Finding Connection in Unexpected Moments

Sometimes, if you allow yourself to be guided, you just may find connection in unexpected moments.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

It was at the end of this summer, on a typical Sunday evening, I was running my end-of -the-weekend trash drop off to our local landfill. My plan was to swing by the small convenience store nearby to pick up a bottle of wine on my way home. But just as I was about to head there, my daughter called.

She sounded amused and concerned as she told me our cat, Lulu, had decided to follow her and our dog, Georgie Girl, on their walk around the lake. She asked if I could meet them and bring Lulu back home.

So, I turned the car around. As I was pulling into our driveway, I thought, “Maybe I don’t need that wine tonight.” But as I shut off the car, I got a nudge: Go get that wine.

So… I started the car again and headed to the convenience store.

When I got there, I noticed two bikes propped up outside, covered in travel gear, soaked by the rain. Inside, I found two women—mother and daughter—huddled over their phones, clearly trying to find directions. Curiosity got the better of me, so I struck up a conversation.

A Remarkable Journey

Turns out, they were on a remarkable journey, biking all the way from Boston to Montreal. They were trying to make it to a state park a few towns over where they planned to camp for the night. But given the rainy night, I offered them something a bit more comfortable: a hot shower and a warm place to sleep at our house.

They looked at each other for a second, clearly weighing their options, before gratefully accepting. I drove home to announce to my husband and kids that we were hosting some last-minute guests. My daughter, ever the pragmatic one, immediately asked, “Mom, are you crazy? You don’t even know these people!”

a bike with travel gear

New Friends

But within half an hour of their arrival, my husband was in the garage tuning up the daughter’s bike, and the mom and I were on the back porch, glasses of wine in hand, sharing stories. Eventually, the kids joined us as we prepared dinner together, turning what began as a quiet Sunday into a lively and lovely evening.

As we got to know each other, I learned about the mom’s amazing work. She had started a nonprofit in Boston to help Ukrainian refugees settle in the area, connecting them with essential resources and support. Her story was inspiring, and it stayed with me long after they pedaled away the next morning.

Since then, we’ve kept in touch, and I feel compelled to share this experience. It reminded me of how life nudges us in unexpected directions, often with no clear reason in the moment. That bottle of wine I wasn’t sure I needed, led to a chance encounter that became a beautiful memory—and a lasting connection.

I also wanted to share about Olga’s work. If you feel inspired, look into her organization and consider helping out or contributing to their cause. Her team is doing something extraordinary, and any support makes a difference.

Olga’s List – helping Ukrainian refugees transition into their new lives

So, I leave you with this: Where in your life are you being guided? Are you noticing small signs that might lead to something beautiful? Or is this your moment to start paying closer attention?

Sometimes the path we’re meant to be on begins with a little nudge… and I’m so grateful I followed mine that rainy night.


Ready for more inspirational stories – Be sure to check out the rest of The Usual Magic Blog!

 

How to Stay Inspired

I believe staying curious and inspired is one of the best ways to keep yourself young and vital. It’s a common question I get in my coaching practiceHow do I stay Inspired?

As all my coaching clients know, I love to teach through story. So here’s one of my favorites!

When we first moved to New Hampshire, I was invited into a local book group. Each month, a different woman would choose the book to read.We’d been there about six months when it was my turn.

And it’s probably no surprise to you, but I chose a book on self-development.

I remember so vividly, a couple of days before our group was due to meet, bumping into one of the women from the book group at our local workout club. She has just come off the tennis court as I was waiting to go on.

“Will I see you tomorrow night?” I asked. She gave me this small smile, reached into her bag, and pulled out the book I had picked.

“You know, Kasey,” she said, “At this point, I’m 65 years old and it’s just too late in life for me to start learning something new.”

Not what I was expecting

I was caught so off-guard.

I had a thousand things I wanted to say, but since I was still new to the area, I just smiled politely and headed onto the court.

But her words lingered with me long after that conversation.

Because here’s the thing… I don’t believe it’s ever too late.

This summer, I taped up a piece of paper in the kitchen that said: We are just getting started.

My son and all his mid-20s friends saw it, nodded, and said, “That’s exactly how it feels right now.”

But the truth is, it’s not just them—it’s all of us.

