Megan Haase

Hi Reader, My daughter and I love to walk along the coast. There's a house we pass that always has a colorful display of encouraging cards along the fence, beautiful messages for anyone walking by to read or take home. This week she sent me a photo of myself reading one of them (I included it at the end of this newsletter). It's one of my favorite parts of our walks. A simple gesture from a stranger who wanted to spread a little hope and encouragement. These acts of kindness matter, whether...

Hi Reader, If you're reading this between Christmas cookies and New Year's resolutions, let's talk about what comes next. January always brings that fresh-start energy. New planners, big goals, promises to get it all together. But here's what I've noticed after two decades of working with high-functioning, big-hearted people: the problem was never that you weren't doing enough. The problem is you've been doing too much of what doesn't matter to you, and not enough of what does. So this year,...

Hi Reader, The holiday season is here. The days get shorter. The string lights come out. Everything smells like cinnamon and pine. And somehow, everyone feels a little more... sensitive. Maybe it's the time change (why do we still do this to ourselves?). Maybe it's just that this time of year asks a lot of us. Whatever it is, I've noticed a pattern: couples who were getting along great in the fall are suddenly debating things like whose recipe to use for Thanksgiving dinner or how early is...

Hi Reader, August always brings that busy bee energy—new routines, fuller schedules, shorter days, back-to-school nights, college move-ins, sweater weather (cue the therapist cardigan), and yes...pumpkin spice lattes. Whether it’s school, work, or just life picking up speed, this time of year tends to shift the pace for everyone. For me, it’s meant some changes too. I’ve opened up Fridays for in-person sessions in San Luis Obispo (turns out my plants like the office as much as I do), and I’ve...

Hi Reader, Summer is here, which means no school drop-offs—and a little more time for beach walks. My son just started driving (send snacks and prayers), and both of my adult daughters are moving back to California, which feels like such a gift. Life’s shifting, and I’m doing my best to soak it all in. Summer tends to give us a little more breathing room. And with that space, sometimes things bubble up—conversations you’ve been avoiding, patterns you’re tired of repeating, or needs you’ve...

Hi Reader, Spring is a season of growth—and not just for the weeds in your garden. If you’re feeling the urge to freshen up your relationship, support someone you love a little more thoughtfully, or finally stop saying “it’s fine” when it’s very much not fine… this newsletter has your name all over it. I’ve got three tools to help you reconnect and reset. 🧡 1. Spring Tune-Up: Gottman Relationship Checkup The Gottman Relationship Checkup is a powerful, research-backed online assessment that...

Hi Reader, Spring is here (kinda), and so is your monthly relationship refresh. Big news from my world: I became a grandma this year! 🍼 I’ve officially entered my soft sweater, baby-snuggling, Instagram-photo-dumping era (you’ve been warned). Becoming a grandma has also reminded me that strong relationships are what truly matter. Whether you’re dating, partnered, parenting, or grandparenting, I’ve got a few free resources to help you feel more connected this month. 1. Trust Your Gut: A...

Hi Reader, It’s Valentine’s Day—the one day a year where your options are: 💖 Be blissfully in love and post a photo with the caption “My forever Valentine”🍕 Be single and order a heart-shaped pizza because you deserve love too📲 Be in a situationship and get hit with the “you up?” text at 10:47 PM Whichever category you’re in, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re trying to reignite the spark, avoid another round of dating déjà vu, or finally stop avoiding conflict, I’ve got three resources to...

Hi Reader, Let’s face it—the holidays can be a lot. If your family gatherings feel more like a reality TV show than a cozy Hallmark movie, you’re not alone. But this year, you don’t have to just survive, you can thrive. Here’s how: 1. Dysfunctional Family Bingo 🎲 Bring the laughs (and maybe a touch of sanity) to your holiday with Martha Beck's Dysfunctional Family Bingo. Create your custom bingo card with classic family antics, from “Grandma retells that same old story” to “Uncle debates...