We are just ONE DAY away from opening a sacred space where you can finally lay that heavy burden down.

This Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM EDT, we kick off our 6-week virtual journey, The Spirituality of Wellness: A Six-Week Journey of Health, Peace and Grace. In our very first gathering, How Does Faith Make Us Well?, we are shifting our entire mindset from fear to openness. Guided by the beautiful insights of Rev. Kathy Beasley and Rev. Ellen Debenport, we will explore how true wellness isn’t a rigid goal you have to fight for—it’s an internal state of being where you are held, safe, and whole.

This is your personal invitation to step out of survival mode TOMORROW and into a space of profound Grace.

This isn’t a passive webinar where you just sit and listen to a lecture. It is an interactive, collaborative practice lab. Leave with a sense of peace and a new tool to guide your own practice!

The Spirituality of Wellness: A Six-Week Journey of Health, Peace and Grace

Event Details & Registration:

• Date: This Tuesday, July 14th

• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

• Location: Virtual via Zoo

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• Suggested love offering: $25 per session (pay up front for all 6 sessions $120 and save $25)

The circle is forming, and there is a seat waiting just for you. Give yourself the gift of a sacred pause this week.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Once you register, make sure to Download your free copy of The Power of Faith to Heal. Review pages 5–8 and 42–44 before we gather!

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Yet, if we listen closely beneath the crackle of the fireworks, Independence Day carries a sobering reminder: after 250 years, the fundamental work of securing civil and human rights, equity, and equality for all beings is still an unfinished project.

Freedom is not a static monument built in 1776. It is a living, breathing, daily practice.

True freedom cannot exist in a vacuum. This Independence Day, I encourage us all to expand our vision of liberty, to critically examine where we are falling short, and to celebrate the everyday heroes who are building a more just world from the ground up.

The Evolution of Freedom: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

The founding promise of “liberty and justice for all” was a beautiful spark, but the reality of history has shown that the flame has never warmed everyone equally. After nearly 250 years, the definition of freedom has had to stretch, fight, and evolve. Still today, we are witnessing painful reminders of how fragile that progress can be.

In the last couple of years, we have seen systemic shifts from the White House that are moving the country backward rather than forward regarding basic human rights and civil liberties.

• Executive actions and subsequent federal rule changes have stripped away critical federal protections for reproductive healthcare access, adding layers of chaos and restricting essential care for vulnerable populations, including veterans and their dependents.

• Recent judicial rulings and federal policy shifts have systematically targeted the dignity and bodily autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender communities. These rollbacks dismantle essential non-discrimination protections in healthcare, education, and public spaces, leaving individuals highly vulnerable to systemic exclusion and harm. Hand-in-hand with these actions are coordinated, state-level efforts to restrict access to the ballot box, actively suppressing the fundamental democratic right to vote for marginalized populations, specifically targeting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color, undermining the core principle of a truly representative society.

• Policies that shift federal oversight entirely to the states under the guise of “local control” are, in reality, dismantling the uniform civil rights protections that work toward every child receiving a quality education regardless of their zip code. This fragmentation disproportionately harms low-income and other underserved families and students with disabilities, as it allows for the systemic defunding of public schools, the restriction of inclusive curricula, and a patchwork of unequal standards that are blocking millions of children from reaching their highest potential.

• In a stark policy shift, the Department of Defense dramatically reduced its number of officially recognized religious faiths and belief systems from over 200 down to just 31—slashing approximately 180 faith codes from military records. By removing specific recognition for minority traditions, Indigenous beliefs, and non-theistic worldviews, this policy forces a vast array of diverse spiritualities into a generic “other” category. Because the overwhelming majority of the remaining recognized categories are specific Christian denominations, critics and advocates warn that this contraction creates an unequal hierarchy of faith that directly challenges true religious liberty and erodes the foundational promise of a pluralistic democracy.

Freedom is more than the absence of oppression; it is the presence of opportunity.

When federal policies restrict bodily autonomy or dismantle and erode protections under the law, they diminish the opportunity for marginalized communities to live their highest and best lives.

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The Builders: Elevating Civil and Human Rights from the Ground Up

But civil and human rights are not solely defined by the stroke of a presidential pen. While political machinations are attempting to tear down progress, there are countless individuals and grassroots groups fiercely working to build it up.

Across the country, we are seeing a beautiful reclamation of community power:

• In the face of expanding healthcare restrictions, organizations like SisterSong are leading the charge by centering the needs of Indigenous women and women of color. By championing the framework of Reproductive Justice, the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable environments, SisterSong is securing holistic healthcare rights from the ground up.

• Countering the rigid legislative and judicial rollbacks targeting transgender communities, networks like the Mama Bears provide fierce, localized protection and radical hospitality. By mobilizing a powerful community of mothers and allies to support, affirm, and protect LGBTQ+ youth, they build literal and figurative sanctuaries of love, ensuring that vulnerable individuals never have to navigate hostile systems alone.

• Out of the current education crisis, inspiring coalitions of parents, youth, and educators have arisen to reclaim the promise of public learning and systemic equity. Organizing networks like HEAL Together (Honest Education Action & Leadership) work relentlessly at the school board and community levels to defend honest, accurate, and inclusive public education frameworks, ensuring that school districts remain spaces of belonging for every single student.

• While institutions attempt to shrink the definitions of faith, conscious spiritual communities are expanding them. The Unity movement’s recent Statement on Diversity is an example of how true religious liberty is found when we actively honor diversity as a divine expression of the whole. When spiritual networks openly declare that our differences are a cause for celebration—affirming the inherent divinity, safety, and equity of all people regardless of race, gender identity, or creed—they dismantle rigid religious hierarchies and build a sanctuary where everyone’s sacred journey is honored.

Giving voice to the voiceless isn’t about speaking for others; it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these builders. It is about fierce listening, amplifying marginalized narratives on our own platforms, and recognizing that our individual freedom is inextricably bound up in the freedom of our neighbor.

