Clarenda's Empowerment Coaching

11/20/2025

This past week has been emotionally full.
Not so much with tasks… but with people I love.

Bri’s Papa’s visitation… time with my sister in the hospital… a visit to my cousin in special care with rapid dementia… and holding my second mom’s hand at Hospice, not knowing if it would be our last moment together.
Add in calls with my sweet momma and, well, my heart has been stretched.

These are the moments you want to show up for.
But they take something out of you too.
So alongside the heaviness, I made space for the things that help me breathe... walks, quiet time with God, candlelit baths, Facetime with those I love, roller time, the community and spirit of being in church, and even raking leaves as a form of grounding.

That’s what Nurturing November really is.
Not pampering. Not perfection.
Just noticing what you need and giving yourself permission to receive it.

If you’re in a season like this too, I’m sharing something simple that helped me stay anchored.
It’s a one-page PDF with 12 Nurturing Tips to support your mind and body when life feels full.
You’ll find the download link in the comments. Feel free to save it today or for the week ahead.

Which one do you want to lean into this week?

11/19/2025

Nurturing can be practical, meaningful, or simply relaxing.
All three matter. All three count.
Sometimes it’s a small task that becomes a moment of gratitude.
Sometimes it’s leaning into something uncomfortable because the benefits are worth it.
And sometimes it’s stepping outside, breathing deeply, and letting your nervous system settle.

What’s one small thing you’ve done to nurture yourself this week?

11/18/2025

What if nurturing yourself looked less like slowing down and more like showing up differently? This Feel Light Mind & Body Podcast shares practical ways to reset your rhythm, protect your energy, and keep your goals in motion through the season ahead.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode:
Nurturing November: Maintaining Well-Being in the Darker Seasons.

You don’t need to do more…just what matters most.

11/17/2025

Mindfulness gives you a moment of influence before habit takes over.
Not perfection…influence.
That’s where self-leadership quietly builds.

What’s one decision you made today that felt intentional?

11/16/2025

You’ve probably mastered the “surface” side of self-care: good food, movement, maybe even a weekend away.

But the real transformation starts with what’s happening inside your mind.
In this week’s Feel Light Mind & Body Podcast, I talk about the tone of your inner voice, why it matters, and how softening it can lighten your whole day.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode:
Nurturing November: Maintaining Well-being in the Darker Seasons.

11/15/2025

Plan on bringing some Christmas Cheer! 🌟

✨ Our 2025 Holiday Wish List is here! ✨

If you’re looking to support The Shelters this Christmas season, we’re gratefully accepting donations from our wish list! This year we will have gifts for residents at Grace House, St. John House, Out of the Cold, our Transition Homes, Housing Support clients, and community members who may come to the door. Together, we can help make the season a little brighter for those who need it most!

Items can be dropped off at either Grace House (275 Brunswick St.) or St. John House (65 Brunswick St.) between 8am–8pm, and we kindly ask that items be left unwrapped (wrapping supplies welcome!)

Thank you for helping us share warmth, care, and hope this holiday season. 🎄✨

11/13/2025

Do you ever reach the end of a month and wonder where the time went?
November’s a good time to slow down and take stock of what’s working, what’s off track, and where your energy’s really going.
In this week’s Feel Light Mind & Body Podcast, I talk about how a short reflection can reveal what needs attention and what can be released.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: Nurturing November: Maintaining Well-Being in the Darker Seasons. Scroll to the comments to grab the quick link.

It’s a gentle reminder that awareness itself is often the first step toward change. I’m here to help you find the clarity you desire.

11/12/2025

Fun fact: my snake plant’s official name is Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata), also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.

This hardy succulent does more than look good. NASA’s Clean Air Study found it helps remove indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, while releasing oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.
It’s low maintenance, reduces stress, and occasionally rewards you with delicate white blooms when it feels truly at home.

This week I rehomed a few pieces, one for a friend and one for a local giveaway, as a small reminder to nurture your space and yourself. 🌿💛

If you’re local and would love one, comment “Yes” below!

11/11/2025

When the season shifts, your energy and habits often shift too. The shorter days and darker evenings can quietly take a toll on your mood, cravings, and consistency. 🍂 But what if this month wasn’t about pushing harder, and instead about nurturing what keeps you well?

That’s exactly what I share in Episode 145 of the Feel Light Mind & Body Podcast “Nurturing November: Maintaining Well-Being in the Darker Seasons.”

Discover how to restore focus, peace, and motivation with doable & sustainable changes that fit your life.

🎧 Settle in, press play, and enjoy the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. Check out the comments below for the quick link.

11/10/2025

Can a simple weighted vest really improve your bone health? Here’s what I found after 3 months.
I started wearing a weighted vest to improve my bone density (especially important for women in midlife and beyond). My latest metrics show progress from the ideal range to the excellent range for bone mass! 🙌

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

✅ You don’t have to go real heavy to get results: I set my ego aside and started lower as I’ve had previous neck and back issues. I’m ok with building gradually.
✅ Walking with a weighted vest can support bone strength, metabolism, and posture without adding pressure to your back when done correctly.
✅ Consistency matters more than perfection. Even with travel (no vest) and busy days, I’ve kept walking or adding in weight bearing short workouts…and it’s paying off.

If you’ve been curious about weighted vests or looking for simple, science-backed ways to protect your bone health and stay active, I’ve created a Best Practice Guide for you.
Save researching time, be safe, and smarter by learning from my experience.

Download your free Weighted Vest Best Practice Guide and learn how to get all the benefits without the back or neck strain. (check the comments for more details)