Sacred Celebrations is a warm and soulful guide to help readers who want to deepen their emotional and spiritual life by marking life’s transitions with intention and love. Why was this an important book for you to write?

As more people identify as “spiritual but not religious,” there’s a real need for a guidebook that can be returned to again and again when big life events arise. I’ve heard from readers who’ve used Sacred Celebrations to plan weddings, funerals, menopause parties, divorce parties, and other intimate gatherings. When they write to share their stories, I often find myself saying “YES!” out loud at my computer—usually startling my cat! It thrills me not only that the message resonates, but that readers are putting it into practice. The world needs more rituals, and one by one, readers are helping bring that vision to life.

We are craving connection and community more than ever. In our fractured world, it’s essential that we find our way back to one another—and rituals help us do that. They ground us, center us in the present moment, and invite us to truly witness one another during life’s milestone moments, whether they are filled with joy, grief, or often both at the same time.

Creating a new ritual or celebration can be overwhelming when someone already feels the need to slow down. What is a good starting point to help someone ease into this new way of thinking and create something meaningful for their lives without feeling overwhelmed?

Start small. Light a candle and write in your journal. Create a simple altar with photos of your ancestors on a bookshelf. Say a gratitude grace with your family at dinner. Invite a few trusted friends to offer prayers or blessings before surgery. Pick flowers from your garden and give them to a neighbor.

Ritual doesn’t need to involve lots of people, elaborate planning, or money to be meaningful. Simple, intentional acts can be incredibly powerful.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

My miscarriages. I experienced two miscarriages of twins within a 72-hour period. Writing about that time was an important part of my healing journey—though about 75% of what I wrote never made it into the book.

The portion that did remain included two rituals we participated in, one private and one public, that deeply supported us as we moved through profound grief. Rituals have a remarkable ability to help us navigate some of the most devastating experiences of our lives.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Sacred Celebrations?

That there is only one right way to do ritual: your way. This book is not prescriptive; it’s an invitation. An invitation to sense what needs to be honored, celebrated, or remembered, and then to use the tools and ideas I offer to create something meaningful and aligned with you and your community.

You can easily create simple yet memorable rituals that you and your community will remember for years to come!

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