October marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the deep pain and grief of losing a child, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or the passing of an infant.

As a mother who has personally experienced the heartbreak of loss, I understand how isolating and overwhelming the grief can be. My journey with loss began when my firstborn son, Braylen Makai Pratcher, was born after a full-term pregnancy but passed away after 28 days due to Trisomy 13. He would have been 15 years old this year, but his memory still shines bright in our family.

Honoring the Life That Was
For those of us who have experienced the loss of a child, it’s important to know that it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to honor the life of the little one you never got to watch grow up. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month gives us the space to do just that—to remember, to mourn, and to reflect. Losing a child is not something you simply “get over”; rather, it’s a lifelong process of navigating the waves of grief and finding peace in the memories and moments that we did have.

Allowing Yourself to Grieve
One of the hardest parts of the journey can be allowing yourself to fully grieve. Society often pressures us to “move on” from loss or implies that time will heal all wounds. However, the reality is that the pain of losing a child is deep and unique. It’s crucial to give yourself permission to feel everything—the sadness, the anger, the confusion, and even the moments of joy when you remember their brief but meaningful presence.

Finding Support
Grieving the loss of a child is not a path you need to walk alone. There is immense power in community, whether that’s leaning on family, close friends, or finding a support group of parents who’ve gone through similar losses. During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, many organizations and online communities offer opportunities for parents to share their stories, connect, and find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone. I have found solace in sharing Braylen’s story, and I encourage others to do the same if it feels right for them.

Practicing Self-Care During Grief
As we navigate our grief, self-care becomes more important than ever. The pain of losing a child can take a significant emotional and physical toll. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but it does mean nurturing ourselves in the midst of the storm. Whether it’s journaling, taking time for quiet reflection, or simply being in the presence of those who lift you up, self-care allows you to pour back into yourself as you walk through the valley of grief.

Creating Traditions to Honor the Memory
For many, creating a lasting tradition in memory of the child can bring a sense of peace and purpose. This could be as simple as lighting a candle on their birthday, planting a tree in their honor, or donating to a charity that supports families going through similar losses. For my family, we honor Braylen in our own ways, keeping his memory alive and close to our hearts.

A Message of Hope
If you are reading this and have experienced a loss, I want you to know that your grief is valid. There is no timeline for healing, and your child’s memory is worthy of honor. Although the road may be painful, there is hope in the healing journey. You are not alone, and together we can continue to break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss, offering love and support to those who need it most.

As we take this month to raise awareness and reflect, I invite you to reach out, connect, and share your own story if you feel led to do so. There is healing in community, and there is healing in remembering. This October, let us honor the journey we’ve walked, the children we’ve loved, and the hope we continue to carry forward.

To those grieving, I see you. I stand with you. And I honor your journey.

In Memory of Braylen Makai Pratcher, and all the beautiful souls gone too soon.

Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.

We all have dreams, goals, and visions of the life we want to live. Yet, so often, we find ourselves stuck—unable to move forward, doubting our abilities, and feeling as though something is holding us back. More often than not, the barriers we face aren’t external—they’re internal. They’re the limiting beliefs we’ve adopted throughout our lives that tell us we can’t achieve, can’t succeed, or don’t deserve the very things we’re striving for.

Limiting beliefs are the invisible roadblocks that prevent us from thriving. They are the deeply ingrained thoughts and narratives that cause us to doubt ourselves, to settle for less than we deserve, and to stop short of our potential. But here’s the good news: limiting beliefs can be identified and overcome. The moment we recognize them for what they are, we begin to take back our power, clearing the path to our breakthrough.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

Limiting beliefs are the thoughts, assumptions, and judgments we hold about ourselves and our capabilities that keep us from taking action or reaching our full potential. They are often formed in childhood or during challenging life experiences, and they can manifest in various areas of our lives—career, relationships, finances, and personal growth.

Some common examples of limiting beliefs include:

• “I’m not smart enough to succeed.”
• “I’ll never be good at this.”
• “I don’t deserve happiness.”
• “I’ll always fail, so why bother trying?”
• “I’m too old (or too young) to pursue this goal.”

These beliefs may feel like truths, but they are merely perceptions, shaped by past experiences, societal expectations, and fear. The more we allow them to define us, the more we limit what’s possible in our lives.

My Personal Struggle with Limiting Beliefs

For a long time, I wrestled with the belief that I wasn’t good enough to achieve certain goals. I would get excited about a new opportunity, but then that nagging voice in my head would say, “Who do you think you are? You don’t have the experience or the credentials to do that.” As a result, I’d hesitate, procrastinate, or worse—give up altogether.