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Embracing the Divinity within Every Being

At the core of a truly just world is a profound truth: every single being possesses an inherent divinity, goodness, and wholeness.

When we view the world through this lens, our approach to independence fundamentally shifts. Equity ceases to be a partisan debate and becomes a moral and spiritual imperative.

A New Spark for a Historic Milestone

This 4th of July, let’s let the fireworks symbolize something entirely new. Let every flash of light be a reminder of the brilliance inside each human soul. Let every boom be a call to wake up to the urgent work of love, equity, and justice as we march toward 250 years of a complicated, beautiful, and ongoing American story.

Let it also be a grand THANK YOU to all of the leaders, activists, and everyday citizens who are taking a stand for democracy at all levels.

Let us honor the progress we’ve made by rolling up our sleeves for the journey ahead. May we live in a way that instigates joy, protects the vulnerable, and builds a world where all beings can live their highest, best, and most authentic lives.

Happy Independence Day to all. May freedom truly ring—for everyone.

Unity has never been recognized by the Department of Defense as a religious faith or belief system. So, this message resonates deeply for me because, strictly speaking, we have no ‘skin in the game’. Given the power of this statement, I am sharing it with you in its entirety. It serves as a beautiful reminder that no system can ever limit the universal presence of God or the authentic spiritual lives of individuals.

Unity’s Statement on Diversity

Unity Communities & Leaders

At Unity, we affirm the inherent dignity, worth, and spiritual identity of every person. We recognize that humanity expresses its relationship with the Divine through many paths, traditions, and sincere convictions.

We are aware of recent changes to the U.S. Department of Defense’s religious classification system (June 2026), which significantly reduces the number of recognized faith identifiers. While administrative systems may change, Unity holds that no list can define or limit the universal presence of God, nor the authentic spiritual lives of individuals.

We believe that honoring religious and spiritual diversity strengthens our shared humanity. The ability for individuals to see their faith tradition acknowledged supports belonging, spiritual well-being, and the free exercise of religion.

Our teachings remind us:

• There is only one Presence and one Power—active in all people and all faiths.

• Truth is not confined to any single tradition, but is revealed in diverse ways across humanity.

• Spiritual care is most meaningful when it honors the unique beliefs and lived experiences of each individual.

We join with others across faith traditions in affirming the importance of religious inclusion, compassionate care, and the freedom of every person to name and live their faith authentically.

We hold in prayer all who serve, and all who support them, that they may experience belonging, respect, and access to the spiritual support that nourishes their lives.

In all things, Unity remains committed to being a voice for inclusivity, understanding, and love in action.

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Unity’s reminder that spiritual care is most meaningful when it honors the unique, lived experience of each individual is the very heartbeat of my individual practice. Through P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, I am dedicated to creating a safe, sacred space built on being Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-Filled.

My personal message to you is simple.

Your path is valid, your name for the Divine is sacred, and your whole self is welcome. You do not have to fit into a pre-defined category to deserve deep, compassionate spiritual support.

If you are looking for a brave space to explore your authentic spiritual journey, I invite you to connect with me at P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. Together, we can honor the unique way the Divine is moving in your life.

Spirituality of Wellness Series

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That was my exact experience a few months ago when I first opened Lessons in Truth by Dr. H. Emilie Cady. Written in 1896, this text remains the absolute bedrock of Unity teachings. Yet, Dr. Cady wasn’t interested in heavy, dense theology. She was a schoolteacher turned homeopathic physician, an essayist, and a spiritual pioneer who wrote “bite-sized” wisdom meant for the average person to immediately understand and apply.

She lived her truth so fiercely that she used her middle name, Emilie, to keep herself out of the limelight, refusing to charge for her spiritual ministry. She believed divine realization could never be bought or sold:

“No ministry or work of any kind was ever done by me for ‘pay.’ ... I saw plainly that it must be working as God works, without expectation or thought of return. Free gift.” — Dr. H. Emilie Cady, How I Used Truth

As an educator, a spiritual director, and a minister-in-training, Dr. Cady’s work has fundamentally shifted how I view my own spiritual practice—and how I companion others. Here are three game-changing insights from her work that feel incredibly alive today.

1. The Paradox of Oneness: The Reservoir and the Fountain

In Chapter 7 of Lessons in Truth, Cady untangles one of the hardest concepts in spirituality: How can we be distinct individuals while remaining entirely one with the Divine?

She invites us to visualize a beautiful analogy that shifted something deep inside me:

“Imagine, if you will, a great reservoir, out of which lead innumerable small rivulets or channels. At its farther end each channel opens out into a small fountain. This fountain is not only being continually filled and replenished from the reservoir but is itself a radiating center... This is our relation with God.”

When I read this, I could actually feel myself as the whole thing simultaneously: the infinite reservoir, the flowing channel, the individual fountain, and the refreshing drops of water blessing everything around it. We are not separate from the Source; we are the Source pouring itself into unique, beautiful expressions.

2. Flipping the Script on Manifestation

I love exploring the power we have to manifest our dreams. But for a long time, my prayer practice was tripped up by a subtle trap. Dr. Cady called me forward on this with her teachings on divine sufficiency:

“If you want any good thing, you must first acknowledge that the substance of that thing is already yours in Spirit, and then it will surely come forth into visibility. To say ‘I want’ is to confess a lack, and to confess a lack is to create a lack.”

The Game-Changer: I completely eliminated the words “want” or “need” from my prayer practice. Instead of begging for something in the future, I now mentally claim it as existing right now in Spirit. Shifting from lack to immediate realization changes the entire energetic frequency of our manifestation work.

3. Redefining “Failure” for True Resilience

In my work as a spiritual director, I may sit with people who are struggling with their faith because what they thought they wanted didn’t manifest. They feel discouraged, broken, and defeated. Sometimes, as companions, we simply lack the vocabulary to help them find their way through the dark.

