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.
Discomfort and Unexpected Beauty
Discomfort doesn’t have to mean collapse. It can be a doorway to rest, beauty, and balance — a practice in staying nourished and resourced even when the world speeds up.
Why Poetry Matters Today: Reflections on Complaint of El Río Grande
A meditation on poetry, presence, and the power of language to make us one — a reminder that art can be both resistance and prayer.
On This Day, I Celebrated
What if the pause itself was worth celebrating? Deb reflects on how small celebrations — even in complex times — create capacity for healing, joy, and change.
Learning to be a B+ Student
Deb Valentine explores how perfectionism can paralyze growth — and how embracing B+ effort opens the door to joy, peace, and possibility.
Urgent and Slow at the Same Time
When the world feels urgent, maybe the bravest thing you can do is slow down.
10 Things That Are Nourishing Me Right Now
Herbs, rituals, tea, boundaries, and soul work — here’s what’s nourishing me this fall.
What if your next tiny action is the way forward?
Peace doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from being true to your values — in action.
And still I flossed my teeth: Reflections on discipline
Discipline without shame? I’m trying it — one floss, one choice, one mistake at a time.
Reminders for When Life Feels Heavy
Even if you're exhausted, you're not broken. You might just need deeper nourishment.
All the Love in the World
A synchronicity on a country road, a peace labyrinth, and a song that keeps finding me.
Living the Questions
This week, I am practicing living the questions instead of demanding answers.
Poetry, privilege, and telling the truth
From Langston Hughes to Layli Long Soldier and why I believe poetry helps us heal and take action.
The Dangers of Dahlias
When you receive something good—do you let it in? Or do you brace for something bad?
You Can Be Sensitive AND Be a Bad Ass, Part 2
Even your big feelings don’t have to stop you from sharing love and taking action.
You Can Be Sensitive AND Be a Bad Ass, Part 1
You don’t have to toughen up to thrive—you just need to honor the way you're built.
What would change in your life if you knew you were good?
A guided experiment for letting go of shame and living from your golden core.
What’s yours to do?
When we act from clarity—not guilt—we build a better world with more joy.