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As another birthday approaches, I found myself talking with my boys about what I wanted this year. I told them honestly: I don’t need anything.  What I really wanted was to spend time together—something simple, something meaningful, something that didn’t need a price tag attached. My oldest looked at me and said something that stopped me in my tracks: “As you get older, you care more about memories than getting something.” He’s right. And his words inspired this blog. Aging C

January has a way of convincing us that change must be dramatic. New routines, big goals, “new year, new you”—it can feel like pressure disguised as motivation. And for caregivers, parents, busy professionals, or anyone navigating life’s stressors, the idea of overhauling an entire routine can feel not only unrealistic, but discouraging. But what if the most meaningful change doesn’t come from big resolutions at all? What if it begins in the smallest, quietest moments? This i

The other day, after a conversation I had with my mom about end-of-life planning, my youngest son looked at me with curiosity and asked, “Why are you so comfortable talking about death?” It stopped me in my tracks—not because I didn’t know the answer, but because his question reminded me how uncommon that comfort is. In a culture that avoids death, whispers about it, or treats it as something to fear or outrun, being at ease with conversations about dying can feel unusual—esp

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a training that explored the Blue Zones —and I’ve been fascinated ever since. If you’re not familiar, Blue Zones  are regions around the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives , often well into their 90s and 100s, with lower rates of chronic disease and a higher quality of life. These areas include places like Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California) . What

Letting go is one of the hardest things we are ever asked to do. We are rarely taught how to release what we love, what we hoped for, or what we believed our lives would look like. Instead, we’re taught to hold on—fight harder, fix it, endure it, prove our worth. But there are moments in life when holding on becomes more painful than releasing, and letting go is not a failure—it is a form of courage. Letting go may mean accepting that family members do not honor your love for

In a world that celebrates multitasking, productivity, and constant connection, true presence has quietly become one of the rarest—and most meaningful—gifts we can offer one another. We attend gatherings physically while our minds replay conversations, plan responses, scroll phones, or brace for discomfort. We nod, smile, and respond automatically, yet leave feeling oddly disconnected. And often, so do the people we were with. Being truly present doesn’t mean being perfect, e

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with several caregivers—spouses, adult children, and family members who are showing up day after day for someone they love. While their situations were different, a common theme kept surfacing in our conversations: “No one truly understands what it’s like to be a caregiver until they become one themselves.” That sentence stayed with me. It’s not something caregivers say lightly. It’s often spoken with ex

The holidays often bring images of large family gatherings, familiar rituals, and shared memories. But what happens when your family of origin isn’t the one you turn to for support and celebration? Many people find strength and comfort in their chosen family—friends and loved ones who provide the emotional support and connection that traditional family might not. Creating new holiday traditions with this chosen family can transform the season into a time of joy, belonging, an

In a world that often feels loud, hurried, and endlessly demanding, many people are searching for ways to find calm—to reconnect with themselves, their purpose, and something greater than the noise around them. One practice that has quietly transformed the lives of many is Centering Prayer . Though rooted in Christian contemplative tradition, it has become a widely embraced form of meditative stillness that welcomes people of all backgrounds. At its heart, Centering Prayer is

Trauma isn’t just something that happens to us—it’s something that happens inside  us. It lives in our muscles, our breath, our thoughts, and the ways we move through the world. Even when the event is long over, the body may continue reacting as if it’s still happening. This can be confusing, frustrating, and at times overwhelming, especially if you don’t understand why your body feels “on high alert” or shuts down without warning. At True North Wellness Services, we believe

When the world feels heavy, it can be hard to notice the good around us. News often highlights conflict, division, and loss, which can weigh on caregivers, professionals, parents, and advocates alike. Yet, even in difficult times, positive change is happening. Recognizing these moments of progress is a powerful way to build resilience and hope. At True North, we believe in holding two truths at once: the pain we experience and the progress that continues. Hope is not naive; i

Caring for others is a demanding and often exhausting role. Many caregivers put their own needs last, focusing entirely on those they support. Yet, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and reduced ability to provide quality care. Finding ways to care for yourself while caring for others is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. This post offers five practical strategies to help caregivers maintain their well-being, inspired by the True North Caregiver Wellness & Support

Food insecurity affects thousands of Missourians every day, making access to nutritious food a critical issue across the state. Many families struggle to find enough healthy food to meet their needs, which can lead to serious health problems and increased stress. Understanding the importance of nutrition and knowing where to find reliable resources can make a significant difference for those facing food insecurity in Missouri. Missouri offers a variety of organizations and fo

Welcome to a journey toward discovering your inner compass. Life often feels like a series of unpredictable changes, and finding steady ground can be challenging. I’m Tiffany Webster, and through my work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Care Manager, I’ve seen how reconnecting with your core values and sense of purpose can bring clarity and strength. This post will help you explore what your True North means and how to use it to build resilience and personal