I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the arc of one’s story. I find it to be so fascinating to zoom out and look at who I was at different points in my life in relation to who I am now. I’m starting to view each year with an anticipation for refinement. I wonder to myself, what will change me for the better this season?

What will stretch me?

What will expand me?

What will fill me with love?

What will fill me with joy?

What will fill me with peace?

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Years ago when I was living in LA I used to do a daily priming when I woke up. No more than 5 minutes, and it would completely change me for the better every time. It looked like this…

Upon waking up I would find somewhere quiet to sit on the floor. Place my hand on my heart. Take three deep breaths to really connect with myself. Then I would think of one thing I had done in my past that I was grateful for. I would allow myself a minute or two back in that place. Really feeling gratitude for it. Then I would think of something in my present life that I was grateful for. I’d let the overwhelming joy of it wash over me. Lastly I would think of something I will do in the future that I will be grateful for. I would feel it as if I had already done it. To finish I would quietly say thank you to myself, and then I would get up and start my day.

I love the simplicity of this practice. You don’t need your phone, you don’t need to think about the counts of inhales and exhales, all you need is your presence and willingness to connect to your heart.

While we are busy doing the many things life asks of us, our heart simply waits for us to return to it. This practice reminds me how powerful it is to turn everything off and tune into your heart.

The inspiration for this came from a method Tony Robbins teaches, called “priming.” I heard him discussing it on a podcast years ago and I was intrigued by the benefits he explained would take place. Here’s the breakdown of what it really does for you.

Priming Practice:

3 parts

Giving thanks for the past by reframing it as a foundation for growth.

Appreciating the present instantly eliminates fear and anger.

Celebrating the future as already achieved to wire your brain for success.

What giving thanks to the Past does:

• Removes baggage: Re-evaluating old pain ensures your history drives your purpose rather than controlling your emotions.

• Revises meaning: It teaches you that your past failures were building the foundation for your current strength.

• Breaks old loops: It stops you from looking in the rearview mirror, preventing you from repeating past mistakes in a new environment.

What giving thanks for the Present does:

• Eliminates negative emotions: You can’t feel angry or fearful while you are genuinely feeling grateful.

• Shifts your state: Appreciating simple things—like a breath of air or a quiet moment—instantly alters your body’s chemistry and relieves internal stress.

• Grounds your focus: It pulls you out of self-centered overthinking and connects you directly to the reality of what is right in front of you.

What giving thanks to the Future does:

• Trains the brain: Experiencing a goal as if it has already happened tricks your mind into accepting success as a present-moment reality.

• Activates awareness: It triggers your reticular activating system to notice real opportunities, people, and resources related to your vision.

• Creates joyful momentum: Celebrating your destination in advance gives you the high energy needed to take massive action toward it.

I taught a workshop last Spring where I incorporated this practice into an even shorter visualization meditation, called “The Arc of your Story.” The emphasis is on honoring each part of ourselves.

You can listen to the audio on youtube below or save the visual to read aloud or quietly to yourself.

The goal of all of this is to become aware of what you want. What do you want to be remembered for? What qualities do you want to embody? How do you want people to feel around you?

After reading this, really think about the Arc of your individual Story. We get this one life existing as we know ourselves now. Time is precious and this is your gentle reminder to slow down and become intentional with what you do.

If something resonated for you I’d love if you could let me know in the comments.

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I hope this post provides you with a new tool for your well being, and most importantly the knowing that you can change your perspective and life at any moment by coming back to your heart space and connecting to gratitude.

Rather than thinking of the Fruit of the Spirit as a checklist of character traits to master, I like to think of it as a picture of the person I long to become. These qualities don’t just change us; they shape the atmosphere of our homes. They become what our children experience every day through the way we love, respond, forgive, and show up for them.

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It’s easy to believe that if I just try harder to become more disciplined, more patient, more loving, then I’ll finally become the person God is calling me to be, but that approach sounds and feels like force. And…

We all know real change comes not from force, but from flow.

Through surrender our deepest, most lasting transformation will come.

The Fruit of the Spirit is not something we manufacture through sheer willpower. It is the evidence of a life being shaped by the Holy Spirit.

Fruit doesn’t grow because the tree strains harder. It grows because the tree is healthy, deeply rooted, and receiving everything it needs to flourish. In the same way, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to appear in our lives as we remain close to God.

We don’t become these things overnight.

They grow quietly, season by season, as He changes us from the inside out.

This has been incredibly comforting to me because I know exactly where I still need His work.

One of the fruits I have been praying for most is self-control. Not in the obvious ways we often think about, but in the ordinary moments of motherhood. The moments when my toddler hits me in the head with a fisher price basketball while I’m holding his sister, ramps up and refuses to listen to me when we are in the presence of company, or drags the dining chair across the kitchen floor for the hundredth time to climb on top of the counter and raid the pantry for “something” at exact moment I’m already overstimulated, exhausted, and feeling like I have nothing left to give.

In those moments, my flesh wants to react. I want to raise my voice, to correct quickly, discipline from frustration instead of from love. Not because my son deserves my anger, but because my own nervous system feels overwhelmed. The invitation of the Holy Spirit isn’t, “Try harder not to yell.” It’s much deeper than that. He gently asks me to slow down, to recognize what is happening within me, and to allow Him to meet me there first. (in the pause)

That changes everything.

Instead of asking, “How can I become more patient?” I’m now asking, “How can I remain close enough to Jesus that patience becomes the natural fruit of my life?”

Instead of asking, “How can I be more gentle?” I ask, “What would it look like to let the Holy Spirit soften my heart today?”

This shifts the focus from striving to abiding.

The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t a performance. It is a promise that as we continue walking with God, He is faithfully shaping us into people who look more and more like Christ. And perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children isn’t the image of a perfect mother, but the example of one who is continually being transformed by Him.

Fruits of the Spirit

1. Love

What it is: Choosing another person’s good above your own, regardless of how you feel.

Looks like:

• Offering grace instead of keeping score.

• Being patient when you’re exhausted.

• Loving your children even when they are difficult.

• Seeing people through God’s eyes.

Reflection:
Where is God inviting me to love beyond convenience?

2. Joy

What it is: A deep delight rooted in God’s presence, not in perfect circumstances.

Looks like:

• Finding beauty in ordinary moments.

• Laughing with your children.

• Remaining hopeful during hard seasons.

• Celebrating what God has already done.

Reflection:
What steals my joy, and what restores it?

3. Peace

What it is: An inner steadiness that comes from trusting God.

Looks like:

• Responding calmly instead of reacting.

• Letting go of the need to control everything.

• Creating a peaceful home.

• Resting in God’s faithfulness.

Reflection:
Where am I striving instead of trusting?

4. Patience

What it is: Choosing to endure with grace while God works in people and circumstances.

Looks like:

• Not rushing your children.

• Waiting without resentment.

• Allowing growth to happen slowly.

• Extending the same patience to yourself.

Reflection:
Where am I expecting immediate change?

5. Kindness

What it is: A gentle posture that seeks to bless others.

Looks like:

• Speaking softly.

• Offering encouragement.

• Noticing when someone needs help.

• Making people feel safe in your presence.

Reflection:
How can I become someone others experience as safe?

6. Goodness

What it is: Living with integrity and actively choosing what is right.

Looks like:

• Doing the right thing when no one is watching.

• Being honest.

• Choosing generosity over selfishness.

• Aligning your actions with your values.

Reflection:
Does my private life reflect my public faith?

7. Faithfulness

What it is: Remaining dependable and committed through every season.

Looks like:

• Keeping your word.

• Returning to prayer.

• Showing up consistently for your family.

• Trusting God even when you don’t understand.

Reflection:
What commitments has God asked me to remain faithful in?

8. Gentleness

What it is: Strength under control; humility expressed through tenderness.

Looks like:

• Correcting without shaming.

• Listening before speaking.

• Being compassionate toward yourself.

• Leading with humility.

Reflection:
Do people leave conversations with me feeling lighter or heavier?

9. Self-Control

What it is: The ability, through God’s Spirit, to choose wisdom over impulse.

Looks like:

• Pausing before reacting.

• Guarding your words.

• Creating healthy rhythms.

• Saying yes to what gives life and no to what doesn’t.

Reflection:
What habits am I cultivating every day?

Closing Thought

Fruit doesn’t appear overnight.

We spend so much of our lives trying to become better people. We read books, listen to podcasts, make plans, and set goals. But Scripture reminds us that transformation isn’t something we force—it’s something we cultivate. Fruit grows slowly. It grows quietly. It grows because the roots are healthy. My hope isn’t simply to teach my children about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. My hope is that they experience these qualities in our home so consistently that they recognize them as the fragrance of a life lived with God. When they remember their childhood, I pray they don’t just remember what I taught them, I hope they remember what it felt like to be loved by someone who was learning, day by day, to bear good fruit.

Something extra to ponder…

In Galatians, Paul uses the singular word "fruit" rather than "fruits." Many scholars point out that this suggests these qualities are not separate achievements we collect, but different expressions of one Spirit-filled life.

It helps me to think of the Fruits of the Spirit being a natural result of the way I live my life.

How do you view The Fruits of the Spirit? I would love to hear! Let me know in the comments.

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I feel really inspired to share with you all what I still struggle with, suffer from, and have had break throughs with in my walk with God and my desire to bear the fruits of the spirit.

I recently saw this image and I couldn’t agree with it more. I know it helps me to process and heal things in my life by sharing with you. I hope we continue to bless each other by showing up and sharing in this heart centered community.

