There’s nothing quite as unsettling as the fear of financial ruin, especially when it stems from the actions of a difficult or vindictive spouse. For many women, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, this anxiety can feel overwhelming, creating sleepless nights and a paralyzing sense of helplessness. You may wonder, “Will I be able to stand on my own? Can I rebuild my life if my financial foundation is shaken?”

First, know this: you are not alone. Many women have walked this path, and though the terrain is tough, they have emerged stronger and more resilient. Divorce is not just the end of a marriage; it is the beginning of a new chapter in your life—one where you are in control of your destiny, even when the future feels uncertain.

When a spouse’s actions jeopardize your financial security, it’s natural to feel anxious. That anxiety is valid, but it doesn’t have to dictate your future. Yes, the legalities of dividing assets and protecting your financial well-being are essential, but so is your emotional well-being. This is where reclaiming your inner power becomes critical.

Remember, your worth is not tied to your financial situation, your marriage, or even the actions of your spouse. Your worth comes from who you are, and what you’re capable of achieving—regardless of the circumstances. No one can take that away from you.

This is the time to surround yourself with the right support system: attorneys who will advocate for your financial security, and coaches who will empower you emotionally. Together, these resources can guide you through the maze of uncertainty, allowing you to step into a future where you thrive, not just survive.

Your financial security may feel threatened, but your future is still yours to create. Don’t let fear steal your dreams—stand in your power, reclaim your voice, and take control of the life that’s waiting for you.

Love and Light,

Michèle

Schedule your free consultation today and discover

what’s possible when you have the right support by your side!

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Twenty years ago, two women showed up in my life that I never imagined would become the angels they are to me today.

We were three moms in a new preschool class at a very small private school. Our three boys became fast friends, naturally connecting the three moms who might never crossed paths in a different time and place. We could never have known how our unlikely bond would evolve into a tried and true friendship over the span of more than two decades.

That summer, the three moms, our 5-year-old boys, a 3-year-old girl, and Rosie, my dog, set off for a big adventure to the sun-drenched banks of Sun Lakes State Park and Resort. I use the term Resort very loosely as many of the cabins and singlewide mobile homes have weathered the harsh winters and wicked-hot summers since 1959. It’s not fancy!

What started as a weekend road trip evolved into a weeklong adventure for many years to come. Over those years, life happened for us all, friendships grew stronger, kids grew up—elementary, middle school, high school and eventually college; feathers ruffled and unruffled, lots of laughter, hours spent on the beach, outdoor movies, floaty toys, sunscreen, bug spray, bicycles, flat tires, extra friends, countless meals prepared and cleaned up after, and so much more. Sun Lakes became a magical place for all of us.

Pretty much every topic under the sun was discussed while sunbathing at the beach, which often involved a glass of champagne or some other ice cold beverage.

One year, the girls asked me “If there were no consequences and money wasn’t an issue, what would you do?” I responded without skipping a beat “I would leave!”

You see, I had become increasingly aware of the undeniable fact that I was drowning in a marriage that was anything but happy and healthy. The control, the pretending everything was fine, and the realization that I was becoming invisible were all too much for me to bear.

It would be a year later before I actually worked up the courage to leave. With the help of family and friends I found myself moving from our large suburban home to a tiny cottage furnished with second-hand leftovers. Moving day was long and filled with all sorts of emotions but also a sense of freedom.

Everything seemed to be going well until I realized in somewhat of a panic, that I didn’t have a way to make my morning coffee. Never mind the fact that I just left nearly my entire life behind! The one thing that sent me over the edge was the lack of morning coffee and somehow, I associated this seemingly insignificant oversight with my lack of worthiness.

Good grief!

So, what do good girlfriends do? They go out and buy a beautiful French Press, a pound of my favorite dark-roast coffee, a beautiful new mug, and flowers and leave them on your doorstep to let you know how much they care. This is love.

I don’t see these ladies much during the year, but every fall, we pack up and head east for our annual trip, picking up just where we left off. Last week, we once again set off for the shores of Sun Lakes, but this year, the first time in 7 years, we were joined by our amazing kids, now in their mid-twenties. The trip was more magical than ever and for me, a special reminder that you just never know why someone comes into your life. Have gratitude for them all.

Love and Light,

Michèle

Schedule your free consultation today and discover

what’s possible when you have the right support by your side!

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Oh, the stories we tell ourselves about why we wait for what we truly want in our lives.  

It took me years—decades really—to fully embrace what this means. And when I finally decided to do something about it, people thought I was crazy and speculated my sanity. So often throughout my life, I’ve heard the message, “you should be content with what you have”.  

Why would any of us be content with what we have when we’ve also been told to “follow our dreams”. Why did we bother hanging all those ridiculous posters on our adolescent walls telling us the sky is the limit when that’s not really what we’re supposed to believe. It’s all very confusing. No wonder so many of us choose to stay in our little cocoons of mediocrity for entire lifetimes.  

