Do you have Family Meetings with your kids? Here is why you should!

Why Family Meetings Have Been a Lifesaver for Me and My Kids

I’ve learned over the years that one of the best ways to keep my family connected is by holding regular family meetings. Now, before you picture a big conference table and a long agenda, let me tell you—it’s nothing like that. For us, family meetings are usually just gathering in the living room or around the kitchen table.

I call a meeting when I know something big is coming up—like a move, a new job, or even something fun like a vacation. Sometimes it’s just because chores aren’t getting done and I’d rather talk about it all together instead of repeating myself ten times.

But honestly, I leaned on family meetings the most when I was going through my divorce. That was such a hard season for all of us. I didn’t want my kids to feel like they were in the dark or that their voices didn’t matter. So, we sat down together more often, and I made sure each of them got the chance to talk and share how they were feeling—with no judgment.

And you know what? Those meetings brought us closer.

What Happens in Our Family Meetings

Here’s how we usually do it:

• Everyone gets a turn to talk.

• No interrupting and no making fun of what someone shares.

• We try to end with a plan—or even better, something positive.

Sometimes the meetings are quick, and other times the conversations go deeper. But no matter what, my kids know it’s their safe space to be honest.

Why I Believe They Work

• They help my kids feel heard. Even if I don’t always agree, they know I’m listening.

• They build respect. We practice listening to each other without judgment.

• They keep us connected. Life can get so busy, but these meetings pull us back together.

• They provide stability. Especially during my divorce, my kids needed that regular check-in time to feel secure.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a family meeting, I encourage you to. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just pick a time, gather together, and let everyone share what’s on their hearts.

For us, these little meetings have become more than just “talking things out.” They’ve been a way to teach my kids that their voice matters, that we’re a team, and that no matter what life throws our way, we face it together.

I Hear You

 

I Hear You

Some days, the world feels too heavy.
You get up, go through the motions, and still feel like you’re carrying something no one else can see. Maybe it’s worry. Maybe it’s grief. Maybe it’s the quiet ache of not feeling understood.

If that’s you today—I hear you.

"You don’t have to explain it all or have the, right words.” 

The fact that you’re breathing and moving forward, even while it feels impossible, is already proof of your strength.

I want you to know something important: you are not alone in this. Even if no one around you understands the depth of what you’re going through, you are still worthy of peace, love, and rest.

It’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
What matters is that you’re still here—and that matters more than you realize.

So if you need permission to stop being so hard on yourself, here it is. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to heal slowly. And you’re allowed to still hope for brighter days.

You are seen. You are loved. You are stronger than this storm.

💚
—SL Bradley 

New Phycological Thriller story in the making....

 

                New Story Coming Soon: Until I Wake

I’m so excited to finally share something I’ve been quietly working on—my brand-new novel, Until I Wake. This story has been living in my mind and heart for months, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

At its core, Until I Wake is a psychological thriller with a hauntingly emotional twist. It follows the story of Ava, a woman trapped between reality and illusion. When she wakes up in a version of her life where everything she built with her perfect someone is gone, she’s forced to confront strange and terrifying events that make her question her own sanity.

From ghostly whispers in the night to unsettling encounters that defy explanation, the tension builds with every chapter. But underneath the suspense lies something deeper—a journey through love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

What I love most about this book is that it plays with perception. As the story unfolds, you’ll start to wonder:

• Is Ava being haunted… or is she losing her mind?

• What’s real, and what’s a creation of her own memories?

• And most importantly—what happens when the truth finally comes to light?

I’ve poured my heart into this one, weaving in both edge-of-your-seat suspense and raw, emotional depth. If you love stories that make you feel as much as they make you think, you’re going to connect with Until I Wake.

Why you’ll love it:

• A gripping blend of psychological suspense and emotional drama

• Cliffhangers at the end of every chapter to keep you turning pages

• A twist ending that will stay with you long after you close the book

I’ll be sharing sneak peeks, character reveals, and behind-the-scenes details here on the blog as we get closer to release day. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss it.

Thank you for being here and supporting my writing journey. This one is going to be unforgettable.

