Beyond New Year’s Resolutions: How Intentions Create Change That Actually Lasts
Every January, many of us feel a powerful surge of motivation, a sense that this is finally the moment things will change. We call this the fresh-start effect, and it’s very real. Unfortunately, so is the disappointment that often follows.
Traditional New Year’s resolutions rely on rigid rules and all-or-nothing thinking. When life inevitably interrupts, one slip-up can feel like total failure. Over time, this cycle can lead to frustration, shame, and the belief that change just isn’t possible.
But lasting growth doesn’t require perfection, it requires direction.
By shifting from rigid resolutions to flexible intentions, focusing on approach-based goals, and using supportive tools like “if–then” plans, we can create change that is sustainable and compassionate. Writing a letter to your future self can further deepen this process, helping you reconnect with your values and notice growth that’s already unfolding.
Real change isn’t about starting over.
It’s about continuing, gently, intentionally, and with self-trust.
Undoing the Freeze: How to Reclaim Motivation When You Feel Stuck
Ever sat frozen in front of a task you know is important — and still couldn’t make yourself move?
That feeling of heaviness, foggy thinking, and stuckness isn’t laziness. It’s the freeze response, a biological survival mechanism that can shut down motivation and executive functioning.
In this week’s post, I explore:
Why freeze happens (especially for trauma survivors & folks with ADHD)
How to gently unstick your system using micro-steps and nervous system cues
Two guided exercises: a “Freeze Inventory” and a “First Step Finder”
Why action creates motivation — not the other way around
This isn’t about pushing through — it’s about compassionately supporting your nervous system back into motion. Read more and start practicing small, doable steps that build momentum with kindness, not shame.
Pride is More Than a Month – Living Authentically Year-Round
As Pride Month ends, it’s important to remember: Pride is more than a month. It’s about living with self-compassion, celebrating joy, and creating affirming spaces year-round. In this post, I share tips and resources to keep the spirit of Pride alive – no matter the season.
Coming Out in the Holler: Navigating Your Truth
Coming out can be a beautiful, life-changing experience – but in rural areas like Eastern Kentucky, it can also feel complicated and risky. In this blog post, I’m sharing tips for balancing safety and authenticity, plus resources and gentle reminders that there’s no single way to come out. Your truth matters – and you deserve to feel safe as you share it.