Beyond the Hustle

Category: mindset

  • Today’s 50+ Isn’t Our Parents’ 50+

    There used to be a narrative about turning 50…one that whispered words like slowing down, playing it safe, acting your age, and starting the decline.

    But here’s the truth no one prepared us for: Today’s 50+ women (and men) are rewriting the entire script.

    We’re not shrinking.
    We’re expanding.
    We’re not fading out.
    We’re stepping into our power with more clarity, courage, and conviction than ever before.

    If you’re in your 50s (or approaching them) and feel stronger, wiser, and more “you” than you did in your 30s or 40’s, welcome. You’re part of the new wave of powerful women redefining what midlife really looks like.

    We’re Not Our Parents’ 50 — And We Never Will Be

    Our mothers and grandmothers didn’t have the science, the tools, or the language we have today.

    They didn’t talk openly about:

    • Building muscle as a necessity for longevity
    • Strength training for bone health
    • Hormones, metabolism, and recovery
    • Personalized wellness
    • Reinventing careers at 50
    • Owning their voice
    • Starting new passions and projects

    But we do. And we’re using all of it.

    Today’s 50+ woman is:

    • Running trails, hiking mountains, lifting weights, and taking solo vacations around the world
    • Prioritizing mobility, muscle, and metabolic health
    • Investing in financial freedom and building businesses
    • Taking rest seriously
    • Setting boundaries unapologetically
    • Choosing peace over pressure
    • Refusing to play small

    We’re not chasing youth, we’re chasing our potential.

    The Power of Bioactive Peptides in the 50+ Era

    Let’s be honest: aging today isn’t just mindset. It’s science-backed, too.

    Peptides have become one of the most powerful tools women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond are using to:

    • Boost metabolism
    • Improve body composition
    • Support energy
    • Build and maintain lean muscle
    • Enhance recovery
    • Balance hormones
    • Improve sleep and reduce inflammation

    When I started peptides, it wasn’t about looking younger… it was about supporting my future self. The one who wants to run with dogs, chase big ideas, live active, be independent, say yes to adventure, and have the strength to do it for decades.

    They’ve become part of my longevity toolkit…not a magic fix, but a strategic support for how I want to age forward, not backward.

    If you’re curious about peptides or want guidance on where to start (Let’s talk!), this is the time to lean into education and community instead of guessing alone.

    Aging With Intention, Not Limitation

    Today’s 50+ is bold.
    Curious.
    Expansive.
    Driven.
    Soft in the right places and strong in all the places that matter.

    We’re not defined by age. We’re defined by the choices we make in this season:

    ✨ Choosing muscle
    ✨ Choosing nourishment
    ✨ Choosing mental clarity
    ✨ Choosing movement
    ✨ Choosing purpose-driven work
    ✨ Choosing friendships that fuel us
    ✨ Choosing joy
    ✨ Choosing to stop apologizing for taking up space

    We are not “over the hill.” We ARE the hill — and we’re climbing it with strength, stamina, and a fire that refuses to burn out.

    Here’s a Journal Prompt for You This Week.

    “What do I want the next decade of my life to feel like, and what choices can I start making today to support that version of me?”

    Sit with it. Write freely. Be honest with yourself.

    The answers may surprise you, and they may just shift your entire direction.

    Your next chapter is calling, loudly. And it’s going to be your strongest one yet.

    Live Boldly,

    Denise xo

  • Mid-Year Isn’t the End—It’s a Reset Point

    Can you believe the first half of the year is almost behind us?

    It feels like we were just setting intentions in January, mapping out goals, getting organized, and telling ourselves, “This is my year.” And now here we are… staring down the second half of 2025.

    Maybe life threw you a curveball. Maybe your priorities shifted. Maybe you just lost momentum (we’ve all been there). That doesn’t mean your goals aren’t still worth pursuing, it just means now’s the time to lock back in.

    The second half of the year gives you:

    • 26 weeks of possibility
    • 182 days to make progress
    • Countless chances to show up differently

    It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. With intention. With clarity. With energy that supports where you want to go, not just where you’ve been.

    Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today, even more importantly, tomorrow! ~Me

    Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now

    If you’re not sure where to begin, start here. Carve out 10 minutes and journal these out:

    • What did I want to create or change this year?
    • What progress have I made (even the small wins)?
    • What’s gotten in my way?
    • What needs to shift in the next 6 months?
    • What do I want to feel proud of by the end of the year?

    The goal isn’t perfection, it’s alignment. It’s choosing to return to your why, even if the how looks different now.

    Let’s Finish Strong—Together (I’m ready!)

    I’ll be sharing more ideas in the coming weeks to help you refocus, reset, and finish the year strong, whether it’s through wellness routines, mindset practices, business clarity, or just showing up for yourself in a more meaningful way.

    But for today, here’s what I want you to know: You don’t have to wait for “perfect timing.” You just have to choose to show up now. One step. One shift. One day at a time.

    We’re in this together, and there’s still so much room to rise. Below is a list of tools to help you kick some real ass the second half of the year.

    🧠 Mindset & Clarity

    • The Five Minute Journal – Simple daily gratitude and goal-setting
    • Insight Timer or Calm App – Guided meditations and breathwork
    • High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard – A great read or audiobook for momentum

    📅 Planning & Productivity

    • Google Calendar – For blocking focused work, workouts, or rest
    • Asana – Visual task management (great for business + personal projects)

    💪 Wellness & Energy

    • AllTrails App – For finding trails and staying active outdoors (I can’t live without this one!)
    • Make Wellness Peptides – (of course!) to support energy, focus, hydration & recovery
    • MyFitnessPal – For tracking nutrition and movement goals

    📈 Business & Branding

    • Canva – Create stunning graphics, social posts, and promo content easily
    • Flodesk – Simple, beautiful email marketing (great for small business owners)

    🧾 Reflection & Reset

    • Quarterly Goal Review Template (create your own or download a freebie)
    • Whiteboard or Sticky Notes Wall – Sometimes old-school visuals help new ideas flow (this is totally me!)
    • Spotify “Focus” or “Confidence Boost” Playlists – Because music changes everything

    Let’s lock in and finish this year with purpose and intention.

    You with me?

    Denise xo

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  • If You Knew Tomorrow Would Change Everything, How Would You Live Today?

    January 1st started like any other day. I was out on the trails — doing what I love — feeling strong, hopeful, and excited about everything I had planned for the new year. I was having fun, taking selfies, showing off some of my favorite skincare, soaking in the fresh start that January always seems to bring. In that moment, life felt solid. Safe. Predictable.

    And then, less than 24 hours later, everything changed.

    One misstep.
    One fall.
    One accident that I never saw coming.

    The day after that first picture was taken, I found myself hurt, scared, facing a serious surgery, and unsure of what the next few months — or even the next few days — would look like. Everything I thought I could count on — my routines, my independence, my physical strength — was stripped away in a second.

    And when I look back now at the photos side by side, it almost doesn’t feel real. How can life shift so dramatically between one sunrise and the next?

    It’s a gut punch reminder that nothing is promised. Not our health. Not our plans. Not even our ability to lace up our shoes and walk out the door.

    If you knew your life could change tomorrow, how would you live today? Would you rush through it? Would you waste it on things that don’t matter or people who aren’t worthy of your time or mind space? Would you stay quiet about the dreams that are burning inside you, waiting for the “right” time?

    Or would you wake up?

    Would you say the thing you’ve been meaning to say? Would you finally take the risk? Would you stop waiting for the “perfect moment” to start living fully? Would you finally start focusing on your health and wellbeing?

    I wish I could go back and tell the version of me on January 1st:
    Savor it. Really, truly savor it. Laugh harder. Hug tighter. Trust your strength, but also respect how fragile this life is.

    But since I can’t go back, I can only move forward — differently.
    Wiser.
    Softer.
    More awake to the small, beautiful details of every day.

    The truth is, life will change. We just don’t get to choose when.

    But we do get to choose how we live right now.

    And today, I’m choosing gratitude. I’m choosing courage.
    I’m choosing to live like it could all change tomorrow — because it can.

    If you’ve been waiting for a sign to do the thing — this is it.
    Book the trip. Start the business. Write the book. Lift weights like your life depends on it — because it does. Get outside. Soak in the sun. Chase the moments that make you feel alive. Whatever it is that’s been tugging at your heart, now is the time.