I may follow this up with deep dives into each fruit so we can really go deep and integrate these into our lives. I feel like there is a lot of value in understanding where we are with all of this and what we need to feel at peace in this world.

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It’s been a little while, but I’m writing to you today as a mother of two.

Our daughter, Gwen Gabriella, was born on March 9th and is now a happy, healthy, thriving four-month-old. We are all overjoyed by the abundance of love this little girl has brought into our family—especially our now three-year-old, Benny, whose affection for his baby sister overflows daily. Watching two little humans grow, laugh, and begin to form a bond over these past few months has been one of life’s greatest gifts.

Lately, it has me thinking about the word glimmers. More than ever, I feel like I’m living a glimmer-filled life.

When I think of glimmers, I think of the small, ordinary moments that quietly shape our days and, ultimately, our lives. The moments that seem so simple, yet somehow become the ones we remember most. They remind us that life is rich, meaningful, and brimming with love.

They’re the things you can never quite experience through a screen, but that light you up from the inside when you live them. Like looking into your baby’s eyes and being greeted by the biggest, gummiest smile. The kind of moment that somehow makes nine months of relentless sickness feel worth it. Or hearing your toddler burst into uncontrollable laughter, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, swimming in the pool and watching the sparkles under the water, or catching the sky painted in soft shades of pink at sunset.

These are the moments that quietly whisper, This is the good stuff.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m no longer pregnant, because I’m wrapped up in that sweet baby bubble, or because I’m simply settling into this new season of life, but I feel love spilling into every corner of my days.

I’ve become convinced that the way we look at life shapes the life we experience. The perspective we choose becomes the landscape of our hearts. When I intentionally look for beauty, for gratitude, and for God’s presence, it’s always there. That perspective has given me grace. It has given me joy. It has given me hope in even the simplest of moments.

As I return to writing this column, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for the opportunity to express myself creatively again, but for the chance to reconnect with you.

Sometimes we don’t realize how isolated we’ve become until we begin stepping back into community. And as we do, it’s almost as if our eyes begin to adjust again. We notice the quiet beauty around us. We become more aware of God’s gentle presence woven throughout ordinary life.

I’m not entirely sure what offerings or events are ahead for Heart Service just yet, but I do know this: I hope The Glimmers becomes a place we return to together. A collection of everyday magic. A gentle invitation to slow down, notice the goodness already surrounding us, and quietly allow those moments to leave their imprint on our hearts.

A Simple Glimmer Practice

This week, pause for just one minute at the end of each day.

Ask yourself:

What was one glimmer today?

Maybe it was a meaningful conversation, your child’s laughter, birdsong outside your window, a verse that stayed with you, or simply the feeling of peace while folding laundry.

Write down just one sentence in a notebook or the notes app on your phone.

Over time, you’ll begin to see what has been there all along: God’s quiet faithfulness, revealed one ordinary moment at a time.

Until next time,

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As I sit here, connected to a tangle of machines, nurses and doctors moving in and out to explain and perform test after test, all I want is to be home—in my warm bed, next to my husband and my two-and-a-half-year-old.

It’s in these minutes and hours away from them that I really realize just how immeasurable a Mother’s warmth is. My doctor had told me to pack a bag and that they were going to keep me under observation for up to two days, and as the primary caretaker of my son I was mourning the thought of being away from him for so long. In all honesty the longest I’ve ever been away from him is 4 hours.

When you are swept up in the daily activities of keeping yourself, your toddler, your home, your meals, your pets, etc all maintained it’s really hard to come into a state of being where you are distanced enough from it to really just appreciate it all. To really reflect and begin to understand the immense role you are playing by just being physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually present for these young souls we are stewarding.

Not only the young souls, but the model you have become for yourself. The wife your husband sees as you completely pour yourself into your family for their own well being. Like many women who have faithfully gone before me, those walking this path now, and the mothers yet to come, I have surrendered to this season—setting all things aside as we prioritize God’s greatest gift: a family of our own.

It has taken me some real time to get to this point. For much of my life before starting a family, I was a very ambitious go getter. Even after having my son, Benny, and deciding to cut out all non necessities, so that I could modestly stay home to care for him during these young years, I was burning myself out staying up all night and nap times building an online business. It’s like I had to, had to, be doing something related to building a new career or earning income.

This second pregnancy has been beyond humbling. It has forced me to slow down and really shut down in so many ways. I lost the desire to strive and consume content. The levels of exhaustion and loss of interest in everything except my son and keeping myself going has been so real. I even deleted instagram because the noise of seeing what everyone was doing constantly and the self taught gurus coming through my screen gaining access to me felt so invasive. These last 7 months I have felt myself go completely inward and radio silent. I’ve come to believe that pregnancy is deeply creative. Instead of expressing that creativity outward, where so much feels rooted in performance, I’ve been turning inward—nourishing growth and making space for the arrival of my soon-to-be best friend and daughter.

As I write this I just want to say how proud I am of us as Mothers. We are the warm blankets our family seeks in the slightest bit of discomfort. We are the light in the tunnel next to them as they grow and figure out who they are and what the world is. It’s my greatest wish that we never grow tired of the work, the love, and the sacrifice we put into building these foundations. There is an art print I recently bought from Meredith Walker Studio to hang in my daughter’s room, so that I’ll always be reminded of this.

It’s entitled Let Us Not Become Weary, and is part of the Kathryn Christi Set. I love the depiction of the Home blossoming and accompanying bible verse. It reminds me of the joys and whimsy of this time. It’s there. It’s available. Allow yourself to soak these young seasons up with grace. You may not see the fruit yet, you may not be able to visualize the harvest, but the seeds you are planting are incredible. Keep watering them along with yourself everyday and take moments to reflect on their growth. Even if that moment where you finally get to reflect is coming at the expense of your personal pain, try your best to see it as a gift as I’m doing in my current situation.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9

At 2 a.m., I was officially cleared to go home. All of the test results came back good, and in my doctor’s words, the baby is doing beautifully. It was fourteen degrees when I stepped out to my truck to make the drive home, and oh, how worth it it was to finally slide into a warm bed. To top it all off, my sweet son wrapped his little hands around my neck, pulled me close, and whispered ‘Mommy,’ letting out a sigh of relief we all needed.

No matter what season of life you find yourself in, let the suffering be a reminder of the greatness we are building. It has been my experience that the suffering leads to resilience, humility, perseverance, character, and hope. Hold fast to your Faith. Be still and know that God is working through you.

With all of my love and prayers for you,

Lauren

P.S. I won’t be offering workshops or regular publishing this year, as I just want to soak in the newborn baby bliss and actually rest when I can this time around. I’ve lowered my subscription to $5 a month if you do wish to support me during this time that would be amazing and always appreciated. If monetarily you can’t—a like, comment, and share goes a long way in helping my writing reach others and hopefully encouraging them.

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Thank you so much for being here, send a message if you’d like to connect, I love hearing from you.

This morning while making my family breakfast and rolling out the flour and greek yogurt dough for flat bread egg sandwiches, I couldn’t help but smile with joy. I have let go of many attachments in these past few months. Some in the form of personal relationships and others material. It wasn’t easy and has weighed heavy on my heart at times, but I realized they were things I have wondered about for a long time. Taking up space in my mind and robbing me of simple joy. Making the decision to take action and move forward leaving behind dysfunction has done wonders for my well being.

I don’t know what you are going through right now, but I know there are lingering decisions or things weighing on your heart. I felt inspired to jump on here this morning to let you know that the peace that awaits you on the other side of those decisions is enormous.

I no longer feel my heart riddled with anxiety. I no longer feel the urge to control the narrative about who I am. The real ones, they know.

So, as we enter a season where the outside world puts pressure on you to do more. I want to offer you this.

Do Less.

But, do the things that you truly want to do and do them with intention.

Try this out this season and see how it makes you feel.

A simple way to work through this is to ask yourself:

1. What upcoming thing gives me a worry or tightness in my body?

2. Why do I feel that I “have” to do it?

3. What could I replace this with that would be enjoyable for me?

As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas Season, I fill so grateful that I have arrived to a place in my life where I feel so much joy and peace. Even when outside circumstances would make one think there is turmoil here, I know there is not.

I pray for you to feel peace and joy with yourself, friends, and family this Holiday season. As always some visual inspo that is currently inspiring me below, enjoy!

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Hello my friends,

It’s been a little while since I’ve written here. This Summer has been a whirlwind—between being really sick and chasing after my energetic two-year-old, my mind felt too foggy to string thoughts together. Most days, all I could do was focus on what was right in front of me.

So first, thank you. Thank you for staying, for remaining subscribed, and for your patience during the quiet. I believe I’m coming out on the other side now—feeling more energized, inspired, and ready to create again. I’m so grateful you’re here.

During this season of solitude, I kept coming back to the basics. Heart Service has always been my way of slowing down, checking in, and listening closely to my own heart. My hope is that these words encourage you to pause and tune into your heart too—your steady, beating life force that carries you every single day.

Think about it: we service our cars, our homes, even our pets… but how often do we stop to truly service our heart? Our inner world?

In today’s culture, it’s so easy for our hearts to get buried under busyness, noise, and endless scrolling. But choosing to step away and give your heart attention is a radical act of love. Not selfish love, but abundant love—the kind that overflows into everything and everyone around you. When your heart is nourished, you naturally show up kinder, softer, and more present—with yourself, with your partner, with your children, even with strangers.

It all begins with readying your heart.

So let’s start here:

What is your heart’s intention?
Your heart is where God looks. It’s where the truest version of you lives. Are you in touch with it? And more importantly—how are you preparing your heart for Christ?

