human connection

Calling Out to Your Dreamer in the Tree

When I was little, I’d often climb the tree in our back yard in Iowa. Once I got to the…
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I Won’t Give You a Reason the Bad Thing Happened. I’ll Give You Something Better

You can do everything “right” and things can still go horribly wrong. I am facing this. I am embracing this. …
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The First Secret to Thriving is There Are No Secrets

“I risk the safety of my inner world every time I pretend that I have everything under control when I’m…
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The Unsolicited Advice that Turned Heart Worry into Helpful Awareness

Personal crises don’t care about big plans. And when a crisis occurs, we are often faced with choices: Pause Postpone…
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You Are Not Just Anyone

This is not how I planned to return to this space after my annual July blogging break. If you are familiar…
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Returning the Cart and the Truth About Parenting with Long-Haul Hope

I recently got cleared by my podiatrist to take a fifteen-minute walk outside. That sentence does not adequately express the…
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I want to make memories, not to-do lists. I want to feel the squeeze of loving arms, not the pressure of over-commitment. I want to get lost in conversation with my favorite people, not consumed in a sea of unimportant emails. I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope, not by overloaded agendas that steal my joy. I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter & gratitude, not the intrusive buzz of mobile phones & text messages. I’m letting go of distraction, perfection, & pressure to grasp what really matters. I’m living Hands Free. Will you join me? (Read More)

“After attending one of Rachel’s speaking events, I am finding myself pausing more and re-setting my reactions to my spouse and children as a result of reflecting on the situations and lessons Rachel shared. Her decision to reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly, and what she’s learned as she’s worked to transform herself, has lasting impacts on her audience. Rachel’s lessons are like ripples in the ocean as they help others like me move towards choosing love and coming as we are. Rachel works wonders by helping others work wonders.” –A Hands Free Mama in progress