It’s my neighbor with her newborn baby. It’s my friend whose child just left for college. It’s my other friend who recently moved to a new city and began a new job. And it’s my 88-year-old father in law who is constantly looking for new opportunities to learn and grow.

Every phase of life brings a new beginning, and opportunity to grow and discover something expansive.

When we stop learning and growing, I believe that’s when we start to wither—when we stop striving to become the best versions of ourselves.

What happens, really, when we decide we’re too old to change?

What happens when we shut our minds to new ideas or close our hearts to fresh perspectives?

We miss out—on inspiration, on joy, and on becoming more than we ever imagined!

So my invitation to you, my friend, is this: Look for those places in life where you’ve been saying “no” and consider saying “yes”.

Push yourself just a little beyond what feels comfortable.

Say yes to learning. Say yes to growing. Say yes to the idea that you, too, are just getting started.

Because you are. We all are.

Are You Ready for a Seasonal Shift?

I don’t know about you, but I find seasonal shifts challenging, in particular, summer to fall. What about you? Are You Ready for a Seasonal Shift?

Here we are, into the second half of September, and truth be told, I’m still clinging to August and pretending summer isn’t over.

I do it every year.

It’s just such a difficult adjustment for me to make.

I hold off on tucking away my flowy summer dresses and jean cutoffs as long as possible, pretending there’s no way I’m seeing changing leaves and feeling a chill in the morning air.

But today, here in New Hampshire, there was no denying that autumn had arrived.

I knew it for sure as I wrapped up in a sweater and walked out to the back shed to gather logs to start up the wood stove.

Sigh.

The Stirrings of a Seasonal Shift

And yet…

As I sit here, covered in a blanket, in front of the stove, I felt the stirrings of excitement that this new season will bring.

And I remind myself that this seasonal change is an opportunity to shift my energy, my mindset, and my intentions.

Of course, I couldn’t wait to reach out and share this message with you, in case you were needing a little seasonal inspiration, too!

a fall seasonal photo of a bike and pumpkin

Preparing for a Seasonal Shift?

So…what would you like your autumnal season to bring?

You can take your intention setting even further by asking yourself…

  • How do I want to feel at the end of this season?
  • What do I want my life to look like?
  • What will I be seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, touching as this season comes to a close?

Ok, now I’m getting excited!

It may have taken me a while, but eventually I have come to understand that the beauty of each seasonal transition is really the clean slate we’re offered.

And with that, the opportunity to lean into the new season with mindfulness and an openness to change.

So, if you haven’t yet, hopefully this is just the reminder you needed to shift your perspective and open yourself up to all the magic in store for you in this new season.

I can’t wait to hear what comes your way!


Book News:

My dear book, Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life and Motherhood, was chosen as the inaugural book for the Academy of Neonatal Nurses recently launched Book Club! What an honor.

If you had told me 12 years ago when Preemie was first published that she’d still be making the rounds today, I’m not sure I’d have believed you.

If you haven’t read Preemie yet, it is not just a story about premature birth. It’s an inspirational story about transformation and magic – of course!

Amazon review: You know those books… the ones that seem like an old friend, the ones you look forward to cracking open again to see what happens next, the well-written ones that allow you to feel an experience along with the author. This is such a book. Kasey is suddenly thrust into an experience that no one planned for or expected. One that is unbelievably scary. Yet, with her the help of her family and various “angels” who came into their lives she and her family grew beyond measure. She found emotions and strength deep from within. This is a story not only for parents of “preemies” but for anyone who is open to experience life at it’s fullest. It’s quite a ride and a worthwhile read.

Stop Waiting and Start Living

I recently had an a moment that reminded me it was time to stop waiting and start living.

It all began not too long ago when I saw a beautiful sundress online…

The sundress was way more expensive than I would usually spend.

Yet for a week I left it in the shopping cart and opened the tab nearly every day.

Several times my hand came close to pressing the purchase button, but I kept stopping myself. 

Truth is, I’m more of a TJMaxx and thrift store kind of shopper.

And yet, something kept drawing me back to the dress. 

“It’s hand woven and made by local women in Greece,” I whispered to myself. 

And then the little voice in my head said, “Go for it.”

And before I could think any further, I had pressed purchase.

