When I think about celebrating small wins, it reminds me of a story from a client who we’ll call Mary. Mary was navigating her divorce with the weight of the world on her shoulders, feeling overwhelmed by the unknown. She wasn’t sure where to start, and every day felt like one more step on a never-ending uphill climb. Like many, she was stuck in the idea that her life wouldn’t be okay until all the pieces fell perfectly into place.

But here’s the thing: waiting for that perfect “big win” before allowing yourself to feel proud or happy is a trap. You’re not just surviving until that day arrives. You’re growing. Expanding. Becoming someone stronger, someone wiser. And that deserves recognition every single step of the way.

One afternoon, Mary called me after attending her first mediation session. “It wasn’t much,” she sighed, “but I didn’t break down and cry. I managed to stay calm and step into my power, even when he tried to push my buttons.”

“Wait, hold on,” I interrupted. “That’s huge. You stayed calm. You stepped into your power. You didn’t cry. That’s NOT nothing, Mary. That’s a win.”

At first, she wasn’t sure she could call it a win. Like many of us, she was conditioned to think a victory had to look like a finalized divorce settlement, a signed decree, or a court battle won. But in reality, those “big wins” are built on a series of small, sometimes almost imperceptible steps forward.

The process of divorce—whether you’re just considering it, in the thick of it, or finding your footing post-divorce—isn’t one big moment of transformation. It’s a journey. And along that journey, it’s the small wins that keep you moving, that remind you of your strength, that help you feel like you’ve got this.

Why We Need to Celebrate the Small Stuff

Divorce is emotionally draining, to say the least. Whether it’s the late-night tears, the overwhelming paperwork, or the moments of doubt that creep in when you least expect them, the emotional toll is heavy. But when you shift your focus to celebrating small wins, you start to see the light breaking through the clouds.

Small wins are the proof that you’re evolving, that you’re making progress, even when it feels like the world is standing still. They’re the tiny victories that say, “Yes, you’re doing this. And yes, you’re going to come out stronger.”

In Mary’s case, staying calm during mediation was a big step in reclaiming her power. For someone else, it might be making that phone call to a coach or an attorney after weeks of procrastination. For you, it could be simply getting out of bed on a day when the weight of it all feels too much. These small moments are not insignificant. They are evidence of your resilience.

What Does Celebrating Small Wins Look Like?

Celebrating your wins doesn’t mean throwing a party every time you handle a tough conversation or check something off your to-do list (but, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it!). It can be as simple as acknowledging your progress.

• Pause and reflect. At the end of each day, take a moment to ask yourself: “What did I accomplish today, no matter how small?” Even if it’s just managing to keep your cool when you didn’t think you could, write it down.
• Treat yourself. Whether it’s indulging in a favorite cup of tea, going for a walk, or taking 20 minutes to read that book you’ve been meaning to get into, allow yourself a small reward when you overcome a hurdle. This is important!
• Share your win with someone who gets it. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach (hi!), sharing your win with someone who understands the weight of it can make the victory feel even more real.

The Ripple Effect of Small Wins

When you start celebrating the small wins, something magical happens—you begin to shift your mindset. You stop waiting for the finish line and start appreciating the journey. And when you do that, your confidence grows, your resilience strengthens, and suddenly, the mountain doesn’t look so impossible anymore.

Mary’s small win at mediation led to more wins. She started handling her ex’s emails with a little more detachment, setting better boundaries with her kids’ schedules, and eventually making decisions from a place of calm, not panic. It wasn’t just about “getting through” her divorce—it was about reclaiming her sense of self and power along the way.

So, whether your win today is as small as completing a form, asking for help, or even just getting dressed and out the door, celebrate it. Because it’s not about the size of the win—it’s about the momentum. Every small win you celebrate is one step closer to becoming the person you’re meant to be, a stronger and more grounded version of you.

Keep Going, and Keep Celebrating

Divorce, like life, isn’t a one-time transformation. It’s a process of continuous growth and evolution. So, let’s keep celebrating those small wins—because when you look back, those tiny steps will be the very things that got you to where you’re meant to be.

And trust me, when you get there, you’ll be so grateful you didn’t wait until the finish line to acknowledge your incredible strength.

Now go ahead, ask yourself: What’s your small win today? Whatever it is, take a moment to celebrate it. You’ve earned it.

Love and Light,

Michèle

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It is said, “The teacher will appear when the student is ready.”

Apparently, teachers can come in many forms, and I certainly was not expecting the arrival of this teacher that gray and chilly October morning when I received a phone call from a woman I held in such high esteem.   

It was a particularly stressful time in my life with the pressures of a corporate job, health issues I had never experienced previously, managing a staff, on top of overseeing the care of my dying mother who had only a few months to live.  

To say I thought I could “do it all” is an understatement. 

It never once occurred to me to give myself permission to step out of the race for a bit so I could take care of the only me there is. Nope, I opted for being the Martyr on the verge of a mental and physical breakdown. The exact type of woman I love helping. At the time, I just didn’t see it.  