Readying Your Heart for Christ

Preparing your heart for Christ is less about doing more and more about being open. It’s creating space for Him to dwell and guide your every step. Think of it like clearing out the clutter so your heart can be filled with what truly matters.

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Here are a few simple ways to begin:

1. Slow down and listen.
God often speaks in whispers, not in shouts. If our minds and schedules are always loud, it’s hard to hear Him. A quiet moment—whether in prayer, journaling, or just breathing deeply—can become an invitation for His presence.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

2. Check your intention.
Ask yourself gently: What is my heart set on right now? Is it set on control, approval, or fear? Or is it set on trust, love, and Christ? Your intention reveals what you’re truly serving. Redirecting your heart back to Him, even in small ways, can shift everything.

3. Release what doesn’t serve your soul.
Preparing your heart often means letting go. That could be releasing bitterness, comparison, or even the constant rush to “do it all.” Christ doesn’t need perfection—He asks for surrender.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

4. Nourish your heart with truth.
Just as your body needs real food, your heart needs scripture, prayer, and encouragement. What you consume shapes the condition of your heart. When you feed it with God’s Word, it grows stronger, softer, and more resilient.

5. Practice love in the small things.
Ready hearts don’t only show up in big moments—they reveal themselves in the ordinary. A kind word to your child, patience with your spouse, or grace for yourself when you fall short. Every small act of love is preparation for something greater.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)

At its core, readying your heart for Christ is about alignment. It’s choosing, day by day, to let your inner world reflect the love and peace you long to live out in the outer world. When your heart is set on Him, everything else begins to find its place.

A Closing Reflection

Your heart is the place God treasures most. It’s not about how perfect your actions are or how much you’ve accomplished—it’s about the posture of your heart toward Him.

Every time you pause to listen, to release, to realign, you are preparing a home for Christ within you. And from that home flows the love, patience, and peace that the world around you so desperately needs.

So take this as your gentle reminder: you don’t have to do it all at once. Just begin with one small step today—whether it’s a prayer, a deep breath, or simply choosing kindness when you don’t feel like it. These are the ways we ready our hearts, one moment at a time.

A prayer for you to pray out loud or quietly in your spirit.

A Prayer for Ready Hearts

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of this day and for the steady beat of my heart that reminds me I am alive in You. Create in me a clean heart, one that is open, soft, and aligned with Your will. Help me to release what I don’t need to carry and to welcome more of Your love, peace, and truth into my life. May my heart be a place where Christ dwells, and may everything I do flow from that place.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you so much for reading this piece, I truly hope you found something in this that helps you on your journey of living a life full of The Holy Spirit.

If something resonated with you, I would love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments or send me a message, I love connecting with you.

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Spread the love by sharing this article, the more reposts, the more opportunity to open Heart’s to God’s unwavering love for us.

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I appreciate you all so much, sending you all my love!

May peace be with you, love

Lauren

It wasn’t until I started asking a different question that things began to shift:
“What would it look like to live like Jesus today?”

Not in some abstract, churchy way — but in the real, everyday mess of motherhood, marriage, friendship, and healing generational wounds. What if becoming more like Him was the whole point?

As a mother, it means slowing down enough to see my child the way Jesus sees me — not as a list of needs to meet or behaviors to manage, but as a soul to nurture. It means that when I want to raise my voice, I take a breath and remember how He never rushed the ones who came to Him with messy hearts. He met them with gentleness. I'm learning to do the same, even if I have to try again every hour.

As a wife, it looks like choosing humility over being “right.” It means serving without keeping score, and praying for my husband instead of trying to change him myself. Jesus laid His life down for those He loved. I’m learning that real love often looks like small sacrifices, done quietly.

As a daughter, it’s been the hardest. Loving like Jesus means setting boundaries without bitterness, forgiving what I’ll never forget, and holding space for grief while still choosing peace. He reminds me I don’t have to carry what He already died to heal. That truth has become a lifeline.

As a friend, I’m practicing the art of showing up — not with answers, but with presence. Jesus was interruptible. He made time for one person at a time. I want my life to feel like that: unhurried, sincere, soft around the edges.

And as just a fellow human being, trying to live with peace in my heart, mind, and soul, I’ve learned that I can’t fake it. Peace isn’t something I create through control — it’s something I receive when I stay close to Him. The more I follow His lead — in compassion, prayer, simplicity, truth — the more grounded I feel. Even when life doesn’t feel easy, it can still feel anchored.

I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m just trying to be more like the One who is.

And in that, I’ve found more freedom, more joy, and more clarity than I ever did chasing “a better me.”

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I recently posted the below note, which blew up my inbox over night. There has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction and my first encounter with critical comments as well.

When I first shared that little note — “I have found that becoming like Jesus has yielded far better results than trying to become a better me” — I wasn’t expecting it to reach so many people. It felt like a simple truth I’d learned the long, hard way. But the response surprised me.

Most of the feedback was deeply encouraging. People messaged me saying it was the exact reminder they needed — a gentle invitation to stop striving and start surrendering. That made my heart swell with joy.

But a few comments stung. Some accused me of being self-righteous. Others misunderstood what I meant entirely, suggesting that I was discouraging growth or somehow asking people to “shrink.” At first, I felt the urge to defend myself. To explain, clarify, push back. But instead… I paused.

And I prayed.

I asked God to help me see those commenters the way He sees them. I prayed for their peace. I prayed that whatever part of my words stirred something hard in them would also stir something healing. Because the truth is, I’ve been that person before — quick to criticize when something touched a wound I hadn’t dealt with yet.

I’m learning that part of becoming like Jesus isn’t just writing things that sound Christlike. It’s responding with His spirit. And that includes choosing not to clap back, but to bless.

I’ve put together a heart centered list of his core values that as a Mother, Wife, Friend, Daughter, and fellow human being I hope to live from. Let these values live in your heart as the place where the sun is always shining and you can always access.

1. Humility

Jesus didn’t seek applause or status — He washed feet. He lived low, not loud.
✨ Try this: Practice listening without needing to respond. Serve someone quietly. Ask yourself: “Am I doing this to be seen, or to serve?”

2. Compassion

Jesus didn’t just notice hurting people — He moved toward them.
✨ Try this: Instead of brushing past someone else’s struggle, pause. Ask how they’re really doing. Send the text. Pray for them then and there.

3. Forgiveness

Even from the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” He didn’t carry bitterness.
✨ Try this: Let that old grudge go. Forgive even if you never get the apology. Say out loud, “They don’t owe me anymore,” and watch what heals inside you.

4. Obedience to God

Jesus stayed aligned with the Father’s will — even when it was hard.
✨ Try this: Before making a decision, pause and ask, “God, what do You want me to do here?” Even small acts of obedience reshape the heart.

5. Simplicity

Jesus didn’t complicate things. He walked, talked, and rested with intention.
✨ Try this: Choose stillness over hustle. Set your phone down and look up. Trust that God often speaks small and slow.

6. Grace + Truth

He didn’t shy away from the truth — but He always paired it with love.
✨ Try this: Be honest, but kind. Let your boundaries come from a place of peace, not pride. Speak what’s true, but say it like Jesus would.

7. Prayerfulness

Jesus constantly withdrew to pray — not out of duty, but out of relationship.
✨ Try this: Talk to God like you would a friend. You don’t need fancy words. Just be real. Start your morning with a whisper: “Lead me today.”

8. Joy in Suffering

He didn’t avoid pain, but He never let it steal His purpose.
✨ Try this: When life feels heavy, ask, “What might God be forming in me here?” Joy doesn’t mean happy — it means anchored.

These values aren’t things we master — they’re rhythms we return to. Jesus didn’t just come to save us. He came to show us how to live. The more we look at how He moved through the world, the more we can align our hearts to do the same.

🌱 Reflection for You, the Reader

If you're anything like me, maybe you've had moments where you're misunderstood for choosing a different path — especially one rooted in faith. Maybe you've felt the urge to prove your heart, to defend yourself, or to retreat altogether.

But what if those moments were invitations?
To grow in gentleness.
To stay anchored in truth.
To respond like Jesus — even when it’s hard.

Ask yourself today:

Where in my life am I being called to respond more like Jesus — even when I feel misunderstood or unseen?

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to stay close to the One who is.

📖 Scripture to Close

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (ESV)

Let’s keep walking in love, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Let’s keep becoming like Him — not just a better version of ourselves.

Thank you for reading and connecting with me,

If this article sparked something in you, please share it in the comments below!

It’s a great place to connect and meet like minded readers.

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That’s how it was for me.

Before I built a life rooted in faith — before I became a devoted wife, a present mama, and a woman who desires to walk closely with God — I was caught in a cycle that almost cost me everything.

Let’s break down 7 subtle ways the enemy derails your life — and how to claim it back.

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1. Distraction Dressed as “Normal Life”

The enemy loves to keep you busy — scrolling, comparing, chasing. Not with inherently bad things, but with just enough noise to drown out God’s voice.

For me, it was endless busyness… masked as ambition. I was chasing and achieving success, external validation, and the next big opportunity — but I was starving spiritually. I was connected to the world but disconnected from myself and God.

How to fight back:

Get still. Even just 5 minutes a day of silence with God shifts everything. The peace you’re craving isn’t found in hustle — it’s in Him.

2. Addiction That Starts as a “Coping Mechanism”

My subtle distraction turned into something darker: drinking to numb the anxiety. It became a rhythm I relied on, even justified. “It’s just a glass of wine” turned into self-sabotage and an entire bottle.

The truth? The enemy doesn’t need to destroy you — just distract you long enough for you to destroy yourself.