Dr. Cady handed me the exact vocabulary I needed:

“What the world calls a failure is often, in the sight of God, a grand success. It is simply the tearing down of a temporary, unstable structure of wood, hay, and stubble, in order that the soul may build a permanent foundation of solid rock.”

What a beautiful, healing perspective. A perceived “failure” isn’t a punishment; it is a corrective spiritual cleansing. It is the universe dismantling the fragile structures we built so that we have the open space to build something unshakeable upon the rock of our higher self.

Walking with the Teachings Daily

Dr. Cady’s practical mysticism has had such an impact on me that I actually set up a daily Gemini AI chat. Every single day, it shares 3–4 bite-sized lessons and insights from her work, giving me a dedicated space to reflect, integrate, and see how these 130-year-old truths can actively shape my life today.

As spiritual companions, our goal is to help others democratize their own spirituality, to realize that the Divine isn’t locked away in a seminary text, but flowing freely through their own fountain. Dr. Cady reminds us that the truth is simple, it is practical, and it is already ours.

Celebrating the Divine in YOU!

Spiritual growth was never meant to be a solo journey of striving, nor was it meant to be bought and sold. It is simply about opening the channels to the reservoir that is already inside you.

If you are currently sitting with a perceived “failure,” wondering why a door closed, or trying to find the vocabulary to step out of a mindset of lack and into your true manifestation power, you do not have to navigate it alone.

This deep, enduring connection is the very heartbeat of what I do at P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. My commitment to being Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-Filled isn’t just a professional philosophy—it’s a way of being in the world, and a promise to how I will sit with you. As your spiritual companion, I am here to hold space for your doubts, celebrate your shifts, and help you clear away the “wood, hay, and stubble” so you can connect with your higher self.

Are you ready to shift from wanting your spiritual breakthrough to living it?

Let’s connect for a sacred conversation. Reach out today to schedule a spiritual companionship session, and let’s discover together what the Divine is seeking to bring into visibility in your life right now.

Unity cofounder Myrtle Fillmore changed her entire life when she realized a simple truth: life has to be guided by intelligence, and we communicate intelligence through our thoughts and words. She began speaking to her body centers not with anger, but with profound Understanding and love, asking her organs for forgiveness for the past condemnation she had thrown at them.

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Our words carry immense creative power. When we build a disciplined “consciousness of health,” we intentionally plant seeds of wholeness into our subconscious mind until our reality shifts to match it.

As a P.U.G. spiritual companion, I am Passionate about helping you re-write the internal scripts that keep you feeling small, weak, or stuck. Your body temple is listening. What do you want to tell it today?

Let’s practice the art of affirmative healing prayer together. The Spirituality of Wellness: A Six-Week Journey of Health, Peace and Grace. The Tuesday Zoom series begins on July 14. Register today!

I welcome you to join me for the sessions that call to you, or even better, for the entire series!

ONLINE REGISTRATION

• When: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT (July 14, 21, 28 & August 4, 11, 18)

• Where: Virtual via Zoom (Link provided upon RSVP)

• What to bring: A journal, an open heart, your free copy of The Power of Faith to Heal and a desire to connect deeply.

You're broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can't find the fighter

If you’ve never listened to it, take a few moments for yourself and just listen and breathe!

Watch Andra Day's Rise Up Video

This is exactly what I hope to bring to you through The Spirituality of Wellness Series. It is a six-week, live-virtual journey of spirituality, healing, and moving forward with peace and grace.

We will kick off our journey by redefining what wellness actually means. Instead of treating health as an elusive goal, we explore how faith invites us to release our exhausting need for control, calm the ego, and step into a state of trust. Then, our focus shifts to stopping the struggle. Trying too hard to force a physical or emotional outcome often creates more stress, which can neutralize our healing. We will learn how to relax into the ever-present, constant stream of divine life.

Next, just as Andra Day shared, we discover that we really can move mountains. When life feels heavy, and obstacles look like unmovable mountains, how do we spark hope? Together, we will investigate how a tiny bit of faith can shift our focus away from a doomsday futuristic outcome and point us toward what is possible. After that, we explore how our body temple is constantly listening to our inner dialogue. We will dive into the practice of using affirmations and spoken words to actively educate, bless, and awaken the life centers within our own bodies.

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We know that true healing transcends the physical plane. During session five, we gently address the humbling spaces where a physical cure may not manifest as expected. We look at how facing transition, finality, or long-term illness can catalyze deep soul growth and open our hearts to being loved. Finally, we will conclude our journey by looking at the healing of the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. We will explore the "sacred pause" required to heal emotional trauma, grief, and self-condemnation, learning how our wounds can ultimately transform into a beautiful testimony of resilience and joy.

I would love for you to join me for as many sessions as your schedule allows.

The journey begins Tuesday, July 14th, at 7 pm EDT and continues each Tuesday through August 18th. This is a virtual series, so come from wherever you are, however you are. Take time to just BE, and heal.

© Michele Timmons, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 2026. All Rights Reserved. Permission to use with credit for education and nonprofit purposes.

There are moments in life when the quiet whispers of the soul grow into a resounding call that can no longer be ignored. Today, I am filled with profound gratitude and joy to formally announce that I have begun my education to become a Unity minister through the Unity Urban Ministerial School.

My work has been rooted in a single, driving conviction: because the Divine is absolute wholeness, every individual possesses an innate, unshakable potential to thrive. This belief has been the heartbeat of my career in education, my work leading EnvisionEdPlus, and my personal life as a wife to Thomie and a mother. But over the last few years, this calling has found its true, permanent home in the teachings of the Unity movement.

I am stepping into this next chapter not to pivot away from who I am, but to expand my role into spiritual leadership—to become a spiritual companion on a larger scale and to help create sacred spaces where every soul feels empowered to manifest its highest good.

The Heart of the Matter: Holy Listening and P.U.G.

If you have followed my journey or read my previous blogs, you know how deeply I believe in the ministry of presence and the transformative power of deep, intentional listening. True prosperity and spiritual realization don’t come from fixing “brokenness”; they come from our ability to engage in “holy listening”—hearing the guidance of the quiet soul and voicing the Truth of our inherent divinity.

