Posted June 2025 by Stephanie Hoover

Why Do I Say This...?

You may have noticed that I often include in my writing and videos a reminder to "Be well, be happy and be kind - especially to yourself." That's a catchphrase I've been using for years now, ever since I did my first podcast in my previous career as an author and researcher. 

I repeat this mantra because part of my goal with this blog (and my YouTube channel) is to remind all of you that the only person you need to please is YOU, and it's never too late to start doing that. 

Sadly, there are many folks that - likely because they're unhappy with themselves - will try to steal your light. They'll try to convince you that your art, your lifestyle, your choices are wrong. They'll work to discourage you from learning new things, usually because they themselves don't have the courage to do so. 

Please don't let anyone stop you from finding and living your joy; your "best life" as the saying goes. Never, ever, ever make yourself smaller so that someone else can feel bigger. Had I done that I would never have retired from a successful, long-term career to transition into a field for which the only qualification I truly possessed was passion.

Be you. Let others like it, not like it, or not even care. But please don't make your choices based on a "thumbs down" or nasty comment from strangers. At the end of the day, I promise: YOU will be the one living your best life.