Upon saying “hello” I was met with a barrage of hurtful criticisms and unwarranted accusations as this woman unleashed what seemed like every transgression she’d experience. The angry energy pulsing through the airwave stunned me into a panicked state of childhood being severely scolded by my mother.  

For nearly 10 minutes, I said nothing, just listened as I felt the heat rise in my body and the lump of shame in my throat barred me from speaking. When she finished her storm of rage, I attempted with as much humble dignity and grace as I could to understand her feelings and apologize for the damage I had apparently caused. 

After the call, I felt so humiliated that I curled up on the floor and ugly cried. This was not a proud moment for me. In fact, this incident brought on so much guilt, embarrassment, and shame that I could not even share my feelings of deep sorrow with those closest to me or even my own trustworthy coach until months later. By that time, I had done quite a lot of my own soul searching and understood the meaning behind it all. 

Little did I understand at the time, it was the moment I subconsciously told myself “This is complete and utter nonsense (or something a little stronger) and I have had enough! I am meant for so much more in this life.” Quite frankly, we all are. Every single one of us deserves so much more than what we allow.  

This was also the moment when the Universe heard me, loud and clear, and began putting things into motion that months later allowed me to leave my corporate career and step into a life truly desired. Additionally, it gave me the beautiful opportunity to care for my mom who was in the last few months of her life. Two gifts I will always cherish.  

This incident also revealed to me that people are hurting. This woman, while directing her anger towards me, was simply temporarily targeting me as the source of her own fear, anxiety, and shortcomings. I now know it really had nothing to do with me, it was only a moment in time that has now passed and I’m quite certain that if it all happened again, we would handle it differently.  

The lesson for us all is to remember that life isn’t happening TO you, it’s happening THROUGH you and FOR you. This can only be seen with an open mind and looking through a different lens while accepting the world as it is.  

Though it was a tough lesson for me at the time, I am and will forever be grateful for how things unfolded. Today, I help others shift their perspectives and grow into who they are meant to be through various life transitions. 

I share this experience with you all in the hopes you will look at your life through a new lens to see there are limitless possibilities in the world for you. Also, to give yourself and others grace before jumping into victimhood or blame over anything. We never know what’s going on in the life of someone else and when we open our hearts and eyes to the fact that it isn’t just about us; we’re humans and all in this together, we create a world of love, peace, and joy. 

If the Universe is telling you, it’s time for a shift, I am here to help. Schedule your complimentary consultations with me today to see what is possible for you.  

Love and Light,

Michèle

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I seem to have a lot of people in my life right now who are going through a rough patch of sorts, in fact, a couple of them are facing unexpected life changes and even life-threatening illnesses. With each of these people, the question that comes up is, “What’s going to happen?”

I don’t know! What is going to happen?

Isn’t it funny how we think we need to know the whole story before we can even begin? Life doesn’t seem to work that way, though. We all start out with nothing more than a bag of threads, a handful of colors, and no pattern to follow. And yet, somehow, we expect it all to come together perfectly, as if the tapestry of our life is something that should reveal itself from the start.

But life isn’t about having the whole picture laid out in front of us. It’s about holding those threads in our hands and beginning to weave, trusting that as we go, a pattern will emerge. Not because we had all the answers, but because we dared to start. The unknown? Well, it’s always there. The real trick is realizing that we get to decide what we want to create.

Each thread we choose to weave represents something—a decision, a hope, a fear, or a dream. And while we may not know how it all fits together, we can have a vision. A vision of the life we desire, of the love we want to feel, of the purpose we long to fulfill. That vision becomes our guide, our compass. And step by step, thread by thread, we begin to craft something beautiful.

Sometimes the threads get tangled. Sometimes they break. But even in those moments, the tapestry continues. It’s in the weaving, not in the knowing, that the beauty unfolds. We don’t need to have all the answers before we begin, and we don’t have to see the entire picture to trust that it’s there, waiting to be revealed.

We just need to keep weaving.

And yes, there will be times when you feel lost, when you wonder if any of these pieces will come together in the way you hoped. That’s where guidance helps—not to tell you what your tapestry should look like, but to help you see the threads more clearly, to remind you of the vision you’re working toward when you feel like throwing the whole thing aside.

Because the truth is, you don’t have to do this alone. There’s support when you need it, encouragement when the threads seem impossible to untangle, and a gentle reminder that it’s your hands holding the loom. No one else can create your life for you. But you can ask for help when you need it. Not to find the answers for you, but to help you remember that the answers were there all along, waiting for you to uncover them.

So, what’s going to happen? I don’t know. But I do know this—you hold the threads. You get to weave. You get to decide what you want to create. And with each step, each choice, and each new thread you add, the tapestry of your life comes into focus, more beautiful and more intricate than you ever imagined.

Trust the process. Keep weaving.

The masterpiece is already in progress.

Love and Light,

Michèle

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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

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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

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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!  

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Love and Light,

Michèle