Love What Matters

single mother stands with her children and their stepfather

An Open Letter To The Newly Single Mother—You Are Strong Enough

“I wish I could turn back time and tell myself that I am enough and do not deserve this.”

foster mom using black santas to ensure her foster daughter grows up seeing diversity and feels seen

My House Is Filled With Black Santas As A Foster Mom—Here’s Why

“When it comes to the spirit of Christmas and what the spirit of Santa is all about, it should not be about race. It’s not about black or white.”

‘The most unlikely teacher.’: How our dog taught me to love my mother unconditionally

“Over the twelve years I knew him, Mikey taught me much about life. And today, he taught me about loss.”

Dear Newly Adopted Son, Our Family Picture Isn’t Complete Without You In It

“If you could see inside my heart, you’d see there’s no measuring cup in all the world big enough to hold my love for you.”

three woman in festive outfits sit in bed drinking hot cocoa

6 Tips To Stay Sober This Holiday Season

When you have crystal-clear memories of all the festivities to look back on, memories that aren’t blurred or dimmed by booze, you’ll be so grateful that you stayed sober through it all.

Friend gathered on couch in festive Christmas attire

30 Conversation Starters To Get You Through The Holiday Season

Avoid uncomfortable situations and foster strong connections that will last well into the new year.

Army veterans in dress blues side by side

Man Gifted Army Blues In Honor Of Veteran Friend’s Dying Wish

“Family and friends joined us to see the ‘unveiling’ of a uniform that had become so much more than a uniform. It had become a testament to strength and dedication, but mostly it was a story of continued love.”

woman with chronic illness at low point and at a point when she is feeling better

I Woke Up One Day With An Incurable Chronic Illness (Gastroparesis)—Here’s How I Found Hope

“I write my story to give hope and strength to those fighting battles.”

Domestic abuse survivor sitting in car with husband in drivers side

Dear Husband, Thanks For Showing An Abuse Survivor What True Love Looks Like

“I met you in your truck, clothes torn, nose bleeding, and my body covered in cuts and bruises. I remember telling you, ‘I’m fine!’ Instead of leaving, you loved me the way I deserved to be loved.”

Girl holding special needs sister in hospital bed

‘Mom, is Charlotte still dead?’: Mom shares life and loss of daughter with special needs

“The words felt like a knife to my heart. ‘Yes honey, she’s in heaven now.’ Lincoln got excited and asked, ‘Are we going to be the best sisters ever?’ I reassured her, fighting back tears, ‘Honey, you already are.'”

endometriosis warrior sitting in hospital bed while holding a bunny stuffed animal

‘My concerns were not listened to or valid.’: Endometriosis warrior shares journey to proper treatment

“A diagnosis is not a magic label that makes things better but it does allow you access to treatment options that may not be open to people who do not have a formal diagnosis.”

As A Mom Of Diagnosed Kids, ADHD Is So Much More Than An Inability To Concentrate

“It’s often thrown around loosely as a joke of some sort.”

childhood sexual abuse survivor stands with her husband and three daughters

‘I’m a Phoenix who rose out of the ashes.’: Childhood sexual assault survivor shares healing journey

“I have so much to say, do, and act on. It would be a waste to leave this world prematurely without these messages of love and light.”

Mom with blonde hair and bangs wearing black jacket

I Calmed A Raging Driver With The Power Of Kindness

“I was pushing my cart around the store, and all of a sudden there was a tap on my shoulder. ‘You said sorry to me, but I’m the one who owes you an apology. Thank you for reminding me that everyone makes mistakes, including me.'”

Woman undergoes eating disorder treatment and is on recovery journey

‘There is so much more to life.’: Anorexia survivor shares recovery journey

“I was screaming I wanted to die because I was so miserable. I want people to know it’s okay to ask for help.”

chronic illness warrior getting treatments as well as living her life positively

‘I live in a body that no longer matches my mental fortitude.’: Chronic illness warrior shares health journey

“If there is one thing – one thing – that you take from this, let it be to realize the definition of success is whatever you decide it is for your life.”