    We can’t control what tomorrow brings. But we can choose to live fully today.

    Make Moves, Live Boldly!

  • Politics and Personal Relationships: How We Can Do Better

    Yep, I’m diving in! But don’t worry—it’s all about conversation, not confrontation.

    Let me start by asking—remember when no one knew (or cared) which political party you supported? I miss those days. But thanks to the internet and social media, those lines have been blurred forever.

    Lately, I’ve noticed a shift on LinkedIn (a platform that I thought for sure would stay out of politics), and if you’ve been there long enough, you might have noticed it too. What was once a platform primarily for professional growth, networking, and industry insights has become increasingly political. Discussions that were once reserved for other social media platforms are now front and center, with political opinions, debates, and even outright arguments filling the feed.

    This shift raises some big questions for me:
    🔹 How does this impact job seekers who rely on LinkedIn to build their careers?
    🔹 Are small business owners and entrepreneurs feeling more (or less) freedom to be authentic—or more pressure to take a stance?
    🔹 Are companies making hiring or business decisions based on political beliefs?

    This shift got me thinking: Is there a way to have these discussions without damaging personal and professional relationships? Because whether we like it or not, politics is everywhere—our workplaces, social circles, and even family gatherings. And while being informed and engaged is important, the growing polarization has also created deep divisions.

    But does it have to be this way? Can we explore political differences without making everything a battleground? I believe we can. And that’s why I’m going all in on this conversation, because it’s as much for me as it is for you.

    The Rise of Political Polarization

    There’s no denying that political discourse has become more intense. Social media and search engines are designed to amplify opinions, often creating echo chambers where we’re only exposed to perspectives that reinforce our own. Meanwhile, news outlets tailor content to specific ideologies, making it easier than ever to stay within our comfort zones.

    Here’s a thought-provoking challenge: Try searching for the same topic as a friend or colleague and compare your results. Chances are, you’ll see different information. That’s not a coincidence—it’s by design. If you’ve seen The Social Dilemma, you know how algorithms shape what we see, subtly influencing our beliefs and interactions. In many ways, we’re all being manipulated—whether we realize it or not.

    Check out this short clip (it’s a fascinating documentary worth watching):

    But here’s the reality: No two people will ever agree on everything. Expecting complete alignment—whether in politics, religion, or lifestyle choices—is unrealistic. Healthy relationships and societies are built on diverse perspectives and respectful debate, not total agreement.

    And here’s another reality: Every time a new political administration takes power, those who didn’t vote for them will inevitably find fault with their decisions. It’s a predictable cycle—one side cheers, the other side critiques. Policies shift, priorities change, and no matter who’s in charge, opposition always finds something to criticize.

    Oh, and one more thing—you can’t judge someone’s political beliefs by their appearance or lifestyle. Wearing a flag shirt, driving a certain car, or listening to country music doesn’t automatically place someone in a political box. We need to move past stereotypes and stop making assumptions about people.

    We are complex human beings, shaped by diverse experiences and values. While we may lean one way or the other, few of us align 100% with any party. We hold nuanced opinions, disagree even with “our own side” at times, and make decisions based on more than just political labels. It’s a reminder that real conversations—not assumptions—are what truly help us understand one another.

    Why Losing Relationships Over Politics Isn’t Worth It

    At the end of the day, our relationships—whether personal or professional—are built on much more than political views. Shared experiences, mutual support, and personal history should matter more than a difference in voting decisions.

    Ask yourself:
    ✅ Will today’s political debate matter in five years?
    ✅ Does winning an argument feel better than maintaining a meaningful relationship?
    ✅ Are you listening to understand, or just waiting to respond?

    Of course, some differences are deeply personal, and certain beliefs may feel harder to reconcile. But in most cases, a disagreement doesn’t have to mean the end of a relationship—especially if both people approach the conversation with mutual respect.