✨ Until I Wake — Coming Soon.

Your Brain is making you SICK!!!

 

The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Health — And Why You Can’t Ignore It

Most people are in denial that their overall body health and the health of their mind are indeed connected.

To me, a quiet small-town girl with a passion to heal those around her, it seems very obvious that the two need each other to thrive. I’m not a doctor, but I feel I have done enough of my own research and studying to be one by now! I have observed, I have listened, and I have tested the theories out on myself over the past 36 years.

It’s common sense (or at least it should be) that when we feel upset all the time, are stressing about random things that don’t matter, and big things that do… our bodies are not happy. Then, when our body isn’t happy, we feel ill. Our immune system gets lazy, it’s no longer able to stand up to those pesky germs, and before you know it — we’re sicker than a dog!

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The Science Backs It Up

Here’s what research says (for those who like receipts):

• Chronic stress keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode, flooding it with cortisol. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a weaker immune system.

• Anxiety and depression have been linked to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and digestive problems.

• Your gut and brain are in constant communication through something called the gut–brain axis. A stressed brain can cause stomach problems, and an unhealthy gut can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

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Real-Life Proof You’ve Probably Felt

Think about it — when you’ve had a really bad week:

• Your shoulders get tight.

• Your sleep goes out the window.

• You catch every cold going around.

• You have no energy for the things you normally enjoy.

That’s not a coincidence. That’s your mind and body having a conversation — and right now, they’re gossiping about how burnt out you are.

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How to Take Care of Both

The good news? If the mind and body are connected, then working on one can help heal the other.
Here are some things I’ve learned (and lived) that really make a difference:

1. Breathe on purpose – Even two minutes of slow, deep breathing can lower stress hormones.

2. Move daily – Not to lose weight, not to look a certain way — just to move your energy around and keep your body strong.

3. Eat food that loves you back – Whole, nourishing foods help your body fight illness and your mind feel more stable.

4. Speak kindly to yourself – Negative self-talk is like feeding your brain spoiled milk. It will make you sick from the inside out.

5. Rest without guilt – Sleep is when your brain cleans house and your body repairs itself.

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The Bottom Line

You can’t pour into your life if your cup is empty. Your mind and body are not separate teams — they’re partners. When one is hurting, the other is too. And when you care for both? That’s when you truly start to thrive.

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         ?????? What can you do to help yourself  ??????

      Gardening is a Natural Medicine for the Mind and Body

If you want a simple, affordable way to boost your mental and physical health, let me tell you — a garden might just be your answer. Whether it’s a community garden or a little patch of earth in your own backyard, spending time with plants and soil does way more than give you pretty flowers and fresh tomatoes. Gardening is medicine for the soul, and the more time you spend in it, the more you feel that truth deep down.

1. You’re more likely to eat healthy.
When you grow your own food, you naturally start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. There’s something about pulling a carrot from the ground or plucking a tomato off the vine that makes it taste better than anything from the store. And because you worked for it, you want to eat it.

2. It lowers stress hormones.
Studies have shown that gardening can lower cortisol levels (that pesky stress hormone). Add in fresh air, sunshine, and a little movement, and your brain starts releasing those happy chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

3. Gardening is grounding.
Literally. Touching the earth connects you to the natural world in a physical way. When your hands are in the soil, your body releases built-up static and stress — almost like the earth is taking in the bad and giving you calm in return. This grounding can help quiet racing thoughts and bring you back to the present moment.

4. It strengthens community connections.
If you join a community garden, you’re not just growing plants — you’re growing friendships. Sharing tips, trading seeds, and helping each other’s plots creates a support system that naturally lifts your mood and sense of belonging.

5. It moves your body without feeling like “exercise.”
Bending, lifting, digging, and carrying water all count as movement, but it’s so enjoyable you don’t even realize you’re exercising. That physical activity improves circulation, strengthens muscles, and supports heart health.

6. It’s free therapy you can take daily.
There’s something about watching a seed turn into a plant that feeds you — body and soul. It teaches patience, hope, and resilience. Plants don’t grow overnight, and neither do we.