cloud 9 archive

This will be my first holiday season without my mom, the person who made Christmas feel magical. Nothing about the holidays feels the same anymore. If you're facing your first year of holiday celebrations after parent loss, here are strategies for surviving when grief collides with what's supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year."

When everything felt like it was falling apart during my mom's illness, art became the one thing that made sense. Here's how art became my survival tool through the hardest year of my life, and what research says about why creating helps us heal.

Your timeline doesn't need to match anyone else's, and that's not just okay, it's often better. The pressure to have your life figured...

When someone you love dies, every item they touched becomes precious. Random kitchen utensils, the books they never finished, even their old receipts, suddenly everything feels impossibly important to keep. Here's how to navigate decluttering sentimental belongings without feeling like you're losing more of them.

Losing a parent changes everything, but losing them to dementia means grieving twice: once for the person they were, and again when they're gone. Here's an honest reflection on navigating the complex journey of grief, from anticipatory loss to finding ways to heal and honor their memory.

September brings a natural invitation to reflect and reset. Whether you're navigating major life changes or simply feeling the seasonal shift from summer to fall, these journaling prompts will help you process transitions with intention and grace. From releasing what no longer serves to embracing new possibilities, discover how writing can guide you through change.

Overthinking is like having a browser with 47 tabs open, each one demanding attention while draining your mental battery. Discover simple ways to find your mental clarity and peace.