49, at our most vulnerable

Vulnerability during prayer. It should be a code we all honor.

I keep thinking about how far away New Zealand is.

It feels distant—almost abstract.

But if senseless violence can reach that far, then it's already here. It's everywhere.

We have a global problem.

We are living in the long shadow of colonialism’s second wave.Its lingering tail end is supremacy.

We have to stop teaching children that others were conquered.

Even the language of power and submission—baked into schoolbooks—quietly reinforces beliefs that extremists still hold onto.

There is such deep vulnerability in prayer.

To kneel.

To bow our heads.

To be still.

It’s an act of surrender. A connection. A hope that we’re not alone in this world.

In that sacred moment—whatever your faith—

you should be safe.

Protected.

Honored.

It’s a human moment.

A shared one.

And it deserves peace.

 

(On March 15, 2019, 49 people were killed in attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Two more later died from their injuries, bringing the final toll to 51 lives lost).

Is That Pain Coming From Your Pelvic Floor? A More Common Root Than You Think

A tight pelvic floor could be the source. Learn why—and what to do about it. Scroll down for the video.

Here’s a quiet truth that deserves more air time: the source of your pain might not be where you feel it.

I’ve had more private conversations than I can count with people—men and women—wondering why their back, hip, knee, shoulder, or ankle hurts without a clear reason. The surprise? In many cases, it’s not those joints at all. It’s their pelvic floor.

We tend not to talk about that part of the body. Even the nervous system plays along, rerouting pain signals away from the “private” zone. But pain is information, not shame.

Mobility is non-negotiable.Most people I know—smart, accomplished, well-intentioned people—aren’t doing regular body maintenance. No foam rolling. No massage. No stretching. No mobility work. Just effort. Just tension. Just stress.

And when we don’t move with care, the body compensates. Scar tissue from surgery or childbirth, tight muscles from years of sitting or standing, or high-stress lives with no release—they all find somewhere to settle. And yes, the pelvic floor is a favorite hiding place.

Here’s the hopeful part: this doesn’t have to be your normal.

The new science and smarter therapy say: Pelvic pain is not inevitable. Incontinence is not a guaranteed outcome. You can move with ease again.

A skilled pelvic floor therapist can assess what’s happening, help you release what’s stuck, and bring balance back to the body.

This video from Scary Mommy nails the awkward truth with humor—and I love that. Sometimes laughter gets us closer to honesty.

If you're bent over and don’t know why—if your pain doesn’t quite make sense—consider giving your pelvis the attention it deserves.

That includes you too, men. Mysterious back pain? Persistent tightness in your hips or knees? Don’t count the pelvis out.

Your body is speaking. Are you listening?

—

🎧 If this resonates, I invite you to listen to my podcast episode: Crisis Is a Moment. Body Is a Lifetime. We talk about how the body holds what the mind can’t always process—and why that matters.

And for a deeper reflection on what gets buried even deeper—like shame—there’s this conversation: Emotions That Shape Our World: Shame, Bullying, and Mobbing. — Follow me on social media: @deliagrenville on all platforms

Originally published on May 5, 2018. This post has been updated to reflect new insights and resources.

Episode 9: Say It Aloud—A Conversation with Leah Nagely Robbins

🎙️ full episode

Season Two of To Live List is back, and this week’s guest is the kind of person who makes you pause and think, How does she do all of that? 

Leah Nagely Robbins is a writer, musician, civil engineer, and proud “mom nerd.” She’s been shaping public transportation systems for over a decade, but what really stands out is how she’s shaping her own life—anchored in creativity, connection, and dreaming big.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck, doubted their path, or just needed a reminder to say their dreams out loud—even the scary ones. Leah and I cover everything from parenting ourselves to finding freedom in letting go of control. And trust me, there’s plenty of laughter and “aha” moments along the way.

Why You’ll Want to Tune In

Letting Go of Control:Leah talks about that lightbulb moment when she realized her job as a parent isn’t to control her daughter’s life—it’s to guide her. This conversation goes deep into what it means to let go, and spoiler: it applies to way more than just parenting.

Soul Restoration: What’s your “thing” that fills you up? For Leah, it’s making music with her band. We talk about why doing what lights you up isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Parenting Ourselves: Even if you don’t have kids, this one’s for you. We dive into self-parenting—the art of showing up for yourself, shutting down that negative inner voice, and giving yourself the care you deserve.

Say It Aloud: Leah opens up about confronting the voice in her head that whispers, What do I have to say? She shares how she’s learning to trust her dreams, like building “The Nest,” a creative community for aging, connection, and all-around inspiration.

What to Listen For

• How letting go of control can make life way more joyful

• Why following your passions can be the most productive thing you do

• A reminder that your dreams are valid—yes, even the big, scary ones

This episode is like sitting down with a good friend for a deep, funny, and honest chat. Whether you’re trying to figure out your next move, chasing a creative dream, or just need a little push to trust yourself, Leah’s story will hit home.

Tune in now and let us know what resonates. And hey, if you love the episode, leave a review. It helps more people find these conversations.

Available:

Apple Podcast, Spotify, and tolivelist.com