Tag: mental health

Suicide Prevention Month: Honoring Lives and Spreading Hope

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

Honoring Carla, Hunter, and Holding on to Hope

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shine light into the shadows and remind one another that every life matters. For me, this month is personal. Too personal.

Just this May, my friend Carla made the choice to leave this world. She had only just become a grandmother, a role I know would have filled her with joy. Carla’s smile beamed, her laugh was unforgettable, and she adored her children—kids the same ages as three of mine. To learn that she had taken her own life stopped me in my tracks.

My first thought was: My God, the pain must have been so immense for her to leave behind her beautiful little family. Whatever she was carrying must have hurt so deeply that leaving felt like her only escape. That thought still breaks me.

And Carla’s loss is not the only one close to my heart. Earlier this year, my family also said goodbye to Hunter, who lost his battle with his own thoughts. Two lives gone too soon. Two families left to navigate unimaginable grief.

Suicide prevention is not just a cause on a calendar for me—it is a daily prayer, a constant thought. I carry it not only for Carla and for Hunter, but also for my own child who has struggled. When you’ve looked into the eyes of someone you love and wondered if they’ll still be here tomorrow, suicide prevention becomes your heartbeat.

That’s why checking in on people matters so much. Sometimes we assume that because someone is smiling, laughing, or surrounded by loved ones, they must be okay. Carla looked like she had so much to live for. Hunter had so much life ahead of him. And yet, their battles were invisible to most of us. A simple text, a phone call, a coffee together—it might not “fix” everything, but it could remind someone they are not alone in their darkness.

I also hope for families left behind that practical things—like having a will, leaving clear instructions, or having life insurance in place—can ease some of the burden. Not because it takes away the grief, but because it provides breathing room in the middle of heartbreak.

But more than anything, I hope we all keep talking, keep listening, and keep showing up for one another. Because silence can be deadly, but compassion can save lives.

If you are struggling—or if someone you love is—please know this: there is help, and there is hope.

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 in the U.S.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, available 24/7.
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.

For Carla, I pray she has found peace. For Hunter, I pray he knows how deeply he is loved. For my child—and for every person fighting silent battles—I pray you remember that your story is not over yet.

Because your smile, your laugh, your love—you matter. Always. ❤ Julie

From Writing to Healing: The Art of Emotional Expression

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

I shared with you guys that I had been using writing as a creative outlet. I also stress bake and cook as a way to cope. It has been a roller coaster around here the past year so I have experimented with writing songs, poetry, new recipes, just about any way that you could imagine to creatively deal with all of the changes.

Here is a sneak peek at a song I wrote about the complicated relationships with sisters:

🎶 Sister Things

(Original song about the fierce, complex bond between sisters)

[Verse 1]
 We’ve shared shoes, secrets, silence, and screams
Traded dreams, and jeans, and in-between things
Laughed ‘til we cried, cried ‘til we laughed
Drew battle lines, then erased the past
You knew the boy before he broke my heart
I knew your tells before you fell apart

[Pre-Chorus]
 We don’t say sorry — not out loud
But we show up when it really counts

[Chorus]
 It’s a sister thing, it don’t always make sense
Like throwing shade but leaping to defense
We can fight like hell behind closed doors
But God help the fool who says one word more
You get me like no one ever could
And still hurt me worse than anyone would
But there’s grace in the grit, love in the sting
That’s just how we do… sister things

[Verse 2]
 I’ve rolled my eyes at the life you chose
You’ve judged my pain like it’s a TV show
But deep down we’re tied at the soul’s seam
Different stars in the same wild dream
You’ve been my mirror, my rival, my home
The first to call, the last to condone

[Pre-Chorus]
 We’ve got bruises that no one sees
But girl, your wins still feel like wins to me

[Chorus]
 It’s a sister thing — part fire, part gold
A little too much, a little too bold
We’ll talk behind each other’s backs
Then come out swingin’ if someone attacks
You keep my ugly, you’ve seen me weak
Still call me strong when I can’t speak
Yeah, it cuts and it heals — that’s the swing
Of this wild and holy… sister thing

