Inspired & Growing

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this inspiring book shortly after its release and share my thoughts. Guided by Laura Lynne Jackson is a warm, deeply comforting, and spiritually optimistic book. Through a rich tapestry of real-life stories, Jackson shows how signs can appear in our lives, how creativity, gratitude, and openness help us tune in, and how this connection can guide us toward a more “illuminated life.” Her practical advice and heartfelt examples make it an uplifting read. For those grieving or seeking deeper meaning, Guided offers solace, inspiration, and a gentle reminder that we are not alone.  Image from NetGalley.com #life #lifethoughts #momblogger #journaling #journal #journals #RandomHouse #NetGalley #LauraLynneJackson #ARC #AdvanceReaderCopy #BookReview #Spirituality #Mediumship #GriefSupport #InspiredReading #TeamOfLight #IlluminatedLife #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram #UpliftingReads #BookCommuni...

Most people listen to respond, not to understand. We listen while forming our next sentence, searching for solutions, or drawing comparisons to our own experiences. We fill pauses with advice, reassurance, or stories that turn the focus back to us. It’s not ill-intentioned—it’s human. We want to help, to connect, to offer something useful. But when we listen only to fix or reply, we unintentionally silence what the other person really needs: to feel heard. True listening is one of the most powerful forms of love and respect. It tells the other person, “You matter. Your words are safe here.” When someone feels fully seen and understood, walls fall away. They begin to open up, reflect, and often find their own answers. Listening with presence doesn’t just strengthen relationships—it deepens empathy, reduces misunderstandings, and allows space for emotional healing, both for others and for yourself. This month’s theme of release invites you to let go of the need to fix or control the ...

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that comes from always being “on.” Our minds rarely get a rest anymore—scrolling, reading, learning, listening, thinking. Even the things meant to inspire us can leave us feeling full but not nourished. When every moment is filled with input, it becomes hard to hear ourselves think, much less feel at peace. Quieting the noise within isn’t just about silence; it’s about space. Space to breathe before responding. Space to notice what you feel without rushing to fix it. Space to let ideas and emotions gently settle, like snowflakes drifting to the ground. In both work and personal life, we face information overload —the constant inflow of data, decisions, and digital noise that demands our attention. At work, it might look like overflowing inboxes, back-to-back meetings, or endless task-switching. In our personal lives, it’s the news cycle, social media, notifications, and mental lists that never seem to end. When we take in more than our minds can...

As autumn settles in, we naturally start to spend more time indoors — but for many of us, our cars are still an extension of home. They carry us through early mornings, quick errands, and cozy weekend drives under changing trees. Before the cold weather arrives, this is the perfect time to give your car a gentle reset — a blend of practical care and comfort that helps you move through the season feeling grounded and ready. A Simple Refresh A clean car just feels better — and a few small steps now can make winter drives so much easier later. Air it out: Roll down the windows and let the fresh air move through and carry out the stuffiness of summer. Lighten the load: Remove only what doesn’t need to travel with you anymore. A few open surfaces can make even a small car feel more spacious. Wipe away the dust: A quick swipe of the dashboard or console helps your space feel cared for, not perfect. If time permits, vacuum seats and floors to...

Nothing says cozy quite like curling up in a comfy chair, hearing the wind whip outside, with a ball of yarn on your lap and your hands moving in quiet rhythm. Add in a good audiobook or a show playing in the background, and you have the perfect recipe for fall and winter evenings. I think that’s why knitting (or crocheting) feels like the perfect hobby for the colder months. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not an expert knitter. My projects lean toward the simple, repetitive kind—scarves being my specialty. But there’s only so much room in one’s closet for scarf after scarf. That’s when I discovered a beautiful connection: knitting can become an act of giving. Virtual volunteering opened a door for me. It allows me to merge something I enjoy with a way to help others—without the rigid time commitments that can add stress to a busy schedule. Instead of thinking of volunteering as another obligation, I now see it as a blessing. I’m grateful to have the means and the opportunity to br...

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for this ARC. After reading Under the Oak Tree Volume 1 earlier this year—and naming it my book of the year—I was absolutely elated to be approved for an advance copy of Volume 2. Many thanks! Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 is a deeply satisfying continuation that enriches the story in every way. This volume keeps Maxi at the heart of the narrative as she steps further into her own strength. We see her actively challenge her negative thoughts, confront her fears, and push herself to grow rather than hide. Her journey is quiet but powerful—built on determination, vulnerability, and the desire to stand confidently in her own worth. Riftan and Maxi’s relationship continues to navigate the tension between Riftan’s protective instincts and Maxi’s need for independence, yet the love between them remains steady and genuine. Their missteps and misunderstandings feel honest, and the emotional intimacy—often shown in small, thoughtf...