One of the things I have been learning in psychology that I find particularly interesting is how the mind protects itself without us even realizing it. We often think of protection as something conscious. We choose to walk away, to stay quiet, to distract ourselves, or to avoid something that hurts. But sometimes, the mind does the protecting for us before we are even aware that there is something to protect.

Before we start plotting where we want to go, there’s another question worth asking: Who is making the journey? The Mirror and the Map explores why self-awareness comes before intentional growth, why reflection means recognizing our gifts as well as our blind spots, and how understanding who we truly are can help us build a path that actually belongs to us. First the mirror. Then the map. Then the journey.

What happens when you become so good at reading the room that you begin changing yourself to fit every one you enter? Shape-shifting can earn praise, move projects forward, and even look like success, while quietly draining your authenticity, energy, and joy. This article explores the difference between healthy adaptation and losing yourself to expectation, and asks one powerful question: What if you led as you?

Earthy, golden, ancient, and wonderfully messy, Turmeric reminds us that wellness doesn’t always come beautifully packaged. In this installment of The Power of 29, we explore Turmeric Essential Oil, “The Practitioner,” from the brilliant raw rhizome and its centuries of traditional use to modern research into inflammation and brain health, while separating what we know about curcumin from what we know about the essential oil itself. Most importantly, we explore Turmeric as an invitation to pay attention, replenish what we’ve been spending, and tend to the things happening beneath the surface, because not everything that needs tending can be seen. 🧡🌿

I grew up with a housewife. As the youngest of seven children, having Mom at home was simply part of the architecture of my childhood. Then I reached junior high, Mom went to work, and something changed. Suddenly we had keys, instructions and afternoons without parents, even as television reruns continued showing us an older version of the American family. Looking back, I realize Gen X wasn't simply growing up. We were growing up while the definition of home, motherhood and childhood was changing around us.

Hard work can carry a creative dream a long way, but what happens when being exhausted starts feeling like proof that you’re doing enough? Drive, discipline, and depletion can look remarkably similar from the outside. This article explores the hidden cost of constantly pushing, the danger of mistaking productivity for progress, and why sometimes the most important thing a creative person can do is stop long enough to check the GPS.

Sometimes relaxing isn’t enough. Sometimes we need to be soothed. In this installment of The Power of 29, we explore Chamomile Essential Oil, “The Gentle One,” its centuries-old place in herbal traditions, the difference between relaxation and soothing, and how I use Chamomile to create rituals that tend to body, mind, and spirit. Because gentleness isn’t the absence of strength. Sometimes, it’s exactly what helps us recover it. 🌼

A reflection on rereading the words of her younger self and realizing that what once felt embarrassing was actually bravery. She explores how heartbreak transformed certainty into caution, questioning whether growing up and protecting yourself must mean becoming smaller, quieter, or less willing to hope. What growing up and looking back at yourself really feels like.

A raw reflection on the journey through loss, love, regret, motherhood, and the quiet truth that every moment good or bad, carries its own purpose.

Fresh, herbal, and steeped in centuries of symbolism, Rosemary has long been connected with remembrance and the things we choose to carry forward. In this installment of The Power of 29, we explore Rosemary’s journey from Mediterranean gardens and ancient traditions to modern research, creative rituals, and the personal apothecary. Discover why I call Rosemary Essential Oil “The Keeper,” a reminder to notice the memories, lessons, stories, and moments that deserve a place to live. 🌿

From the Bronze Age to Jesus Christ One man, one covenant, one nation, and the promised Messiah The biblical history of Israel begins with one man whom God called from Mesopotamia. His name was Abram. Abram lived during the Bronze Age, long before the words “Jew” and “Judaism” carried their later meanings. Scripture first calls him “Abram the Hebrew.” His grandson Jacob later received the name Israel. Jacob’s descendants became the Israelites. The name “Jew” arose from Judah, one of Jacob’s twelve sons.

If you hear for my Bible talks this is just the beginning! I’m so excited to start this and share my experiences and thoughts! As a person with anxiety and depression I struggle daily. I use the creed app to read my Bible on my phone along with having three study bibles and a regular large print. Creed offers free use or subscription depending on your needs/wants. It offers an ai sheep to discuss whatever you need and even breaks down Bible chapters in simple terms. I use this daily to help myself pray and learn more about the bible! I have been using it a week as of now and it has offered me tremendous understanding in each chapter I’ve read and I started in revelations because I struggled the most reading and understanding it.

We’re often told to stay in our lane, but what happens when the lane we’ve been given doesn’t lead where we’re trying to go? Creative leadership isn’t about ignoring every boundary. It’s about understanding who painted the lines, why they exist, and whether they still serve the destination. Sometimes staying in your lane is wisdom. Sometimes, the lane itself is the problem.

A reflection on the inner voice we carry, the one that both protects and limits us, and the choice to finally step into silence and selfhood.

Focus isn’t always about trying harder. Sometimes it’s about understanding what kind of unfocused you are and creating the right conditions to work. In this interactive chapter of The Writer’s Apothecary, we put our first five Power of 29 oils to work, using Cedarwood, Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Lemon to explore aromatic intention, build creative rituals, experiment with diffuser recipes, and begin designing a personal focus practice that works for you.

Deep, warm, and wonderfully grounding, Cedarwood is the captain of my woods team and one of the oils I reach for when my creative mind is running in too many directions at once. In this installment of The Power of 29, we explore Cedarwood’s history, its familiar place in our everyday world, the grounding power we associate with forests, and why I call Cedarwood Essential Oil “The Anchor,” a reminder that before we can reach toward what comes next, we first need somewhere solid to stand. 🌲

What my page will look like. A couple things I’ve learnt throughout my life. How I’d like to use this platform.

Bright, familiar, and wonderfully versatile, Lemon is one of those essential oils I believe belongs in every personal apothecary. In this installment of The Power of 29, we explore Lemon’s fascinating journey through history, the science behind its unmistakable citrus aroma, simple ways to incorporate it into everyday rituals, and why I call Lemon Essential Oil “The Brightener,” a reminder that sometimes we can intentionally invite a little more light into the spaces we create.

If you’ve ever felt like you were living on your own little Misfit Island, wondering where you belonged, you’re not alone. Sometimes standing outside the mold gives us a view others can’t see. What if the very experiences that made you feel different were also teaching you to recognize what’s missing, imagine what could exist instead, and eventually build what you couldn’t find?

We spend a lot of time measuring value in dollars, investments, gold, and Bitcoin, but how often do we take inventory of the currency we carry within ourselves? Your experience, imagination, instincts, voice, perspective, and originality all have value. The question isn’t simply what you’re worth to someone else. It’s whether you recognize the leadership currency you already bring to the table.