THRIVE

Being human is challenging.

Caring deeply about justice, liberation and human suffering can make it even more so.

THRIVE is a collection of stories, reflections, and resources for finding more joy, grace, and aliveness while facing hard truths and discovering what is yours to do.

Deb Shine Valentine 9/23/26 Deb Shine Valentine 9/23/26

When the Cost of Staying In Bed is Too High

Deb shares personal strategies, daily tools, and the importance of self-compassion to help get out of bed during bouts of depression and morning fatigue.

Deb Shine Valentine 8/6/26 Deb Shine Valentine 8/6/26

Relax While Moving Forward

For a long time, I either collapsed into relaxation or pushed myself forward through strain. Using the movement principles of ChiWalking, I've been exploring a new possibility: what if moving forward and staying relaxed actually belong together?

Deb Shine Valentine 1/29/26 Deb Shine Valentine 1/29/26

That's Enough. No More.

Deb reflects on exhaustion, violence, and a different kind of power rooted in digestion, love, and embodied justice. A meditation on saying “enough” without becoming hardened, and on practices that transform what is already dying into ground for new life.

Deb Shine Valentine 1/21/26 Deb Shine Valentine 1/21/26

Bootstraps Are Bullsh*t. Make It Easy.

What if the problem isn’t your discipline, but the stories you were taught about how change is supposed to happen? Deb reflects on ease, support, and why making things easier is often the most effective path forward.

Deb Shine Valentine 10/2/25 Deb Shine Valentine 10/2/25

Walk in the Rain

This week’s blog is a reminder to pause. To walk in the rain.

Deb Shine Valentine 9/4/25 Deb Shine Valentine 9/4/25

Reminders for When Life Feels Heavy

Even if you're exhausted, you're not broken. You might just need deeper nourishment.

Deb Shine Valentine 10/24/24 Deb Shine Valentine 10/24/24

Struggling with Unreasonable Demands?

Practical tips for social justice activists who want to enjoy life. Manage burnout and break free from toxic productivity and perpetual sacrifice syndrome.

Deb Shine Valentine 4/23/24 Deb Shine Valentine 4/23/24

Ending the Age of Sacrifice - Part 2

Discover how ancestral lineage, hidden burdens, and gendered expectations shape our patterns of sacrifice. Learn how stepping out of perpetual sacrifice allows leaders to embody generative power, live fully nourished, and co-create a more equitable world.

Deb Shine Valentine 4/14/24 Deb Shine Valentine 4/14/24

Healing from Perpetual Sacrifice Syndrome

Unpack the hidden cost of perfectionism, religious conditioning, and perpetual sacrifice. Discover how taking a stand against overextension helps co-create organizations, communities, and lives rooted in deep nourishment, equity, and sustainable vitality.

Deb Shine Valentine 3/23/23 Deb Shine Valentine 3/23/23

Anger - One Of Your Soul’s Best Friends

My son gave me a great gift one night. He did not do what I wanted. Admittedly, I did not initially recognize this situation as a gift, but over the past few years, I’ve learned that anger is one of my very best friends

Deb Shine Valentine 11/3/16 Deb Shine Valentine 11/3/16

Need To Do More In A Day? Multiply Your Spoons.

Learn how Spoon Theory explains energy management for those with chronic illness and how joy-time tracking can help multiply your energy and find balance.