Dear Community,

I’m so excited to invite you to join us for a very special weekend retreat this September.

Retreats have always been one of my favorite experiences, both to attend and to lead because they give us something so many of us deeply need: the time and space to slow down, breathe more deeply, reconnect with ourselves, and step away from the constant demands of everyday life.

This September I will be leading:

The 1% Practice: From Thriving to Surviving
September 18–20, 2026
Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York

This transformational weekend is centered on my simple yet powerful philosophy that dedicating just 1% of your day, only 14 intentional minutes, can begin to transform your inner world.

In a world where so many of us feel overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, and pulled in countless directions, this retreat will help you discover small, practical shifts that can build resilience, restore balance, and help you reconnect with the grounded, confident person you already are.

Throughout the weekend, I will guide you through meditation, mindful walks, writing and reflection, meaningful group conversations, and practical tools you can carry into your everyday life. Together, you will learn how to interrupt the chaos, reconnect with your center, and move from simply surviving your days to truly thriving within them.

Together, we will explore:

• What happens when the old ways of coping no longer work

• How small daily practices can create profound change

• Why peace is something we practice, not something we find

• How to meet life’s challenges with greater resilience and self-compassion

• What it means to stop surviving and start fully living

The 1% Practice is built on a simple belief: we are not here merely to survive our lives. We are here to experience them and thrive.

And because community and connection are such an important part of everything we do, I also have a special surprise: my daughter, Michelle, will be joining us for a special appearance and book signing during the weekend.

So many of you have asked for more opportunities to gather in person, connect more deeply, and experience these teachings together. This feels like such a beautiful opportunity to do exactly that.

Omega’s campus in Rhinebeck is one I have been to many times and I just absolutely love being there. It offers time in nature, walking trails, nourishing meals, and space to rest, reflect, and connect with a community of people seeking growth, healing, and greater inner peace.

Whether you come alone or bring a friend, your mom, your daughter, your partner, or someone you love, I would truly love to see you there.

Space is limited, so I encourage you to learn more and reserve your place soon.

Learn more and register here: The 1% Practice at Omega Institute

I cannot wait to hug so many of you and spend this meaningful weekend together.

With love,
Barb

Dear Community,

Feeling lonely is one of the most difficult feelings to process and to work through. There’s a feeling of lack, of exclusion, of unworthiness, that encapsulates you, and because you are, in fact, alone, it’s up to you to get yourself out of it.

Human beings are wired for connection, and we are so used to being with people, hugging people, and engaging with people in a meaningful way, that when that connection is broken, it leaves us with a void that we must consciously work to heal and fill.

Today we’re tackling the difference between being alone and being lonely, and how to empower yourself to enjoy your solitude.

In today’s letter:

• 3 Reminders When You’re Feeling Lonely

• The Power of Solitude

3 Reminders When You’re Feeling Lonely

1. Remember that you won’t feel this way forever. Loneliness, just like every other emotion, both positive and negative, will not last. Whenever you find yourself feeling down or sad about being alone, it’s helpful to remember that it eventually will pass.

2. Remember that sometimes there are silver linings to being in your own company. So much of the world has been turned upside down, what better time to come back home to yourself, to get to know yourself on a deeper level, to tap into your creative desires or long lost hobbies, and to really become your own best friend. Treat yourself like you would someone you love and cherish, because you deserve that, too.

3. Remember don’t take your loneliness, personally. Oftentimes when we’re feeling separated from the world, it’s easy for the mind to write stories that blame ourselves for our loneliness. This can look like, “people don’t want to be with you anyway,” “you’re not worthy of someone else’s company,” “you’re going to be alone forever.” These negative and self-sabotaging stories are sticky for the mind and easy to fall into. Don’t allow it. When you notice that you are feeling particularly lonely, train yourself to become extra aware of the stories your mind starts to tell you. Being alone says nothing about your worthiness or capacity for love, it just means that you get the space to love and honor yourself.

The Power of Solitude

When we are present with, and connected to ourselves, we start to establish a strong, rooted foundation within ourselves, that I know we all deeply desire. We start to listen, learn, and understand more about ourselves. We will find clarity and meaning, and we begin to feel more confident in who we are, and why we are here.

Solitude invites us to become aware of our thoughts and feelings, although this is scary, it is incredibly powerful and necessary to understand yourself and develop a relationship with yourself.

Here are some of the benefits of solitude:

• Rediscovering Yourself: Solitude creates a space where you aren’t people-pleasing to fit in or trying to meet external expectations. You can listen to your own inner voice and figure out what you truly value.

• Boosting Creativity: Great ideas and epiphanies are rarely born in noisy environments; they emerge in moments of deep, uninterrupted reflection.

• Emotional Regulation: Time spent alone allows you to confront unacknowledged fears, process your feelings, and ultimately build a stronger emotional foundation.

• Strengthening Relationships: Stepping back allows you to gain perspective. Alone time helps recharge your social battery, resulting in healthier, more intentional interactions when you return to others.

If you find yourself alone, use it as a time to empower you and strengthen you, while remembering that you are always loved and you are always worthy, even if there isn’t anyone else around you to tell you so.

In cultivating a deep relationship with ourselves, our needs, and our emotions, we develop a knowing for when we need to be alone, and when we need to be around loved ones, and then we can act accordingly. The power is in the knowing and in the subsequent action. If you’re feeling lonely and misunderstood, get creative in your community. If you feel depleted by your social calendar, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and start to revel in your own company.

