The Small Moments That Heal the Soul

Some days don’t come with big events or dramatic turns. Some days simply ask us to slow down, breathe, and notice the small things. This morning, Harley rested his head on my knee as Pebbles spun in circles like she always does before breakfast. In that moment, I realized something simple but powerful: healing often happens in the quiet, ordinary spaces of life.

I’ve lived through pain, violence, and loss — things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But I’ve also lived through loyalty, love, and resilience, and that’s what I choose to carry forward. Writing has become my way of turning pain into purpose. Every book I write — from the raw honesty of Blood Doesn’t Make You Family to the playful adventures in the Pebbles the Pugseries — is a piece of my heart, a step in the journey of transforming wounds into wisdom.

If you’re reading this today, I want to leave you with three reminders:

1. Healing hides in the ordinary.

It’s in your dog’s wagging tail, your partner’s smile, or even the smell of fresh-cut grass. Don’t overlook the simple moments.

2. Pain doesn’t get the final word.

You hold the pen. Your story is still unfolding. And you have the power to write it in a way that brings peace, hope, and strength.

3. Gratitude changes everything.

Even on the hardest days, there’s always something to be thankful for. A meal, a hug, a breath, a chance to try again.

This is why I write. This is why DeKeyser Publishing exists. To remind you, the reader, that you are not alone, and that no matter what life throws at you — love, loyalty, and resilience can rise stronger.

So today, take a moment for yourself. Put the phone down, step outside, and breathe in the air of a brand-new day. Healing may already be waiting for you there.