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was recognizing that this belief wasn’t based on reality. It was based on fear and past disappointments. I realized that every time I allowed this limiting belief to dictate my actions, I was keeping myself stuck, missing out on opportunities to grow and thrive.

When I finally confronted this belief head-on, I had to ask myself: “What if this belief isn’t true? What if I’m capable of more than I think?” That simple question opened a door. It challenged me to rethink how I saw myself and what I could achieve. The more I questioned that limiting belief, the weaker it became, and the more empowered I felt to take bold steps forward.

How to Identify and Overcome Limiting Beliefs

Here are 3 steps that have helped me and can help you identify and overcome the limiting beliefs that might be holding you back:

1. Recognize Your Limiting Beliefs
   • The first step in overcoming limiting beliefs is to become aware of them. Pay attention to your thoughts when you approach a challenge or a goal. What stories do you tell yourself? Are you quick to assume that you’re not capable or that you’ll fail before you’ve even tried? Recognizing these patterns is crucial.
   • Tip: Write down any recurring thoughts or doubts that arise when you’re pursuing something important to you. Look for common themes—this is where your limiting beliefs live.
2. Challenge the Validity of Those Beliefs
   • Once you’ve identified a limiting belief, it’s time to question it. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” Often, limiting beliefs are based on old experiences or fear, not on current facts or possibilities.
   • For example, if your belief is “I’m not good enough,” ask yourself, “According to whom? Where’s the evidence that I’m not good enough?” You’ll likely find that the evidence is either outdated or nonexistent.
   • Tip: For every limiting belief you identify, write down the opposite belief and look for evidence that supports it. This helps weaken the power of the negative thought.
3. Reframe the Belief
   • After challenging the validity of your limiting beliefs, reframe them into something more empowering. Instead of saying, “I’ll never be able to do this,” shift your mindset to, “I’m learning and growing every day, and I have the ability to figure this out.”
   • Reframing isn’t about pretending the challenges don’t exist—it’s about adopting a mindset that allows for growth, resilience, and possibility.
   • Tip: Whenever you catch yourself falling back into a limiting belief, consciously reframe it. Over time, this practice rewires your thinking and creates new, more empowering beliefs.

Breaking Through to the Other Side

“Limiting beliefs are powerful, but they are not permanent. The moment you decide to question them, to challenge their validity, and to replace them with empowering truths, you start the process of breaking through.” – Coach Shae Pratcher –

For me, overcoming limiting beliefs has been a journey, not an overnight transformation. But each step I’ve taken has brought me closer to the life I want and the person I’m becoming. By confronting these beliefs, I’ve been able to take bold steps, seize opportunities, and thrive in ways I never thought possible.

Your Breakthrough Awaits

What limiting beliefs are holding you back from your breakthrough? I encourage you to reflect on them, challenge them, and take the steps needed to replace them with beliefs that serve your growth. You are capable of far more than you think, and the only thing standing in your way is the belief that you can’t.

It’s time to let go of the roadblocks and take the first step toward your breakthrough. You deserve to thrive.

Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.

We all know the feeling when it’s way past time for a pedicure but life keeps getting in the way. Well, I finally made time for myself this week, and let me tell you, my overdue self-care session was long overdue and absolutely worth it! With the help of Pumice Valley Foot File and Lavender Foot Cream, my feet—and even my elbows—are feeling silky smooth and totally pampered.

Let’s Talk About the Foot File

First, the Pumice Valley Foot File. This isn’t your average foot file. It comes with two sides, and I put both to good use since my feet were in serious need of some TLC (I’m talking seriously overdue for a pedicure—let’s have a little laugh at my expense). 😉 The dual sides made the process easy, helping me buff away the roughness with just a few strokes. After using it, my feet were already feeling so much softer and smoother, but the real magic happened when I moved on to step two: the foot cream.

Lavender Foot Cream: The Game-Changer

Now, let’s get into the Lavender Foot Cream—because this product truly did it for me! After filing, I massaged the cream into my feet, and it was the perfect way to lock in moisture and wrap up my self-care session. The texture of the cream is silky smooth and luxurious, making it easy to massage in without feeling greasy or heavy.

The scent is also incredibly relaxing. I could feel the stress melting away as I applied it, and it left my feet feeling nourished for hours afterward. It wasn’t just a quick fix—the softness and moisture lasted long after I was done.

Bonus Use: Elbows Approved!

