Rachel Stafford

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

We sat in a small circle at the animal shelter waiting for the training to begin. Six women. Different ages. Different backgrounds. Most stared at the floor or fidgeted with their hands. The silence was growing increasingly awkward. “I’ve never done this before,” I blurted out, “and my cat doesn’t know I’m here.”Everyone laughed with relief. “Is this anyone else’s first time volunteering as a shelter dog walker?” I asked. “Where’s everyone from?”One by one, they shared. Canada. Mexico. Germany. California.

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

Upgrade to paid to play voiceoverA friend recently told me about the unexpected impact of using voice notes with a long-distance family member. I knew their relationship hadn’t always been easy, and communication was infrequent. So, when my friend shared that she had spontaneously sent a voice note—and immediately received one back—I got teary. “It’s usually just a little detail about their day,” she explained.

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

One week after graduation, the reality hit me. My youngest daughter – the one whose inner wiring feels most like my own – is leaving home. No more day-to-day presence. No more “Mom!” cheerfully yelled as the front door swings open. No more unprompted hugs in the kitchen. Just… space. I thought I’d be fine. The busy months leading up to graduation had deceived me. I’d stayed so focused on planning, preparing, celebrating. But an ordinary walk one week after graduation cracked the illusion.

4 weeks 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.

1 month 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.