Featured

Your Story Is Still Unfolding (And So Is Mine)

Why this Life Untapped blog is becoming Still Unfolding—and what it means for you

Twenty years.

That’s how long I’ve been showing up as “Life Untapped.”

Twenty years of writing, speaking, sharing stories, and encouraging you to discover the relevance in your own narrative. Twenty years of believing that potential exists in all of us—waiting to be discovered, activated, lived.

And it’s been beautiful.

“Life Untapped” has been the perfect metaphor to highlight how within each of us lies something powerful—an abundant life just waiting to be accessed, unlocked, released.

And while that remains true, what’s also factual is that our efforts to thrive through life’s ups and downs, and our still-present hopes and dreams, are worth honoring at every age and stage.

As I’ve grown—through writing 12 books, navigating my own pivots, listening to your stories, and deepening my understanding of transformation—I’ve realized something:

Our quest isn’t just about discovering potential that we’ve left dormant or untapped (although this IS part of it); it can also be about summoning the courage to keep going and to keep saying “yes” to ourselves.

What speaks to your heart? What tugs at you? What will you regret not doing because of what society or those around you declared you “should” be doing instead?

Over the years, as I’ve connected with others who’ve navigated career changes, relationship shifts, grief journeys, health challenges and more (and gone through shifts myself) —I’ve recognized a recurring reality:

Our stories aren’t static potential waiting to be tapped.

Life is an ongoing process of becoming.

You (we) are unfolding—slowly, imperfectly, beautifully—into versions of ourselves that we may not even realize are possible.

Unfolding never stops.

Not at 30. Not at 50. Not at 70.

Still Unfolding is about giving ourselves permission to be in process—forever.

It means:

  • Growth is lifelong. There’s no finish line where you finally have it all figured out.
  • You’re not behind. The timeline you imagined for your life isn’t the only valid one. Your unfolding is happening exactly as it should.
  • Pivots aren’t failures. They’re part of the process. Every turn, every detour, every unexpected chapter is shaping you.
  • Your best experiences may still be ahead. Age doesn’t diminish possibility. Some of the most transformative chapters come later than we expected.
  • You’re allowed to evolve. The person you were five years ago — even a year ago — doesn’t have to be the person you are now. Change isn’t betrayal—it’s honoring the present with the gift of all you’ve become thus far.

What’s Changing

As of today, Life Untapped is becoming Still Unfolding.

Here’s what that means practically:

✨ Still Unfolding is how you’ll see me reference my work instead of Life Untapped on a regular basis. However, my focus will still be transformation, inspiration, life transitions and encouraging you to keep becoming.

✨ Life Untapped will still be used occasionally, because it still reflects part of our unfolding journey – so you’ll still occasionally see my hashtag, and one of the categories of this blog will be Life Untapped Living.

This Blog:

🌐 The URL is changing: LifeUntapped.com → StillUnfolding.com

📝 ALL content remains: Every blog post, every category, every resource you’ve relied on stays exactly where it is. Nothing is being deleted. The archive is intact.

Here’s what also stays the same:

✅ My commitment to you. This has always been about authentic connection, and that remains unchanged.

✅ My belief that your story and your journey matter.

✅ Content designed to inspire, inform and uplift you.

If you’ve been here for years, thank you for reading my blog posts and other social media content, and thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.

If you’re new here, welcome! You’ve arrived at exactly the right time.

Together, let’s step into our unfolding and have a blast. Let’s remind each other: We’re all still unfolding.

P.S. If you’re not already on my author email list (which is different from this blog post subscription), now’s a great time to join me in both places! In addition to my occasional blog posts here, on every Monday I send a brief message of encouragement straight to your email inbox—and you’ll be the first to know about my TV appearances, events and everything Still Unfolding. Subscribe here.

Steps to Growth? One Book at a Time

I spent some time on a special project last month that led me down memory lane – to the summer of 2023, when friends and family partnered with me to donate a literary step to Kenya Connect that featured the cover of my novel Watercolored Pearls.

This nonprofit based in a rural region of East Africa understands how fostering reading and literacy among youth and parents alike can uplift generations.

It was an honor to have the Watercolored Pearls step installed near book covers donated by my literary friends Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft. Reflecting on the impact of giving youths daily exposure to books, and reading, lifted my hope.