[Bridge]
 And not all sisters are born the same
Some show up later, without the name
They pick you up, they pull you through
They know the mess, but love you true
So here’s to the soul-tied, battle-scarred few
Who love like sisters… and show up like glue

[Final Chorus]
 It’s a sister thing — it’s sacred, it’s loud
Full of silent vows we never said out loud
You can tear me down, but build me up too
‘Cause no one else sees the whole damn truth
From the sandbox fights to wedding rings
We’ve weathered it all… sister things
Not just blood, but heart and flame
And I’d choose you over and over again

[Outro]
 Yeah, it’s raw, it’s real, it’s a lifelong sting
But thank God for this beautiful…
Sister thing

And then I wrote about people, the kind of people who will smile to your face and do hurtful things behind your back. I really have enjoyed writing and creating. I might someday get the chance to perform these songs somewhere or maybe find an artist that appreciates the sentiment and wants to record them. Who knows? But for now, for now I will share them with you guys and hope you enjoy!!

🎶 “Smiling Snake”

(Original song – sassy, upbeat, and too real)

[Verse 1]
 Oh, she’s got a hug that’s sugar-sweet
But her eyes say she’s sizing up the meat
Brings a pie to your potluck dream
While she’s stirring doubt in her own scheme
Knows your birthday, knows your fears
Knows just how to play those gears
Laughs with you, then walks away
To twist your truth another way

[Pre-Chorus]
 Yeah, she claps when you rise — slow and tight
Then whispers why you’ll fall by Friday night

[Chorus]
 She’s got a Sunday smile and a serpent’s soul
Wears kindness like a high-heeled role
Says “I’m just worried” with a perfect pitch
But she’s rooting for a breakdown, not a switch
She don’t hiss — no, she sweet-talks fate
Pulls you close just to watch you break
Oh, bless her heart — that girl is fake
She ain’t a friend, she’s a smiling snake

[Verse 2]
 She’ll comment “love this!” on your post
Then share it in a group chat roast
Says “I’m so proud” to your face
Then prays you trip on your own grace
But baby, I’ve been watchin’ too
And now I know what snakeskins do
She’s just a mirror with no soul
Reflectin’ shadows, never whole

[Pre-Chorus]
 So go on, girl, keep up the charm
I’ve built a fence around this heart

[Chorus]
 Yeah, she’s got a halo that’s glued on tight
Winks in public, claws at night
Says “we go way back” with a champagne grin
But she’s counting your cracks while she sips her sin
She don’t bite — nah, she whispers fate
Sews her lies like they’re first-rate
Oh, bless her heart — that smile’s so fake
She ain’t a friend, she’s a smiling snake

[Bridge]
 Now I ain’t bitter, just awake
Learned how to spot a polished fake
Not every grin means love or peace
Some just want a front row seat…

[Breakdown – Spoken or Half-Sung]
 To your fall — or your rise
But either way, she’ll act surprised

[Final Chorus]
 So raise a glass to the girls who know
That sisterhood ain’t just for show
We’ve seen the venom dressed in pearls
The side-eyes hidden in “you go, girl!”
But we’ve learned to smile, and walk on by
With sharper hearts and clearer eyes
No more fools for the games they play
We see ’em now — from a mile away

[Outro – Tagline Hook]
 Oh bless her heart…
She’s just a smiling snake.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Secure Your Family’s Future

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

💪 Building My Business, Building My Purpose

When I left teaching, I knew I wasn’t walking away from helping people—I was just searching for a new way to do it. For me, that path revealed itself after experiencing several painful losses in my own life. Each time, I watched how unprepared families were—emotionally, financially, and practically—for the death of their loved ones.

It left me asking one question over and over:

How could something so inevitable catch so many of us off guard?