At my lowest point, I almost lost the man I love — the very partner God sent to open my heart to something greater. And I knew… I couldn’t live like that anymore. I’ve been sober a little over three years now, and grateful for my chance at redemption every day.

How to fight back:

Tell the truth. Out loud. To God. To someone safe. Your healing begins the moment you admit what’s holding you hostage.

3. Doubt Disguised as Logic

“You’re not qualified.”
“You’re too far gone.”
“You missed your moment.”

The enemy’s voice is repetitive, logical, and loud. He uses your past to define your potential and tries to keep you stuck in shame. He almost convinced me I could never be a faith-led woman, wife, or mother because of my history.

But God had other plans.

How to fight back:

Start declaring what God says about you instead. Speak it until you believe it. Faith isn’t a feeling — it’s a weapon.

4. Comparison Disguised as Inspiration

Social media made me feel like I was always behind. Behind on healing, behind on motherhood, and behind on success. I realized — I wasn’t just comparing lives. I was questioning my worth.

This is how the enemy derails destiny: he gets you looking sideways instead of upward.

Now? I’ve finally beaten the anxiety of “keeping up with the earthly Joneses.” I feel at peace in who I am — not because of what I’ve done, but because of who I belong to.

How to fight back:

Limit your scroll time. Guard your eyes and your heart. Celebrate others without comparing yourself. Your path is holy ground.

5. Comfort That Kills Growth

The enemy convinces you that comfort is the goal, but comfort isn’t the same as peace. In fact, comfort can become a trap that keeps you from transformation.

When I stopped numbing and started healing, it was wildly uncomfortable. Despite that, it led to the deepest peace I’ve ever known — a peace rooted in God, not performance.

How to fight back:

Ask yourself: Is this choice keeping me safe or allowing me to walk closer with God? Think being heavenly minded, while earthly good.

6. Isolation Disguised as Independence

I used to think I had to figure everything out on my own. Asking for help felt weak. But isolation is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics.

God uses community to heal. The enemy uses separation to deceive.

When I finally opened up to my partner, to God, and later to a spiritual community, everything changed.

How to fight back:

Stop white-knuckling your healing. Find people who will pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you who you are when you forget.

7. Delay Disguised as “Not Ready Yet”

The enemy will whisper, “Not yet,” until your whole life passes by.

What I’ve realized is, you don’t need to be perfect to say yes to God. I sure wasn’t. I was still raw, still recovering, still rebuilding.

When I surrendered and said “yes,” God met me there — and built something even more beautiful than I imagined.

Now, my partner sees me walking in the light he once only dreamed I’d step into. I feel more like myself than ever before — the version of me that was buried under fear, shame, and addiction.

How to fight back:

Say yes before you feel ready. God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.

Final Thoughts: The Devil works in details and so does God.

The enemy is subtle, but so is God — in the quiet nudge, in the gentle conviction, in the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The question is: which voice will you follow?

I pray this post reminds you that it’s never too late to get back on track with your faith, your purpose, your peace. You are not too far gone. You are just one honest moment away from your comeback.

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With all my love and reverance,

Lauren 🤍

It is the eve before my son’s 2nd birthday, and as I sit next to his bed and stare at his growing body in awe, I realize he will never be this age again.

Motherhood has a funny way of holding both wonder and ache.

This moment inspired me to write a letter to my son that also speaks to my own heart—and to the hearts of mothers everywhere. This will be my yearly reflective tradition. This one entitled, Year 1 of Wonder.

First let’s have a heart to heart on what another year in your child’s life represents, because it is so much more than just turning another year older—it marks:

💫 A celebration of life and growth

• Two years ago, you brought a soul into the world—his second birthday is a beautiful reminder of the miracle of life and how far he’s come since that first breath.

• Every step he takes, every word he says, every hug he gives is evidence of the life you’ve nurtured with love and sacrifice.

🧩 A reflection of your own journey

• His birthday also honors your journey as a mother. You’ve grown in strength, patience, and depth of love in ways you never imagined possible.

• It’s a checkpoint, showing how much you both have evolved together over these two years.

🌱 A sacred reminder of purpose

• His presence is a sign of your divine purpose—he’s not just your child; he’s a calling, a teacher, a light.

• Watching him grow reminds you of your responsibility not just to protect him, but to shape the environment where he becomes who God made him to be.

🕊️ A symbol of divine timing

• Every birthday is a reminder that God’s timing is perfect. Your son was born when he was meant to be, to the mother he was meant to have—you.

Tonight, I watch you sleep with your little body curled into the same breath I once carried beneath my heart. Tomorrow, you’ll be two. A new number. A new chapter. But tonight, I just want to stay here in the quiet and soak in every piece of who you are at this sweet age.

You are still filled with that baby-soft sweetness, but I see the toddler stretching out of you—bold, funny, curious, brave. Your words are coming faster now. Your steps are confident. Your world is bigger. You’re still my baby, but you're also becoming.

And so am I.

Because when you turned one, I was born into a new version of myself too. A woman who has learned to love more deeply, give more freely, and slow down in ways I never did before. A woman who has stretched her arms wide to hold both joy and exhaustion in the same breath. A mother who knows now that time doesn’t wait, and that love means letting go a little more each day.

So tonight, I write this letter—to you and to me.

To you, my son: Thank you for choosing me. You’ve given my days meaning, my soul softness, and my heart something to anchor to when the world feels too loud.

To me, your mother: You’ve done well. You’ve given, grown, forgiven, and shown up again and again. You’re allowed to be proud. You’re allowed to rest. And you’re allowed to feel the ache of time passing—because that ache means it all matters.

This is the ritual I’ll begin each year—writing a letter on the night before your birthday. A way to remember who you are before the candles blow out. It will be the way I honor who I’ve become through loving you.

I know these days are numbered, that’s why I gift you my full presence.
Because of you, I have let it all go, and I have found everything.

This love is eternal.

Happy almost two, my little wonder.
Love,
Mommy

Let me know how you celebrate your children’s birthday and honor yourself by leaving a comment!

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I believe now more than ever: we are not just created by God — we are a part of God.
We are placed here on earth for a short time, in physical form, to live out our days with free will. However, our soul — that glowing, eternal light within us — is not ours to own. It’s on loan from Heaven and one day, it longs to return home to Him.

But there’s another reality we must not ignore: there is a battle for that soul.

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Darkness is Being Normalized 🌍

The other day I was grocery shopping with my toddler, doing something as mundane as picking out bananas, when I saw a man walk by wearing a shirt that read:
“Drink coffee, Hail Satan.”

It stopped me in my tracks. Not just because of the words, but because of how casual it was. The darkness was out in the open, unapologetically normalized — and no one even blinked.

In that moment, something stirred in me.
I started thinking about the spiritual reality behind what we see.

What If There’s More Than a Guardian Angel? 🌬

We’ve all heard stories of people being assigned a guardian angel at birth — a heavenly protector to guide and watch over us, but what if, in the unseen realm, the enemy assigns a demon as well? One whose job is to distract, tempt, deceive, and slowly pull us away from the light.

And every time we give in to temptation...
Every time we choose darkness over truth, bitterness over forgiveness, or pride over humility...
That demon rejoices.
Because you — a soul made in God’s image — inched further away from returning home.

Your Soul Is the Prize 🕊️

I started thinking about all the movies and stories where the soul is the ultimate prize.
The movie Bedazzled came on the other night — a silly comedy on the surface, but underneath it lies something deeply spiritual: the devil offering someone everything they want in exchange for their soul.

Why is that theme so common?
Why is the soul such a valuable trade?

Because the enemy knows how priceless your soul truly is.

If Satan is willing to offer you fame, fortune, power, and pleasure in exchange for it…
Then what he’s after must be far more valuable than all of that.

The Soul Is a Piece of God Himself 💡

Here’s the truth that hit me so hard I had to stop everything and just sit with it:

Your soul is God’s own light, placed inside you.

Think about it: we call babies gifts from God for a reason.
That moment of conception, when life begins, I believe God places a spark of Himself inside that tiny form — a soul, filled with pure light and divine intention.

That light is meant to grow, reflect His glory, and then return to Him when your time here is done.

But the enemy wants to steal it before it gets back.

Not just to take it — but to conquer it, to taint what was holy, to keep it from ever returning to the One who gave it.

The devil doesn’t just want to win against you.
He wants to win against God.
And collecting the souls of His beloved children is his way of feeling like he’s winning.

So What Can We Do? 🔌

This is why prayer matters.
This is why discernment matters.
This is why choosing light, even when it’s unpopular, matters.

Because your soul is sacred territory.
And there is a very real battle going on for it.

So pray like your life depends on it.
Choose God in the quiet moments.
Call out deception for what it is.
Protect your light. Nourish it. And remember that the world needs your soul to stay glowing.

The enemy wants to dim it — but God created you to shine.

🔒 Subscriber Exercise: Guard Your Soul, Strengthen Your Discernment

Below is a powerful exercise for my paid-subscribers. I designed this for you to deepen your self-awareness, spiritual authority, and discernment. It includes journaling, Scripture reflection, and a prayer activation.

This is your spiritual armor-building session. Take your time and treat this like sacred space.

Read more

I hope you enjoyed my mini Motherhood Bible Study, if you would like the pdf download the free guide is here.

With Love & Reverence,

Lauren

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I’ve been a little quiet over here lately — not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I was being invited to rest. I chose to take my foot off the gas and sink into the gift of solitude. I’ve been basking in the everyday adventures of life with my son, releasing the pressure to create anything beyond what was already in front of me.