This is the very foundation of P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. Named in honor of my own intuitive companion, a black pug named Gracie, P.U.G. was born from a desire to make spirituality accessible, warm, and entirely non-judgmental. As I commit to this path of ministry, I am also committing to a life of being Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-filled.

Living a Life Built to THRIVE

My path forward is beautifully defined by the acronym THRIVE, a personal credo that aligns with Unity principles and guides how I show up in the world:

• T- Teach strategies to manifest our highest and best good.

• H- Hear and listen to the guidance of the quiet and shy soul.

• R- Rejoice in living, loving, and learning with and from others.

• I- Instigate all to live our highest and best good.

• V- Voice for those who feel voiceless.

• E- Embrace the divinity, goodness, and wholeness of every being.

This call is also deeply personal. As a mother walking the path of an ally and advocate for my transgender daughter, I have seen firsthand how traditional religious language can feel like a barrier rather than a bridge.

As a Unity minister, I intend to intentionally expand the work of P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. My mission is to reach out to teenagers searching for purpose, and to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families who are seeking a spiritual framework rooted in unconditional, divine love. I want to ensure that our spiritual communities are true sanctuaries for diverse identities, free from the “mess” of judgment.

Looking Ahead

I am not seeking ministry to give rigid advice or provide dogmatic answers. I am seeking it to practice holy listening right alongside you, to hold space for the wonder of the Divine, and to move together from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Thank you for being part of my community, for reading, and for walking this path of presence with me. I am incredibly excited to share the steps, the lessons, and the blessings of this seminary journey with all of you as it unfolds. I greatly appreciate prayers and positive energy during this journey.

With a passionate, understanding, and grace-filled heart,

Michele

The legendary Unity minister and prolific writer Eric Butterworth offered a radically liberating perspective: “Health is not something you can ‘get’ physically... You cannot get health. You can only be health.” He explained that the divine healing stream is constant, and our only job is to stop fighting and simply get into the flow. When we try too hard to force a physical outcome, all we do is build up anxiety that blocks our natural well-being.

Embracing your divine healing stream requires a massive dose of Grace. In my spiritual companionship work, I constantly remind people that grace is the cushion that catches us when we tire of trying to control everything.

Let’s drop the oars. Let’s stop fighting the current and remember how to float.

Register for The Spirituality of Wellness: A Six-Week Journey of Health, Peace and Grace.

I welcome you to join me for the sessions that call to you, or even better, for the entire series!

ONLINE REGISTRATION

The Details

• When: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT (July 14, 21, 28 & August 4, 11, 18)

• Where: Virtual via Zoom (Link provided upon RSVP)

• Suggested love offering: $25 per session.

• What to bring: A journal, an open heart, your free copy of The Power of Faith to Heal and a desire to connect deeply.

For more than 32 years, I have had the absolute privilege of walking through this life married to my best friend, Thomie.

Thirty-two years is a lot of seasons. It’s a tapestry of shared laughter, quiet mornings, nearly a decade of travel soccer, navigate-by-the-seat-of-your-pants parenting, and the gentle grace of growing together. When you love someone for over three decades, you don’t just know them; you witness them. You see them in their moments of strength, and you hold space for them in their moments of exhaustion. Thomie has been my steady anchor, my loudest cheerleader, and the safest place for my soul to land.

Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-Filled

This deep, enduring connection is the very heartbeat of what I do at P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. When I talk about P.U.G. and my commitment to being Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-Filled, I’m not just talking about a professional philosophy. I am talking about a way of being in the world.

Every single day, Thomie models these exact traits. His role as a father, a partner, and a guiding light in our family is a living masterclass in what it means to live out these values. He shows up with an understanding heart, loves passionately, and extends a quiet, grace-filled presence to everyone around him. He offers a ministry of presence just by walking into a room.

A Higher Connection: The Divine Mirror

When I look at our journey and the heart of my work, I am constantly reminded of a core Unity principle: We are all inherently divine, and our primary purpose is to awaken to this divine potential within ourselves and others.

Marriage, at its highest level, is a spiritual partnership designed to do exactly that. Thomie doesn’t just love me for who I am today; he has spent the last 32 years gently mirroring my own divine potential back to me, helping me see the light within myself even when it felt a little dim. And as a father, he has done the exact same for our children, holding a high watch for them, seeing the Christ-consciousness within them, and guiding them with a gentle, unwavering hand.

This Father’s Day, and every day, my heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Thank you, Thomie, for being my partner in purpose, my best friend, and the most beautiful expression of divine love in my life. I love you, forever and two days <3

To all the fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers and father-figures who ground us, love us passionately, and stand unwavering in our corners ~ Happy Father’s Day!

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Let’s make this Father’s Day a time of deep listening and true presence. If this reflection resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a father or partner who embodies these qualities, or leave a comment sharing your own Father’s Day gratitude.

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Happy Father’s Day to the steady anchors in our lives.

How can I use my influence as a leader to actively back up those who are marginalized?

My initial thought was, well, I already do that. The core mission of my company, EnvisionEdPlus, is to support schools and youth serving organizations, especially those in rural and underserved populations, in creating opportunities so each youth thrives, in school and beyond. So every day, I am working to overcome barriers that prevent so many young people from achieving their greatest potential. I started P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship this year to take this core belief that each person can and should thrive and now provide spiritual services and support. While my spiritual work is for anyone, I am particularly focused on supporting young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and allies. But, if I wasn’t meant to do more, this question would not have come into my focus this morning.

What is mine to do?

So this got me thinking, what is mine to do? Which had me wondering how I might use my powers to do more good. At Unity, we believe each individual possesses 12 Spiritual Powers (wisdom, love, strength, faith, imagination, order, understanding, will, power, zeal, release, and life itself). By understanding, developing and practicing these innate, God-given, spiritual tools we can foster deep personal and spiritual transformation.