If You’re Seeking Community…

This September, our co-founder Barb, will be leading a beautiful weekend retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York:

September 18 to 20, 2026

Learn how Peaceful Barb transformed her trauma into strength, empowerment, and fulfillment through the 1% Practice and how you can too.

Join Barb for a deeply personal and transformative retreat where she shares the stories, lessons, and practices that have shaped more than 40 years of mindfulness practice. Drawing from her life experiences, her upcoming book The 1% Practice, and decades of teaching, Barb will guide participants through the simple daily habits that helped her build resilience, find ease, and create a life she never thought possible.

It is a weekend of authentic conversations, honest storytelling, reflection, mindful practices, writing exercises, meditation, nature walks, and unscripted “Ask Barb Anything” sessions where no topic is off limits.

Together, we will explore:

• What happens when the old ways of coping no longer work

• How small daily practices can create profound change

• Why peace is something we practice, not something we find

• How to meet life’s challenges with greater resilience and self-compassion

• What it means to stop surviving and start fully living

The 1% Practice is built on a simple belief: we are not here merely to survive our lives. We are here to experience them and thrive.

So many of you in our community have been asking for more opportunities to gather in person, connect more deeply, and experience these teachings together, and this feels like such a beautiful opportunity to do exactly that.

Omega is one of the most peaceful and inspiring retreat spaces in the country, surrounded by nature, walking trails, nourishing meals, and a community of people all seeking growth, healing, and inner peace.

Whether you come alone or bring a friend, your mom, your daughter, your partner, or someone you love, we would truly love to see you there.

Spaces are limited, and Omega retreats fill quickly.

You can learn more and register here: Omega Institute – The 1% Practice with Barb Schmidt

Click to Secure Your Spot

We cannot wait to hug and meet so many of you in person.

Dear Community,

As we approach the halfway point of 2026, many of us may be regretting not doing more in the first half of the year. Goals get forgotten, energy gets misplaced, and growth feels stagnant, but this doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

You can rewrite your story. You can start over again and again. You can realign to your goals and desires. You can recommit to yourself.

All it takes is shifting your mindset to give yourself more grace and care as you grow from the past.

Today we’re sharing:

• Transforming How You View The Past

• Tips to Give Yourself More Grace

• Resetting The Mind When Ruminating on a Mistake

Read more

Dear Community,

Many of us find ourselves feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. If you’re navigating a difficult season, we want to remind you that you’re not alone.

We’re not meant to always be happy. Our 100% looks different every day, and some days it looks like resting or doing 1 task out of the 10 on our to-do list. We hope that today’s letter can encourage you and provide some comfort as you navigate life.

Today we’re sharing:

• 5 Affirmations for Managing Difficulty

• Reminders to Encourage You

5 Affirmations for Managing Difficulty

As we know, the thoughts that we repeatedly tell ourselves shape our reality. We, ourselves, can influence how we view the world, how we react to the world, and how we show up in the world, we just have to create the space to allow ourselves to choose thoughts that are in alignment with our highest ideals.

One of our favorite practices to bring our mind back to equilibrium is to repeat positive affirmations. Though the repetitions don’t change a situation or circumstance, they do re-frame, and ultimately change how we view things.

Affirmations shift our mood. They attract the positive thoughts that move us into a happier, more productive place. And feeling more upbeat and motivated is good for all of us.

Below are a few of the affirmations that you can repeat, but we encourage you to come up with ones that really resonate with you. When you speak them to yourself, believe them, feel them deep in your soul, and even if they don’t ring 100% true for you in this moment, allow them to serve as a guide point, a goal, or something to look forward to, knowing that this repetitive practice will bring you the ultimate result you deeply desire.

• I love my resiliency and my adaptability

• I am strong, confident, and capable

• I take everything one moment at a time

• I am loved, supported, and cared for always

• I am doing my best, and my best is always enough

Reminders to Encourage You

It’s easy to get sucked into the bad stuff that’s happening in our lives and in the world, but the truth of the matter is, perpetually feeling down about all the bad things won’t result in something good.

At the end of the day, we are all human beings, doing the best we can, and here are some reminders to help you feel encouraged and continue to create ripples of love throughout the world.

• Remember to take care of yourself, honor your energy, and be loving and kind to yourself.

• Remember that you are powerful. Your thoughts, words, beliefs, and actions are always in constant creation.

• Remember that you are resilient and that just because some days have been difficult, doesn’t mean that life has to be hard.

• Remember your truth, get aligned with what is true and real for you and don’t allow anything in the external world to sway you from it.

• Remember that compassion is never wasted, and always appreciated.

• Remember to take responsibility. Ask yourself if you are perpetuating any of the problems that you wish to solve (even if it’s subconsciously or unintended).

• Remember you are not alone. Whether we like it or not, we are truly all in this together, and while it might feel like it’s hard to fit in or find your place, belonging stems first from inside yourself and then beams out to the world to attract those who you are meant to be with.

Small ripples of love, positivity, and compassion cultivated in this community have the power to make great positive change, and we’re honored and privileged to be a part of it. Thank you all for being here and for constantly showing up and being open and willing to do the work that we all need to do to live in the world that we would like to be in.

Dear Community,

We are so excited to invite you to join us for a very special retreat this September.

Retreats are one of our founders’ favorite experiences to both participate in and lead because they offer something many of us deeply need: the time and space to slow down, breathe deeper, reconnect, and come home to yourself.

This September, our co-founder Barb, also known as Peaceful Barb, will be leading a beautiful weekend retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York:

The 1% Practice: Tiny Moments, Lasting Peace
September 18 to 20, 2026

This transformational weekend is centered around Barb’s simple yet powerful philosophy that just 1% of your day, only 14 intentional minutes, can begin to change your inner world in profound ways.