Here’s the kicker: the Lavender Foot Cream isn’t just for your feet. I decided to try it on my elbows, and I was so impressed with how soft and smooth it made them feel. It’s truly a multi-use product that works wonders on any dry areas that need a little extra care. I loved how easy it was to massage into my elbows, and the moisture lasted just as long as it did on my feet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re overdue for a self-care session, do yourself a favor and try out Pumice Valley Foot File and Lavender Foot Cream. The foot file does a great job of prepping your skin, and the foot cream seals the deal with long-lasting moisture, a relaxing scent, and smooth texture. Whether you’re treating your feet, elbows, or anywhere else in need of some love, these products are a must-have for your self-care routine.

Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.

#SelfCareEssentials #PumiceValley #FootCareRoutine #LavenderLove #Heal4Real #TLCForYou #SilkySmooth #MultiUseProduct

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Please note: This is a sponsored post, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

We all want to be liked, to be helpful, and to be seen as someone others can depend on. But when the desire to please others begins to outweigh our own needs, it comes at a cost. That cost can be steep—leaving us depleted, stressed, and disconnected from our true selves. People-pleasing, though it might seem like an act of kindness, can quickly turn into a habit of self-sabotage.

The Trap of People-Pleasing

At its core, people-pleasing often stems from a desire for acceptance, validation, or approval. It might start with small things—agreeing to help a friend, staying late at work, or volunteering for something you don’t really want to do—but it can quickly snowball. Before you know it, you’re saying ‘yes’ to everything, even when your energy is tapped out, or your needs are left unmet.

The problem with constantly trying to please others is that you start to lose sight of what matters most to you. You begin to prioritize everyone else’s needs while your own get pushed to the side. Over time, this creates an imbalance that can feel impossible to fix.

The Dangers of Self-Sacrifice

One of the most damaging aspects of people-pleasing is the way it causes you to sacrifice yourself in the process. Your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth are finite, and when you give and give without taking care of yourself, you risk burnout, resentment, and ultimately sabotaging your own well-being.

Imagine a well that gets drawn from over and over again, but is never refilled. At some point, it runs dry. That’s exactly what happens to us when we sacrifice our own needs for others. Without a healthy balance, you can end up feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from your own desires. In the long run, this can impact your mental health, relationships, and even your physical well-being.

The Illusion of Control

People-pleasing can also create a false sense of control. You may believe that by always being agreeable, you can keep the peace or avoid conflict. But this is an illusion. The more you give of yourself in an attempt to meet others’ needs, the more you risk losing yourself in the process. What you may not realize is that people-pleasing doesn’t guarantee that others will appreciate, value, or even notice your sacrifices. And when that recognition doesn’t come, it can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment—toward both yourself and others.

The Importance of Balance

The key to overcoming people-pleasing isn’t about saying ‘no’ to everyone or shutting people out. It’s about finding balance. It’s about learning how to honor your needs while still being there for others. You can still be kind, compassionate, and supportive, but you also need to know when to draw the line.

A healthy balance means recognizing that it’s okay to prioritize yourself sometimes. It’s okay to set boundaries, to say no, and to protect your own energy. By doing so, you’re not only taking care of yourself, but you’re also teaching others how to respect and value your time. When you operate from a place of balance, you’re able to show up as your best self, without sacrificing who you are or what you need in the process.

Self-Sabotage: The Risk of Ignoring Your Needs

When we consistently put others’ needs ahead of our own, we’re at risk of sabotaging ourselves over and over again. Each time you say ‘yes’ when you really want to say ‘no,’ you’re chipping away at your self-respect, your energy, and your own happiness. Over time, this can lead to feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem, and even depression.

The truth is, when you take care of your needs first, you’re better equipped to care for others. You’re not doing anyone any favors by running on empty or neglecting your own well-being. In fact, by doing so, you may inadvertently create unhealthy dynamics where people begin to expect you to always be available, further deepening the cycle of self-sacrifice.

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing

So, how do we stop the cycle of people-pleasing and self-sabotage? The first step is awareness—recognizing when you’re saying ‘yes’ out of obligation or fear of letting others down. The next step is setting boundaries. Boundaries don’t make you selfish; they make you strong. They allow you to give from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

Here are a few strategies to help break the habit:

• Practice Saying No: Start small, but practice turning down requests that don’t align with your priorities or well-being. You don’t have to justify your ‘no’—it’s enough to simply say, “I’m not able to do that right now.”
• Check In with Yourself: Before agreeing to something, pause and ask yourself, “Is this something I truly want to do? Does this serve my well-being?” If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your response.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Boundaries help you protect your time and energy. Be clear about what you can and cannot do, and communicate those boundaries with others. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential for your own mental and emotional health.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Peace

People-pleasing is an easy trap to fall into, but it’s not sustainable. When we sacrifice our own needs for the sake of others, we risk losing ourselves in the process. It’s time to protect your peace, set healthy boundaries, and remember that saying ‘no’ can sometimes be the most powerful way to say ‘yes’ to yourself.