I know we each possess, and cultivate goodness as we practice all 12 spiritual powers. I believe we also have at least a couple Super Powers, those spiritual powers that naturally flow within and through us, the ways in which we shine. I have come to realize that my Super Powers are Imagination, Will and Love. Throughout my life, way before I ever heard about the Unity movement, these three powers guided me and led me to know what is mine to do.

Imagination.

As a child, my family always said I lived in ‘Michele-land’ and I must say it is a marvelous place. I could talk to myself and play alone for hours. As an adult, I created unique and engaging lessons to teach difficult concepts, developed innovative programs and resources to support students, and ultimately created my own school and then opened two businesses focused on helping others thrive.

Will.

Imagination only gets one so far. Without a strong will to move the ideas forward and the resilience to keep persisting through challenges, the ideas can’t manifest into this physical world. As a high school social studies teacher and administrator I lived in a good-old boy world that wasn’t always happy when I made waves. But I leaned into one of my favorite sayings and just kept going.

I fondly recall one colleague saying, give her a cup of coffee and watch her go.

Love.

Everything I do, comes from the center of love. Whether it’s creating new lines of service for my companies so we can better help marginalized populations, interacting with potential clients, feeding the masses (one of my favorite pastimes) at home or at church, meditating and praying with and for others, or just hanging out with friends and family, love is at the heart. As I gear up to attend the Pride festival today, I have my ‘Free Mom Hugs’ button and I am ready to hug away, so each person knows they are loved unconditionally for who, and as who, they are.

So, now what? How can I use my Super Powers of Imagination, Will and Love to continue growing my soul, supporting others and making the world a better place for everyone?

Today, I start with Love.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is a journey we must actively participate in, and Pride reminds us that love is the most revolutionary force we have to combat marginalization.

As I head out today with my “Free Mom Hugs” button pinned to my chest, I am reminded that a hug is more than just a gesture. It is an act of will, an expression of unconditional love, and a small way to offer the grace and understanding that every person deserves. It is my way of saying, I see you, and you belong.

Using our Spiritual Super Powers means never getting comfortable with “doing enough.” Liberation and unconditional love are shared callings.

Let’s Journey Together

• Reflect with me: As you move through this day of celebration and reflection, I invite you to wonder along with me: What are your superpowers, and how is love calling you to use them today? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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• Spiritual Companionship: Are you looking for a safe, supportive space to explore your own spiritual journey? Message me below to connect.

• Healing & Wellness: Registration is now open for my upcoming virtual series, The Spirituality of Wellness: A 6-Week Journey of Healing, Grace and Peace. Learn more and register below to join me this summer.

  ONLINE REGISTRATION

  © Michele Timmons, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 2026. All Rights Reserved. Permission to use with credit for education and nonprofit purposes.

I spent the first 35 years of my adult life trying to figure out what (or who) I wanted to be when I grew up. My journey took me from high school teacher to administrator and charter school founder, and later to establishing an educational consulting firm that supports education and youth-serving nonprofits. I love the work of advocacy and leveling the playing field so each young person thrives in school and beyond.

But as I enter what I call my “fourth life journey,” I’ve finally figured out not just what I want to do, but who I want to BE.

I am a spiritual companion. I am here to walk alongside young people discovering their spiritual selves, adults exploring who they are becoming, and LGBTQ individuals and their family members who are embracing their own spiritual power as allies. As a wife, a mother to three fantastic adults, including my beloved transgender daughter, I know firsthand the deep, beautiful complexities of identity, family, and allyship.

My heart project, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, grew out of a simple, profound truth: when we align with our spiritual nature, we don’t just survive—we thrive.

Wisdom of the P.U.G.

People often ask me about the name. It’s actually an acronym inspired by my black pug, Gracie (napping in the sunshine above): Passionate, Understanding, and Grace-Filled.

For hundreds of years, pugs have been bred for one specific reason: companionship. They are intuitive, completely devoted, and exceptional listeners. In that very same spirit, I offer a non-judgmental, confidential, and sacred space where your story is completely safe. (Think of it as all the comfort and presence of a real pug, just without the mess! 🥰)

Grounded in Wholeness: The “THRIVE” Credo

My practice is deeply grounded in Unity and New Thought principles. I hold a foundational belief that the Divine, whether you call it God, the Universe, Allah, Yahweh, Mother Earth, or simply Spirit, is entirely goodness and wholeness. Because that Divine energy is within you and within me, we each possess the innate potential to thrive.

To help you recognize that inner divinity, I live and practice by a personal credo, THRIVE that guides how I show up for you every single day:

• Teach strategies to manifest our highest and best good.

• Hear and listen to the guidance of the quiet and shy soul.

• Rejoice in living, loving, and learning with and from others.

• Instigate all to live our highest and best good.

• Voice for those who feel voiceless.

• Embrace the divinity, goodness, and wholeness of every being.

An Invitation to the Quiet Soul

Spiritual companionship isn’t about being handed a map or told what to believe. It is about having a dedicated ally to help you read your own inner compass. Whether you come from a specific religious faith tradition, or identify as spiritual but not religious, it is your path. I am simply here to honor it, hold space for the whispers of your soul, and rejoice in your growth.

Listening to Your Shy Soul

Our souls rarely shout; they usually whisper. What is your inner voice trying to tell you in this season of your life? Leave a comment below—I would be so honored to read your reflections.

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Do you feel a little nudge?

If you feel a quiet nudge to explore spiritual companionship further, or if you simply want a safe, confidential space to talk about who you are becoming, please reach out to me directly. Let’s discover what thriving looks like for you.

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We live in a culture obsessed with quick fixes and certainty. When a health crisis, a broken relationship, or a heavy wave of grief hits us, our immediate instinct is to look for a way out. We want the discomfort over, and we want it over fast. But what if the invitation isn’t to fight our circumstances, but to transform through them?