Through mindfulness, reflection, meditation, meaningful conversation, mindful walks, and practical tools personalized to you, this experience is designed to help you move from overwhelm to groundedness, from exhaustion to resilience, and from chaos to calm and clarity.

And because community and connection are such a huge part of everything we do, we also have a little surprise: Michelle will be joining for a special appearance and book signing during the weekend.

So many of you in our community have been asking for more opportunities to gather in person, connect more deeply, and experience these teachings together, and this feels like such a beautiful opportunity to do exactly that.

Omega is one of the most peaceful and inspiring retreat spaces in the country, surrounded by nature, walking trails, nourishing meals, and a community of people all seeking growth, healing, and inner peace.

Whether you come alone or bring a friend, your mom, your daughter, your partner, or someone you love, we would truly love to see you there.

Spaces are limited, and Omega retreats fill quickly.

You can learn more and register here: Omega Institute – The 1% Practice with Barb Schmidt

Click to Secure Your Spot

We cannot wait to hug and meet so many of you in person.

With love,
Barb, Michelle & the PMPL Team

Dear Community,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of pausing, practicing self-care, and doing the inner work for our mental and emotional well-being.

This month is an invitation to pause and reflect, to offer ourselves a little more compassion, and to remember that taking care of your mental health goes beyond just the month of May. At Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, we’re honored to walk alongside you, offering simple tools, heartfelt reminders, and a loving community to support you 365 days a year.

We know how busy and overwhelming life can be, today we want to share ways you can realistically and sustainably incorporate a self-care practice into your routine to care for your mental health and move through the difficult seasons.

In this newsletter, you’ll find:

• 7 Things You Can Do to Support Your Mental Health

• How to Find Your Spark Again and Overcome the Void

7 Things You Can Do to Support Your Mental Health

Life is meant to be joyful, but that doesn’t mean it comes without challenges. Supporting your mental and emotional well-being requires conscious effort, but small steps make a big impact. Here are some powerful actions you can start today:

1. Notice the Small Joys: When life feels heavy, pause and find one thing—no matter how small—that’s going right. Celebrate it. Savor it. Where you place your attention, gratitude begins to grow.

2. Fuel Your Happiness: If life isn’t unfolding the way you hoped, don’t wait—make something good happen. Plan a coffee date, start a new project, or schedule time for something that excites you. Big or small, give yourself something to look forward to.

3. Find What Grounds You: Discover a daily practice that supports your mind and body—maybe it’s a walk outside, stretching, journaling, or simply sitting in stillness. Whatever it is, let it become your anchor—a space to return to that helps you feel centered and connected to yourself.

4. Make Self-Care a Daily Practice” Listen to your needs—and honor them. Consistent self-care is a powerful act of self-respect. It looks different for everyone, but what matters most is that you make space for yourself each day.

5. Choose Your Circle with Intention: It’s not about how many friends you have, but how meaningful those connections are. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and make you feel safe. And if you haven’t found your “tribe” yet, be the kind of friend you want to attract—kind, present, and real.

6. Know That You Are Loved: In difficult moments, your mind may try to convince you otherwise—but the truth is, you matter deeply, and you are loved. Remind yourself of this every day with a simple, loving affirmation.

7. Reach Out for Support When Needed: Even with the best tools, there are times we all need extra help. Whether it’s therapy, a support group, or just talking things through with someone—seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How to Find Your Spark Again and Overcome the Void

Many of us are feeling lost, unfulfilled, burnt out, and unsure of what comes next. In this week’s episode of Life Happens the Podcast we’re diving into the generational divide between pushing through and pausing, the difference between rest and avoidance, and how two very different people navigate the same transition. Whether you just graduated, finished a big project, ended a season, or closed a chapter you poured everything into, this conversation will help you understand why the void is not a problem to fix but a space to fill on your own terms.

What you’ll take away:

• Why achieving your biggest goal can feel like getting fired overnight

• The generational difference between ‘keep moving’ and ‘feel your feelings’ after a big moment

• How Barb’s micro-transitions throughout the day prevent her from ever hitting empty

• The connection between running out of time, grief, and never allowing a void

• How to recognize when sitting in the void becomes productive reflection vs. staying stuck

Don’t let the quiet after the loud season convince you that the best part is over. Learn how to make the space count.

Thank you for being here! Here’s a gentle reminder from our founder’s, Michelle Maros, book Dear Friend:

“So often we think we need enormous amounts of time to make well-being a priority. But that’s not true. If you dedicate even a few moments of your day to connection, contemplation, and inspiration, you will soon experience their benefits.”

Just by simply intentionally setting aside a minute here and minute there, you can nourish your soul and replenish your energy. Small acts of mindfulness may not seem like much, but they matter.

Sending love & light,

The PMPL Team

Dear Community,

This past Tuesday, we had the honor of hosting an incredibly special evening alongside Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. and television host and comedian Jessi Cruickshank. Together, we shared a night filled with music, laughter, heartfelt conversations, inspiration, and meaningful connection and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us.

The evening was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and the importance of taking care of ourselves and one another. Through honest conversations around emotional well-being, resilience, mindfulness, and daily practices for inner peace, we hope everyone left feeling uplifted, inspired, and supported.

We’re also incredibly proud to share that the event was completely sold out, and thanks to this community’s generosity and continued support, we exceeded our fundraising goals in support of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

At Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with practical tools and educational resources that support mental and emotional well-being, stress management, self-awareness, and personal growth. Our mission is rooted in prevention, awareness, and providing real-life support so people can navigate life with greater clarity, confidence, compassion, and inner peace.

