The Positive Pen ©

Stories, Soulwork, and Substack is a podcast where writing, reflection, and community meet. Each episode explores the power of storytelling as a tool for healing, growth, and connection—whether through personal narratives, soul-deep conversations, or insights from the Substack writing community. It’s a space for writers, readers, and seekers who believe words can inspire change, foster belonging,...

After divorce, silence can feel like failure—like you’ve lost everything. But silence can also become space: to breathe, to pray, to heal. Stillness isn’t weakness; it’s the ground where strength is rebuilt. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given , I share how I learned to embrace silence instead of fearing it. Parents in divorce and parental alienation often want to fight and fill the noise. Bu...

Thank you Almost Dr. Karen Chambre , Bill Cusano (Nonprofit Author) , and many others for tuning into my live video with Margaret Williams, MS, ACC ! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe

Divorce leaves empty seats—at games, recitals, and milestones. At first, I thought I had to fight for that spot. But I learned you don’t prove love in a courtroom or an argument—you prove it by showing up. Kids remember who stayed consistent, even when life got complicated. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given , I share how I stopped chasing validation and focused on presence. Too many parents...

Divorce already takes so much from children. They don’t need the extra weight of conflict. Choosing calm over arguments isn’t weakness—it’s strength. It shows kids they’re safe, steady, and loved, no matter what. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given , I share how reacting in anger only created more confusion for my children. Learning to respond with calm gave them stability during chaos. Paren...

A simple moment in Montreal—trying to speak French at a diner—turned into something bigger. My daughter laughed, surprised, even proud. It wasn’t about the words. It was about showing I was willing to grow, willing to step into her world. Why it’s important: Divorce can make parents feel like they’re always losing ground. But kids don’t measure love in court orders or schedules. They see it in the...

Pizza Fridays were never about the food. They were about creating a tradition that gave my kids stability and laughter during a time when life felt broken. The ratings, the arguments, the jokes—it was our way of being together, even when so much else had changed. Why it’s important: Divorce leaves parents feeling like they have to make up for what’s missing, but kids don’t need perfection. They ne...

As a divorced parent, I carried the weight of missed birthdays and broken holidays. But I’ve learned not to live in the guilt of what I lost. I pour everything into the moments I do get—one call, one hug, one laugh. Kids don’t need perfect. They need you present. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given, I share how guilt nearly broke me, until I realized presence matters more than perfection. Par...

We saw Annie five times because my kids loved it. One son was done, but the others couldn’t get enough. I went anyway—because parenting isn’t about me, it’s about showing their joy matters. Why it’s important: Divorce makes it easy to focus on battles. But the real win is saying yes to what brings your kids joy, even when it tests your patience. 📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon. Discover the he...

After a trip, I told my kids about the white sand beaches on the Gulf. I promised we’d go together one day. They didn’t care about the sand—they cared that I kept my word. Trust is built one promise at a time. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given, I show how broken promises from others taught me to value my own word. These stories matter because children need security when divorce tries to tak...

Divorce isn’t about winning or being innocent—it’s about how you show up for your kids. No judge, lawyer, or therapist can make co-parenting work. Only parents can choose peace. Keep fighting, and you risk losing your kids’ trust. Choose differently—for them. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given , I share how divorce stripped life down to the basics—and how co-parenting wasn’t something a cour...

When traveling for work, I sent postcards. Simple, short notes—“I miss you,” “wish you were here.” My ex dismissed them, but I knew the truth: kids remember effort. They remember when you reach for them, even across distance. Why it’s important: In Earned, Not Given , I talk about surviving work travel and co-parenting battles. Presence isn’t only physical—it’s emotional and consistent. 📖 Earned,...