trip to Paris, a perfect relationship or a killer wardrobe that fits your (now) size 4 svelte body. I’m asking you what your heart most desires so that your soul can soar. Don’t get me...
by Debra Smouse | Jul 13, 2012 | Life's Lessons
Hello, darling. I want to tell you something: you’re doing fine. I know. I know. You had a “to do” list a mile long this week. No matter how much you get done – or don’t do – this week, it’s ok. Seriously. Repeat after me: “It’s OK. It will be OK.” Beating...