Over the course of the last 4 years, I’ve lost both my parents to some form of cancer. And yes, they were both in their early 80s when they died, but they died with unfulfilled dreams and regrets for a life of “undoneness”. Heart-breaking to say the least.  

Up until about the time my dad became ill, my parents had been a vibrant couple, playing golf and socializing with friends and family, while living between homes in the Pacific Northwest and the California desert—what appeared to be a pretty good life. On the downside, however, they bickered a lot and both could be highly critical of one another and others. In the end, both wished they had done things differently.  

Two years after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma my dad—also lovingly known as Sir or Mic—died after a brief stay in an assisted living home. The COVID Pandemic and rules restricting family from visiting made this especially hard on him as well as the rest of my family. A year and a half later, mom (aka Doreen), succumbed to the complications of uterine sarcoma, another deadly form of cancer. It all happened so fast; I still find myself waking up ready to make that morning check-in call only to realize no one will answer.  

I spent a considerable amount of time with Doreen in the end, especially in her final weeks. It was the first time I ever recalled her sharing her sadness and remorse from not going after many of her dreams. For example, she was still regretful for having started and not finishing nursing school. Instead, she dropped out to marry my dad at the young age of 20, supported him through college, and ended up working in the front office of various doctors for the next 25 years—never as a nurse. She also held much guilt for her rigidness and constant need for the appearance of perfection. Whether it be clothing, the house, or yard, everything always had to look perfect. It was painful for us all, and as it turns out, it was especially painful for her. I now see that this was just her way of covering up her pain for an unfulfilled life. How sad.  

Towards the end, my mom shared how proud she was of me and the way I chose not to listen to all the critics, including her (which didn’t always go over very well). She finally understood who I am and always have been but for the illusion of the nonsense I allowed myself to live under for so many years. She understood why I could no longer wait to follow my dreams and get out of the race leading nowhere.  

My message for you, if I can do this, so can you! I believe we all have this ability and are all capable of creating our own dream life. In my work, I see women just on the verge of going for their big dream only to put themselves, once again, on the back burner, waiting until the “time is right”. As long as you keep telling yourself it’s not the right time or there’s not enough money, there won’t be. It’s time to change your story and put an end to the waiting.  

If you’re tired of waiting and schedule a discovery call with me today and find out just what’s possible for you!  

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Love and Light,

Michèle

Do you ever wonder why sometimes the best laid plans take an unexpected turn leaving you in a lurch, frustrated, or even angry? It could be an invitation from the Universe to see things through a different lens.  

Recently, I was on one of my travel excursions to the South of France where I was to convene with 13 women from around the globe for our last Mastermind Retreat of the year. I carefully planned this trip so I could spend some time on the beaches of St. Tropez and Cannes before our 3-day meetings began.  

Apparently, the Universe had different plans for me!

After a long day of flying from Seattle to DC, the pilot came on to let us know that the airport was closed due to a severe thunder and lightning storm and that we would be rerouted to Raleigh Durham, NC for the night. Great, now I’d miss my connection to Dublin! Little did I know, that was the least of my problems! Over the course of the next few days, I found myself in places I could never have predicted. Disappointed? Yes. Mad? No.  

After four days and four flights, three continents, two rather interesting hotel stays, a night held captive in the DC airport, a crowed train and one set of clothes, I arrived in Cannes. From Seattle, to Raleigh, to DC, to Casablanca (yep, the one in Morocco), to Nice, then finally onto Cannes. After all of that, the €26 glass of champagne was completely worth it! 

This unexpected turn of events would have spun a less evolved version of me into feeling like a victim, and I may not have behaved with grace and compassion for the many people who were doing their best to help everyone who had been stranded. However, I kept asking myself, “what am I meant to learn from this experience?” “What wisdom does the Universe want me to gain from this seemingly unfortunate roundabout way to my destination?”  

As I reflected on these questions with the knowledge that life is happening for me rather than to me, I reminded myself of the wonderful new friend who sat next to me on the flight out of Seattle. She came all the way from Virginia to gather up her mother-in-law and accompany her back for a family visit. That’s love. We ended up spending quite a lot of time together, and now, I have a new friend on the other side of the country! 

I also met a charismatic young Arabic man named Faizullah who worked as an esthetician at the airport “spa” in Casablanca. I had plenty of time before my flight, so giving into his charm, I agreed to an electronic chair massage for €9. Once he had me securely seated in the chair with the mechanical hands doing their best to massage my tired muscles, Faizullah went on to sell me the benefits of Argan and Prickly Pear skin care products. What could I do? After enjoying traditional mint tea served in a crystal glass and yummy Arabic cookies, I walked out of his shop with €100 worth of skin care products.  

When I give myself permission to see things differently, I feel more at peace, less anxious, and confident that everything will work out for me.  

When life happens in seemingly “undesirable” ways, there’s a nugget of wisdom to be discovered. How you choose to see your situation can make or break your day. It’s up to you.  

I’m here, if you could use a new perspective on life. Schedule your free consultation today.