In the Unity booklet The Power of Faith to Heal Rev. Kathy Beasley shares her personal journey through a scary diagnosis, noting that faith became a way to live in openness rather than certainty, fostering a calm that no external assurance could match. Her journey shifted from merely surviving to an elegant process of becoming.

Join Michele Timmons of P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship for a restorative, six-week virtual workshop series: The Spirituality of Wellness: A 6-Week Journey of Health, Peace and Grace. Together, we will create a sacred space to explore what it means to move forward with peace, resilience, and profound grace.

Guided by the inspiring insights of the Unity booklet, The Power of Faith to Heal, this series is designed to help you shift from a state of merely surviving to one of wholeness. In our weekly circles, we practice the core P.U.G. pillars:

• Passionate alignment with the divine stream of life.

• Understanding the deeper messages our pain or challenges are trying to teach us.

• Grace-Filled acceptance of where we are, releasing the exhausting need for control.

What to Expect: Each week includes a gentle opening meditation, a collective reflection on timeless spiritual wisdom, interactive group sharing, and a practical, hands-on tool to anchor your daily consciousness of health.

The 6-Week Itinerary (All times are EDT and we will meet via Zoom):

• Week 1 (July 14, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): How Does Faith Make Us Well? – Shifting from fear to openness.

• Week 2 (July 21, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dropping the Oars & Entering the Flow – Moving past resistance and stress.

• Week 3 (July 28, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Moving Mountains – Activating possibility thinking when life feels heavy.

• Week 4 (August 4, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Developing a Consciousness of Health – The creative power of your daily thoughts and words.

• Week 5 (August 11, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Soul Evolution and Deeper Wholeness – Finding transformation on all levels, even when outcomes defy expectations.

• Week 6 (August 18): Healing Emotional Wounds – Honoring our wounds to turn pain into purpose.

The circle is forming, and there is a seat waiting just for you.

Give yourself the gift of a sacred pause this week.I welcome you to join me for the sessions that call to you, or even better, for the entire series!

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Once you register, make sure to Download your free copy of The Power of Faith to Heal.

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I have come to love the work of Dr.H. Emilie Cady. Even though her lessons were written more than 100 years ago, they have a clear relevance to my life today. So, each day I study a few of her lessons. The other day, I read her thoughts on waiting and knowing, and was so inspired.

The Wisdom of Patience: Trusting the Process

This lesson speaks to me on so many levels. In practical terms, I see it as a reminder that many areas of my life that feel challenging, such as recovering from my broken shoulder last winter, take time to improve. But I am not one who likes to wait.

As a student of metaphysics, I have developed a keen interest in manifestation and am learning everything I can. I studied Dr. Cady’s Lessons in Truth, I completed a 10-week program on Unapologetic Manifestation by Unity minister Ken Daigle, and right now, I am finishing the first of four courses in metaphysics through the Unity Urban Ministerial School.

Connecting with My Divinity

I have discovered a new way of understanding God. God created everything, and everything is Good. As a creation of God, I too am inherently good, and I have a spark of divinity within me. Every being has that spark. We don’t need to do anything to get it. It just is!

My job is to develop my Christ-consciousness, my inner understanding and inner knowing of Truth. That’s a big job, but it is tremendously empowering. Instead of praying to a God “out there” or up there in heaven, I connect to the Christ-consciousness that is a part of ME! So, now when I pray, I pray from my consciousness and know that the goodness is already waiting for me to perceive it and receive it.

The Power of the ‘Inner Click’

I don’t need to pray to a God out there to give goodness to me. I can manifest that goodness by connecting to and realizing Truth through my Christ-consciousness. But as Dr. Cady wrote, it isn’t always fast, it isn’t always immediate. I can’t always see it, but I know that what I manifest is already here. Through affirmative prayer, I celebrate my Oneness with the Divine (God), knowing, realizing, claiming, and declaring what is already True. When I really feel it is True, I experience an ‘inner click’, and I KNOW that the goodness I need is already on its way to me. Just as I learned from Dr. Cady, this ‘click’ happens well before there is any physical evidence in this world to support my inner knowledge.

Two years ago, I was in such immense physical pain that I needed a wheelchair to get around the airport or to attend a Columbus Crew soccer game. I was reliant on Thomie for nearly everything. No doctor could really explain the cause of my pain, and so we treated the symptoms with medication and physical therapy. I intensified my affirmative prayer, setting aside time each day for meditation, prayer, and reflection. Daily, I affirmed:

I am bold. I am beautiful. I am healthy and resilient. I embrace the divine in me as I share my gifts with those I meet, those I love, and those I serve.

At times, I was frustrated because I was not seeing much improvement. Then last fall, I broke my arm near the shoulder, which resulted in new physical challenges. But I had experienced my ‘inner click,’ so I knew I was manifesting my need for vibrant health. I waited, and I continued my prayer practices. Today, I have decreased my medications, completed physical therapy (again), and am feeling better than I have in three years. Thomie says he knows I am feeling better because I am no longer walking slowly beside him; I am well ahead of him. (As I should be :))

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I am embracing prosperity and vibrant health each day for myself, those I love, and those whose souls I have yet to meet.

Ready to embrace your own divine potential?

If you’re seeking a companion for your spiritual journey—someone to hold space for your healing, growth, and manifestation—I would love to connect. Reach out today, and let’s explore your next steps in Spirit.

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©2026 by Michele Timmons, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. Please forward this to others who may find it useful. (Nonprofit reprinting is allowed if credited.) Your email is not shared; comments and questions are welcome.

Yet, it is no secret that the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly our transgender loved ones, face intense waves of judgment, misunderstanding, and pushback from the world. When you see someone you love dearly being targeted by cultural or political battles, your human instinct is to throw up your hands, square your shoulders, and fight back.

But as a student of Truth, I am constantly challenged to look past the surface of conflict and remember a deeper, foundational principle taught by Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore.