Time to Stop Waiting

The sundress arrived and I carefully opened the cardboard box to reveal the dress.

It was green and flowy and I knew right away I loved it.

It was perfect!

And then… 

…it hung in my closet with the tags still attached ever since the day it arrived. 

The Day Finally Came to Stop Waiting

a women in a dress who decided to stop waiting and live fully

I was meeting a dear friend for coffee, looking through my different sundresses.

My new dress caught my eye, but I thought, “Oh no, I couldn’t.”

What if I spill something on it? What if my pooch, Georgie Girl drools on it? It’s too special just to wear out for a cup of coffee. Plus, I have physical therapy after, so I’d have running shorts and a tank top underneath!

Then as I turned to reach for my old go-to sundress, the words of one of my dearest friends ran through my head. 

Years ago she’d been diagnosed with an advanced illness. Today, many, many years later, she’s healthy and well, but a particular moment from that time always stands out for me. 

It was soon after she’d gotten the all clear and we were getting together for a cup of coffee. 

She showed up just as she had done so often those days; dressed up in a great skirt, blouse, wearing lots of jewelry, and looking totally amazing.

“You always look so incredible these days,” I said to her. 

And her reply is what I want to share with you today.

“Kase,” she said, “One day I was standing there looking in my closet and saw all those clothes just hanging there, waiting for the party.” She waved her hands up in the air and looked right at me. “Then I realized, this is the party,” she said.

This is the party.

I still get chills. 

Stop Waiting and Start Living!

So this morning with my dear friend’s words ringing in my ears, I cut off those tags and I’m off for coffee in my new special dress! 

Because this is the party!

And every day that we get to be here is reason to celebrate, right?

So how will YOU celebrate?

I’d love to hear!

And if you want additional support, check our my Transformational Life Coaching Practice. 

 

***A reader recently reached out and said, “How have I been missing all your inspiration on social media?”

Her kind words meant so much to me!

If you’re on social and looking for uplifting messages, follow my posts on Instagram and Facebook. 

Are You Trying too Hard?

What would you say if I told you that I have a simple and easy trick that will help you achieve what you’re striving to accomplish in your life? Well there is! It begins with this simple question – Are you trying too hard?

The discovery of this method all began in a recent Transformational Life Coaching session with a new client.

The conversation went something like this:

I’m trying to exercise more.

I’m trying to set better boundaries with my employees and family.

I’m trying to focus more on self-care…

Before she could go any farther down the path of listing all the changes she was trying to accomplish, I invited her to take a moment to reflect upon the energy of the word “trying”.

I asked her to restate the three statements she’d just made, yet remove the word “trying.”

She paused a moment, tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and looked down at her notebook.

Then she lifted her head and spoke the three sentences:

I am exercising more.

I am setting better boundaries with my employees and family.

I am more focused on self-care.

She smiled and sat up taller in her chair.

“I get it,” she said.

The Magic of Not Trying too Hard

Trying implies a sense of uncertainty and potential failure. However, when you embrace the mindset that something already is, you shift your attention toward taking decisive action. You no longer waste energy on self-doubt or hesitations but instead direct your efforts towards implementing solutions and achieving results!

Language is powerful and the energy you put out in the world with the words you speak is powerful, too. (You already know I’m a little nuts about the word FINE!)

Well, trying is another word that causes me to cringe. It’s such a wishy-washy word. A half-in/half-out word. A someday word, rather than a right-now word.

a woman who has stopped trying and is leaning into the energy of already is

Are You Ready to Stop Trying So Hard?

Focus on what you’re “trying” to change in your life and notice if your language is aligned in support?

I am trying to be more patient with my kids vs

I am more patient with my kids.

I am trying to lose weight vs

I am losing weight.

I am trying to take time each day just for me vs

I am taking time each day just for me.

See the difference?

When we remove the word “trying” and instead lean into the energy of “it already is,” we shift our mindset and approach toward a more empowering and positive outlook!

Removing that one word – trying –  changes your intention from wishy-washy to certain and clear.

Your turn!

Get clear on your desires.

Then play with them and notice how a simple shift in awareness and language has the potential for profound change!

Be certain. Get clear. And reach out if you need extra support!