As we enter this long holiday weekend, wherever you live in the world, I encourage you to visit your local library, bookstore or your own bookshelf and pick a book to read or re-read, while inspiring a young person in your life to do the same.

Reading can build knowledge and empathy, foster understanding and creativity, and ultimately, strengthen humanity.

Don’t Sleep On You

I watched a podcast last night in which the well-known guest shared some timely food for thought:

The happiest people are those who keep learning, growing and pivoting – not just adding up years. 

Wirh that in mind, he then posed a pivotal question: 

Even if you’re purpose-driven or thriving in a specific lane, can you shift your focus and delivery as needed? 

Could you be convinced to expand your effort to a different lane? 

I did that 20 years ago, when I left behind a thriving newspaper column (Inspirations) in winter 2006 to focus on writing more books and speaking. 

That season morphed into others, and from each new lane of purpose and calling I’ve trod, I’ve met meaning and fulfillment and amazing people along the road.

What about you??

That podcast guest surmised that while who we are at our core should be steady, how we live out our purpose – or embrace that we may have more than one – can be a gamechanger for us and for every life we’re called to touch. Especially in an ever-changing world in need of ever-present hope.

Don’t sleep on you. Your life is calling you to rise to the occasion.

Let’s stay connected… If you’re not already on my author email list (which is different from this blog post subscription), now’s a great time to join me in both places! In addition to my occasional blog posts here, on every Monday I send a brief message of encouragement straight to your email inbox—and you’ll be the first to know about my TV appearances, events and everything Still Unfolding. Subscribe here.

8 Ways to Prep for the New Year

Hey You….

Are you ready to say farewell to 2025 and start anew in a few days?

Reflect,

self-assess,

shake it off,

forgive, 

release,

rest up,

pray up,

and prepare to rise up 

– into another level of giving your best, being your authentic self, and appreciating your unique journey.

Because each day you’re gifted to grace this earth is proof that there’s more for you to do, be or share.

And you can fit in some fun, too.

(The girlfriends who had me posing for this pic a couple of weeks ago are still giggling at our shenanigans that evening!) Lol

I’ve also connected with other great friends over the past two weeks with smiles, laughs, hugs, conversations and meals that have left us all mutually filled. 💛

Life is meant to be lived and loved – even with its imperfections.

So lean into your good parts, give thanks for the blessings resulting from all parts, and enjoy – even if that simply means pausing for a nap or sitting in stillness with a favorite beverage or dancing in your PJs to your playlist on rotation.

Make some memories today and tomorrow that make your heart smile, as you countdown with expectation for the year to come.

The Wisdom of Grief

Three years ago around this time, someone I cared for deeply entered hospice and a weeklong end-of-life process that was dignity-rendering, yet leaking with sadness.

I stood the course with my beloved older brother on his journey toward death, knowing that he would want no pity, and if possible, he would have been spitting wisecracks at every turn, while declaring that life is to be enjoyed and celebrated.

With that in mind, as we race toward Christmas, or celebrate Hanukkah or countdown to the New Year, I share this wisdom borne from losing someone dear (in particular during the holidays) to remind us that one of the best ways to honor our loved ones is to keep on living, and to do so with intentional joy and hopefulness.

Here are a few ways that I’ve personally leaned into:

Love on yourself more, just because. 

Tell others what they mean to you while you can (I have and I regularly do).

Cry when you feel like it.

Laugh every chance you get.

Forget about yesterday’s grudges. 

Love those who love you back.

Be kind to those whose rudeness often means they need more kindness.

Challenge yourself to leave everyone better than you found them – with what you say and what you don’t; by how you share and where you set boundaries; and by giving with no expectation of reciprocity.

Let your heart break. The only way through grief is through. 

Say Thank You – for everything.

Because every breath you take, every day you get to experience, and every person who crosses your path is in some way a gift.

 
Let’s stay connected… If you’re not already on my author email list (which is different from this blog post subscription), now’s a great time to join me in both places! In addition to my occasional blog posts here, on every Monday I send a brief message of encouragement straight to your email inbox—and you’ll be the first to know about my TV appearances, events and everything Still Unfolding. Subscribe here.

The Middle Is Where It Happens

Here’s what I’ve learned after writing 12 books, navigating countless pivots and watching life unfold in unanticipated ways:

The middle is where the transformation actually happens.

Not the beginning—that’s just the spark. Not the ending—that’s just the reveal.