“It’s a heart thing not a hard thing.” — Coach Shae Pratcher

Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.

Listen—parenting in the digital age is not for the faint of heart. Between the endless TikToks, the YouTube wormholes, and those sneaky Roblox sessions, our kids are living in a world we could barely imagine growing up. As a mom to a 3-year-old, 11-year-old, and a 13-year-old, I’ve seen it all. From trying to pry my toddler away from Alexa (or, as he calls her, “Echo”) to negotiating screen time limits with my preteens, the struggle is real.

But there’s one more element in the mix now—sports! This year, my 13-year-old has been introduced to basketball, while baby girl, my 11-year-old, is diving into volleyball. Sports have added a new layer of balance to the screen time saga. Now, I find myself juggling not only how much time they spend on their devices, but also cheering them on as they step onto the court—because trust me, these kids can be just as competitive with a basketball as they are with their devices.

The Screen Time Saga

It all starts with the dreaded words: “Five more minutes, please!” Oh, the negotiations! The oldest, my basketball star in the making, is a master at stretching five minutes into twenty. Meanwhile, my daughter pulls out her clever reasoning—“But I’m watching volleyball highlights to improve my game, Mom!” And honestly, I can’t argue with that logic (even though I know those highlight reels somehow last hours).

And then there’s my 3-year-old who has developed a special relationship with “Echo.” He’s learned to ask for knock-knock jokes and his favorite songs on demand. Cute? Absolutely. Until it’s the fifth time in an hour, and I’m left wondering how to negotiate screen time with a toddler who has figured out voice commands.

Setting Boundaries Without Losing Your Mind

Here’s what I’ve learned: creating boundaries around screen time is less about making hard-and-fast rules (because, let’s be honest, no two days look the same), and more about creating a rhythm that works for your family. With my older two now having sports practice, I’ve introduced a new system—screen time must be balanced with physical activity. Whether it’s shooting hoops or spiking volleyballs, screen time comes after they’ve put in their time on the court.

We also use “screen swaps.” For every hour of screen time, there’s an hour of something else—whether it’s playing outside, practicing sports, reading, or in my toddler’s case building yet another tower of blocks just to knock it down. It’s not perfect, and some days are better than others, but we’re learning as we go!

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in a Digital World

With so much screen time, it’s easy for kids to become disconnected from their emotions—and from us. That’s why it’s important to foster emotional intelligence both on and off the screen. I often ask my kids how their games make them feel—whether it’s a video game or a sports game. If something frustrates them, we talk about it. After all, handling a missed shot in basketball or a lost match in volleyball is just as important as understanding how a video game can make them feel.

It’s about teaching them that emotions are part of the game—whether it’s digital or physical—and learning how to navigate those emotions with grace.

Embracing the “Unplugged” Moments

Between sports practices, screen time negotiations, and everything in between, I’ve learned to embrace the moments when my kids are unplugged. Whether it’s playing a board game, helping me in the kitchen, or having random dance parties in the living room, those unplugged moments are pure gold.

It’s during these moments that I see the real connection—when we’re not focused on devices but on each other. And trust me, nothing beats cheering for my older son as he shoots a three-pointer or watching my daughter’s excitement after a volleyball spike. These are the moments that remind me why balance is so important.

Laugh Your Way Through It

Parenting in the digital age requires a sense of humor. It’s easy to feel like the bad guy when you’re limiting screen time or pulling them away from their favorite shows, but it helps to laugh through the chaos. After all, if I can find the humor in my youngest asking Alexa for yet another joke or the oldest trying to sneak in extra screen time by saying it’s “music motivation,” then I know I’m doing okay.

At the end of the day, we’re all figuring it out as we go. And trust me, no one has all the answers. We just do the best we can to balance screen time with the other important things in life—like family, sports, and connection.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Balance

Parenting in the digital age is all about balance. It’s not about eliminating screens but about helping our kids learn how to use technology responsibly while staying emotionally connected to themselves and to us. Whether it’s through sports, family activities, or the simple joy of unplugged moments, it’s about showing them that there’s life beyond the screen—and that it’s pretty amazing.

As we navigate this journey together, let’s remember to create space for both screens and sports, laughter and learning. Because at the end of the day, the balance is what makes it all work.

Don’t Stop. Don’t Settle. Keep Stepping.