A lot has been moving in my heart, but rather than spilling every thought, I want to offer you the deepest truth that’s risen to the surface:

As mothers, we are the sacrifice.

We leave behind everything we once knew — every version of ourselves that felt familiar — in full and unwavering faith that what we’re stepping into will be better, more eternal, and more rooted than anything we could’ve imagined.

Recently, I started watching The Chosen, and it made me realize, the way Jesus called His disciples to follow Him — with no roadmap, no guarantee, just trust — reminded me of what it felt like to say yes to motherhood. They had no way of knowing the fullness of what they would receive by simply saying yes to the call, and neither did I.

I’ve come to believe: that’s the whole point.

Since that realization, I’ve felt something unexpected — relief.
Relief that I am not meant to be everything to everyone.
Relief that I don’t need to hustle for answers or validation.
Relief that my highest calling in this season is to steward — this family, this home, my husband, and most sacred of all, my son’s soul.

With that clarity came this whisper:

You are being invited to die to yourself, daily.

Not in a way that erases you, but in a way that refines you.
Motherhood has stripped away so many pieces of who I thought I was.

What remains is stronger. Quieter. Holier. In the dying, something softer and more eternal has taken root.

It’s in the laying down of my timelines…
The surrendering of my body…
The letting go of my need to be understood, seen, or celebrated…

…that I have met God in the most intimate way.

Every time I choose patience instead of frustration, presence instead of distraction, surrender instead of control — I am dying to my old self in a way that is not loss. It is becoming.

I used to long for more connection — to be part of mom groups, to find community that made me feel less alone, but I’ve come to realize something: when I’m quiet enough, the answers are already within me. He is already within me and that changes everything.

This season has become less about reaching and more about receiving. Less about finding and more about becoming.

All of it — even the unseen, quiet, and messy parts — is worship. I like to think that God is incredibly pleased with us for sacrificing ourselves daily to humbly raise up the next generation of his children with the love and presence they deserve.

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Reflection

What part of your old self have you laid down in motherhood?

What part of your new self is being formed through this surrender?

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the sacred calling of motherhood —
for the quiet, hidden places where You meet me again and again.
Teach me to see the laying down of myself not as loss,
but as a holy offering — fragrant and pleasing to You.

Help me release the parts of me that no longer serve the woman You are shaping.
Give me the courage to surrender my need to be seen,
my desire to control,
and my longing to be everything to everyone.

May I find joy in the unseen moments,
strength in the softest sacrifices,
and peace in the simplicity of serving.

Remind me, Lord, that every time I choose love over ego,
presence over distraction,
gentleness over urgency,
I am drawing nearer to You.

Let my days be an altar,
and my service — no matter how small —
a song of worship that rises up to please You.

I trust that You are pleased, not in my perfection,
but in my willingness to die to self
so that You may live more fully through me.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Trust that God sees every bit of your effort and you will be rewarded with eternal life beside him in his kingdom.

With all my love and reverence, Lauren.

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A few weeks ago, I wrapped up my first women’s Bible study—and something in me shifted.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been walking alongside women through connection coaching, meditation, and mindset work. It’s been beautiful, but something was missing. When I committed to reading the Bible daily and joined a women’s study group, I experienced a transformation unlike anything I’ve known.

God began moving in my life—gently, clearly, and powerfully—inviting me to lay down everything I thought Heart Service had to be and let Him breathe new life into it.

I no longer want to coach others through transformation unless that transformation is rooted in Scripture. His Word is living, active, and truly enough. I’ve told both my husband and my dear friend Kristen that once I began reading the Bible consistently, I realized—we don’t need every self-help book on the shelf. We only need one.

The Bible is the foundation.
The truth.
The guide.
The answer.

🌱 A New Mission: Faith First

Heart Service is no longer a coaching space. It’s now a faith-rooted, creative ministry built on Scripture, reflection, and beauty. A place to tend to your inner world—your God-created heart—with intention, humility, and truth.

Each month, I’ll release a beautifully designed Bible study guide rooted in a new theme—like Motherhood (this month), Minimalism, Beauty, Nature, or Stillness. These themes will help us connect Scripture to the everyday moments and emotions of our lives. I will include reflection prompts, journaling space, scripture to explore, and space to pray and listen.

And because I believe so deeply in the power of community, I’ll also be collaborating with other faithful women creators, highlighting their unique callings and gifts through each monthly theme. Whether it's a passion for homesteading, art, hospitality, fitness, or homemaking, I want to show how God speaks through every facet of our lives.

These collaborations will bring fresh voices into the space and offer even more meaningful ways to connect faith to your everyday life.

You’ll also be invited to a monthly Bible Study Zoom call, where we gather as women of faith to share, reflect, and grow. You can join live or receive the recording. I will also be posting the video to Heart Service’s You Tube, in hopes of inspiring more women to join us.

You can join the monthly live Zoom Bible study call for free or receive the recording simply by either:

• Subscribing to Heart Service here on Substack for $9/month, or

• Purchasing the monthly guide through my Stan Store (coming soon).

This is a soft, sacred space for women who want to explore the Word of God in a way that feels welcoming, non-intimidating, and creative. Whether you’re new to your faith or deepening a long-standing walk with Jesus, you are so welcome here.

🤍 A Free Mother’s Day Mini Study

To celebrate Mother’s Day—and this very moment of rebirthing Heart Service—I’ve created a free mini Bible study on the theme of Motherhood. Whether you’re a mama yourself or reflecting on your relationship with your own mother, this study is meant to connect you to God’s heart and your own.

Because motherhood and creativity are so intertwined—this feels like the perfect time to birth something new. I’ve poured love, prayer, and praise into this offering.

You can download the free Mother’s Day mini study here →

🌸 Membership Details

Here’s what’s available to you now through Heart Service: Manage your Subscription

✨ Free Subscribers Receive:

• Weekly Heart Notes (inspiration, scripture, gentle reflection)

• Occasional devotionals & free tools

• Access to free events like the Mother’s Day Bible study

💗 Paid Subscribers ($9/month) Receive:

• Inner Garden Club Membership

• Monthly beautifully-designed Bible study guide PDF

• Live Zoom Bible Study or access to the replay

• Access to private community chat (coming soon!)

• Spiritual tools like wallpapers, playlists, and creative prompts

🌿 Founding Members ($150/year):

• Everything above, plus Garden Keepers Circle

• Monthly exclusive Scripture-based visualization practice

• Early access to new guides and content

My dream is to eventually host all community content and connection through a dedicated space linked via my Stan Store, so stay tuned—this is just the beginning.

🕊️ What God Is Doing

I feel a tide shifting—not just in my own life, but in the world. I hear more people speaking the name of Jesus with confidence and joy. Not hidden. Not afraid. People are awakening to the power of His love and the peace that only He can offer.

And one of Jesus’s most central teachings?
Community.

That’s what I hope to build here:
A faith-first, heart-led, Scripture-rooted community of women who crave more than just the surface.

May we gather in joy and in sorrow.
May we seek each other and stand firm in truth.
May we be earthly good while being heavenly minded.

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Thank you for being here as I offer this new version of Heart Service back to God. May it bless you, strengthen you, and help you come home to the heart He created within you.

With love and reverence,
Lauren 🤍

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What do you think of Heart Service’s new faith based mission? Let me know here!

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Heart Service — Principle One

What comes to mind when you hear the word humble?

Were you ever taught how to live humbly — or has life gently shown you along the way?

Take a moment. Let this word settle in your heart.
Humble.

This word has been stirring deeply in me lately. I’ve been part of a women’s Bible study — a short four-week journey through Revelation — and every Tuesday at 10 a.m., I found myself looking forward to what felt like sacred time.

It wasn’t just about the study itself. It was the women — the softness, the honesty, the stories. Some shared of leaving abusive marriages, others of raising six children. Some were walking closely with Jesus while their loved ones resisted the faith. Week by week, I found myself being humbled — not just by the Word, but by the raw, beautiful lives unfolding in front of me.

Next week we’re invited to share our testimony — what God has done in our lives through this study. And when I reflect on what He’s doing in me, one word rises above all the rest:
Humble.

How I First Learned Humility

Growing up, I was taught to be humble in sports — don’t brag, don’t show off. And while I often ignored that advice (hello, ego), the consequences of pride always found their way back to me. In small ways and big ones, I was learning that humility wasn’t about hiding. It was about something deeper.

Now, as a wife, a mother, a connection coach, and most importantly a disciple of Jesus — humility means something entirely different. It’s no longer just about being modest. It’s about being surrendered.

Two Definitions of Humility

Webster’s Definition:

“Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance; not proud or arrogant.”

Biblical Humility:

Not about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
It’s recognizing God’s sovereignty, your dependence on Him, and living with a heart that is open, yielded, and grounded in grace.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3

The Heart Shift of Humility

When I read these verses, my soul exhales.
The biblical definition feels like rest. Like soft surrender.

Motherhood, life, and this wild human experience are too much to carry alone. And maybe… they were never meant to be. The weight is often what brings us back to God — to remember we are not meant to do it all, but to walk humbly, leaning fully on the One who can.

This is what I now believe:
A humble heart invites God in.
It creates space for healing, truth, and transformation.
It’s the soft soil where grace can take root.

Why Humility Is So Powerful (Even Science Says So)

Modern research backs this up. Studies show that humility improves emotional intelligence, strengthens relationships, and even makes for better leaders. According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, humility is closely linked to greater well-being, openness to feedback, and resilience in times of struggle.

But beyond research — humility opens the door to divine intimacy.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

Humility Is Not Weakness — It’s Alignment

Let’s be clear: humility doesn’t mean you shrink or disappear.
It means you stop trying to be the source — and you become the vessel.

