Publications & Podcasts

A collection of reflections on resilience, grief, self-care, connection, and navigating life’s possibilities.

Podcasts

The Acceptance Project Podcast - Episode 3 “Where Grief Meets Possibility: Healing with Life Coach Melody West”

The Grief Lady is Grieving

Published July 13, 2026

I was greeted by a friendly woman who said, “Oh, you’re the Grief Lady!” Two days later, with my heart breaking, I cried, “The grief lady is grieving.”

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When We Say “I’m Good”

Published June 22, 2026

Recently I had a booth at a senior resource fair. I worked hard at the design and was proud of how it looked. 

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Lean In

Published June 8, 2026

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how often we lean away from people when life gets hard. Not because we don’t care. Quite the opposite.

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Tilt the Kaleidoscope

Published May 25, 2026

Sometimes nothing in our life changes—except the way we see it. This reflection is about perspective, possibility, and how the smallest shift can reveal an entirely new picture.

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When Change Chooses You

Published May 11, 2026

Some changes are chosen. Others arrive uninvited through illness, loss, or circumstances beyond our control. This reflection explores what happens when life takes an unexpected turn—and how we begin finding our way forward.

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The Caregiver

Published April 27, 2026

Behind many doors, someone is quietly caring for another—tired, devoted, and often unseen. Sometimes the smallest support makes the biggest difference.

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Swirling

Published April 13, 2026

Sometimes our minds swirl with so many thoughts that we lose sight of what matters most. This reflection is about finding focus, embracing a little humor, and discovering that a gentle shift can change everything.

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Love!

Published Feb 9, 2026

Love isn’t just romantic - it shows up in friendship in the world, and how we treat ourselves. A Musing on expanding how we define and experience love.

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Get Off Your Butt!

Published Jan 26, 2026

Sometimes the shift we’re waiting for doesn’t come from clarity—it comes from doing something, anything, to move forward.

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Fire-starters!

Published Jan 12, 2026

When your spark feels dim, the right person—or moment—can reignite something you thought you’d lost.

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It’s Not A Contest

Published Dec 23, 2025

Life isn’t a contest—and when we stop trying to win, we can finally choose what actually feels good.

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The Little Word That Shrinks Us

Published Dec 8, 2025

The word ‘just’ can quietly shrink our feelings and experiences. This Musing invites you to notice where you might be minimizing yourself.

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Giving & Receiving (Meet Agnes)

Published Nov 24, 2025

Receiving can feel harder than giving—especially when guilt or old stories get in the way. This reflection explores how accepting care deepens connection.

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The Impact of Fall

Published Nov 10, 2025

In a season of illness and slowing down this Musing explores how kindness and connection become part of the healing.

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European Adventure

Published Oct 3, 2025

Travel has a way of opening us up. This musing explores what unfolds when we step out of routine and into something new.

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Stepping into Fall Part 2 of 2

Published Sept 22, 2025

Once you’ve chosen your perspective, the next step is deciding where you want it to take you. This Musing explores the power of vision and intentional direction.

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Stepping into Fall Part 1 of 2

Published Sept 8, 2025

Sometimes a small shift in perspective, like choosing a different pair of “shoes”, can open up new possibilities for how you show up in life.

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The Liminal Space of Illness

Published Aug 25, 2025

Illness can place us in an in-between space where nothing feels certain. This Musing explores how those unsettled moments can quietly shape what comes next.

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A Doorway to the Past

Published Aug 11, 2025

August often feels like a doorway between past and future. This Musing explores the memories we carry and the next chapter beginning to unfold.

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A Gentle Pause

Published July 28, 2025

When life begins to slow, it offers a chance to breathe, reset, and choose what truly matters.

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Summer Joys

Published July 14, 2025

The magic of summer often lives in the smallest moments —if we slow down enough to notice.

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