April is Stress Awareness Month, and we’re digging deeper into what it really means to prioritize your mental health. Today, let’s talk about something many of us have internalized: the pressure to just “push through.” We live in a culture that praises hustle, grit, and “no days off.” But here’s the truth: rest is notContinue reading “You Don’t Have to Push Through It All: Breaking the Cycle of Stress”
Author Archives: Kristine | Embracing the Journey
How to Recognize Stress Before It Boils Over
We’re continuing our April focus on Stress Awareness and Resilience, and today’s post is all about tuning in before things explode. Because let’s be real—stress doesn’t always hit us like a freight train. More often, it simmers just beneath the surface, quietly piling up… until one day, we snap, burn out, or shut down.But whatContinue reading “How to Recognize Stress Before It Boils Over”
April Focus: Stress Awareness & Resilience
April Focus: Stress Awareness & Resilience“Stress is inevitable—but how we respond makes all the difference.”Stress isn’t going anywhere. It shows up in our inboxes, in unexpected life changes, and even in our own thoughts. That’s why, for the month of April, we’re shining a light on something we all experience: stress.But more importantly—we’re going toContinue reading “April Focus: Stress Awareness & Resilience”
23. The Illusion of Control
My friend had no idea about my addiction. In my mind, I convinced myself that this time would be different—that somehow, I’d magically get a job and keep it, that I’d somehow stay clean, despite never making it past 30 days. Reality, of course, had other plans. In the meantime, I found my own wayContinue reading “23. The Illusion of Control”
22. A Blur of Decisions and Consequences
The next few months moved at a dizzying pace. My friend from home, fresh out of the Marines and carrying the weight of losing close friends in Iraq, decided to stay. By the end of the weekend, we had signed a lease together. The plan was simple—he’d head home to pack and take care ofContinue reading “22. A Blur of Decisions and Consequences”
Introducing: Healing in Reverse — A Space for Real, Honest Healing
If you’ve followed my journey, you already know that healing isn’t linear. It’s messy. It doubles back. It takes detours. Sometimes it feels like we’re moving in reverse—but in reality, we’re deepening, unlearning, and growing stronger. That’s the heart behind my new Etsy shop: Healing in Reverse. Why I Created This ShopOver the years, I’veContinue reading “Introducing: Healing in Reverse — A Space for Real, Honest Healing”
Mindfulness: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Burnout
Feeling overwhelmed or on the edge of burnout? Discover how simple mindfulness practices can help you manage stress, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself—one breath at a time.
21. Nowhere Left to Turn
By this point, I had fully surrendered to the addiction. There was no pretending, no fighting it—I was just surviving, chasing the next high. My friend, on the other hand, was what you’d call a “put-together” junkie. She could manage to get a job, keep it, and at least appear functional. I was the opposite—IContinue reading “21. Nowhere Left to Turn”
20. Back to the Races
The next day, I woke up feeling too numb to process anything. It was as if something inside me had permanently shifted overnight.Just like that, everything changed. It was back to the races.The only thing that mattered was chasing that high. Nothing else. That night, we still went to a meeting, sitting among people whoContinue reading “20. Back to the Races”
19. Familiar Face, A Dangerous Choice
Landing back in Florida, I convinced myself this was my fresh start, my second chance to get things right. I immediately reached out to an old friend from the rooms and we went to a meeting together. It felt good to see a familiar face, and for a moment, I let myself believe this timeContinue reading “19. Familiar Face, A Dangerous Choice”