Events like this allow us to continue spreading awareness, building connection, and expanding access to the tools and conversations that help people feel less alone and more supported in their everyday lives.

If you missed this event, we’re excited to share that more events, programming, workshops, and retreats are already being planned. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and be among the first to know by subscribing to our newsletter and following along with our community.

Subscribe now

We appreciate you more than words can express. Thank you for being part of our mission, our movement, and our community.

Sending love & light,

Barb, Michelle & The PMPL Team

Dear Community,

As we begin May, we want to gently invite you to pause, take a breath, and begin again.

Life can pull us in many different directions, often leaving us feeling stressed, anxious, and exhausted. When we move through our days without truly being present, it can feel like time is slipping through our fingers like we’re constantly trying to catch up with ourselves.

Consider this your permission to pause. The external noise can wait. Join us in taking a deep breath and simply being where your feet are.

Here’s what you can expect from today’s letter:

• 5 Reminders for Living with Ease in the Present Moment

• How to Be More Mindful & Present

Read more

Dear Community,

We’re less than one month away from our May 5th evening at Lynn University, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to create something special.

For today only, we’re offering a Flash Sale: Bring a Friend. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your mom, a dear friend, or someone you love for a meaningful and uplifting night together.

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a live musical performance by Tony & Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr., alongside Barb and Michelle, with Jessi Cruickshank as emcee.

This one-day offer is our way of encouraging you to share the experience with someone special.

Reserve your bring-a-friend seats

With love,
Barb & Michelle

Dear Community,

You, reading this right now, are a magnificent being, with purpose and meaning in this world. Sometimes we forget this powerful truth when we get caught up in all of life’s antics.

Life can be a real balancing act. We are expected, day-in and day-out, to have all of our ducks in a row. Our careers, our families, and our friends all seem to take up large chunks of our time, sometimes wearing us very thin. We tend to believe that we must put everything else first, and then, if we have time, we’ll take care of ourselves.

While we’ll never encourage completely upending your life in order to incorporate self-love and care, today ask yourself, what would life look like if I actually intended to put ourselves first?

Today we want to share some practical tips and reminders to help you begin to prioritize yourself. Here’s what you can expect from today’s newsletter:

• 9 Reminders for Self-Compassion

• How Forgiving Too Fast Kept Me Stuck for 20 Years

• 🎉 Bring a Friend Promo — Flash Sale!

9 Reminders for Self-Compassion

1. Meditate. Start your day with at least five minutes of meditation. Aligning your mind, body, and spirit. There is no better way of telling yourself, “you’re important and you matter.”

2. Breathe. So many of us hold our breaths throughout the day and don’t even realize it. If you’re in a stressful situation, don’t freak out; come back to your breath. Slowly inhale and exhale, and notice the magnificence of your breath. Be present to the fact that you are a living, breathing, being.

3. Affirmations. Affirmations are just happier thoughts, and a way to cultivate more of what we want in our minds. We have no control over what thoughts come into the mind, but we have 100% control over which thoughts we will allow to occupy space. So we can use affirmations every day to help us to cultivate the life and mindset that we truly wish to have.

4. Organize. Mentally scan your life. Are there situations, people, or things that do not serve you? Are you being sucked into situations that drain your energy? Redesign your schedule to make time for the things that really matter to you.

5. Goals. Create a vision board of what you want in your life. Make your life exciting and find things that you can really look forward to.

6. Love. Incorporate love into all aspects of your life. Replace all your fears with love, and watch a miraculous shift appear in your life.

7. Laugh. The best medicine, they say, is laughter. Find ways to make yourself smile and laugh.

8. Explore. Try something new every once and a while. Keep life interesting. Be daring, step outside of your comfort zone.

9. Rest. Sleep is something that can go by the wayside if we have really busy lives, but it really is so important for living a happy, healthy life. Make sure you’re getting ample rest so you can have the energy you need to take on each day with gusto.

How Forgiving Too Fast Kept Me Stuck for 20 Years

What if the thing you’ve been told will set you free is actually keeping you stuck? What if forgiveness isn’t even the goal?

In this episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, our hosts challenge everything we’ve been taught about forgiveness — not the textbook version we learned as kids, but the real, messy, evolving kind that shows up after serious trauma, toxic relationships, and years of bypassed emotions. This is a raw and honest conversation about what happens when you stop forcing yourself to forgive and start honoring what you actually feel.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to forgive before you were ready — or wondered if forgiveness is even what you need right now — this episode will feel like permission to breathe. Barb and Michelle aren’t here to tell you what to do. They’re here to sit with you in the mess and remind you that healing doesn’t have a deadline.

▶️ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App

🎉 Bring a Friend Promo — This Weekend Only!

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE on all tickets… while supplies last.

Because the best experiences are always better together.

This is your sign to grab a friend, your mom, your sister, or anyone who deserves a truly special night out and make it a memory you’ll both carry with you.

In just a few weeks, join us for an extraordinary evening featuring:

• Leslie Odom, Jr. Tony & Grammy Award-winning performer, celebrated for his iconic role in Hamilton

• Jessi Cruickshank: Television host & comedian, Emcee for the evening

• Michelle Maros & Barb Schmidt: Your hosts, speakers, and guides for the night

This is more than an event! It is a shared experience of community, renewal, and inspiration, created for a world that needs it now more than ever.

Your ticket includes:

• A signed copy of Dear Friend, the USA TODAY bestselling book by Michelle Maros

• Access to the full live stage experience

• An uplifting evening of conversation, community, and music

• Complimentary valet parking

It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Treat yourself and someone you love to an evening of inspiration, powerful conversation, and an unforgettable live performance, all while supporting mental health through Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life. Every single ticket sold puts proceeds directly toward that mission.