Bonus Writing Prompt –

a woman writing in a field not trying too hard

I am…

The two words that many consider to be the most powerful in the English language.

See where they take you.

As always, you’re invited to share in the Writing with Kasey FB group.

 

 

Find Your Safe Space

Lately, my thoughts and focus have been on the idea of how you can find your safe space within your day to day life. 

I’m always on the lookout for life lessons – those little magical moments when I have an ‘ah ha’ and think – Oh, yes, that’s a good one!

Well, our teachers come in all shapes and sizes and the latest one of these ‘ah ha moments’ came from my dear pup, Georgie Girl.

We were having a glorious late afternoon thunderstorm here in New Hampshire – well, glorious to me, but not so much to my dear Georgie, who is afraid of thunder!

As the rain was coming down hard on the roof and the thunder really starting to peak, I was in the laundry room folding sheets, and Georgie Girl soon ran in panting and shaking.

I was in the midst of folding a queen-size sheet, and Georgie ran right for it, tucked her head in the middle of the sheet, like she was saying, Mama, please wrap me up and let this be my safe space.

I adore my girl, but these sheets were white and my favorite, so I swapped out the sheet and picked up an old faded towel from the bin beneath the folding table and held it out for her.

She immediately tucked in her head, and I wrapped the rest down over her big body.

I held my hands still on her back practicing Reiki and we stayed that way for several minutes until I felt her panting subside and her whole being relax.

Connecting to Recent Thoughts

No surprise, that moment came right on the heels of what I’ve been thinking a lot about lately – finding safe moments and spaces within our own day to day lives.

Places and spaces where we can step away and give ourselves that sense of security and comfort, just like I had for Georgie Girl.

Lately, my serene, safe space has been my office. I close the door, stream tranquil music, sit for a few minutes in stillness and then take a few minutes to read a passage or two from one of my favorite spiritual books.

Outside of the house, I find safe, tranquil spaces in the woods, implementing the Japanese method of Forest Bathing, which I wrote about here.

Not all of you have the luxury of a quiet office, or wooded trail, but those quiet, safe moments are available if you intentionally look for, and create them.

my dog wrapped up in her safe space

Find Your Safe Spaces

~ Put on a pair of headphones and tuck into a corner of a couch with a blanket wrapped around yourself.

~ Set up a folding chair outside under the shade of a tree.

~ In the car, shut everything off, and just sit and breathe for a few quiet moments.

~ Create a little ‘altar’ with a some of your favorite books and mementos on a small table or stool in a corner where you visit for a few moments of quiet contemplation each day.

Many of my coaching clients, especially those with young children and/or demanding jobs, set an alarm 15 – 20 minutes early each morning to get up and create that sacred, quiet space in their days.

The beauty in giving yourself those few extra moments of comfort, kindness and care, is the impact it has on the rest of your day, and in turn, those you encounter as you move through your day.

You become the ripples on the pond, spreading your positive energy to others.

So…

Do you have a favorite space to which you retreat?

Are you ready to find one?

I would so love to hear!


I also know first hand that a notebook, scrap of paper or any writing devise of any sort, can be a safe place as well.

With that in mind, here is the latest writing prompt for you.

a writing prompt - I feel safe when

I feel safe when…

2 Simple Words to Change Your Mindset

I am so excited to share 2 simple words to change your mindset!

These “mindset changing” words came from a little moment of magic that happened in my world! I thought you may find it inspiring, too!

It happened a few months ago. I was on the phone with a dear friend and chronicling all the upcoming travel on my calendar.

Chronicling all my Travel

In March, we have to go to Spain to see our daughter, who’s on a semester abroad.

Then… we have to go to Vermont to ski with my sister.

Then…I have to go to Montreal with my hubby.

And then…we have to go to Florida to see our son who started a new job down there.

As wonderful as all the travel opportunities were, I was feeling uncertainty, overwhelm and dread about the amount of time away from home and how much prep work and arranging had to be done.

Clearly I needed to change my mindset, but I didn’t know how.

After chronicling all the upcoming travel plans and my accompanying angst, my friend offered a brilliant suggestion.

“What if,” she said, “rather than saying you ‘have to’ go you said you ‘get to’ go?

I held my phone in my hand, momentarily speechless.

Those two magic words!

Get to?

