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Dating After Trauma: How to Pace Yourself and Protect Your HeartFrom the founder,Kathe'rine&nbsp; Hey there, friend. Let’s grab another cup of coffee and have a heart-to-heart about something that’s often tricky to navigate—dating after trauma. It’s a whole different ballgame when you’ve been through difficult experiences, and it’s easy to get swept up in emotions, especially if you’ve been feeling vulnerable. So, let’s take a moment to talk about what it means to date in a way that protects the care and healing you’ve already given yourself. Are You Pacing Yourself? You wouldn’t rush a flower to bloom, right? It needs time, sunlight, water, and space to grow. The same goes for you in a relationship. Sometimes, when we meet someone new, there’s this excitement that makes us want to dive right in. But I want you to ask yourself—Are you pacing yourself? Take things slow. Just like flowers don’t bloom overnight, healthy relationships take time to grow. Are you giving yourself that time, or are you rushing into something because it feels good right now? Remember, a relationship should grow with you, not take over the garden of your heart. Checking In with Yourself Here’s something I wish someone had told me a long time ago: Check in with yourself regularly. As you get to know someone, ask yourself how you feel. Do you feel safe, respected, and valued? Are your boundaries being honored? Is this person adding to your life, or do you feel drained? Sometimes, when we’re healing, we can overlook red flags because we’re excited to have someone close. But it’s important to listen to your own needs—make sure you’re not abandoning the care you’ve been giving yourself just because someone new has come into your life. Are You Having Honest Conversations? Think of a relationship like tending to a delicate flower—communication is the sunlight it needs to grow. Are you having honest conversations with yourself and your partner? Do you feel comfortable expressing your needs? Are you both talking about what you want in the relationship? How does this person respond when you set boundaries? It’s important to ask these questions, not just to them, but to yourself. When you’re dating, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun moments, but checking in helps you stay grounded. Watch Out for Love-Bombing Now, let’s talk about something tricky: love-bombing. It can feel so flattering at first—someone showers you with affection, attention, and maybe even gifts. But here’s the thing: love-bombing can be a way for someone to gain control or move the relationship faster than you’re comfortable with. It’s not about the “too much love”; it’s about the pace. So, here’s where I want you to really listen to that inner voice. If someone is coming on too strong, too fast—slow down. You deserve steady, consistent care, not overwhelming attention that fizzles out or feels manipulative. Are You Taking Care of You? At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re taking care of yourself. Just like a gardener waters their flowers daily, you need to tend to your own heart. Are you making time for yourself outside of the relationship? Are you honoring the boundaries you set before the relationship started? Do you feel like you’re still growing, or has the relationship taken over your focus? Don’t forget—your growth matters. A healthy relationship will encourage you to grow, not pull you away from the things that make you feel whole. Filling the Lonely Spaces Without Rushing I know it can be hard, especially if you’ve been feeling lonely for a while, but it’s so important to take your time. Sometimes, when we feel that emptiness, we think a relationship will fill it. But friend, that’s not how it works. You’re already enough, just as you are. If you’re feeling lonely, consider filling that space with things that nurture you—volunteering, spending time on a hobby, or connecting with friends. That way, when the right relationship comes along, you’re not rushing into it to fill a void. You’ll be stepping into it with a strong sense of your own worth. You’re Worth Taking Time Remember, just like flowers in a garden, you need care, time, and protection. Don’t rush the process—you’re worth every bit of patience and attention. Take care of yourself, pace your heart, and make sure that anyone you let in is nurturing your growth, not rushing in Take it one day at a time, and don’t forget—you are enough.

