LIFE IN A WORD

The word is VULNERABLE

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm.

I am directing this blog to those of you who are feeling somewhat immobilized by the challenges of divorce. The emotions, the losses and the fears associated with change that put you in a vulnerable space.

About "LIFE IN A WORD"

Each month, I select one word that captures a powerful life lesson - one that has shaped how I think, feel, and grow. My hope is that these reflections inspire you to pause, look inward, and explore what that same word might mean in your own life.

Published 1/16/26

Before sharing my story, let me offer words commonly associated with vulnerability. As you read each one, pause and notice how it lands within you:

Powerless. Defenseless. Susceptible. Weak. Passive. Helpless. Unprotected.

These words—and the emotions they stir—sit at the core of vulnerability. Yet vulnerability, as uncomfortable as it feels, does not have to be permanent. It can be understood. Managed. And ultimately, transformed.

If you or someone you know is recently divorced and these words resonate with you, please read to the end for the opportunity to take one very important step forward.

My Story on Vulnerability

Imagine a time when it felt as though the world was turning against you—when fear and helplessness consumed your thoughts. Finding a way out seemed impossible. Yet, sometimes, just when things seem darkest, something shifts.

Perhaps it was a moment of clarity—a quiet awakening or a subtle change in perspective that moved you from impossible to possible. That moment, however small, became a turning point, beginning a shift away from vulnerability and toward strength.

Lost at Sea

Picture this: You’re steering a small sailboat in the middle of a vast ocean. The weather begins to change. Waves crash against the hull. Water rises around your feet. Darkness settles in.

This image captures the essence of vulnerability—powerlessness and exposure to forces beyond your control.

Now imagine that in the darkness, you spot a glimmer of light off the bow of the boat. A direction. A possibility. That light ignites your inner voice and pulls you away from fear, guiding you toward safety.

The ability—and the willingness—to look through the darkness is what allows you to change course. It’s how you navigate calmer waters and find your way back to shore.

Navigating a Way Out

We all encounter moments of vulnerability. The difference between staying stuck and moving forward lies in how we respond to challenges.  Awareness, intention, and support can shift vulnerability into manageability—and eventually, into strength.

If you are recently divorced and still searching for the light, you don’t have to do this alone.

I offer a no-cost, no-obligation Discovery Session—a safe space for you to explore what feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming.

Together, we’ll uncover the roots of your vulnerability and begin applying tools that support clarity, confidence, and forward movement.

If you’re ready to move from feeling vulnerable to feeling empowered, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Reach out today - your path forward starts with a single conversation.

To learn more or schedule your session, visit my website : bit.ly/3srFKL8

or email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com

You are not broken.

You are breaking open.

Please schedule your appointment today! https://www.innervoicehealthandlifecoaching.com/contact-4

LIFE IN A WORD

The Word is MOMENTS

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary - A minute portion or point of time

About My LIFE IN A WORD

Each month, I choose one word that captures a powerful life lesson—one that has shaped how I think, feel, and grow. My hope is that these reflections inspire you to pause, look inward, and explore what that same word might mean in your own life.

Posted 12/27/25

My Story on Moments

I am constantly amazed by our brain's ability to recall moments that hold special meaning. How do they happen so spontaneously? Why do some memories stay while others fade? I often have more questions than answers—and so does the scientific community.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) describes the brain as the most complex part of the human body: “This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behavior... the brain is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. It is the crown jewel of the human body.”

In a world that never stops spinning, I want to focus on the power of standing still to enjoy special moments. It starts by letting go of the "before" and the "after" to fully inhabit the "now." Be Here Now is the mantra I want to share with you. Don’t miss it. Engage with it. Feel it in your body and your mind. When you are truly present, you’ll be amazed at how your brain "bookmarks" that moment for future enjoyment.

The Queen Sized Bed

One such moment occurred in the wee hours of Friday, November 28th—the day after Thanksgiving. I woke up wide-eyed and smiling "from ear to ear," an expression my father used to describe a joy so large it fills your entire face.

I was in my queen-sized bed, but I realized my body was positioned like someone clinging to a life raft to avoid drowning. I was braced against my nightstand just to keep from falling onto the floor.

The culprits? My three- and five-year-old grandsons.

If you have ever shared a bed with grandchildren, the picture is immediately clear. By some law of physics or divine intervention, children in sleep gradually slither toward you. They sprawl, they rotate, and they colonize every inch of space you thought was yours.

There I was: the five-year-old’s knee in my belly and the three-year-old’s arm strewn across my head. In that cramped, slightly uncomfortable instant, the smile hit my face. No matter how compromised my position was, no matter how sleepless the night, the connection to these two beautiful children warmed my heart. Even now, as I write this, that same smile returns.

