About Doré Frances

Doré Frances is a retired educational consultant, mental health advocate, and founder of Mental and Health Awareness—a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and families with compassionate, accessible resources. With decades of experience supporting young adults, caregivers, and behavioral health programs, Doré now focuses on community engagement and promoting meaningful change through education, storytelling, and collaboration. Known for her direct yet deeply empathetic approach, Doré brings a lifetime of lived experience to her writing, blending professional insight with personal reflections on resilience, trauma recovery, and personal growth. She is especially passionate about youth advocacy, emotional wellness, and amplifying the voices of those often unheard. When she's not writing or connecting with like-minded advocates, you can find Doré exploring the beauty of Colorado with her service dog, Aspen. Let’s build a more understanding, mentally healthy world—one story at a time.

Twelve Is Far Too Young for Adult Responsibilities – My Story

With no other option, I had to adapt quickly to my circumstances.

I worked for my father during every holiday, summer, and weekend. I pulled my stepmother off the driveway when she passed out drunk and dragged her into the house.

I also cared for three younger boys, aged 9, 4, and 2—changing diapers, washing their clothes, packing George’s school lunch, and preparing meals.

Until now, I’ve rarely spoken about those years. The Vietnam War was a constant presence on television, fueling my lifelong disdain for war. At fourteen, I considered becoming a nun and joining a seminary, but the philosophy and theology felt overwhelming.

I was more drawn to action and introspection in a household filled with talkers.

I seldom spoke unless directly addressed.

Making […]

Simplicity Is the Key: How Less Can Lead to More

Since the start of this year, I’ve embarked on a journey of simplification.

While I’ve never been one for materialism, I realized I still had more than I needed.

Now, my kitchen is equipped only with the essentials I use regularly, and I’ve donated 70 books to the local library.

I have three pairs of walking shoes, each suited for different terrains and weather, and just enough pens for my writing needs. I’ve also shared my extra supplies with a local preschool.

I’m genuinely enjoying the simplicity of life, and I find nothing is missing.

Letting go of things I no longer need has been one of my best decisions. I don’t feel like I’ve “sacrificed” a life of “luxury.” Instead, I’ve traded material possessions […]

Who Wouldn’t Be Skeptical? Questioning What We Believe

When I was three, my mother introduced me to the concept that I had a unique gift as an intuitive empath, capable of sensing and perceiving souls.

This realization marked the start of my journey as an intuitive, a path that has been met with skepticism by many.

Only a select few have stayed close to me for a long time throughout my life. I deeply cherish conversations that bring profound joy, a few laughs, and sometimes even a tear or two. As I grow older, fewer people are interested in spending time with me.

My adoptive parents named me Doretta Ellen Cascinai, but since I was 13, I’ve gone by Dore—a nickname given to me by my Aunt Connie. However, the rest […]

Life Is a Piece of Chocolate Buttercream Cake: Savor Every Moment

Countless times, people have heard parts of my story and asked if I would change anything about my life.

My response is always the same: ‘Not a chance! I’m more content and happier than I ever imagined I could be.'”

Someone once asked me, “Wouldn’t you want that house with the white picket fence, more money, or that animal sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of? Surely there’s something you’d change, right?”

My response was simple: “No.”

I’m already happy, and who knows how much more money might change my life?

Here’s how I see it: if life were a chocolate buttercream cake recipe that I’m striving to perfect, I’ve finally nailed the balance—just the right amount of salt, baking soda, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and all […]

Time Is a Precious Resource: How to Use It Wisely

I have dedicated much of my life to caring for others, often at the expense of my own well-being. I’ve come to realize that time is a precious resource, and how we choose to spend our days has a profound impact on our energy and overall well-being. It has taken me years to embrace the passage of time rather than fearing or ignoring it.

By being mindful of how I use my time, I’ve been able to reclaim it, making more intentional choices.

As of this writing, I have lived 25,927 days, 622,248 hours, 37,334,916 minutes, and 2,240,094,960 seconds.

Each of those moments has been a gift—the joy, the pain, and everything in between.

Whether in the simple act of folding laundry at home […]

Entitled Brat or Pampered Child? Understanding the Fine Line

Your mind behaves like a child who always expects to get its way. Pick the description that resonates with you most.

Entitled Brat or Pampered Child.

Your mind acts like it’s always indulged and getting its way!

You’ve trained your mind to think, whether negatively or positively.

Now that it’s matured, it seems to have a sense of its own and doesn’t always follow your lead!

Sometimes, you need to focus on something specific, but your mind keeps drifting to whatever it prefers. And when you try to let go of a thought, it just won’t stop running through your head. Many factors, like anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions, can disrupt your sleep.

As a teenager and young adult, I didn’t worry much about […]

Why Forgiveness Felt Impossible – My Journey to Letting Go

My stepmother grew up in a home marked by abusive alcoholism, and I suspect she may have had borderline personality disorder. When George and I moved into her house, I was eleven, and he was eight. The memory that stands out most from that day is her explosive anger and emotional outbursts.

Our dad had never told her—the woman he married and had two children with—that he also had two adopted children.

After living with our elderly Italian grandparents for two years, he had no choice but to bring us to her house; there was nowhere else to go. Nowhere else he would let us go. My dad, being very non-confrontational, never intervened or insisted that Dotti change.

Unlike what you might expect, […]

The Power of an Open Mind: Embracing Growth and Change

Just as we tend to accumulate birthday cards, clothes, magazines, receipts, and souvenirs, we also cling to emotions like anger, anxiety, confusion, disappointment, envy, fear, guilt, judgment, opinions, pride, sadness, and shame.

I’ve never been one to hold on to material possessions.

What was harder for me to release were my opinions and the ability to open my mind to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities for the future. My beliefs were the only reality and truth I knew, which created a divide between me and anyone who thought differently. This tight grip on my beliefs was rooted in fear.

Interestingly, as a teenager, I wasn’t afraid of change, strangers, or the unknown—I was a big risk-taker.

Letting go of fear and embracing limitless possibilities […]

By |2025-02-25T14:31:14-07:00August 20th, 2024|Why Wisdom Is Harder Than You Think|0 Comments
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