The shift was nearly instantaneous, and I thanked my friend profusely for sharing her brilliance!

I had shifted from the mindset of obligation and burden to one of opportunity and choice!

And all it took was changing 2 simple words from Have to…

to…Get to…

Right away I saw how this simple turn of phrase could easily be applied into my ordinary, everyday life, and of course, yours too!

Ways to use the 2 simple words to change your mindset –

Think of all the day to day things you do just kind of going through the motions, or perhaps, even dreading. All your “have tos’.

Now, make a shift!

Here are a few of my examples, but I encourage you to come up with your own!

I have to work out… I get to work out.

I have to go grocery shopping…I get to go grocery shopping.

I have to go to the doctor…I get to go to the doctor.

I have to                         I get to                              

Can you feel the difference the shift of those 2 simple words can make?

When you say you “have to ” do something, it creates a sense of resistance. Yet, when you reframe it as something you “get to” do, you’re shifting into the mindset of gratitude and appreciation.

This small but powerful shift in perspective led me to have a much more positive attitude, not just on all our travels – which by the way, were wonderful, easy and relaxing – but also on the small and simple moments that transpire throughout the day.

It’s a wonderful reminder to be grateful for the opportunities and experiences you have rather than taking them for granted.

a smiling woman after she changed her mindset with 2 simple words

What do you think?

Ready to give it a try?

Go ahead, play with it!

And keep me posted. I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback and perhaps any insights of your own.

You can contact me directly at kasey@kaseymathews.com or find me over on Facebook and  Instagram

Did you find this post inspiring? Well there’s plenty more where that came from on my Awaken Your Magic Blog!

My Favorite Decluttering Tool

The trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and I am feeling inspired by the beauty of nature around me. And… as I tend to do about this time every year, I’m looking around my home and wondering – “Where did all this stuff come from?” Which prompts me to know it’s time to pull out my favorite decluttering tool!

In the past, spring clutter-clearing usually led me feelings of overwhelm and despair, but one I discovered my favorite go-to decluttering tool, I felt empowered and ready to take charge of my home and life!

It’s a simple, yet powerful Feng Shui technique, which I share in my book, A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life.

Here How it Works

​The basic principle is this: For 9 days in a row you get rid of (donate, throw out, consign, recycle) 27 things.

Yup, that’s it.

The 9 X 27 technique

What I love is the daily limitation of the 27 items.

Because as we all know, what often begins as decluttering enthusiasm, can quickly devolve into exhaustion and piles of stuff in each room, creating more of a mess than before you began!

We’ve all been there, right?

If you want to give it a try, keep it simple. Check your calendar and carve out 9 consecutive days. Start in one room, maybe with just one drawer.

And if you want to hold yourself more accountable, if you skip a day along the way, reset the calendar and start over on day one!

Most importantly, keep it light, have fun, and as with everything I recommend, do it without judging yourself.

This is not meant to be an exercise in beating yourself up. (Which is why I will practice what I preach and not beat myself up about the Christmas decorations still covering our dining room table!)

If you decide to give it a try, let me how you’re finding it. Or if you have your own favorite method, please share!

In the meantime, visit my Coaching Page and schedule a Discovery Session if you need additional support.

 


A Writing Prompt for Internal Decluttering

a writing prompt for internal decluttering

 

What are you creating space for in your life?


I am deeply honored and excited to be the speaker at this year’s Women Who Make a Difference Luncheon at Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. If you happen to be in the area, it’s sure to be a day full of joy and connection!

the women who make a difference luncheon flyer in new london, new hampshire

 

The Importance of Rest

After my recent laments about my children leaving the nest, I soon became aware deeply aware importance of rest in my life.

I heard from many other women going through the same journey. Their wisdom, kindness, and assurances that I am not alone, were exactly what my aching mama-heart needed to hear.

Time for My Four Rs

It also became clear that it was a time that called for deep reflection, rest, recovery, and renewal – what I came to call, My Four Rs!

But those Four Rs – reflection, rest, recovery, and renewal, did not come easily for me.

Because rather than sit with the complexity of feelings and emotions that had emerged after the kids left, I instead, longed to just keep myself busy.