A humble heart:

• Feels lighter — because it releases the need to be perfect.

• Feels freer — because it no longer needs to prove anything.

• Feels clearer — because it listens for God instead of chasing applause.

Practicing Humility (Soft, Simple Ways)

• Begin the day by saying, “God, lead. I’ll follow.”

• Ask questions instead of offering answers.

• Let go of needing to be “right.”

• Say thank you. Deeply. Repeatedly.

• Apologize when you're wrong — not to shrink, but to grow.

A Question to Sit With

In a world that shouts for more, will you trust that your strength is in surrender?

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Heart Service Reflection

In the quiet posture of humility, you will meet God — not the version who fits into your plans, but the One who gently reshapes your heart.
The world may tell you to stand tall and make your name known,
but Heart Service begins by bowing low — by remembering that we are held, chosen, and sent.

This is the first principle:
A Humble Heart.
Because everything begins with surrender.

Pride will always have its consequences. Humility will always have its reward.

With a heart full of grace,
Lauren 🤍
Heart Service | Connection Coach

✨ Stay Connected:
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This is the question I get asked most in my coaching practice.
And lately, as my son grows, I've been wondering: How will I teach him to handle difficult people in a way that doesn't disconnect him from his heart?

Truth is... I'm still working on this myself. And real life keeps giving me practice rounds. 🎯

Like last Sunday — Easter with the family — when a certain uncle (we all have one) was sitting across from me, cursing loudly, tossing out profanity like it was confetti...
Meanwhile, my not-even-two-year-old son was right there, soaking it all in.

Past versions of me would’ve lost it. I would’ve confronted him, shut him down hard, and told him exactly how he was making us feel.

This time was different.

I still felt that familiar wave of adrenaline — the one that races through your body and practically begs you to fight — but I caught it.
Instead of matching his energy, I stayed in mine. I posed him a challenge (because I know he loves winning):

"Why don’t you try finding the love in your heart and interacting with people from that place?"

Of course, he laughed. Loudly.
Flat out said "no."
And dove into another tirade.

All this week, I’ve been reflecting.
Was there a better way to handle it?
Should I have stayed silent? Walked away? Gathered my little family and left?

Honestly... probably. Maybe. Sometimes silence is the strongest response.
But here's the thing:
There’s no perfect formula for dealing with difficult people.
There’s only practice — real life practice — and noticing what happens.

Because everyone has someone who tests them:
A boss, a coworker, an in-law, a neighbor... (or all of the above if you're really lucky.)

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A Simple Way to Handle Difficult People (For You and Your Kids)

Here’s the truth:
Handling tough people isn't about winning. It’s about staying you.

And because I want this to feel doable (and even something you can teach your kids someday), I boiled it all down into the simplest steps possible:

🎈 1. Pause Before You Pop Off

Take a deep breath.
Count to 3.
Let the moment land before you respond.

🚧 2. Put Up Your Invisible Wall

You don't have to take in everything people throw at you.
Picture a glass wall. Their messy words hit it — and slide right off. 🛡️

🌬️ 3. Stay Cool Like a Breeze

Speak calmly.
No yelling matches.
Nothing throws difficult people off more than someone who stays chill.

🪨 4. Be a Boring Rock (If Needed)

Some people feed off drama.
If you stay boring and neutral — like a rock — they get tired and move on.

👂 5. Listen (Without Taking It Personally)

Sometimes, people just want to feel heard.
You can nod. You can say, "I hear you," without agreeing or getting sucked in.

🧸 6. Take Care of Your Own Heart

After a hard moment, do something that fills you up.
Snuggle your kid. Go outside. Call a friend.
Taking care of yourself is part of handling difficult people.

💛 7. Remember: Hurt People, Hurt People

It doesn't excuse bad behavior.
But sometimes remembering this makes it easier not to let their hurt become yours.

Final Thought: Growth Looks Like This

At the end of the day, dealing with difficult people isn’t just about keeping your cool.
It’s about growing into the person you’re meant to be.

Every frustrating moment, every testy conversation, every time you choose to stay in your heart — it’s shaping you.

Epictetus said it perfectly:

"It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

We don’t always get to choose who sits at the table with us.
But we do get to choose how we show up.

Next time life hands you a difficult person, just remember:
You’re in Earth School and this is one of your classes.
You’re getting stronger, wiser, and more heart-centered every time you practice.

And honestly?
That's something to be proud of. 🌟

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If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear:

• What's one way you've learned to handle difficult people without losing yourself?
  Drop a comment or share your story — we’re all learning together. ❤️

  Leave a comment

  With a heart full of grace,
  Lauren 🤍
  Heart Service | Connection Coach
  

  ✨ Stay Connected:
  🌱 Feeling unrooted? Download my free Core Values Guide. Grab it here.
  🍵 Enjoying this space? Send some love with a matcha. Support here.
  🌸 Need a fresh start? Reset with my New Year Workshop Guide. Download here.

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There’s a quiet truth I’ve been learning in this season of motherhood: I don’t need to have all the answers. I just need to stay close to the One who does.

When I think about Jesus—not just the Son of God, but the way he lived as a man—it brings me back to center. He wasn’t rushing. He wasn’t performing. He wasn’t trying to be everything to everyone. He walked in love. He honored the moment. He saw people, really saw them. And he lived every breath in alignment with God’s will.

That kind of living speaks deeply to me, especially as a mother. Because if I’m honest, it’s so easy to lose sight of that. To let the pressure of the day pull me away from peace. To let the noise of the world drown out the whispers of heaven. But when I remember how Jesus lived—with compassion, with purpose, with trust—it reminds me that this is the way home.

How Did Jesus Live?

Jesus lived simply but intentionally.

He rose early to pray.
He noticed the people others overlooked.
He spoke the truth, even when it was hard.
He paused to rest.
He fed the hungry, healed the hurting, and forgave freely.
He never led with fear. He led with love.

His life wasn’t defined by titles or achievements—but by service, presence, and unwavering obedience to God.

Why This Matters for Mothers

As mothers, we are the emotional core of our homes. The way we speak, the energy we carry, the rhythms we set—they ripple outward. We are the thermostat. When we are grounded in peace, our children feel safe. When we live with purpose, our family is inspired.

That’s why living like Jesus isn’t just a beautiful idea—it’s an essential one.
It’s how we show our children what love looks like in action.
It’s how we create homes that feel like refuge.
It’s how we co-create a life that glorifies God and nourishes our souls.

And here’s what I’m learning: You can’t do that accidentally. You have to define what you want for your family. You have to decide what matters to you. You have to anchor your values—not in trends, but in truth.

A Personal Note: How I’m Growing

I’m growing in my relationship with God every single day. Some days, I feel really connected. Other days, I feel more like the woman reaching for the hem of His robe—tired but still reaching.

Lately, I’ve been praying more out loud. I’ve been turning off the noise and just sitting in stillness. I’ve been choosing forgiveness when it would be easier to shut down. And I’ve been reminding myself that this life is not about me—it’s about glorifying Him through the way I love, serve, and show up.

It’s not flashy. It’s not perfect. But it’s holy.

I’m learning that obedience isn’t about rules—it’s about trust. Trusting that God’s way is better. Trusting that if I live in love, if I stay open-hearted, if I surrender to His pace and plan—everything will unfold just as it should.

A Gentle Invitation

So if you’re reading this, mama, and you’ve been feeling pulled in a hundred directions… I just want to gently say:

Come back to center.
Come back to the heart of it all.
Come back to Jesus—not just in belief, but in being.

Ask yourself today:
✨ What kind of home do I want to create?
✨ What do I want my children to remember?
✨ What values do I want to embody?

Then ask God to help you live that out—not perfectly, but faithfully.

Let your life be your quiet worship.
Let your presence be your offering.
Let your love be your legacy.

Because living like Jesus is the most powerful, transformative thing you can do—not just for you, but for generations to come.

💬 I'd love to hear from you—
What resonated with you? Did your heart feel pulled in a certain direction while reading? What can you share with the community to help your fellow sisters walk in love? Drop me a comment below—I read every one. Your voice matters here. 🤍

Leave a comment

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If you’ve been feeling supported and seen here, consider becoming a paid subscriber for just $6/month. Your support helps me continue creating this heart-led work, and it means the world. Become a paid subscriber.

With a heart full of grace,
Lauren 🤍
Heart Service | Connection Coach

✨ Stay Connected & Nourished:

🌱 Feeling a little unrooted lately? Download my free Core Values Guide to reconnect with what matters most—and begin aligning your life from the inside out. Grab it here

🍵 Love this space? If my words poured a little warmth into your day, you can send some back with a matcha. Support here

🌸 Ready for a fresh start? My New Year Workshop Guide is a beautiful way to reset with intention—no matter the season. Download it here

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Hey love,

If you’ve ever found yourself craving deeper friendships or wishing it felt easier to connect with new people—especially as a woman or mama later in life—you are not alone.

As we move through different seasons—motherhood, healing, career changes, or just growing into more of who we truly are—it can feel like our social circles shrink. Life gets full. We pour into our families, our work, our homes... and sometimes forget that we, too, need to be poured into. We forget that connection isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

The truth is, connection is the purpose of life.

It’s not about having a huge circle or going out all the time. It’s about feeling seen. Feeling safe. Feeling like you can breathe a little easier because someone truly gets you.

Whether you're naturally outgoing or more introspective, learning how to open the door to deeper connection can completely shift your world. It’s not about saying the “right” thing or having some perfect script.

