When I embarked on parenthood, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown with inadequate preparation. What I was certain of, though, was the abundance of love, care, and an unwavering desire to ensure the safety and well-being of my little ones. The challenge lay in figuring out how to navigate this intricate journey of parenting, especially with six children in tow.

WIth all the business of summer, it is so important to manage your energy. Here are more tips to help you stay in balance, get the rest you need and get yourself going in the morning.

Summertime is finally in full swing. Days are long and filled with unexpected adventures and challenges. This month, I want to emphasize the importance of self-care through the wild, crazy, intense and challenging times that we may all find ourselves in.

Change is inevitable. Transitions are an integral part of our lives. Births, puberty, graduations, moving to a new home, beginning or ending a job or career, the seasons, a death.. all are opportunities or rites of passages.

What better way to launch the Gracious Pathways blog post than with laughter!

We talk a lot about the power of food as medicine.... well laughter and gratitude are just as powerful.

Back in the day, I used to give my former husband laughing lessons....way before the popularity of Laughter Yoga. Laughter has been been scientifically proven to help strengthen the Immune System function by releasing happy hormones also known as endorphins...specifically seratonin. As seratonin levels increase, the brain gets happy and depression goes away.

Here is a simple laughter exercise. Begin by finding a comfortable position to sit or stand. Close your eyes. Take a few deep belly breaths. Then begin to make a ha ha ha sound. Take the ha ha ha into different volumes and tones....high tones, low tones. Then make faces with the sounds. You will be laughing in no time. Go ahead and laugh your a** off!!

For those extra challenging days.....try the double whammy formula..... laughter plus gratitude! Along with laughter, gratitude takes you outside of yourself and the mind's chaos and beliefs. We can all use getting out of the negative thoughts of the mind. Gratitude also brings our attention to the heart and appreciation for those things that are bigger than the "little mind". A few examples include our home, the sunshine, fresh air, nature, our family and friends, good food and clean water, etc.

Here is to your happiness and well-being!