    How to Be More Tolerant of Different Views

    1. Practice Active Listening – Instead of reacting immediately, take a moment to truly hear the other person’s perspective. Ask questions, seek understanding, and look for common ground.
    2. Recognize That People’s Experiences Shape Their Views (this is HUGE)– Backgrounds, upbringings, and life experiences influence opinions. Understanding someone’s story can help bridge divides.
    3. Agree to Disagree – Not every conversation needs a resolution. Sometimes, the best approach is to acknowledge the difference and move on.
    4. Know When to Walk Away – If a discussion becomes heated or unproductive, it’s okay to change the subject or take a break. Protecting your peace is just as important as expressing your views.
    5. Respect Boundaries – If someone prefers not to discuss politics, honor that. Forcing the conversation rarely leads to positive outcomes.
    6. Lead with Kindness (this should actually be first on the list)– You don’t have to agree with someone to treat them with respect. Kindness and civility go a long way in keeping relationships intact.

    Bringing It All Together

    Politics may be more visible than ever—especially on platforms like LinkedIn—but it doesn’t have to define our relationships. We can choose to engage with openness, prioritize understanding over division, and remind ourselves that people are more than their political beliefs.

    Disagreements are inevitable, but how we handle them is a choice. By focusing on respect, listening, and the bigger picture, we can create healthier conversations and, more importantly, stronger relationships—both online and offline.

    💬 What do you think? Have you found ways to share political differences while maintaining important relationships? Let’s talk about it below!

    Let’s Connect!

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  • A Tribute to My Mother on My 60th Birthday

    Sixty years—a milestone that makes me pause and reflect on the journey that has brought me here. As I step into this new decade, my heart is filled with gratitude for the woman who shaped me, guided me, and loved me unconditionally: my mother.

    From my earliest memories, my mother was the constant force in my life. My Northstar. She was my first teacher, my fiercest protector, and my greatest cheerleader. She taught me resilience when times were tough, grace when challenges seemed insurmountable, and kindness as the foundation of every interaction. Her lessons were never just words; they were actions—woven into the fabric of everyday life.

    She showed me what strength looked like—not the loud or boastful kind, but the quiet, unwavering strength that gets up every morning, faces the world with determination, and gives selflessly to others. Whether it was late nights spent tending to me when I was sick, standing by my side during life’s difficult moments, or celebrating every small and big victory, she was always there.

    My mother’s love was never conditional. It was steady, enduring, and boundless. She had an incredible way of making me feel that no matter what life threw my way, I would be okay because I had her belief in me. And that belief? It became the foundation for my own self-confidence, for the courage to chase my dreams, and for the wisdom to navigate life’s twists and turns.

    Now, at sixty, I look back and realize how much of her is in me. The values she instilled, the love she gave, and the sacrifices she made—they are all etched into the person I have become. And though time has passed, her presence in my life remains just as strong, whether in memories, in the values I carry forward, or in the way I love those around me.

    So this week, as I celebrate this milestone, I dedicate it to my mother. To her love, her lessons, and her legacy. Because without her, I would not be the person I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.

    Here’s to you, Mom—my guiding light, my heart, my home. Thank you for everything.

    Let’s Connect!

  • Think Different, Act Bold: How to Become a Disruptor in Your Field (and in Life)!

    In a world that rewards comfort and routine, disruptors are the ones rewriting the rules. They challenge outdated systems, innovate where others settle, and redefine success on their own terms. They don’t wait for change—they create it.

    So, are you playing it safe, or are you ready to disrupt (a question I often ask myself)?

    What It Means to Be a Disruptor

    Being a disruptor doesn’t mean causing chaos for the sake of it. It means thinking differently, taking bold action, and refusing to accept limitations. Disruptors don’t ask for permission to succeed. They carve their own paths and, in doing so, inspire others to follow.

    The Disruptor’s Playbook: 5 Ways to Shake Up the Status Quo

    Want to break free (like me) from the norm and make an impact? Here’s how:

    1. Challenge the Standard Thinking

    Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way, and honestly, nothing annoys me more than to hear “but, we’ve always done it that way.” ALWAYS question the norm. Look at your industry, career, or personal life and ask, What could be better? What’s missing? Disruptors don’t accept “good enough”—they push for better.

