I recently had a cancer scare. I went to my primary care doctor who did an exam, found a lump and recommended that I get a mammogram immediately. I felt like I had been smacked in the face by an invisible person. The following day, at the earliest available appointment, I had my mammogram and an ultrasound. The radiologist didn’t find anything benign or suspicious – the lump turned out to be a cyst. While those are very much bullet points from those three days – what I want to talk about is what I learned from that experience. I know there are many rosie readers who have had similar…
-
-
Jealousy is a powerful emotion. I think it’s something we all feel, but it’s not something we talk about very much. No one is ever proud to announce that they’re jealous of someone else. After all, jealousy usually stems from a sense of lack and fear, so it also reveals other insecurities. Depending on your level of self-awareness or the image that you maintain, that’s not really a good look. If you’ve ever felt jealous and yucky about it—or perhaps you struggle with jealousy—this post might provide you with a little perspective. What if you could simply choose a new alternative to this seemingly all-consuming emotion? We can start by…
-
Who you let into your life is important. We might not always realize it right away, but the people we allow ourselves to be around influence us—sometimes more than we know. As humans, we can’t help but learn from each other. That’s why being mindful about who gets access to your energy isn’t just a nice idea—it’s necessary. Being discerning with my time and energy is something I’ve been actively working on. This post is a reflection on the importance of being choosy about who you share your time with—whether it’s a romantic partner, a close friend, or even someone you only see at work. Your time and energy are…
-
There is always so much going on; most of us have a running to-do list that is a mile long. We’ve got deadlines to meet, errands to run, and don’t forget to clean the house because we’ve got company coming tomorrow. Of course, tending to our responsibilities is important. That also means that sometimes in life we have to sacrifice certain things to ensure that our responsibilities are met first. However, there’s something that you should consider when you think about how busy you are, and how you’re rushing around to get things done. Remember to take a break, remember to be present. Be conscious of how you use your…
-
If you survived high school, chances are you know about mean girl behavior. You may have had your own mean girl, or you may have been one yourself. These women are difficult, to say the least – manipulative, cold, cruel. And they aren’t only found in high‑school hallways; the mean girl can also show up in adulthood. Unfortunately, people don’t always “grow out” of it. We all know that one woman who can dole out a solid back‑handed compliment or shower you with micro‑aggressions. But what actually is a mean girl? What makes her so mean, and how do we handle being around her without losing our peace? What Is…
-
How many people do we meet over the course of our lives? Sometimes those people are with us throughout our whole lives, and sometimes they are only with us for the short term. However long the stay, everyone has something to teach us. The goal for this post is to remind folks to consider the greater good of their life journey when someone in their life chooses to exit. I tend to look at the end of a relationship as the end of a life lesson; what has that person taught me? Different people are meant to show you certain things. Someone who oversteps your boundaries may be teaching you…
-
When you stop seeking approval, some people may become uncomfortable around you. The impact that how you feel about yourself has on others is very real. You start living more authentically, standing tall in your truth and being who you are, you might find that people seem different. Maybe someone who once seemed supportive pulls away, becomes critical, or even passive-aggressive. When you stand firm in who you are, you learn that confidence can unsettle others around you. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing, although it might sting a little – especially if you aren’t expecting it. You might even feel tempted to make yourself smaller, or revert…
-
I feel like this saying is everywhere: Protect your energy. It’s become a kind of modern mantra—a shorthand for emotional self-care. Whether you’re navigating toxic work environments, draining relationships, or trying to avoid burnout, the idea of protecting your energy offers a sense of empowerment. It’s a way to reclaim your peace, and – there’s more to it than that. I mentioned the phrase “protect your energy” to my therapist once. In response, he paused and asked, “What would happen if, instead of using the word protect, you used the word curious?” It was a subtle shift—but one I’ve referenced ever since. What if protecting your energy is only part…
-
For years, I searched for a role model who could teach me things, and be an example of what a confident, empowered woman looked like. I had a vision of someone I could learn from and who was fearless, and wise. I wanted a mentor who would take me under her wing and help me embody all the qualities I admired in others. However, despite meeting many inspiring women, I couldn’t find the perfect role model—until I learned an important lesson: sometimes, to find your role model – you have to become her, yourself. The Search for a Role Model I was always drawn to strong, self-assured women who walked…
-
This morning, I was talking to my therapist about why I keep giving myself excuses for not starting my blog. He pointed out that it’s my programming—those old beliefs and fears—that are stopping me from taking that step. Fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, and the thought that someone might not like what I write are all powerful forces that hold me back, just a few of the things I will talk about on my journey of self-discovery. One vivid thought that kept creeping into my mind was imagining my mom, all sweet in her little-old-lady housecoat, doing an innocent Google search of my name. The last thing I wanted…
