Photos by Amandamay

02/03/2025

🚀 Starting Tomorrow: 7 Days to More Courageous Conversations! 🎤

Talking about tough or sensitive topics can feel awkward—even intimidating. But when we lean into these conversations, we open doors to deeper understanding, stronger connections, and real growth.

Over the next seven days, I’ll be sharing insights on:

✨ Finding the balance between empathy & directness
✨ Strengthening relationships through meaningful dialogue
✨ Navigating conversations with confidence
✨ Recognizing patterns & breaking unhelpful cycles
✨ The power of silence (yes, sometimes less is more!)
✨ Collaborating instead of clashing
✨ Wrapping up conversations with clarity

Let’s level up our communication skills together—see you tomorrow! 👏🔥

01/26/2025

**Special Announcement **

As many of you know, life circumstances led to me having to discontinue photography services. It’s been a long road but I am happy to announce that I have received my provisional license to begin counseling clients!

Attached below you can find my professional page to stay up to date on mental wellness articles and information on my whereabouts as a supervised clinician!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572623877216

A compassionate counselor who specializes in working with individuals, youth, couples, and families. She integrates methods like Person-Centered, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman for effective, client-centered support.
Supervised by Kelli Reny, M.A, LPC-S

03/22/2024

If there is someone in your life
That makes you feel like you are not good enough
Over and over again
Everytime you talk
Everytime you're around them
Everytime they text you
They do not belong in your life
I don't care if they're family
I don't care if they're your best friend
I don't care if they're your partner
It doesn't matter
If you feel like you have to prove yourself
Or defend yourself
If they make you doubt youself
You don't have room for them in your life
You deserve to feel loved and seen and beauitful
And sometimes it's not black and white
Sometimes they're not bad people
They just don't bring out the best in you
But I just want you to always remember
That there are people out there
Who won't make you feel that way
There are people out there
Friends
Partners
Chosen family members
Who you will feel so valued around
So, I'll say it again
If there is someone in your life
That makes you feel like you're not good enough
Like you're never good enough
Cut them off
-Lauren Nicole

03/21/2024

I sometimes wonder if when you get to heaven or whatever comes next, there's a front desk and a survey on a clipboard.
You grab a pen and take your seat but you're in less of a rush to fill it out than you usually would be because, well...
You'd write your name and your birthday.
Your hand just takes the shape of those letters and numbers like clockwork because you've done it so many times before.
And then you start to answer the questions on that paper.
What was the last song you listened to?
What were you thinking about?
Who crossed your mind first?
Did you get to say goodbye?
Were you afarid?
Are you now?
You're filling in the blanks, checking yes or no:
Did you take a moment to love yourself on your last day?
Did you thank yourself for all of your service?
All of your hard work leading up to now:
Were you kind that day?
Were you in a rush?
What was the last thing you did just for you?
What was the last conversation you had?
Was it meaningful?
Did you stop to notice any details?
Look up from your phone a little more than usual?
Ask the ones you love questions ?
Or was it just another busy day?
Was it the end of the line or somewhere in the middle?
What made you special?
What was your favorite food?
Did you eat it recently?
Or did you alter it to align with the changes you were always trying to make to the parts of you that you weren't satisfied with?
All of these questions are in past tense.
Who were you?
How did you feel?
What were the best most notable parts of your beauitful life and when was the last time you took note?

-Josie Balka

02/25/2024

One of my favorite live action love stories are begining the next chapter in their life together.
I am squealing with excitement! From the sounds of it, I believe we have all been waiting for this special moment.
I can't wait to see these two tie the knot!

02/25/2024

One of my most lovely repeat clients booked me for this evening. I got the whole family! What a blessing to serve them 😊

02/24/2024

Hi friends,

I just upgraded my phone. My old one fought the good fight. I think I have my contacts but I’m not entirely sure…. If you need to contact me, you can now shoot me a message! 😊

02/06/2024

02/05/2024

The speed at which children grow up defies the laws of time.

02/02/2024

We made it!

02/01/2024

(Phone picture!)
My sweet Primmy, she was set that she was walking Shiloh. I'm pretty sure that had he chosen to take off she stood no chance but thankfully we didn't experience any issues 😅

Who do you think weighs more?

The toddler or the dog? 🤔

Drop your guess in the comments below!

P.s. For those of you who may not know, Shilohs adventure down l Rayford on Christmas night did actually end up with him being clipped by a car and with a broken paw. He's been wearing a splint cast thingy but it rubbed a wound on his elbow. This week he's had to keep it off and be in a kennel with standing room only or if he's out of the kennel, he's to be in someone's lap. Vets orders. No running and only walking to go potty. Needless to say, this sucks 😑. He's supposes to get his paw wrapped again Friday and he should be able to get some walking/running freedom again. I'm sure he's going to having zoomies bursting at the seams 🐾

01/31/2024

That's some serious focus!
Peep the snack in her hand 🤣