staceybooks

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…

When you walk out of prison, a free person once again, it feels like a second chance—a clean slate to rewrite your story. But what many don’t realize, and what I’ve painfully come to understand, is that the freedom we gain comes with invisible chains, binding us to unhealthy habits we develop in our quest…

For much of my life, my relationship with my body has been a relentless struggle. It’s a battle that has played out behind closed doors, in front of mirrors, and in the quiet moments when I’m alone with my thoughts. This isn’t a story of triumph—at least not yet. It’s a story of an ongoing…

In a world that often celebrates professional achievement above all else, finding a balance between career success and spiritual fulfillment can feel like walking a tightrope. The pressures of ambition can easily overshadow our deeper values, leading us to question whether it’s possible to thrive in both areas simultaneously. Yet, it is in this balance—where…

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, we find ourselves constantly connected, capable of building each other up or tearing one another apart with a few keystrokes. This dichotomy isn’t exclusive to secular interactions; it permeates our faith communities, especially among Christians. The digital landscape offers unparalleled opportunities for spreading positivity, encouragement, and the message…

Second chance hiring is a critical movement that not only transforms lives but also drives economic growth and community safety. In Tennessee, this approach is gaining traction as a viable solution to reduce recidivism rates and empower individuals who have faced incarceration. Organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Persevere, and Jobs for…