The Law of Non-Resistance

In his metaphysical teachings, Charles Fillmore wrote extensively about the concept of non-resistance. In The Revealing Word, he notes that:

“Evil has no power except that which man gives it by his thought. Resisting evil is a way of affirming its power. The greatest disintegrating element in the human consciousness is resistance. Beware of every form of fighting...”

When we spend all our spiritual and mental currency fighting against hate, fighting against fear, or fighting against unsupportive conditions, we inadvertently feed those very conditions with our own sacred energy. We make the darkness the center of our focus.

Pride Month isn’t meant to be a month of fighting against fear; it is a month of fiercely standing in the light of who we are. It is about redirecting our energy away from the appearance of harm and fixing our eyes entirely on the Divine Good. When we refuse to give power to hate, we starve it of its fuel. We don’t overcome darkness by battling it in the dark; we overcome it by turning on the light.

Moving from “Fighting Against” to “Standing In”

This shift in focus from resisting the negative to amplifying the positive is perfectly captured in the powerful song by Christy Snow, “Stand in Love.”

When we choose to Stand in Love, we are practicing exactly what Charles Fillmore and the early Unity pioneers taught. We are choosing to let love be our shield, our platform, and our magnet. Standing in love means I look at my daughter and see the perfect, vibrant expression of God that she is. It means celebrating her wholeness and the wholeness of the entire LGBTQ+ community, completely unbothered by the frantic illusions of worldly judgment.

Love is the ultimate non-resistance. It doesn’t push back; it expands. It doesn’t argue; it simply exists as the highest truth.

Let’s Connect and Elevate Together

How does this resonate with you today? Are there areas in your life where you have been spending too much energy fighting a condition instead of standing firmly in the love and good you desire? How can you practice radical non-resistance in your own circle this month? I invite you to share your thoughts, stories, and reflections in the comments below!

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If you are looking for personal guidance on how to apply the Law of Mind Action, practice non-resistance, or navigate your own spiritual journey with a limitless mindset, P.U.G. SC is here to support you.

I would love to walk this path with you. Please visit my website to explore my services, or reach out to me directly by sending a message here or emailing me at pugspiritual@gmail.com. Let’s work together to manifest your highest, most vibrant good!

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“Do not keep track of birthdays. To measure life by years is to invite the decay of years. Spirit is eternally young, vibrant, and ageless; when you identify with Spirit, your flesh reflects that timelessness.”

This message caught me today. It got me thinking about how often I refer to myself as ‘old’ when I talk with my adult kids. “Why did you do that”, they ask? “Because I’m old”, I respond.

Every doctor’s office, insurance company and medical procedure wants my birthday. Every app wants it too these days. Yet, when they ask, it always makes me pause, because once I turned 21 (a bunch of years ago) I somehow stopped remembering my age. I can quickly give my birthdate, but the age question always stumps me, at least for a moment. At the same time, I call myself old on a regular occasion.

One of the most memorable Unity teachings for me is the Law of Mind Action. This basically means what I believe, is what I receive. I absolutely know that in my head and my heart. I am continuously researching and practicing affirmations to manifest goodness to me, for me and for others. My prayer is affirmative and so are my meditation practices. Yet, I continue to have a limited mindset when it comes to age.

I’m not sure why I slipped into this limited mindset, especially since I’ve had two amazing role models who mastered the art of ageless living who look beyond the number and focus instead on experiencing life. My step-father always said he would live to 100 or die trying. Even as he battled cancer the last several years of his life, he focused on health, wellness and goodness. He looked amazing and was full of energy and life until his transition. Three weeks before passing, he was in Florida relaxing with my mother.

My mother just happens to be my other role model in defying age. Last fall, we celebrated her 82nd birthday with a girls trip to New York City. Three of her four daughters and all but one of her granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law joined the celebration and she outshopped and out-walked most of us. Mom was up at 5:00 am for a visit to the Today Show, where we got about a half-second of fame that morning! The hotel staff was so amazed at her youthfulness and vivaciousness they bought her a birthday cake to celebrate our last night in the Big Apple.

My mother truly believes she is young and healthy and it shows. No one can look at her and guess her age. She manages rental properties, drives several hours to see all of us kids at least once a month, takes all of her friends and family to their doctors appointments and still goes to the gym on a regular basis. She is also the one who taught me the wonders of drinking bourbon straight. Salute!

These days, she tells us that instead of gifts for her birthday and Christmas, she really wants to just spend time with us, doing things that bring joy to everyone. It’s time for me to take this lesson to heart and focus on bringing joy - age truly doesn’t matter.

So while I will still celebrate my birthday in September (the entire month!) I am remembering that my Spirit is eternally young, vibrant, and ageless. As I identify with Spirit, my body reflects that timelessness.

Over the next 30 days I challenge you to look past the calendar numbers and focus entirely on what brings you joy. What is one thing you can do today to honor your eternally vibrant Spirit and bring more joy into your world?

Share your ideas below!

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If you’re ready to take the next step and want personal support as you shift your mindset, I’d love to help. Message me or email me at pugspiritual@gmail.com to discover how my services can help you thrive at any stage of life.

Visit P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship to discover more about my work and services.

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For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the word spirituality can feel complicated. It often comes with a history of being told to hide, to change, or to choose between your identity and your soul.

As you step into this month of celebration, I want to remind you: you don’t have to choose.

As a spiritual companion, I KNOW that your identity is a sacred part of your story. My practice, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, was built to be a “brave space”, a place where you can bring your questions, your doubts, your joy, and your authentic self without fear of judgment or the need to translate your experience.

Here is how I use the P.U.G. framework to support the LGBTQ+ community:

• Passionate: I bring a fierce, dedicated commitment to showing up completely for your journey. I am deeply devoted to holding a space where your wholeness is celebrated, not just tolerated.

• Understanding: I provide a listening ear that honors the unique nuances of the LGBTQ+ experience. Whether you are navigating coming out, reconciling your faith, or looking for the Divine in your transition, I am here to seek understanding alongside you.