    2. Take Risks Others Won’t

    Most people hesitate when faced with uncertainty. Disruptors see risk as opportunity. Whether it’s launching a new venture, pivoting careers, or speaking up about an issue, they lean into discomfort and bet on themselves.

    3. Show Up Unapologetically

    The world tries to fit people into neat little boxes. Disruptors break them. They build personal brands, businesses, and movements by being authentically themselves—even when it goes against the grain.

    4. Surround Yourself with Bold Thinkers

    Your circle influences your mindset. Want to think bigger? Connect with people who challenge and inspire you. Join communities of innovators, follow thought leaders, and engage in conversations that push your limits. A great way to start? Listen to disruptors in action.

    🎙️ Podcasts for Disruptors:

    5. Take Action—Now

    Most people overthink, wait for the “right time,” and stay stuck in planning mode. STOP WAITING! Disruptors execute. They don’t wait for approval; they make moves and adjust along the way. The key to disruption isn’t just thinking differently—it’s acting on it.

    The Game Changers: Famous Disruptors Who Redefined Success

    Need proof that disruption leads to greatness? Look at these innovators who shattered expectations:

    🔥 Elon Musk – Transformed the auto and space industries with Tesla and SpaceX, proving electric cars and private space travel weren’t just ideas—they were the future.

    🔥 Oprah Winfrey – Broke barriers in media, redefining what was possible for women and people of color in television and beyond.

    🔥 Steve Jobs – Changed how we interact with technology by making design, functionality, and innovation inseparable.

    🔥 Sara Blakely – Turned $5,000 and a simple idea into Spanx, revolutionizing an industry that doubted her.

    🔥 Brené Brown – Disrupted traditional leadership thinking by proving vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

    Want to Think Like a Disruptor? Start Reading

    📚 Books That Will Change How You See Success

    • Be the One – Justin Prince → A powerful book on mindset, leadership, and stepping into your full potential.
    • The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone → Why thinking bigger and taking massive action is the only way to dominate.
    • Dare to Lead – Brené Brown → Leadership through courage, authenticity, and vulnerability.
    • The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz → The unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship and leadership in disruptive times.
    • Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill → A timeless classic on success, wealth, and breaking limitations.

    🎧 You’re going to want to carve out 15-minutes, and grab your airpods to listen to this wisdom. 🎧

    One of the most iconic disruptors of our time, Steve Jobs, shared his perspective on innovation and resilience in his 2005 Stanford Commencement Address—a speech that has since gained over 45 million views on YouTube. In this heartfelt talk, Jobs recounts pivotal moments in his life, from dropping out of college to launching Apple, getting fired, and coming back stronger than ever. His advice—“Stay hungry, stay foolish”—is a call to action for anyone looking to challenge the status quo and make a real impact. Watch the speech below and ask yourself: How can you think differently?

    Disrupt or Be Disrupted: It’s Your Move

    The world doesn’t wait for people to step up—you have to choose to make an impact.

    💡 What’s one way you can disrupt the norm in your life or business today? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.

    Make Moves, Live Boldly,

    Let’s connect!

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  • The Hustle You Look Down On Might Be Someone Else’s Gold Mine!

    As a small business owner who knows a lot of entrepreneurs and fellow business owners, I’ve always admired the hustle it takes to build something from the ground up. But recently, I had a humbling realization—I never really thought about the people behind the scenes, doing the work that many wouldn’t even consider a business.

    While recovering from ankle surgery, I needed help with a not-so-glamorous task—removing dog waste from my yard. Let’s be real: most people wouldn’t jump at the chance to do that job. But I found a guy who not only runs a dog waste removal business but also trims trees on the side. This is definitely not something I’ve thought about in the entrepreneurial realm, but “John” is absolutely an entrepreneur who is building a successful business with extreme pride, humility, and a great sense of humor! And guess what? He’s making serious money.

    It got me thinking about how we often dismiss certain jobs as “beneath” us or unworthy of consideration. We assume that success only comes in sleek offices, high-profile careers, or trending side hustles. But the reality? Some of the most successful businesses are built on the jobs that many wouldn’t even consider.