Here are three gentle, heart-led questions that help you connect more deeply—whether you're at the park with another mama, talking to a new coworker, or simply feeling ready to grow your circle:

🌼 1. “What’s something that’s bringing you joy right now?”
This question is a beautiful redirect away from surface-level stress and toward light. It gently guides the other person to connect with what feels good in their life—and in doing so, they associate that warmth with you. It’s a powerful, simple invitation to share a little spark of their soul.

🌿 2. “What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently that’s changed you?”
This one opens the door to deeper waters. When someone reflects on a personal lesson, they often share something vulnerable—and that’s where true connection lives. You get to see the real, evolving version of them—not just who they are, but who they’re becoming. And that’s a gift.

🌸 3. “What do you feel called to create or move toward in the next few months?”
Whether it’s a dream, a shift, or just more peace, this question tunes you into what they value and where their energy is flowing. It’s more than asking about goals—it’s asking, What’s waking your spirit up right now? That kind of conversation makes people feel deeply seen, heard, and supported.

Try gently weaving one of these questions into a conversation this week. There’s no need to wait for the perfect moment—sometimes the most meaningful connections begin in the middle of everyday life. You might be surprised how much deeper you can grow with the friends already in your circle, just by being a little more curious, a little more open.

The truth is, friendship isn’t built through grand gestures—it’s built through small, brave moments of choosing to go one layer deeper.

You were never meant to walk this journey alone. When you approach connection with softness, presence, and a genuine desire to see someone for who they truly are, you give both of you a gift: the chance to be known, heart to heart.

💬 I'd love to hear from you—
What question are you going to try first? Or what has helped you build deeper connections in this season of life? Drop me a comment below—I read every one. Your voice matters here. 🤍

Leave a comment

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Subscribe to Heart Service to stay connected to your own truth and the stories that nourish us all.

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If you’ve been feeling supported and seen here, consider becoming a paid subscriber for just $6/month. Your support helps me continue creating this heart-led work, and it means the world. Become a paid subscriber.

With love,
Lauren 🤍
Heart Service

✨ Stay Connected & Nourished:

🌱 Feeling a little unrooted lately? Download my free Core Values Guide to reconnect with what matters most—and begin aligning your life from the inside out. Grab it here

🍵 Love this space? If my words poured a little warmth into your day, you can send some back with a matcha. It means the world. Support here

🌸 Ready for a fresh start? My New Year Workshop Guide is a beautiful way to reset with intention—no matter the season. Download it here

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With my son nearing his second birthday this June, I’ve felt something rising in me: a deep understanding that what mothers need most is not another productivity hack or tip for balancing it all. We need sacred time.

Sacred time is intentional space carved out just for you. A pause. A moment to set down the endless roles, responsibilities, and running thoughts. A time to return to your essence—not as “Mom,” not as a caregiver or planner or fixer—but as a woman, simply breathing, feeling, existing in her fullness.

This workshop was the first time I held space exclusively for mothers. And leading up to it, I noticed something powerful. When I explained that we’d spend one gentle hour checking in with ourselves—no agenda, no pressure—many women found it hard to grasp. I get it. We’re not often given permission to slow down. Our minds search for justification, for productivity, for proof that we’re “using our time wisely.” But what could be wiser than tending to our own hearts?

Twelve incredible women gathered with me that night. And what unfolded in that softly-lit room was something I’ll carry with me for a long time. I watched as the tension in their faces melted into smiles and softness. I listened as women shared the quiet struggles they’ve been holding. And most beautifully of all—I witnessed the sacred silence of others simply listening, holding space without needing to fix or change anything.

There’s something profound that happens when we come together like this.

The Ancient Wisdom of Healing Circles

Healing circles have been part of human culture for centuries—far older than any modern self-help tool. Rooted in Indigenous traditions from around the world, these circles were sacred gatherings where community members would come together to speak, listen, and heal.

The circle itself represents wholeness and equality. No one is above or below. There is no hierarchy—just presence, curiosity, and care.

When we sit in circle today, we’re continuing this ancient ritual of remembrance. We are remembering that healing doesn’t have to be done alone. We are remembering that our stories are bridges, and that vulnerability—when held with care—becomes the seed of transformation.

Hosting healing circles regularly has a ripple effect. It creates rhythm, a reliable return point where women can recalibrate and refill. Over time, something remarkable begins to unfold:

• She expands her capacity for patience and grace.

• Her nervous system softens; she reacts less and responds with more love.

• Rage turns into recognition.

• Her mental clarity sharpens.

• Her body feels safer to inhabit.

• She feels...more herself.

Why? Because she is attuning to her heart. And from this place, she begins to live a heart-forward life—a life guided by inner truth instead of outer noise. That shift changes everything.

Why Do We Forget Our Heart?

It’s a question I asked the group as we settled into the night.

The answer is both simple and profound.

We forget because we are taught to live in our minds. As women—especially as mothers—we’re constantly pulled into a world of planning, organizing, and anticipating. We carry the mental load of an entire household. And in the midst of that mental marathon, we slowly disconnect from the quiet wisdom within.

But the heart doesn’t rush. It doesn’t live in the past or future. It lives here. It knows through feeling, not through figuring it out.

And though we may forget, the heart never does. It waits patiently for us to return.

We can come back through breath. Through stillness. Through sacred moments of gathering like this one. When we do, we remember:

We are not here just to survive life.
We are here to feel it.
To love it.
To live it—fully, wildly, and with reverence.

An Invitation to Remember

I’ve received a lot of beautiful questions since the workshop about how to start circles like this—how to create healing spaces in your own communities. And I can tell you this: it doesn’t require perfection, or a big following, or a fancy setup.

It requires intention.
It requires presence.
And it requires trust—that when women come together with open hearts, something sacred will always unfold.

Start small. Start messy. Just start.
Because what comes from this work is nothing short of miraculous.

An expanded mother.
A softened nervous system.
A more loving home.
And most of all, a woman who is in tune with her own heart.

This is how we rise. This is how we heal.

Together.

What resonated with you in this article? I would love to know, leave a comment to keep the conversation going.

Leave a comment

As always, with so much love and gratitude,

Lauren Alkhal
Connection Coach | Inner Garden Guide | Mama | Meditator
🌱 Download my free guide to defining your core values and explore more of my offerings here.

🍵 If you love my work and want to show some love, you can buy me a matcha here— Support here.

✨ Grab my New Year Workshop Guide to begin again with intention. Learn More and Download Here.

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I write to you this week from a calm and clear headspace. The mind and the seasons of nature are deeply connected. As we welcome Spring, we also welcome a renewal of our mental space and capacity.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s for your mind too. Let’s apply the principles of spring cleaning to our thoughts and see what shifts.

Spring is a powerful time to plant new seeds in your mind garden. But first, we need to check in on the environment we’re planting them in. If we haven’t been maintaining our inner world, it’s time for a deep clean before we begin. You wouldn’t plant your Spring Garden in old leaves and untouched soil would you? Your mind works the same way.

In my coaching practice, I always return to these three main questions. I call this the Heart Exam because it’s about getting to the core of what truly matters. Just like a physical exam checks the health of your body, the Heart Exam is a way to check in with the health of your inner world—your desires, your direction, and your alignment with what brings you peace and fulfillment.

These questions are imperative because clarity is power. If we don’t take the time to ask ourselves what we truly want, we risk living on autopilot, making choices based on external pressures rather than our own truth. When we lack clarity, we tend to:

• Chase things that don’t actually fulfill us.

• Feel overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves.

• Struggle to make decisions that align with our purpose.

By answering these questions with honesty and grace, we untangle ourselves from distractions and step into intentional living. It’s not just about knowing what we want—it’s about ensuring our time, energy, and focus are directed toward what actually fulfills us.

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I always return to these main questions:

Heart Exam:

• What do I want?

• What do I really want?

• What am I longing for?

When journaling on these, take an honest look at where your time, energy, and resources are going. Your heart is reflected in where you invest—whether it’s your schedule, your spending, or your mental energy. What do you think about the most? Where does your focus drift when you have free time?

If your thoughts feel overwhelming, try this: grab a piece of paper and write “Open Loop Thoughts” at the top. Spill out every looping thought in your mind. By documenting them, your brain can release them. I keep a notepad with me for this very reason—it helps clear the waves of my mind and return to a place of peace.

Over the years, doing my own heart exam has been transformative. When I first started this practice, I realized how often my energy was scattered in places that didn’t align with my deepest values. I was saying yes to things that drained me, holding onto outdated stories about what I “should” be doing, and resisting the natural cycles of life. Once I got honest with myself, I was able to shift, and the change rippled into every area of my life. My coaching clients have experienced the same. They feel more relaxed and joyful about their journey because they have clarity. They’re no longer grasping for external validation but instead aligning with what truly matters to them. It’s been liberating—for all of us.

Having Grace

Uncovering what we truly want—and discerning between surface desires and deep heart truths—takes time. It requires thought, humility, and an openness to the Spirit’s guidance.

If you feel like you’ve been holding your breath, waiting to exhale, I urge you to get intentional.

Keep it simple so you can actually enjoy the process of self-discovery.

Keep a journal.

Talk it out with a trusted friend or mentor.

Pray with intentionality.

Let’s fill our minds with the real treasures of life. Because this moment—this season—is an invitation to clear out what no longer serves us and make space for what truly does.

If you’re craving a space to deepen this practice, I invite you to my upcoming workshop at Spark Creativity Center in Easton, PA. I’ve taken my love of design, connection, and meditation to curate a meaningful night out for moms—because investing time in yourself and your relationships is the foundation of a truly fulfilling life. Let’s reset together, clear our minds, and step into this new season with intention.