🎟️ Secure your tickets now, the Bring a Friend Promo ends Monday.

Click to Secure Your Tickets

Dear Community,

We would love to invite you to a very special evening with us.

On May 5th, we are gathering our community at Lynn University for an unforgettable night of inspiration, connection, and community featuring a live performance by Tony & Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr., alongside meaningful conversation, storytelling, and shared moments together.

Hosted by Barb and Michelle, and emceed by Jessi Cruickshank, this evening is designed to feel uplifting, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. Throughout the night, you’ll also experience interactive moments and thoughtful activations that celebrate the work of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life and the incredible community we’ve built together.

All proceeds from the evening will directly support our mission, helping us create more resources for our community and provide scholarships for our upcoming programs, ensuring access for those who need it most.

This isn’t just an event, it’s a moment to pause, connect, and be part of something truly special.

We would truly love to have you in the room with us.

Click to Reserve Your Seat

With love,
Barb & Michelle

Upcoming event

Join us in May 5th for an unforgettable evening with Tony and Grammy Award–winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. and MTV host and comedian Jessi Cruickshank. Together, we’ll explore themes of resilience, hope, and the strength we find in community especially during life’s most tender and transformative seasons.

Click to secure your tickets while supplies last

Dear Community,

If you’ve been feeling tired from always needing to “stay strong,” you are not alone.

Strength is often defined as pushing through, holding it all together, and rising no matter what. But that kind of resilience can leave us feeling depleted and burned out.

Real strength isn’t about how long we can endure or how much we can carry on our own. It’s about knowing when to soften, when to set boundaries, and when to give yourself permission to pause. It’s about trusting yourself through life’s uncertainties while still showing up with intention and care.

Today, we want to redefine what strength looks like. Not as something rigid or exhausting, but as something rooted in self-compassion, grace, and sustainability.

In this letter, we’re sharing:

• 4 Tips for Cultivating Strength

• Why Being Resilient Can Feel Exhausting

• A Meditation Practice for Healing and Renewal

Wherever this message finds you—whether you’re feeling hopeful or running low on energy—we hope it reminds you that you don’t have to do everything perfectly to be strong. You are allowed to pause, breathe, and begin again as many times as you need.

Why Being Resilient Is Making You Exhausted

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore why resilience can sometimes feel overwhelming and how we can rise through it with more compassion and awareness.

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s powerful poem Still I Rise, this conversation reflects on the courage it takes to stand back up when life feels heavy.

Barb shares her personal experiences with trauma and how Maya Angelou’s wisdom helped shape her resilience. Michelle opens up about the exhaustion of always needing to be strong and how she continues to navigate life with honesty, grace, and self-compassion.

As Maya Angelou reminds us:
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

▶️ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App

Read more

Dear Community,

Get ready for our biggest event yet. This May, we’re hosting an unforgettable evening filled with meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and heartfelt connection, a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and with one another.

We’re especially excited to welcome a live performance by Tony and Grammy Award–winning artist Leslie Odom Jr., with the evening hosted by our emcee Jessi Cruickshank. Together, we’ll explore themes of resilience, hope, and the strength we find in community especially during life’s most tender and transformative seasons.

Here’s all the details:

May 5th 2026 | 6:30 PM

Lynn University • Wold Performing Arts Center

📍Boca Raton, Florida

Your Admission Includes:

• A signed copy of Dear Friend, the USA TODAY bestselling book by Michelle Maros

• Access to the full live stage experience

• An uplifting evening of conversation, community, and music

• Complimentary valet parking

This is more than an event—it’s a shared experience of connection, renewal, and inspiration, created for a world that needs it now more than ever.

Secure your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable evening.

Secure Your Tickets Today

With love and gratitude,
Barb & Michelle

Dear Community,

There are seasons in life that feel especially heavy. For many of us right now—within our communities, our nation, and the world—this is one of those seasons.

Today, we want to offer encouragement as we navigate uncertain times with strength, courage, and compassion.

Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is okay.

It’s not toxic positivity.

It’s not ignoring pain or pushing through at any cost.

Resilience is the ability to bend without breaking.

To feel the hurt, stay present, and continue forward with grace.

Today we’re sharing:

• The Hidden Ways We Create Our Own Pain

• Five Ways to Build Resilience

• An Invitation to Join Us in Community

The Hidden Ways We Create Our Own Pain

What if when things fall apart… that’s actually where healing begins?

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we explore the wisdom of Pema Chödrön and her powerful book When Things Fall Apart—a guide for navigating hardship, fear, failure, and uncertainty with courage and compassion.

When life feels like it’s unraveling, our instinct is often to deny, numb, or escape the pain. But what if the real suffering isn’t just what’s happening—it’s how we’re relating to it?

This episode is an honest conversation about how we unknowingly add to our own suffering—and how we can begin to let it go.

💬 Barb shares how these teachings supported her while navigating her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and how learning to stay present changed everything.

💬 Michelle reflects on how she once lived in denial and quiet guilt, and how shifting her perspective helped her approach hardship with greater grace and resilience.

This conversation is a gentle nudge outside your comfort zone—because growth rarely happens inside it. And being fully alive requires courage.

▶️ Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App

Five Ways to Build Resilience

1. Regulate Before You React
When emotions are high, clarity is low. Before making decisions or spiraling into worst-case scenarios, pause. Breathe. Begin again. Calm creates the space for wiser choices.