• Grace: I believe that Grace is inclusive and expansive. It is the steady reminder that you are already loved, already whole, and already enough—exactly as you are.

Your spiritual life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It belongs to you. If you’ve been looking for a companion who will walk with you, honoring both your heart and your holiness, I would be honored to hold that space for you.

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You deserve a spiritual space that celebrates you. If you’re ready to explore your path in an affirming environment, visit P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship. You can also message me or email me at pugspiritual@gmail.com.

But what is the question for you? If you meditate, why are you doing it? What question are you trying to answer? When you know what that question is, truly and authentically, then you can begin the process of self-inquiry. You can ask yourself that question in a quiet, meditative way and see where it leads you. Learning to ask these deep, authentic questions is what completely transformed my own path. For the first 53 years of my life, my answer to ‘what is spirituality?’ would have looked very different from what it does today.

So, what does spirituality look like for me?

Spirituality has become the center of my being over the last three years. But to understand this transformation, it is important to look back at the old song my faith used to sing. When it came to religion, I generally just did what I was told. (This may come as a surprise to those of you who know me personally, because they know I’m not so great at doing what I am told. 🙂 But, I digress. ) I went to church because I was supposed to go to church. I sent my kids to a Catholic grade school because I went to a Catholic grade school. I said a prayer before meals and before bed because that is what we did growing up. If I had a major problem, I asked God to fix it. I didn’t really agree with many of the doctrines, and rarely did I support the political stances taken by the American Catholic Church leadership. I just ignored the things I didn’t like and went my own way. By the time the pandemic hit, my husband and I were only going to church on Christmas and Easter, and none of our kids were practicing Catholics. One is spiritual but not religious. One is an atheist, and the other is disengaged, but likely more aligned with spiritual but not religious.

As I reached my 53rd birthday, I had no real concept of spirituality, and the only religious thing I did was nightly prayers with my husband. Over the next six months, my life changed dramatically, and I had no spiritual grounding to support me. First, my 20-year-old son came out to me as transgender female. While this was a surprise, my husband Thomie and I told her she had our complete and unbreakable love and support. I needed to figure out what this was going to mean in the big picture of our lives, but in my heart, I was good with it. Just a couple of months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and thus began the greatest physical, mental, and spiritual challenge of my life. I had a soul-deep need to connect spiritually, but no idea how to do so. Thomie and I quickly realized that reconnecting with the Catholic church was not possible, given its LGBTQ+ stance. So, Thomie suggested we try Unity of Columbus, where he belonged before we married. For the first time in years, I felt connected with the Divine and the people in the community.

Over the next three years, I embraced the Unity movement, learning all I could about metaphysical and spiritual practices, attending the annual convention, and enrolling in the spiritual direction program. I began discovering my spirituality. Truly, for the first time in my life, I felt a deep connection to myself and the Divine Within. The first lesson I learned about Unity is that this community is unapologetically inclusive. This was exactly what I needed because I could not participate in a church where my daughter would be unwelcome. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t believe in God. Any place that would not welcome her with open arms, as a glorious gift to the world, didn’t deserve her, or me.

The second lesson I learned was that I am not a sinner. I was not born with original sin. I was born with original BLESSING. There is a piece of the Divine within me, and within every sentient being. The Divine is wholeness itself, so each of us has an innate, unshakable potential to thrive. This Absolute Truth led me out of the darkness due to the unimaginable physical pain I experienced for nearly two years after my surgery.

Spirituality is now at the center of my being. I continue to affirm wholeness, health, and prosperity. And yes, I also follow medical advice. I meditate and journal daily. I also recently completed a two-year program to become a Spiritual Companion. While I am not pain-free, I feel better than I have in three-and-a-half years. This song, My Life is a Prayer, by StoweGood speaks to the heart of my spirituality.

What is a prayer is not a plea, a desperate call, with tears that fall on bended knee

But, breathing out and breathing in, it’s God and me, that lives and breathes, my trusted friend.

My life is a prayer that God is praying. My thoughts are words that God is saying.

My laughter is the sound of angels playing. My life is a prayer that God is praying.

What if today I had the chance to move and sway, God leads the way in my life’s dance

What is I knew without a doubt, no need to fear, God’s right here, within, without.

If my story resonates with you, please comment below.

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If you would like to connect, message me or email me at pugspiritual@gmail.com.

To learn more about developing a supportive, one-on-one relationship where you are invited to explore your spirituality, your inner life in a safe and non-judgmental space, visit my P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship website. The acronym P.U.G. stands for Passionate, Understanding, Grace-Filled, and it was inspired by my black pug, Gracie. For hundreds of years, pugs have been bred specifically for companionship. They are intuitive, devoted, and exceptional listeners. In that same spirit, I offer a non-judgmental, confidential space where your story is sacred. I think of my work as offering you all of the benefits of a real pug, without the mess. 🥰

Navigating your own spiritual journey while learning how to best love, affirm, and advocate for your loved one is sacred work—and it is work that deserves its own dedicated space for reflection. Allies need a companion, too.

In my practice, P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship, I offer that precise landing space, leading with a framework built for this journey:

• Passionate: I bring a fierce commitment to your journey as an ally, honoring the deep bond of love you share with your family and your desire to grow alongside them.

• Understanding: I help you navigate the nuances of change, language, and family dynamics with curiosity, zero judgment, and a deep respect for authenticity.

• Grace: I offer a space where you have the room to learn, ask the hard questions, make mistakes, and love unconditionally as you align your faith and your heart.

You don’t have to process these conversations or changes in isolation, and you don’t have to have it all figured out just because it’s Pride Month. I provide a compassionate, confidential space for you to catch your breath and explore how to show up fully for your loved one while honoring your own soul.

This June, let’s make sure you are supported, too.

If you’re looking for a supportive, affirming space to navigate your journey as a family member or ally, I am here to walk with you. Visit P.U.G. Spiritual Companionship for more information on how I work with families and allies. You can also message me or email me at pugspiritual@gmail.com.

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