Sign up here

I hope you take the time to embrace spring cleaning your mind and I hope you put meaningful thought into your Heart Exam. Answering those three questions will help steward a life of great meaning and fulfillment.

I would love to hear about what you do to honor the transition to Spring time. Do you have a Spring time practice? Comment below and share with the Heart Service Community.

Leave a comment

As always, with so much love and gratitude,

Lauren Alkhal
Connection Coach | Inner Garden Guide | Mama | Meditator
🌱 Download my free guide to defining your core values and explore more of my offerings here.

🍵 If you love my work and want to show some love, you can buy me a matcha here—I’ll keep the good work coming! Support here.

✨ It’s always the right time for a fresh start. Grab my New Year Workshop Guide to gain clarity, realign, and step forward with intention. Learn More and Download Here.

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I believe in action. I don’t believe in victimhood, and I don’t waste time feeling bad for myself. Over the years, I have cultivated the practice of awareness—the ability to witness my emotions without letting them consume me.

And yet, this past 2 weeks has been… rough.

It’s funny, really. I help others break free from emotional funks, yet when it was my turn to connect with myself, I found it incredibly difficult. I wasn’t even planning to write about this. I usually keep things uplifting, but then I thought—if I’m feeling this way, someone else is too. And if my honesty helps even one person, then sharing is worth it.

The more I write, the more I realize how deeply connected we all are. Every time I send out my newsletter, I receive messages confirming what I already know in my heart—we are not alone in our struggles. Even when it feels like we are.

When Pain Speaks, Listen

Right now, I’m in pain. Physical, emotional, undeniable pain. And pain always carries a message. Mine is telling me something isn’t working.

I wake up after only three or four hours of sleep, my jaw clenched so tightly that the shooting pain in my gums is unbearable. I may have fractured teeth—again—because this isn’t the first time I’ve stored my emotions in my body instead of releasing them.

The mind can convince us to push through, to suppress, to keep going. But the body? The body always tells the truth. It will find a way to make us listen, whether we want to or not.

The Root of It All

At its core, the pain I’m experiencing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s the result of something I’ve been feeling for a long time—the loss of deep listening in my relationships.

I am not being heard. By the very people I pour into.

I know myself well enough to recognize that when this dynamic goes on for too long, I begin to pull away. Not out of resentment, but out of self-preservation.

Pain Point #1: Words Without Action

I’ve had the same conversations over and over, only to see no real change. And quite honestly? Talk is cheap.

I don’t believe words anymore—I believe action. And you should too. Because when conversations happen without real action, they drain us. If this pattern continues for too long, you’ll find yourself wrestling with exhaustion, resentment, and eventually, depression—just as I am now.

Pain Point #2: Broken Trust & Unmet Needs

I am in the thick of early motherhood. It is beautiful, but it is also consuming. I have asked for help—not for anything grand, just a few hours once a week so I can rest, work, or do something that fills my cup.

And yet, time and time again, the help doesn’t show up.

If someone cannot remember to show up for you, they do not get to enjoy the best parts of you on their terms.

I know this is tricky. It’s family. And with family, we want to believe that love means reliability. But sometimes, the people we expect to show up for us simply don’t—and when that happens, the healthiest thing we can do is set an energetic and physical boundary.

Not because we want to. But because we have to.

Breathe. That Was A Lot.

If you are feeling anything similar, know that this is a lot. Know that it is frustrating. Disappointing. Painful.

We don’t know how long we have on this Earth and if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to waste a second of it on relationships that feel one-sided. You want sincerity. Depth. True connection.

And here’s what I am reminding myself—and maybe it will help you too:

People can only meet you as deeply as they have met themselves.

Even if they are family. Even if they love you.

It’s hard not to take it personally. But I promise you, this is not about your worth. It is about their capacity.

So what am I doing about it?

I am choosing action over words.
I am setting boundaries where they are needed.
I am turning inward to nurture myself.

And most importantly—I am listening to what my pain is trying to teach me.

Holding onto anger and resentment is heavy, and it takes a toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The fact that you’re aware of it and actively seeking to release it is already a massive step toward healing. Let’s talk about how to move it out of your body, backed by science.

Understanding Stored Anger in the Body

Unprocessed emotions don’t just disappear—they get stored in the nervous system, muscles, and even organs. Research in somatic psychology and neuroscience confirms that emotional suppression leads to chronic stress responses in the body, including inflammation, muscle tension, and nervous system dysregulation.

A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology explains how suppressed emotions, particularly anger, can become "trapped" in the body and contribute to conditions like chronic pain, jaw tension, and autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in The Body Keeps the Score, also highlights that trauma and long-term emotional stress physically alter the brain and body, keeping us in a loop of hyper-vigilance and tension. This is why simply thinking your way out of anger doesn’t always work—it has to be moved through the body.

How to Release Stored Anger & Resentment

1. Intense Physical Movement (Rage Work)

   • Studies show that anger creates a surge of cortisol and adrenaline that needs an outlet.

   • Practices that mimic fight-or-flight responses—like kettlebell swings, boxing, sprinting, or hitting a pillow—help the body complete the stress cycle.

   • Try shaking therapy, a somatic release method used in trauma healing. Animals shake after a stressful event to discharge excess energy—we should too.

2. Screaming (Yes, Really!)

   • If you've been clenching your jaw, your throat chakra is likely blocked. Screaming (into a pillow, in the car, wherever you feel safe) has been shown to lower stress hormones and restore vagal tone (which calms the nervous system).

   • Research in sound therapy also shows that vocal release activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping shift the body out of stress mode.

3. Somatic Breathwork

   • Breathwork techniques like holotropic breathing, Wim Hof breathing, and Lion’s Breath help release stored trauma and suppressed emotions by increasing oxygen flow and altering brainwave states.

   • A 2021 study in Psychophysiology found that cyclic sighing (long exhales) significantly reduced stress and boosted mood more than mindfulness alone.

4. Journaling with No Filter

   • Neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf’s research shows that "brain-dumping"—writing freely without editing—helps rewire thought patterns and discharge built-up emotions.

   • Write as if you’re never going to read it again. Rip it up or burn it afterward to create a ritual of release.

5. Cold Therapy (Ice Baths or Cold Showers)

   • Cold exposure has been shown to reset the nervous system, lower cortisol, and boost dopamine by up to 250% (Huberman, 2022).

   • The shock of cold forces a physical reset, shaking the body out of stagnant emotional loops.

6. Bodywork: Acupuncture, Chiropractic Adjustments & Massage

   • Emotional trauma is stored in fascia (connective tissue).

   • Deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and acupuncture help physically move stagnant energy out of the body.

   • Chiropractic adjustments can also release emotional tension stored in the spine.

7. Energetic Boundaries & Saying “No” Without Guilt

   • If part of your anger is due to feeling unseen, unsupported, or constantly giving, your body is telling you it’s time to enforce boundaries.

   • Cortisol levels drop when we reclaim personal power—which means saying NO more often and not over-explaining why.

Final Thoughts

You will feel lighter, but first, you have to move through this. Anger is not "bad"—it's energy that needs direction. When released intentionally, it transforms into clarity, strength, and deeper self-trust.

The thing about anger is that it runs deep. If we don’t tend to it, it has a way of spilling over onto the things—and the people—we cherish most. It seeps into our interactions, our energy, our home. And if we don’t have a way to release it, it lingers.

But just as important as releasing anger is learning to recognize its buildup. If we can catch it in those early moments—before it takes hold—we can respond differently. Instead of being consumed by it, we can pause and acknowledge it: There you are again. I see you. I feel you. I hear you. But I’m not going to let you overwhelm me. In that moment, we create space. We interrupt the pattern.

This matters so much, especially as mothers. If you’re a mom, you know that our energy is the heartbeat of the home. When we hold onto anger, the whole household feels it. That’s why getting to the root of it—unearthing it—is essential.

For me, this has been a lifelong journey, and honestly, I’m only just beginning to understand how to release it in a truly healthy way. I recently picked up The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer because I believe that so much of my anger stems from expectation—the expectation that the people who love me will step in, support me, and offer help when I need it. And when that doesn’t happen, when those expectations go unmet, the anger builds.

This feels like such a contradiction. We’re told that when we need help, we should ask for it. We’re told to allow ourselves to receive. But what happens when we do ask, and the help doesn’t come? It creates a frustration that works against us.

So where do we go from here? I don’t have all the answers, but here’s where I’m starting: awareness.

I’m keeping a small journal with me, making a note of every time I feel anger creeping in. At night, I’ll go back and review—looking for patterns, for themes, for clarity. I know this might also mean having some uncomfortable conversations with the people I love. But if those conversations bring relief—if they help release some of this bottled-up frustration—then they’re worth it.

I’ll continue to share what I learn, and I hope that in doing so, it helps you with your own relationship to anger. We’re all just figuring this out as we go, but the more we bring awareness to these feelings, the more power we have to move through them with grace.

You're not alone in this. ❤️

Let me know if you want to try any of these together, and I can walk you through them. You can book a free discovery call with me here.

Your joy is waiting. You’re already on your way back to it. ✨

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From my heart to yours,
Lauren Alkhal
Connection Coach | Inner Garden Guide | Mama | Meditator
🌱 Download my free guide to defining your core values and explore more of my offerings here.

🍵 If you love my work and want to show some love, you can buy me a matcha here—I’ll keep the good work coming! Support here.

✨ It’s always the right time for a fresh start. Grab my New Year Workshop Guide to gain clarity, realign, and step forward with intention. Learn More and Download Here.

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