The middle? That’s where you:

  • Question everything you thought you knew
  • Discover strengths you didn’t know you had
  • Learn to trust yourself even when you can’t see the path
  • Become someone you weren’t when you started

The middle is uncomfortable, uncertain and sometimes scary.

And let’s consider something radical: What if your messy middle season is what’s required to grow you into a person who can navigate the best chapters ahead with wisdom, poise and resilience? What if you need to go through “this” to be prepared to honor and elevate “that?”

What if the timing of your life is exactly right—even when it doesn’t match your plan?

I’ve learned in my toughest seasons to breathe through it, pray through it, lean on the tenets of my faith and rest in the hope that my resilience and hope will see me through.

Doing this has given me permission to stay in the present, to be in the middle of my story and to intentionally nurture myself. I’ve found the courage to not have it all figured out – to change my mind, alter my path and rewrite the plan.

I’ve surrendered to being in progress, without perfection; to trust that where I am is exactly where I need to be as my life actively unfolds.

And that’s not something to apologize for – that’s something to honor.

As the year winds down and a new one approaches, let’s ask ourselves:

“What wants to unfold in me next?”

Not: What do I need to force or fix or figure out?

What’s already trying to emerge if I just give it space?

Not: Where should I be by now?

Where am I being invited to go next??

I believe in you – in us!

So write your vision, speak life into it and embrace the positives in your present on the way to your next chapter.

“Sunrise — Oregon Mountain Pass” by Beyond the Trail (Gary Robertson) is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

If you’re not already on my author email list (which is different from this blog post subscription), now’s a great time to join me in both places! In addition to my occasional blog posts here, on every Monday I send a brief message of encouragement straight to your email inbox—and you’ll be the first to know about my TV appearances, events and everything Still Unfolding. Subscribe here.

When You’re Still Becoming

You’re not behind. You’re not late. You’re exactly where you need to be. A reflection on the power of “yet” and trusting your unfolding journey.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “yet.”

As in: “I’m not there yet.”

We use it apologetically, don’t we? As if being in the middle of our journey is something to excuse. As if the space between where we are and where we want to be is a gap that diminishes our worth.

But what if “yet” is actually the most hopeful word we have?

When you say, “I’m not there yet,” what you’re really saying is: I’m still becoming.

You’re acknowledging that your story isn’t finished. That there’s more ahead. That the best chapters might still be unwritten.

“Yet” means you haven’t given up. “Yet” means you’re still in motion. “Yet” means possibility is still alive.

Your story isn’t finished.

Your best work might still be ahead of you.

The person you’re becoming is still taking shape.

And that “yet”? That’s not a deficit. That’s a promise.

You’re not there yet.

And that means you’re still becoming.

Keep going.

💛 Stacy

I’m Curious: What’s something you’re not “there yet” on—but you’re trusting will unfold in its own time? I’d love to hear. Leave a comment below, then follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more frequent connection and inspiration. Let’s remind each other: We’re all still becoming.

Gratitude is an Attitude You Can Define

For every opportunity there is to complain, 

hold a grudge,

or judge without knowing the whole story, 

there is an equal opportunity to

let go, adapt and expand.

Be grateful for experiences that can 

strengthen your wisdom and empathy,

and help you grow in grace, joy and hope. 

You are the best possible person to be you – no need to imitate or compare yourself to others or judge their life’s journey.

Be grateful to be alive and to able to try your best another day. 

Release and Receive

In these first few days of November, consider releasing what no longer serves you.

Those unhelpful habits or outdated clothes? Let them go.

That doubt, fear or hesitation? Bid it goodbye. 

Those dreamcrushers in your circle or wishy-washy connections? Bless and release them.

And then?

Since the clutter has been released, may you appreciate the beauty and boldness of purpose within you, and embrace all the good your mind, your heart and your arms now have the space to hold. 

Hold Your Life’s Pen

Decide this week to live and love with abandon, celebrate the good around you, and embrace challenges as opportunities to strengthen your ability to walk in the truth and beauty of who you are.

Everyone can’t or won’t understand your journey or your heart, and only you can script an accurate version of your story.

Hold the pen to your life and do just that, with compassion, grace and joy.


“A (person’s) judgment of another depends more on the one judging and on that person’s passions, than on the one being judged and on his/ her conduct.” (Paul Tournier)

Exude light and love no matter what, and the overflow can’t help but bless others.