    Here’s a great quote from Mike Rowe, the host of Dirty Jobs, who has spent years highlighting hardworking entrepreneurs who built successful businesses from labor-intensive work:

    “Happiness does not come from a job. It comes from knowing what you truly value and behaving in a way that’s consistent with those beliefs.” – Mike Rowe

    Think about it—trash collection, cleaning services, mobile car detailing, power washing. These aren’t jobs people dream about as kids, but they are industries where entrepreneurs are thriving, building wealth, and creating legacies.

    The moral of the story? Don’t be too quick to turn our nose up at an opportunity. The thing we think is “too small” or “not worth it” might just be someone else’s path to financial freedom. The key isn’t what we do—it’s how well we do it, how we scale it, and how we serve a need.

    So before dismissing a side hustle as “not good enough,” remember: someone out there is making a killing doing it. And they’re laughing all the way to the bank.

    Do you have an idea of something you’d like to turn into a side hustle? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

    Make moves, live boldly!

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  • Navigating a Fast World on a Slow Path

    I was chatting with a friend and mentioned I was having a tough day. After listening, she encouraged me to write about it. So, her push for me to be open and honest led to this post—a raw reflection of my frustration and reality.

    I never imagined a shattered ankle would be my wake-up call, but life has a way of delivering unexpected lessons. One moment, I was moving effortlessly through my days; the next, I was sidelined, kicked out of my active lifestyle—grappling with anxiety, depression, relying on others for the smallest of tasks, and adjusting to life with a walker, knee scooter, and boot. Suddenly, I was forced to see the world through a completely different lens, confronting the daily frustrations of a society that isn’t designed for those with mobility challenges.

    Imagine going from living independently to carefully strategizing how to get in and out of your own home. Let me tell ya, it sucks! Simple movements become calculated efforts, and every outing feels like an obstacle course. It’s a humbling shift that opened my eyes to struggles so many people face—struggles often invisible in a world built for speed and convenience.

    From the moment I left the hospital, one truth became painfully clear: our society prioritizes efficiency and accessibility, but only for the able-bodied.

    The simplest tasks—getting through a doorway, maneuvering through a store, getting in and out of cars, climbing stairs, cooking, or even navigating sidewalks—become daunting obstacles. True resilience isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about adapting, problem-solving, and pushing forward in a world that often isn’t built for everyone.

    The Everyday Struggles We Don’t See

    Before my injury, I never noticed how difficult it was to find a ramp that wasn’t blocked or how hard it was to navigate a crowded space without feeling like an inconvenience. Now, I have no choice but to experience it firsthand. Doors without automatic openers, uneven sidewalks, narrow aisles, inaccessible bathrooms—barriers I had overlooked were now glaringly obvious.

    I find myself exhausted, not just from the physical strain of getting around, but from the constant mental calculations required to do basic things. And if I, someone with a temporary injury, feel this way, what about those who face these challenges every single day?

    The Fight to Live Fully

    The real flex…despite these obstacles, people with disabilities courageously push forward, building careers, chasing dreams, and making an impact—all while navigating a world that often forgets them. Their perseverance isn’t just inspiring; it’s a testament to the human spirit.

    But should it be this hard? Should people have to fight this much just to live a fulfilling life? Absolutely NOT!

    Slowing Down and Showing Up

    This experience has made me more aware, compassionate, and determined to do better moving forward. Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and wider doorways—it’s about mindset. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice who is being left behind and taking action.

    So, let’s pause. Let’s take an extra few seconds to hold a door, clear a path, offer assistance, or simply acknowledge that not everyone can keep up with the chaotic pace of the world.

    Because if life is moving too fast for us to extend a hand, maybe it’s time to rethink the way we’re moving altogether.

    True progress isn’t just about innovation, but inclusion. The burden of accessibility shouldn’t fall solely on those who struggle—it should be a shared responsibility. If we all take small steps toward awareness and action, we can create a world where no one feels like an afterthought.

    I found this great article: 15 Ways to Show Kindness to People with Disabilities—it offers small but meaningful ways to make a difference. Because the goal isn’t just to help people get by; it’s to empower them to excel.

    As I close, the question I will ask myself as I slowly begin to get my legs under me again: How can I be a better human and help those individuals not just get by, but truly thrive?

    I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment, and let’s talk!👇🏼

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