2. Focus on Small Shifts
During hard times we often try to solve everything at once—which only increases overwhelm. Instead ask: What is the next right step? Not the next ten. Just one.

3. Stay Connected
Isolation magnifies suffering. Connection helps heal it. Reach out to a trusted friend, talk to a therapist, or simply sit with someone who feels safe. We are not meant to carry everything alone.

4. Protect Your Inputs
During difficult seasons, what you consume matters. Constant news, social media comparison, or negative conversations can intensify stress. Be intentional about what you allow into your mind. Your peace is worth protecting.

5. Remember Your Strength
You have already survived moments you once thought would break you. Uncertainty, disappointment, loss—you’ve navigated them all. Trust your track record.

You’ve made it through 100% of your hardest days so far.

You’re More Resilient Than You Acknowledge

Resilience often grows quietly.

It shows up in small, everyday moments:

• Getting out of bed when you don’t feel like it

• Having a hard conversation instead of avoiding it

• Choosing kindness when you feel hurt

• Resting when you’re exhausted instead of pushing harder

If you’ve done any of these things, you’ve practiced resilience.

Take a moment today to acknowledge the times you chose courage over comfort. That’s resilience growing within you.

A Night of Connection, Courage & Community

Join us for an extraordinary evening of inspiration, conversation, and song.

This intimate gathering will feature a special live performance by Grammy and Tony Award–winning artist and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., alongside meaningful conversation hosted by Michelle Maros and Barb Schmidt (Peaceful Barb) and emceed by Jessi Cruickshank.

Together, the evening will weave music, storytelling, and heartfelt dialogue into a powerful experience of connection and community.

More than just an event, this night is an opportunity to come together, reflect, and remember the importance of compassion, resilience, and supporting one another during difficult times.

Proceeds from the evening support Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, advancing mental health and emotional well-being initiatives for individuals, families, and communities.

✨ Space is limited, and we would love to see you there.

Click to Secure Your Tickets

Dear Community,

We have something truly special planned—and we would love for you to be part of it.

Join us in Boca Raton for an unforgettable evening filled with meaningful connection, inspiring conversation, and moments that remind us what truly matters. This isn’t just an event—it’s a gathering of hearts. A space to pause. To reflect. To reconnect—with yourself and with one another.

The evening will feature powerful storytelling, special guests, and a live performance by Tony and Grammy Award–winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. Together, we’ll explore themes of resilience, hope, and the strength we find in community—especially during life’s most tender and transformative seasons.

And because this community means everything to us, every guest will receive a signed copy of Dear Friend, Michelle’s USA TODAY bestselling book—365 reflections to help you return to self-love, steadiness, and clarity all year long.

Whether you come with a friend or arrive on your own, you will leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Space is limited, and we would love to see you there.

Register here.

With love and gratitude,
Barb & Michelle

Click to Secure Your Tickets

Sponsorship and VIP experiences are available, with all proceeds supporting Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life and our mission to expand emotional well-being education and accessible support.

For sponsorship inquiries:

carrie@peacefulmindpeacefullife.org

Dear Community,

Life can feel heavy when we’re constantly surrounded by bad news and division. In a world that feels increasingly loud, tense, and polarized, we want to gently remind you that compassion matters now more than ever.

It can seem like everywhere we turn, differences are magnified and understanding feels rare. Conversations that once felt simple can now feel charged. People are quick to judge, quick to assume, and often slow to listen. It can feel like we’re living in a time where being right matters more than being kind.

But in moments like these, compassion becomes our greatest strength.

Here’s what we’re reflecting on today as we choose to move through the world with more love:

• Compassion begins with yourself

• Compassion for others in divisive times

• Compassion creates connection

• A simple reminder

Compassion Begins With Yourself

Before we can truly extend compassion outward, we have to begin within.

So many of us are carrying invisible weight — stress, grief, uncertainty, unmet expectations, or simple exhaustion from trying to keep up. Instead of meeting ourselves with gentleness, we often respond with criticism or try to push our feelings aside.

We tell ourselves we should be doing more. Being more. Handling life better.

Self-compassion reminds us that we are human and worthy of love, kindness, and care — especially when things feel hard.

It allows us to pause and say:

• “I’m doing the best I can.”

• “It’s okay to not have it all figured out.”

• “I deserve grace, too.”

When we offer ourselves compassion, we create space to breathe. We stop treating our struggles like failures and start seeing them as part of the shared human experience.

Compassion for Others in Divisive Times

It’s easy to show kindness when life feels calm, but compassion becomes truly powerful when the world feels heavy and divided.

Right now, many people are hurting. Many are overwhelmed. Many are navigating challenges we will never fully see or understand. And often, the pain people carry shows up as anger, defensiveness, or distance.

Compassion asks us to look beyond the surface. Instead of taking someone’s words or actions personally, we can reflect and try to bridge the gap with empathy.

Compassion invites us to consider:

• What might this person be going through?

• What story are they living that I cannot see?

• How can I respond with love instead of reaction?

This doesn’t mean we ignore boundaries or accept harmful behavior—but it does mean we lead with humanity.

Compassion Creates Connection

Kindness feels easy when life feels calm. Compassion becomes powerful when the world feels heavy and divided.

Right now, many people are hurting. Many are overwhelmed. Many are navigating challenges we will never fully see or understand. And often, the pain people carry shows up as anger, defensiveness, or distance.

Compassion asks us to look beyond the surface.

Instead of reacting immediately, we can pause and ask:

• What might this person be going through?

• What story are they living that I cannot see?

• How can I respond with love instead of reaction?

