staceybooks

In the world of personal growth and community programs, there’s an underlying assumption that change is easy—that if we sign up for a program, attend a few workshops, or show up when it’s convenient, our lives will transform. It’s a tempting narrative. I’ve seen it time and time again in my work with nonprofits and…

Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel like walking a tightrope—every step uncertain, every breeze threatening to knock you off balance. The unfamiliar territory is scary for anyone, but for those of us wrestling with imposter syndrome, it can feel like venturing into the storm completely unprepared, a fraud waiting to be exposed. I’ve…

I’ve made mistakes—plenty of them. Some were minor, and others were life-altering. Yet, through every misstep, I learned one thing that rings true time and time again: no one can be as hard on me as I am on myself. We all make mistakes, but the real challenge comes not from others judging us, but…

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when awareness is raised, stories are shared, and lives are honored. Suicide affects so many of us—whether through the loss of a loved one, a personal struggle, or supporting someone through their darkest moments. For me, this month carries deep significance. It brings back memories of my own…

Finding yourself sounds like such a lofty goal, something we often hear in self-help books or during pivotal moments in movies. But what does it really mean? For most of us, the process of discovering who we truly are isn’t about a dramatic epiphany; it’s about a slow, sometimes messy, unraveling. It’s about sorting through…

The narrative surrounding employment for those with felony convictions has long been bleak, with many believing that doors remain closed once a criminal record is established. However, this perception is slowly but surely changing, particularly within the tech industry. While challenges certainly exist, the opportunities are far greater than many realize. A growing movement is…

As I approach the last year of my forties, I find myself grappling with changes I never anticipated. My body is transforming in ways that leave me both bewildered and frustrated. I can hardly believe that not long ago, I barely gave a thought to what my life might look like two decades down the…

Do you ever feel like your mind is constantly running a marathon with no finish line in sight? It’s like there’s always something to think about, something to solve, something to fix. My brain doesn’t come with an off switch—believe me, I’ve searched for it. Instead, it’s a relentless machine, whirring with thoughts about everything…

As a woman who has spent years working in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, I’ve witnessed firsthand the silent struggles many professional women face—myself included—when it comes to low self-esteem and body image. These challenges are often intensified by the unique pressures and expectations that accompany each work environment. The battle to maintain a confident…