“Come on,” I said to myself. “With the kids gone it’s the perfect opportunity to clean out closets! And what a great chance to purge and reorganize the food pantry! And of course the fridge and basement chest freezer could desperately use your energy and attention!”

But that’s the thing; as much as all those tasks needed to be done, I simply didn’t have the energy to take them, or anything else, on.

I simply needed to rest.

My body, my mind and my soul all needed to rest.

So rather than getting busy, I instead allowed myself to slow down and move into this new rhythm of my days with lots of love and deep self-care.


Time for Self-Care

Self-care for me has looked like lots of rest, plus bundled up walks in the woods, books, blankets and tea on the couch, and of course, my old, faithful friend, writing.

I’ve gotten into the practice of daily “flow writing,” which I learned from one of my favorite meditation teachers Sarah Blondin.

Flow writing involves setting a timer for 10 minutes and not letting my pen (or in my case, my trusty #2 pencil) leave the page. Even when no words are emerging, I simply write something like… No words are emerging, over and over until they do.

Want to give it a go?

This is not an official writing challenge, but an offering of sorts for you to try on and see how it fits.

I personally have been doing this is a part of my daily practice and find that the practice leaves me feeling grounded and center throughout the day that follows.

So if the idea of flow writing has piqued your interest, here is a writing prompt to get you started ~ When I listen to my heart I hear…


If you’d like to share the writing that emerges for you, please visit the Facebook Group ~ Writing with Kasey Mathews ~ where a wonderful and supportive community has gathered.

 

 

 

Unsubscribe | PO Box 424, Wilton, NH 03068

An Empty Nest

I recently went through the poignant and often painful process of letting my adult children go as they forge their own paths out in the world. Facing an empty nest can be a confusing and conflicting time. As always, it’s helpful to know you’re not alone on this journey. Here’s a bit of mine…

Facing An Empty Nest

Letting children go is the part of parenting no one can fully prepare you for.

As I witness my beloved children fly from the nest, this new year brings feelings of excitement, and at the same time, feelings of deep melancholy.

Of course, my children’s exciting new beginnings are exactly what I as a parent have hoped for!

Yet the heaviness in my heart, and occasional leaky tears, speak to the ongoing inevitable aspect of parenting – letting go.

Empty Nesting and the Deeper Grief Beneath the Surface

I’ve also come to recognize there’s a deeper element of sadness beneath this particular moment of letting go.

A grief of sorts, which I’ve come to see is the grief of losing the younger versions of my children. 

This newly empty nest, brought about the realization that my children are never going to be those little ones again.

The little ones I made mud pies with, baked morning pancakes for, and read nightly bedtime stories to.

I adored those days.

“Makes sense,” my hubby recently commented. “You taught kindergarten and second grade for 10 years.“

Indeed, he is right. I love the innocence and inherent wonder of those ages.

And yet here they are, my grown children, these beautiful young adults, carrying those amazing, younger versions of themselves within, prepared to share themselves with the world.

Leaving me with this empty nest and the opportunity for my new beginning.

I adore the wisdom of this quote on parenting from Khalil Gibran –

“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.”

That quote is exactly the reminder of what is most important for me in this moment – Trust.

I must trust and let my children go as I continue to hold them close in my heart.

An Empty Nest is also the time and opportunity for me to turn my focus back on myself. What about you?

Empty Nesting and Doubling Down on Self-Care

As I move into this new arena of empty nesting, I recognize that now more than ever it is a time to

I must meet myself where I am and honor all that I am feeling – the uncertainty, the grief, the worry, the possibility, the loneliness and any and all the other emotions that arise during this time of transition. 

Also, I’ve come to recognize that this is a time to double-down on my self-care practice.

What does that look like for me?

Daily walks in the woods, meditation, writing, reading, rest, lots of water and nutritious foods, connecting with my incredible coaching clients and of course, all of you.

Most of all, as I move into this new world of empty nesting, I intend to focus on all that I love that brings Magic into my days.

Are You Facing an Empty Nest? Now, or Sometime in the Future?

If so, what does self-care look like for you?

Remember, you don’t have to wait to move into the empty nesting phase of parenting to focus on self-care!

Everyday is an opportunity to focus on You and invite more Magic into your days! 

So…how will you take the best care of YOU as you move through this new year?

I would be so honored to hear.