Linger Over Breakfast

Linger Over Breakfast – Pick your favorite little breakfast spot or host at home. Breakfast requires so little effort and yet, can be so fulfilling when you’re joined by your bestie or even a few of them. Laugh, reminisce, maybe even get a little weepy. The point is to get out of your normal routine and into a more pleasurable place where you can unwind and just be you.  

Taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is crucial as you navigate life transitions. You’re not alone, and there is a path forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. If you know someone that could use a little boost of Self Care, please feel free to share this tip with them by hitting the button below.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes two to tango,” but when a marriage hits the rocks, it’s tempting to point the finger at our partner and say, “It was definitely their fault.” It’s easier to dwell on what they did wrong than to take a good, long look in the mirror. But if we want to grow, heal, and create healthier relationships in the future, we must muster the courage to look within and own our part in the breakdown. 

Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is just another lecture on how you’re to blame for everything, let’s get one thing straight: Self-reflection isn’t about shaming yourself or shouldering all the responsibility. It’s about empowering yourself. When we acknowledge our role, we open the door to awareness, growth, and, most importantly, change. 

Consider this: What if your next relationship could be your best one yet, simply because you took the time to understand what went wrong in the last one? It’s not about revisiting the past to wallow in guilt; it’s about learning from it. 

Let’s say, for example, you realize that you tended to avoid conflict—I can certainly relate to this—sweeping issues under the rug until they piled up and turned into a full-blown mess. Recognizing this habit isn’t a ticket to beat yourself up; it’s an invitation to do things differently next time. Maybe you’ll learn to communicate your needs more openly, or perhaps you’ll work on developing a tolerance for those uncomfortable conversations that are crucial for any relationship. 

Self-reflection also allows us to see our blind spots—the things we might have been too close to notice. Did you prioritize your career over your marriage without realizing it? Did you expect your partner to read your mind instead of clearly expressing what you needed? These are the kinds of insights that self-reflection can bring to light, and with them comes the opportunity to grow and do better in the future. 

So, here’s the bottom line: We all have room for improvement, and that’s not a bad thing. By embracing self-reflection with a healthy dose of compassion (and a sprinkle of humor), we can break free from old patterns and pave the way for relationships that are more fulfilling and resilient. 

After all, the best way to avoid stepping on the same old landmines is to finally recognize where they’re lying in wait. And that’s a lesson worth learning—no matter how many times we’ve tangoed before. 

Ready to learn a new dance? Schedule your free consultation with me today and together we’ll discover a new dance.  

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Love and Light,

Michèle

As I was journaling and listening to music this morning, Cristofori’s Dream by David Lanz drifted over my morning coffee spurring a memory from many years ago. I was sitting alone in my dining room in a house where I felt like a stranger. A stranger to myself. 

Who had I become? Where had the effervescent, vibrant, polished Michèle gone? 

I remember feeling desperate to become more than the life I was living—a housewife who ran the school auction and drove the carpool to whatever the sport of the season happened to be. Somehow my life, that once held so much promise, had eroded into a dismal pool of melted dreams where I felt stripped of my self-worth and exiled to a life unfulfilled.  

I needed to feel like I had some purpose, some independence where I was earning a little of my own money. Having had a career in fashion and news media prior to leaping into stay-at-home mom-hood, a friend convinced me to become a clothing rep for a line of high-end designer women’s apparel. Much to my husband’s protests, I embarked on what I now see as the first step in taking back my life. 

I remember feeling so hopeless in that dining room surrounded by things and furniture I didn’t love along with racks of beautiful clothing I was to sell to customers who didn’t show up. To say I felt a bit defeated would be an understatement. All I wanted to do was run away to a new life, at least a life where I felt free and alive again.  

As I reflected on this gloomy time in my life, I marveled at just how much had changed over the past 15 years. I could never have known, back then, that what would emerge from that seed of darkness would be a ray of pure light leading to an amazing new life that continues to unfold before my very eyes. Even with the stretches of what feels like seasons of drought, the light of goodness always comes back in such unexpected ways. I’m learning to let go and let it flow. 

For me, leaving a marriage that wasn’t working and launching into the great unknown to essentially start over was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. And yet somehow, I knew, even when I was balled up on the floor sobbing over some heartbreaking pitfall, that God always had my back (and still does), and that I would be ok.  

If this resonates at all, I hope this memory of mine has been of service to you. If you’re ready to rediscover yourself, schedule a free consultation with me today and together we can explore what’s possible for you.  

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Love and Light,

Michèle

Float on Your Favorite Floaty Toy

Float on Your Favorite Floaty Toy – Let yourself be a kid and drift around in the water on a fun floaty. Relax as the gentle waves rock you into a state of complete bliss. If you want to partake in a cold beverage, do it! I know this might not work for everyone, but it is high on my summer selfcare list while the weather is still warm. My personal favorite floaty is a large round tube with rainbow Pegasus wings and the head of a unicorn. I call her Audrey! It’s a bit frivolous, I know, but I love it! p.s. don’t forget the sunscreen!

Taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is crucial as you navigate life transitions. You’re not alone, and there is a path forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. If you know someone that could use a little boost of Self Care, please feel free to share this tip with them by hitting the button below.