The Stranger in the Service Station Lounge

Because I believe nothing in life is truly random, I want to share another moment from just last week. I was walking through the door of the service station just two short steps behind another customer. I waited my turn and then took a seat in the customer lounge. Normally, I bring a book or my computer and focus on either of those things. However, in that moment, I immediately struck up a conversation with the gentleman. And before too long we found an incredible amount of common ground.  We engaged in conversation for over an hour and probably would have gone longer, but for the fact that we were informed that both our cars were ready.

Why Moments Matter

I share these stories to emphasize that moments are the fabric of meaningful connection.

My grandsons left an indelible mark on my heart through their physical closeness that night; my encounter with a stranger left an indelible impression of a different kind—the simple, profound connection between one human and another. In this big, unpredictable world, find comfort in knowing there are endless connections to be made and cherished when you learn to live in the moment.

As we move into this New Year, may your heart and mind be open to living in the present. When life gets hard—and it will—I hope you can reach back and recall those tiny moments in time and allow yourself to once again smile from ear to ear.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year - filled with precious moments!

LIFE IN A WORD

The Word is TRUST

Definition: Merriam-Webster DIctionary - Verb: to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of; believe.

About My LIFE IN A WORD

Each month, I choose one word that captures a powerful life lesson—one that has shaped how I think, feel, and grow. My hope is that these reflections inspire you to pause, look inward, and explore what that same word might mean in your own life.

My Story on TRUST

Lately, I’ve been experiencing an awakening of sorts—an awareness of certain truths about myself and how I’ve learned to trust my gut when it comes to managing my life.

That old saying, “wisdom comes with age,” rings true for me, and I can’t help but wonder—have any of you had awakenings of your own lately?

Imprinted Beliefs

Before diving deeper, let’s talk about a concept called “imprinted beliefs.”

These are ideas or limitations that get planted in our minds—sometimes by others, sometimes by ourselves. They often stem from our past experiences, relationships, or circumstances.

They can be positive, but more often, they’re the quiet voices that whisper:

“You’re not smart enough.”

“You’re not tall enough.”

“You’re just not good enough.”

And if we believe them, those voices can stay with us for years—limiting our choices and dulling our confidence.

This is where truth and trusting your gut come into play.

The Ballerina Story

Years ago, I read a book—its title has long escaped me—but the lesson has never left me.

It told the story of a young girl who attended a ballet with her class. She was mesmerized by the performance and raced home to tell her mother she wanted to be a prima ballerina.

Her mother, with the best of intentions, told her that a girl of her height and weight could never be a ballerina—certainly not a prima ballerina.

And just like that, the little girl’s dream was replaced by her mother’s belief.

That’s what we mean by an imprinted belief.

But the story didn’t end there. The girl’s love for ballet never faded. Over time, she realized that even if she couldn’t be a prima ballerina, she could still live out her passion in other ways—perhaps as a choreographer, a teacher, or an administrator.

The message was simple and powerful:

You may not fulfill your dream exactly as you first imagined, but you can still live it in a way that honors your truth.

Finding Courage to Trust Your Path

This lesson applies to so many parts of life. It takes courage to question old beliefs and to pursue what still calls to you—no matter how much time has passed.

Think of Misty Copeland, who, on June 30, 2015, became the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history.

Imagine if someone had told her she’d never make it—and she believed them.

What a loss that would have been, both for her and for the world.

My Own Awakening

For me, my calling has always been to help people.

Even as a child, I didn’t yet have the skills or experience—but I had empathy and compassion.

I went on to major in Sociology and Communication and built a career in advertising. I loved the creativity and the people, but the part that lit me up the most was helping my clients succeed.

After my divorce, I took a step back to reflect.

I asked myself:

What brings me joy? What feels most natural to me?

That’s when I discovered coaching. I researched, connected with mentors, and earned multiple certifications. For the first time, I felt fully aligned with my truth—using empathy and compassion not just in business, but in life.

The Truth About Trust

The real takeaway is this:

No matter what beliefs were imprinted on us—whether by others or by ourselves—if they no longer serve us, it’s time to release them and step into possibility.

For me, that meant becoming a coach.

For you, it might mean something entirely different.

If you believe, as I do, that it’s never too late, then start by trusting your gut.

Honor your truth.

Take that first small step—it just might lead you toward the life or community you’ve always longed to be part of.

Let’s Take That Step Together

If you’re thinking about stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring something that’s been calling to you, I’m here to help.

Trusting yourself can be both challenging and deeply rewarding—but you don’t have to do it alone.

I offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you uncover your thoughts, desires, and that all-important first step.

Email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com to schedule your session.

It’s your opportunity to speak your truth out loud—with a certified and compassionate coach who believes in your potential.