Dating After Trauma: How to Pace Yourself and Protect Your Heart

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Taking Care of Your Garden: A Coffee Chat on Self-Worth, Boundaries, and RelationshipsFrom the founder,Kathe'rine&nbsp;Hey friend, let’s grab a cup of coffee and take a little time to chat. I’ve been thinking about something important, and I want to share it with you—something that might speak to where you’re at right now, especially if you’ve been feeling like you’re ready to date again or just craving some connection. First off, I want to remind you of something: You are worth so much more than you probably give yourself credit for. I know life can make it hard to believe that sometimes, but it’s true. You have value, not because of what you’ve been through, but because of who you are—someone who deserves care, love, and respect. Now, I want you to think of yourself as a flower in a beautiful garden. Stay with me here, because I promise this will make sense in a moment! You see, flowers come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and sizes, and each one has its own time to bloom. Some flowers need a little more time to grow, and some need extra care to thrive. You can’t rush them—they bloom when they’re ready, and they need the right environment to truly flourish. That’s kind of how we are, too. Just like those flowers, we each have our own seasons of growth. Some days we might feel like we’re in full bloom, confident and strong, and other times we feel like we’re barely hanging on. And that’s okay—both are part of the process. What matters most is that we keep tending to ourselves, making sure we have what we need to grow. Protecting Your Growth Have you ever noticed how gardeners sometimes put blankets over flowers when it gets cold? They do that to protect them from the harsh weather, so they can stay healthy and safe. That’s what I want you to think about when it comes to your heart and your self-worth. You’ve been tending to yourself, growing stronger, healing from the storms you’ve faced. And now, as you think about opening yourself up to someone new, I want you to remember to keep that protective blanket around you. It’s not about building walls, but about knowing your value—recognizing that just because someone new comes into your life, you don’t have to abandon the care and attention you’ve been giving yourself. In fact, this is the time to hold onto it even more. The Importance of Boundaries Here’s the thing: predators look for vulnerabilities, and sometimes, when we’ve been lonely or feeling low, we might not see them coming. It’s why boundaries are so important, especially when you’re thinking about starting a new relationship. Think about all the care you’ve poured into yourself—your growth, your healing. You wouldn’t just let someone trample through your garden, right? The same goes for your heart and your boundaries. It’s okay to take things slow, to check in with yourself and make sure this new person is showing the respect and care that you deserve. Don’t Rush—Your Worth is Too Important I get it—when we’ve been single for a while, it’s easy to want to rush into something new, especially if we’ve been feeling a little lonely. But here’s a gentle reminder: You don’t need to rush. You’re not missing out, and you’re not behind. When someone new comes into your life, take a moment to reflect on all the love and care you’ve been giving yourself. Don’t let that disappear just because someone else shows up. The right person will honor the time you’ve taken to nurture yourself—they’ll want to help you grow, not pull you away from it. Fill the Lonely Spaces with Purpose If you’re feeling like there’s a void, that maybe you need connection or something to fill those quiet spaces, consider pouring yourself into something meaningful. Volunteering, getting involved in a community project, or picking up a hobby that excites you—these are wonderful ways to fill those spaces without giving up your boundaries or rushing into something that might not be right for you. Sometimes, when we invest in something outside of ourselves, we gain a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. It reminds us that we’re whole, just as we are, and that any new relationship is meant to add to our lives, not complete us. You Are Worth Every Bit of Care So, let’s take this time to remind ourselves that, just like those flowers in the garden, we need care, patience, and protection. You are worth that kind of care, and you deserve to bloom in your own time, with someone who sees your value and respects your boundaries. Take your time, friend. Your worth is too precious to rush. Keep tending to your heart, your garden, and when the time is right, you’ll know that the person standing beside you values every bit of your growth and beauty Until then, keep blooming.

Taking Care of Your Garden: A Coffee Chat on Self-Worth, Boundaries, and Relationships

A Journey Marked by Rainbows: A Friendly Reminder of How Far You’ve ComeFrom the Founder, Kathe'rine&nbsp; Hey there, friend. Can we just take a moment to pause and reflect? I know this road you’re on hasn’t been easy. Whether you’ve been walking it for a year, a few months, or even just a day, you’re still here—and that’s worth celebrating. Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit for how far we’ve come. So let’s sit for a minute and chat, because I want to remind you of something important. Life, healing—it can feel like one long storm sometimes. I get it. There are moments when it feels like the rain just won’t stop, and the clouds are so heavy you start to wonder if you’ll ever see the sun again. But you know what always comes after the rain? A rainbow. That rainbow is a symbol of hope, a sign that even after the darkest times, there’s still beauty and light waiting for us. The Little Victories Matter You know those moments when you feel like you’ve taken just one small step forward? Maybe it’s the first time you let yourself smile again, or the moment you felt a tiny glimmer of peace after what seemed like forever. Those are your rainbows, friend. They might seem small, but they’re proof that the storm is passing, little by little. And just like no two rainbows are the same, your healing journey is unique to you. There’s no "right" way to do this. Whether you’ve been on this path for a while or you just took that brave first step, every bit of progress matters. Even just choosing to keep going today is worth celebrating. When the Clouds Seem Endless Now, I’m not going to pretend like the rain doesn’t sometimes feel like it’s going on forever. We all have those days. But I want you to know that it’s okay to feel that way. When the clouds seem endless and the weight feels too heavy, I want you to remember something important: you’re not alone in this. I know it can feel isolating, like no one gets what you’re going through. But I want to remind you that you’re part of a community—a community that’s here to walk beside you. Whether it’s through reading this blog or connecting with others who’ve been where you are, you don’t have to face this journey by yourself. Let’s Reflect on Your Rainbow Think about where you were when your storm first started, and now take a look at where you are today. I know, sometimes the progress feels slow, and it’s easy to overlook the small victories. But every tear, every hard day, every moment you chose to keep going—it’s part of your story, part of the journey that’s leading you to healing. And even on the hardest days, when the rain feels endless, remember that rainbows appear when we least expect them. They’re a sign that the storm is passing, and that brighter days are coming. Keep Going—You're Worth It So, if you’re ever feeling like it’s too hard, or you’re not sure how much more you can take, just pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Look back at the steps you’ve taken, and remember that you’ve already come so far. And know that there’s so much more light ahead. You’re worth the healing. You’re worth the hope. And you’re worth every single rainbow that appears on this journey. Keep going friend&nbsp;You’ve got this.