Enter Financial Services 💰

That’s when financial services came into my life. Life insurance, securities, and even PLPP (Pre-Paid Legal Plans)—things I never really thought about before—suddenly became more than “policies” or “products.”

They became tools to protect families. They became the way I could help others in some of their hardest moments.

And I’ll be honest—at first, I thought:

“Well, even if this business doesn’t take off, at least the education is free, and my family will be protected.”

But the deeper I went, the more I realized this wasn’t just about me. This was about helping families sleep better at night, knowing they wouldn’t be left scrambling, arguing, or making impossible decisions in the middle of grief.

I’ve Been There

I know what it’s like when you lose a parent or a loved one and suddenly you’re left making decisions you never thought you’d have to make.

  • Who gets Grandma’s cookbooks?
  • What about Mom’s jewelry?
  • How do you cover the bills when your whole world has just been turned upside down?

Everyone means well, but emotions run high, and without a plan in place, chaos often takes over.

That’s why I believe so strongly in what I do. This business is about more than money—though yes, it helps to earn an income while building a career.

What matters even more is the peace of mind that comes from knowing I can help someone else avoid that pain and confusion.

Don’t Wait ⏰

If there’s one message I want to get across, it’s this: don’t wait.

  • Don’t wait to have a power of attorney drawn up.
  • Don’t wait to write your will.
  • Don’t wait to protect your family with life insurance or build your future with smart investments.

These conversations are tough, but they are necessary.

Where to Start

Start with a financial needs analysis. Sit down with a financial planner or coach—someone who will listen, guide, and help you see where your money is actually going.

From there, create a budget that doesn’t just cover today but also secures tomorrow. Whether it’s:

  • Saving for retirement
  • Planning for travel
  • Ensuring your paycheck lasts beyond a few days

…you can make your money serve you—instead of you always serving it.

My Mission

This is more than a business to me. It’s my mission.

If even one family is spared the heartache of being unprepared because of the work I do, then I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

👉 Ready to take the first step? Let’s sit down for a financial needs analysis and create a plan that protects your family and builds your future.

📩 Reach out today and let’s get started. 254-677-7510 text or voicemail

Transform Your Finances: The Benefits of a Financial Needs Analysis

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

Money and Mental Health: Why a Financial Needs Analysis is a Game Changer

Let’s be honest – money isn’t just about paying the bills. It’s about peace of mind. And if you’ve ever stayed up at night worrying about whether you’re saving enough, paying off debt fast enough, or protecting your family in case something unexpected happens, you know how quickly finances can affect your mental health.

For many of us, money stress is right up there with juggling work, kids, and daily life. It’s one of those “silent strains” that shows up as anxiety, tension in relationships, or even a feeling of being stuck. On the flip side, when you feel financially secure, everything else feels just a little lighter – your shoulders drop, you breathe easier, and you can actually think about the future with excitement instead of dread.

Why It’s About More Than Budgeting

Now, don’t get me wrong – budgeting is important. But real financial confidence goes way beyond simply tracking expenses. You need a clear picture of your entire financial life: what’s working, what needs attention, and how to make your money start working for you.

That’s where a Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) comes in. Think of it like a wellness check-up for your finances. It’s not about judgment or telling you to skip your morning coffee; it’s about looking at your financial health as a whole.

Here’s what an FNA usually covers:

  • Cash Flow Review – Where your money comes in, and where it sneaks out.
  • Debt Strategy – Finding the smartest way to tackle debt without sacrificing your sanity.
  • Protection Planning – Do you have the right insurance in place to protect your family if life throws you a curveball?
  • Savings & Investments – How to start growing your money, even if it’s just a little at a time.
  • Retirement Planning – Making sure the future version of you is taken care of.

Why Everyone Needs One (Yes, Even You)

You don’t need to be rolling in cash to benefit from a financial needs analysis. In fact, the earlier and more often you do it, the stronger and more confident you’ll feel about your money.