Compassion doesn’t mean ignoring boundaries or accepting harmful behavior — it means leading with humanity whenever we can.

A Simple Reminder

Compassion doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes it’s as small as:

• A word of encouragement.

• A pause before reacting.

• A moment of understanding.

• A decision to move with love.

As you move through these uncertain times, let compassion be the way you lead. Be gentle with yourself. Be gracious with others. The world doesn’t need more anger or distance—it needs people willing to show up with love. And that choice starts with you.

So today, take a breath and ask yourself:

• What would it look like to be a little kinder to myself?

• What would it look like to assume the best in someone else?

• What would it look like to move through this season with love instead of fear?

Because even in divided times, compassion is a quiet revolution. And every act of love — no matter how small — helps heal the world we share.

As Maya Angelou reminds us,

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to bring a little more light to where you stand.

With compassion,

The PMPL Team

Dear Community,

Welcome to January’s edition of our wisdom column! Today we’re honored to be joined by Cassandra Bodzak— a mindfulness author, actress, and holistic wellness guide known for helping soul-led women design lives that support their energy, purpose, and expansion. She just released an inspiring cookbook, The Mindful Table, that invites readers to heal their relationship with food and their body by learning to listen to their intuitive wisdom and take back their power around their wellbeing.

She’s studied Lifestyle Medicine, Nutrition and Wellness Coaching through Harvard Medical School and got her certification as a Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Cassandra bridges science and spirit to help women create a “foundation for expansion” through intentional nourishment, activity, and self-care.

We’re so excited to share her wisdom and grounded, relatable energy to today’s newsletter. If you’re seeking more guidance on intuitive living, conscious lifestyle design, and breaking free from the complicated relationship many women have with their body and food— click the button below to check out more on Cassandra and order The Mindful Table.

Click Here✨

What first sparked your journey of learning to listen to and communicate with your body?

This journey actually began back in college, after years of struggling with my body image and disordered behaviors around food and exercise, I ended up getting really sick (from what we found out later was food sensitivities) but at the time was just crippling pain throughout my torso. After months of getting all sorts of tests from doctors with no conclusion, I finally got so desperate and scared that I started talking to my body. What began as me just laying on my bed in pain, putting my hands on my stomach and heart and asking my body to tell me what was wrong lead me to building a relationship with my body and taking my power back around being my own ‘detective’ and seeing what foods, activities and care my body was truly needing. It healed so many of those destructive past programs I had around food and body because it completely transformed the way I related to my body -- now as a friend, companion, someone I loved and wanted to nourish instead of this thing I was fighting to look a certain way or frustrated with for not behaving how I wanted.

What are the biggest myths diet culture teaches us about food, health, and body image?

I think the biggest myth is that it’s one size fits all and that the same food, exercise or rest will work for us all. We all have so many different factors that contribute to not only our unique bio individuality based on our genes, heritage and upbringing but also the season of life we are in both age-wise and climate-wise (aka is it snowing or warm where you live) as well as hormonally, especially for women. So we really can’t take what one health influencer on the internet is saying changed their life and copy and paste. I love reading books, looking at the latest research or hearing what people in the wellness world are sharing but then we really need to run it through our own discernment and our own unique situation. I also believe there’s a big myth that just because you eat ‘what’s generally considered healthy’ and exercise that it’s truly healthy for YOU. If you’re eating a certain way or exercising from a place of self-loathing, it’s still not healthy for you. Similarly, as a whole, there’s a big reliance on highly processed ‘protein’ goods or ‘ keto’ goods, etc, that are masquerading as health foods but are giving most of us digestive issues and depriving our body of real, organic, whole foods.

For someone who’s spent years disconnected from their body, what does the transition into intuitive living actually look like?

I believe the transition simply starts with the desire and willingness to live in a different way. It starts with being open to beginning the conversation with your body. I have a great guided meditation that’s free as a book bonus (you can grab it here) where you can start that process of connecting to your body, asking it for what would feel best for it right now food wise, movement wise, care wise, etc. I think starting there every day and then actively listening and honoring what comes through is the first step. The second step I discuss in the book is when we start becoming a food detective and keep a ‘food/mood’ log to start paying more attention to how what we are putting on our plate is actually affecting us. But the first step of simply connecting to your body again and opening that line of communication is the most important place to start and often way easier than people may imagine if they feel disconnected. Your body is so happy to have your attention again!

What are the first small steps you recommend for quieting “food noise” and rebuilding trust with yourself?

The first step to quieting food or body noise, in my opinion, is separating yourself from the voice who says those unhealthy things by giving it a name. I have my clients do this so they can create more space from believing these thoughts as the truth. So when we give what I like to call ‘the nasty roommate’ a name, it gives us the power to talk back to it. For instance, I named mine Edith, so if I tried on a dress that didn’t fit and I heard, “oh, you should probably just skip lunch today after that disaster...”, instead of thinking of that as my truth, I could talk back to that thought and say something like, “no Edith, I am hungry and I get to eat the healthy lunch I have planned for today.” or whatnot. This allows you to rebuild self-trust as well because you start identifying as the kind, loving, compassionate voice of reason and it helps you slowly but surely give those thoughts less and less power over you till they don’t show up anymore because you no longer believe them at all.

With The Mindful Table, what do you hope readers feel—and what do you hope changes for them as they move through the book?

I hope The Mindful Table has readers feel the compassion and understanding of someone who has walked this path to healing their relationship with food and their body while they are using the tools I share, enjoying the recipes and meditations and ultimately seeing how it’s all connected. As they move through the book, I hope they feel more empowered around their body’s need, develop a strong line of communication with their body and understand how the well-being trifecta (what I call food, meditation and self-care) truly form the foundation of all the wonderful things they want to create for their life.