A Journey Marked by Rainbows: A Friendly Reminder of How Far You’ve Come

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"The Beauty of Every Season"From the Founder, Kathe'rine&nbsp; You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about seasons lately. How different they all are, but how every one of them has a purpose. Some of them feel like they don’t belong together—like summer’s warmth doesn’t quite fit with winter’s chill—but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, certain seasons are better apart. And just like that, our own journeys and healing don’t always fit into other people’s expectations. I want to tell you something I’ve learned: your value doesn’t come from whether or not other people see it. Trust me, I’ve been there. Before all this happened to me, I didn’t fit the idea of "beautiful" that people usually go for. I didn’t look like the models or celebrities we’re constantly shown. But here's the thing—my beauty isn’t for anyone else to define. It’s something that’s mine, and it comes from a place deeper than just appearances. Just like the seasons, we don’t need to look or be the same to have value. Some of us have been through harsh winters that feel endless, but spring always comes. And maybe someone else’s season doesn’t look like yours right now, but that’s okay. Your worth isn’t tied to what anyone else thinks of you or whether they understand your journey. So, as we sit here and talk, I just want you to remember that no matter what season you’re in, you have a purpose. Just like every season brings its own beauty, you bring something special to this world, too. It might not look like anyone else’s version of beauty or worth, but that doesn’t make it any less real. You’re here for a reason, and your value is more than what others see. So take a breath, and give yourself the grace to embrace your own season, knowing it’s just as important as any other. You are enough, just as you are. ---

"The Beauty of Every Season"

New Year's celebration on the beach. People watching the fireworks at the water's edge.

Reflecting on Your Moments in Time: A New Year's Invitation to Heal and GrowHello, friend!As we approach the end of this year and step into a new one, I want to take a moment to reflect with you on something powerful: your moments in time. I know this past year may have been filled with its share of challenges, but it’s also been full of growth, healing, and strength. Sometimes, we can’t see it in the moment, but when we look back, we begin to realize how far we’ve come.There’s a song that’s always stood out to me: “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. In it, she sings, "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way." But another song by her, "Moment of Time," has a way of wrapping everything up with a message of reflection and hope.Let’s talk about your moments of time.Cherishing the MomentsFor many of us, life feels like a series of moments—some beautiful and some difficult. Survivors, especially, often look back on their lives and find it hard to find anything positive in the mess of it all. But the truth is, every moment, good or bad, shapes you into who you are.Maybe this year was hard. Maybe there were setbacks. But let’s not forget the moments of strength, courage, and resilience that kept you going. The ones that showed you just how strong you really are.Ask yourself:What moments have shaped me?What small victories can I celebrate from this year? Acknowledging the StrugglesWhitney Houston’s song isn’t just about the joy of life; it’s about accepting that we’ve also lived through difficult moments. It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or sad about your past—it’s part of your journey. In fact, it’s in those hardest moments that you’ve found your true resilience.There are moments that might have felt too heavy to carry, but look at you now. You made it through.Take a moment to ask yourself:What struggles have I endured that showed me my strength?How did I make it through, and what have I learned from those experiences? Looking Toward the FutureOne of the most beautiful things about the new year is that it offers us the chance to look forward. It’s a fresh start. Maybe you’re ready to set new goals for yourself, or simply embrace hope in a different way. Whatever it is, it’s your time.As Whitney Houston sang, “Don’t let your dreams be dreams.” Now is the time to start dreaming again. No matter what has happened, you have the power to step into the future with hope and intentionality.Here are a couple of questions to reflect on:What are my hopes for this new year?What’s one thing I can do today to begin moving toward a better tomorrow? Embracing the PresentSometimes, we’re so focused on the future or stuck in the past that we forget to appreciate the present—the moment right in front of us. Healing is a process, and you’re exactly where you need to be. If today feels hard, that’s okay. It’s a moment in time, and it will pass.But even in the hard moments, there’s something to be grateful for. It could be as simple as getting out of bed or reaching out to a friend. Gratitude is the key to finding peace in the present.Prompt for today:What is one thing I’m grateful for right now, no matter how small? ---Moving Forward with HopeAs we close out this year, I want to encourage you to take a moment—just one moment—and celebrate how far you’ve come. No matter what this year held, you’ve grown. You’re stronger. And you’re still here.I know it might feel overwhelming sometimes, but take it one step at a time. Like Whitney Houston says in her song, it’s about cherishing the moments—the good and the difficult—because they all play a role in shaping us. We are not defined by our struggles, but by how we rise above them.I believe in you. You’re worthy of everything the new year has to offer—peace, love, growth, and joy. Let’s step into this new chapter with hope, knowing that the moments ahead are all part of our journey.Happy New Year, friend. Here’s to your future, and to the beautiful moments still to come.With love and encouragement, Kathe'rine&nbsp; Founder of Sparrows of Hope