If you’ve been paying attention to the 2024 Paris Olympics, you may not have been surprised to see superstar Celine Dion perform during the Opening Ceremony. You may have also seen the sad news about her 2022 diagnosis of a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person’s Syndrome that threatened to end her iconic career. 

Several years ago, I was listening to an interview with the Indigo Girls on a local radio show and the host, a progressive, nonconventional type, asked the singers who they most admired and wanted to meet in the music world. Their resounding response was Celine Dion.  

“Mic Drop”! 

The edgy radio host was notably shocked by the girls’ unexpected reply and made a rather offhanded and snarky remark, which essentially devalued the relevance of Dion’s feminine powerhouse status during a time when “Grunge” was all the rage.     

But the two folk singers unapologetically shot back saying, “Celine Dion is one of the most powerful, influential, and highly regarded women in music. Most people have no idea who she really is and the level of respect she has garnered inside and out of the music industry.” They went on to say that Celine did more behind the scenes work on behalf of female artists and other talent coming up through the ranks than just about anyone else at the time.  

I wasn’t really a big fan, but this was a powerful message for me, and I recall thinking: 

“Wow, how authentic is it that Indigo Girls, who could have named any number of music icons at the time, instead stepped up and spoke their truth on behalf of another woman who represented an entirely different lifestyle and musical genre. It really didn’t matter to them who might have been in judgment of their blatant audacity to stand in their Truth. They chose to see through the veil of illusion in appreciation of the beauty within.  

This memory came back to me as I watched Celine’s performance in Paris where she absolutely radiated her essence of compassion, joy, and genuine love of performing and giving her gift of music to the world.  

A few days before the Opening Ceremonies, I watched Celine’s incredible display of vulnerability in the documentary, I am Celine Dion. It chronicles her life, including the agonizing pain and suffering she has experienced while living with Stiff Persons Syndrome, a disorder that has left her unable to do what she most loves in life – to sing and dance. Her dedication and determination to perform again has been her North Star throughout her time away from performing and the seemingly endless barrage of medical treatments she’s undergone. 

Her willingness to share her true feelings of sadness, heartbreak, and debilitating pain on camera was sobering. I may have shed a tear or two.  

I don’t know many people, including myself, who would allow cameras into my life while falling apart so dramatically at the thought of never being able to do what I love again.   

The imperfect woman I witnessed on that screen with graying hair, no makeup, no glittery outfits and stiletto heels, just a broken human who had the courage to be vulnerable knowing that her critics would cast judgment as she revealed her sadness and despair in the wake of her illness.  

She also knew that her vulnerability would help far more people than the number of arrows her critics could launch.  

Celine Dion, while not everyone’s cup of tea, serves as a model for so many of us who struggle with the need to be perfect in this imperfect world. She gave herself permission to be exactly who she is without the pretense of what a superstar is supposed to look and act like.  

We can all learn from the courage and wisdom of the Indigo girls who continue to stand by their truth and Celine’s openness to be who she is, exposing her beautiful, authentic self.  

 How are you showing up in the world? If you’re ready to show up as a new and improved version of yourself, schedule a free consultation with me today and together we will explore what’s possible for you.  

​Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Love and Light,

Michèle 

As you stand at the crossroads of a new chapter in your life, I want to share a story that might resonate with you and offer some hope and encouragement.

When my marriage ended, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. My identity had been so intertwined with my role as a spouse that I struggled to see who I was outside of that relationship. The journey to rediscovering and embracing my new identity was not easy, but it was profoundly transformative.

The first step was acceptance. I had to accept that my life had changed and that my old identity no longer defined me. This acceptance allowed me to open myself up to new possibilities and to start exploring who I could become.

I began by reconnecting with my passions. I asked myself what activities brought me joy and fulfillment. I revisited hobbies that I had set aside during my marriage and discovered new interests that I had never explored before. This exploration was not just about keeping busy; it was about rediscovering what made me feel alive.

Another crucial part of my journey was surrounding myself with a supportive community. I found strength in connecting with others who were going through similar experiences. Sharing our stories and supporting each other helped me realize that I was not alone and that my feelings were valid.

I also took time to reflect on my values and goals. I asked myself what kind of life I wanted to build and what kind of person I wanted to be. This reflection helped me set new priorities and create a vision for my future that was aligned with my true self.

Embracing my new identity meant letting go of guilt and self-judgment. It meant being kind to myself and acknowledging that it was okay to feel lost and uncertain at times. I learned to celebrate my progress, no matter how small, and to be patient with myself as I navigated this new path.

Today, I am proud of the person I have become. My divorce did not define me; it was a catalyst for my growth and transformation. I have discovered strengths I never knew I had, and I have built a life that is true to who I am.

I share my story with you because I want you to know that redefining your identity post-divorce is not only possible but can be incredibly empowering. You have the strength within you to embrace this new chapter and to discover a version of yourself that is resilient, authentic, and full of potential.

As a life strategist and divorce coach, I am here to support you on this journey. Together, we can explore your passions, set meaningful goals, and build a future that reflects your true self.

If you are ready to start this transformative journey, I invite you to schedule a complimentary discovery session with me. Let’s take the first step together toward embracing your new identity and creating a life that you love.

Love and Light,

Michèle