Rachel Stafford

1 week ago | rachelmacystafford.substack.com | Rachel Stafford

On the morning of my daughter’s high school graduation, I received difficult news. Staring at the text message, I took a few deep breaths and weighed my options. Responding right then would’ve meant halting my morning preparations to craft a reply – one that undoubtedly would pull me away from the joy of the day and into an emotional spiral. I glanced at the message again, felt the familiar tug of urgency, and made a conscious decision to put away my phone and turn back to the mirror.

2 weeks ago | rachelmacystafford.substack.com | Rachel Stafford

When you’re in the Maze, life passes you by. — Dr. Phil StutzDear friends,Thank you to everyone who joined last night’s gathering. I’ve been genuinely touched by the kind words and thoughtful reflections many of you have shared since. It’s clear the topic of navigating relational conflict struck a chord—and I’m grateful we could hold that space together.

3 weeks ago | rachelmacystafford.substack.com | Rachel Stafford

Dear friends,What do we do when someone we care about wrongs us, rejects us, or hurts us—and we spiral? How do we not get stuck in that painful place of looping thoughts, inner tension, and self-doubt? How do we come back to ourselves? I’ve been walking through this myself. An experience left me feeling disoriented—and I …Keep reading with a 7-day free trialSubscribe to Rachel's Treehouse to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

3 weeks ago | rachelmacystafford.substack.com | Rachel Stafford

My youngest daughter is graduating from high school next week. That is a sentence I feel must stand alone. It carries years of effort, hope, and a thousand small moments leading here. Thankfully, I won’t be standing alone as Avery walks across the stage. I’ll be surrounded by family—and by the memories of the obstacles she overcame to get here. In celebration, family is coming in from three different states.

1 month ago | rachelmacystafford.substack.com | Rachel Stafford

Last month, Scott and I went to our first Braves game of the season. I squirmed excitedly in my seat like a little kid. I couldn’t wait to hear the sharp crack of the bat, hear the players’ walk-up songs, or see happy fans dancing on the jumbotron. Although I love the energy at the games, my favorite thing to focus on is what happens right next to me: the quiet peace on my husband’s face. Scott always buys a bag of peanuts.