Reflecting on Your Moments in Time: A New Year's Invitation to Heal and Grow

A Christmas of Hope, Peace, and Safety The holiday season can bring a lot of emotions, especially for those who have walked a difficult path. For some of us, Christmas feels like a time for joy, but it can also bring feelings of loneliness or overwhelm. I know this all too well. But this year, I want to share something special with you—something that I believe can bring comfort and light during this season. There’s a Christmas song that has always resonated with me, and I think it might touch your heart too. It’s called "Do You Hear What I Hear?" It was written during a time of unrest and fear, but it carries such a beautiful message of hope, peace, and light. The song begins with the innocence of a child, listening to a light shining in the dark. It moves on to a shepherd who hears the call of peace, and then to a king who listens for the sound of love. What I love most about this song is how it reminds us to listen for the light. It’s there, even when the world feels heavy. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark it gets, we have the ability to see the light and hold onto it. Finding Light in Your Journey Just like the shepherds in the song who watched vigilantly for signs of hope, I want to encourage you to be vigilant for your own safety this holiday season. Trust your instincts—you are your best protector. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to trust those feelings. It’s so important to set boundaries and know that your safety matters. This Christmas, I want you to hear the light calling you to stay safe, stay strong, and trust yourself. Christmas is a time of joy, but it’s also a time of reflection. It's an opportunity to embrace peace, even in difficult moments. And if you’re feeling isolated or unsure, I want to remind you that you are not alone. There are people out there, in places you might not have expected, who care about you. Whether it’s a neighbor, a volunteer organization, or a church, there are ways to connect and find support, even if you’re feeling like you don’t have anyone around you. A Season of Giving to Yourself and Others If you’re spending the holidays alone or feeling disconnected, I’d love for you to think about how you can give to yourself this season. What little acts of kindness can you offer yourself? Maybe it’s cooking a small meal, even if it’s just for you. Maybe it’s taking time to walk outside, look at the lights, or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. And if you’re able, think about how you can give back this holiday season. It doesn’t have to be something big. Maybe it’s volunteering a few hours at a local shelter or helping out a neighbor in need. I can’t tell you how much it changed my perspective on life when I started volunteering. It filled me with a sense of purpose and hope, and it showed me that even when things felt hard, I could still make a difference. A Heartfelt Christmas Wish Above all, I want you to know that you are a gift—to yourself and to others. Just like the light in the song, you have the power to shine even in your darkest moments. This holiday season, remember to be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and surround yourself with the things and people who lift you up. Wishing you a peaceful, safe, and joy-filled Christmas. May you find light and warmth, not only in the world around you, but also within yourself. With love&nbsp; &nbsp;from the <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">&nbsp;Founder of Sparrows of Hope<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Kathe'rine

Blogs

Dating After Trauma: How to Pace Yourself and Protect You...

Taking Care of Your Garden: A Coffee Chat on Self-Worth, ...

A Journey Marked by Rainbows: A Friendly Reminder of How ...

"The Beauty of Every Season"

Reflecting on Your Moments in Time: A New Year's Invitati...

A Christmas of Hope, Peace, and Safety