Dear Community,

Happy New Year — and welcome to New Year, Brave You: Step Into A Year That Loves You Back.

With the new year often comes an expectation that everything should instantly improve, but just because the calendar changes doesn’t mean life magically does too. If you’re entering 2026 feeling tired, uncertain, or still carrying the weight of last year, you are not behind. You are human.

If this season of your life has been challenging, hold onto this truth: everything is always changing. A new season will come. A season of ease, clarity, and blessing is still possible for you — even if it’s not here yet.

One reminder we return to again and again is this:

When one chapter ends, another begins. All we have to do is stay present, stay open, and take the next small step.

Today’s letter is an invitation to begin 2026 differently — not with pressure, perfection, or unrealistic goals… but with intention, courage, and compassion.

In today’s letter, we’re sharing:

• The Power of Positive Self-Talk

• How Small Shifts Create a Big Impact

• A Journaling Practice for Clarity and Connection

We’re here to remind you: growth doesn’t need to be loud or immediate. It can be quiet, steady, and deeply meaningful. May this letter meet you exactly where you are — and give you permission to move forward with patience, trust, and gentleness as you step into the year that loves you back.

Sending you courage, calm, and so much love for the year ahead,

The PMPL Team

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

You deserve your own friendship—kindness, care, and compassion included. You are worthy of the same love you so freely give to others.

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we continue our conversation on daily practices by exploring one of the most powerful tools for resilience and confidence: affirmations. We talk about how intentional self-talk can shift your mindset, strengthen problem-solving, and help you show up with more self-trust.

Click the link below to step into a year that loves you back⬇️

Click to Watch

Read more

Dear Community,

As we begin a new year filled with possibility, we invite you to give yourself — or someone you love — the gift of deep rest, renewal, and meaningful transformation.

This April, Peaceful Barb will host an intimate, immersive retreat at the stunning Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal, a sanctuary designed for restoration, mindfulness, and connection.

About the Retreat

During our time together, Barb will guide you through self-care tools rooted in her signature 1% Practice helping you:

• Find ease and presence in your own life

• Build emotional steadiness through simple micro-practices

• Release old patterns and cultivate clarity

• Connect with your strength, confidence, and sense of purpose

This retreat is more than time away, it’s a reset in mind, body, and spirit. A chance to feel supported, grounded, and inspired as you step into the year ahead.

A Setting Designed for Your Healing

Six Senses is known worldwide for its thoughtfully curated wellness experiences, from calming spa rituals and nourishing food, to beautiful spaces that invite presence and ease.

Every detail is curated to help you exhale, soften, and reconnect with yourself.

A Perfect Gift to Yourself or Someone You Love

Whether you’re giving yourself the chance to reset or gifting it to someone who needs rest, healing, or a fresh start — this retreat is a meaningful, life-affirming way to begin 2026.

A Perfect Gift to Yourself or Someone You Love

Whether you're giving yourself the chance to reset or gifting it to someone who needs rest, healing, or a fresh start, this retreat is a meaningful, life-affirming way to begin 2026.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is intentionally limited to create a peaceful, personal experience for every guest.

Register Here

We would be honored to share this weekend of community, transformation, and connection with you.

With love,

Peaceful Barb
& The Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life Team

Dear Friend,

As we wrap up an extraordinary year at Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, we want to send our warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season and a joyful start to the New Year. Together, our community reached over 200 million people in 2025 with messages of mindfulness, compassion, and emotional well-being.

And now, as we step into our new theme for the year — New Year, Brave You: Step Into A Year That Loves You Back — we invite you into a season of courage, gentleness, and choosing yourself in the small moments that matter. This year is about building a life that nurtures you right back.

We’re ready for our most inspiring year yet, and we want to share with this community the exciting plans we have for this new chapter.

Here’s a look at what’s coming in 2026:

Retreats with Peaceful Barb

We’re thrilled to bring you two transformational retreat experiences next year:

• Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal: April 2026
  A serene, immersive weekend with Peaceful Barb in a small, intimate group setting, centered on mindfulness, presence, and the micro-practices that gently reshape your daily life.

Click to Secure Your Spot

• Omega Institute: September 2026
  Barb returns to Omega for a powerful weekend of practice and restoration. Full details and registration information coming soon.

Emotional Well-Being Toolkit: Launching 2026

After a year of beta testing and development, our new digital Emotional Well-Being Toolkit will debut in 2026. This platform will offer guided practices, personalized support, and tools to help you navigate stress, build resilience, and cultivate emotional clarity — all inspired by Barb and Michelle’s daily reflection practices and their real life experiences.

Life Happens with Barb and Michelle Podcast

In 2025, we took a major leap by launching full video episodes on YouTube and because of you, our YouTube community has grown to over 200,000 subscribers.

In 2026, we’re continuing to build. Expect bold new conversations, inspiring guests, and the kind of honest, real-life dialogue that has become the heart of this show. We can’t wait to keep growing with you and bringing even more wisdom, laughter, and connection to your everyday life.

Click to Subscribe

Daily Inspiration

From uplifting quotes to reflective practices, our social platforms will continue offering the daily support and encouragement you rely on. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your everyday life.

As we look toward the year ahead, we feel so much gratitude for you, your presence, your kindness, and your commitment to personal growth. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us spread peace, love, and mindfulness across the world.

Here’s to New Year, Brave You, a year that supports you, strengthens you, and loves you back in all the ways you need.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a peaceful, purpose-filled New Year.

With love,

The PMPL Team