Here’s what it can give you:

  • Less Stress: Clarity brings calm. Knowing where you stand is half the battle.
  • Protection: Safeguard what you already have — your income, your home, your family’s future.
  • A Growth Plan: Your money should be working just as hard as you are. An FNA shows you how.
  • A Roadmap: Instead of reacting to money problems, you’ll be following a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

From Surviving to Thriving

When you tackle your finances with a full-picture plan, you’re not just taking care of dollars and cents — you’re taking care of your mental health and your family’s future. The relief you’ll feel knowing you’re on the right path is priceless.

So here’s the truth: whether you have a little money, a lot, or you’re somewhere in between, a Financial Needs Analysis is for you. It’s not just about budgeting. It’s about protecting what matters, preparing for the unexpected, and putting your money to work so it supports the life you’ve always wanted.

Because at the end of the day, financial peace of mind isn’t just about money — it’s about living with confidence and freedom.

✨ Takeaway: Don’t wait until stress takes over. Get your financial check-up. Your bank account (and your mental health) will thank you.

How to Cope with Anxiety While Waiting for Change

by Mothersense, posted in Uncategorized

The Agony of Waiting (and How to Survive It Without Losing Your Mind)

We’ve all been there.
The email is sent. The interview went great. The scale is so close to that magic number.
You’re halfway through a project, a life change, or a dream, and now you’re…
just…
waiting.

Waiting for the phone to ring.
Waiting for the green light.
Waiting for the thing you know is coming (probably) but still feels like it’s stuck in a cosmic traffic jam.

It’s maddening.

Why Waiting Feels So Hard

Waiting is a limbo space. You’re not where you were, but you’re not yet where you want to be. Our brains hate that. They crave certainty, closure, and momentum. Without it, anxiety loves to step in and narrate a running “what if” list like an over-caffeinated sports commentator.

We’ve been taught that if we’re not actively doing something, we’re failing, lazy, or wasting time. So we start filling the space with noise—tasks, projects, errands—sometimes not because they matter, but because the silence of waiting feels unbearable.

Here’s the Truth: You Don’t Have to Fill Every Second

Waiting doesn’t have to be passive, but it also doesn’t have to be crammed full of “productivity” for the sake of appearances.
There’s a radical thing we can do instead:
Be still.

Being still doesn’t mean being frozen. It means giving yourself permission to exist without constantly proving your worth through output. Stillness can be taking a slow walk without a podcast in your ears. Sitting outside with a cup of coffee, just watching the way sunlight hits the leaves. Allowing yourself to breathe without thinking, “I should be doing something right now.”

What You Can Do While You Wait (Without Driving Yourself Crazy)

  1. Hold space for yourself
     Give your emotions somewhere to go. Journal them. Talk them out. Cry if you need to. Sometimes the waiting is the work, because you’re learning to sit with uncertainty.
  2. Set “check-in” times
     Instead of obsessively refreshing your inbox, decide you’ll check it at certain times of the day. Boundaries keep you from spiraling into constant vigilance.
  3. Practice micro-pleasures
     Do tiny, nourishing things that don’t have to lead anywhere—a short walk, a chapter of a book, baking something, or even rearranging your desk for your own comfort.
  4. Reconnect with the non-outcome parts of life
     The people, hobbies, and routines that aren’t tied to the thing you’re waiting for can ground you in the present.
  5. Let it be awkward
     Not every season has to be full of dazzling growth. Some seasons are about holding the ground while the seed sprouts underground, invisible to you.

The Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to earn the right to rest.
You don’t have to distract yourself into exhaustion.
And you don’t have to let waiting steal all the joy out of right now.

The thing you’re waiting for will come—or something else will arrive in its place—and you’ll move forward when it’s time. In the meantime, give yourself grace. Stay curious. Be still when you can. Move when it feels good.

Because life isn’t just about the big moments when the call finally comes, the scale tips, or the email lands. It’s also about the quiet minutes in between—the waiting room of life—where we learn who we are without the outcome.