Well by Design Newsletter January 6, 2026
Newsletter
Mariah Gale Creative
Dear Friends,
As the first full week of 2026 begins, I’m so excited to officially welcome you to Well by Design.
Well by Design started as a quiet, almost baby thought in the spring of 2025. I had been reflecting on my work, 13 years at Good Shepherd and nearly 19 years as a nurse.
While every day was different, something had started to feel familiar in a way that wasn’t energizing. I realized I was moving through parts of my job on autopilot, and I wasn’t feeling challenged in the ways that mattered most to me.
That reflection led to an important question:
What parts of my work truly light me up, and what would it look like to design my work around those?
The answer was clear.
Coaching.
Coaching staff, supporting people as they grow into the best versions of themselves, has always been the most meaningful part of my work. I’ve been doing this in some form for over 15 years, and even before that, I was coaching patients. Over the years, staff members have shared that they feel deeply supported and that my coaching style helped them feel confident, capable, and seen. That feedback has stayed with me.
I also love teaching.
I love developing workshops, creating learning spaces, and helping professionals build the skills that make their work feel more sustainable and aligned. Over the years, I’ve guest lectured at universities and led countless trainings for staff—on healthy professional relationships, courageous conversations, communication across disciplines, and more. Teaching and coaching have always been at the core of who I am.
Eventually, it clicked:
I could create a role where these were the focus.
And that’s how Well by Design was born.
Building this business has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. From learning from other coaches, to designing a program I truly wish I had access to earlier in my career, to navigating the very real logistics of entrepreneurship (domains, Google Workspace, forming an LLC- who knew?), every step has felt intentional. I’ve loved creating something thoughtful, grounded, and aligned with how I believe people actually thrive.
Now, I’m stepping into the next phase.
This week, I begin working with my first client- a teacher. I’m also finding my way through social media marketing (slowly and imperfectly!) and preparing my first workshop, which will be offered on January 24th. I’ll be honest: this part feels vulnerable. Putting something new into the world always does. But I’m pouring so much care into this work, and I trust that what’s meant for the right people will find its way.
I’m deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family, and I’m excited to see what Well by Design continues to become.
Happy New Year.
Let’s do this. By design.
With gratitude,
Sarah
A Small Ask: If this resonates, I’d love for you to forward this to a friend - especially someone in a helping role who might need a little more support or space this year. Thank you for being here.
Where We’ll Be in January
January 10: Wellth Society – Return to Self Launch Event
I’m so excited to join the Wellth Society for a morning of grounded movement, thoughtful conversation, and connection with women who value growth that feels as good as it looks. Join me by buying a ticket here: https://www.joinwellthsociety.com/newera
MLK Weekend: A weekend in the Bahamas with close friends
Because rest and renewal matter just as much for the coach as they do for the client.
January 24: Well by Design’s First Workshop
Finding Alignment: A Thoughtful Start to the New Year
✨ You’re invited!
This workshop is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and begin the year with clarity and intention—rather than pressure and burnout. More information can be found at
👉 https://www.getwellbydesign.com
More about Well by Design
Well by Design is rooted in the belief that meaningful work and a well-lived life don’t happen by accident. They’re created with intention.
I work primarily with people in helping professions: educators, healthcare workers, nonprofit leaders, caregivers, and others who spend their days supporting everyone else. These are thoughtful, capable people who are often high-achieving, deeply committed, and quietly exhausted.
Well by Design exists to help you step out of autopilot and into alignment with your values, your energy, and the life you’re building.
What We Offer
One-on-One Coaching
Individual coaching is the heart of Well by Design. These sessions are a space to slow down, reflect, and intentionally design what’s next, whether that’s related to your work, leadership, boundaries, wellbeing, or all of the above.
Coaching packages are offered in 3, 6, and 12 session options, each designed to meet you where you are:
3 Sessions: Ideal for a focused reset or support around a specific challenge
6 Sessions: A deeper dive into alignment, decision-making, and sustainable change
12 Sessions: A comprehensive partnership for long-term growth and transformation
Sessions are 60 minutes and held virtually. Together, we’ll clarify what matters most, identify what’s draining or misaligned, and create practical, realistic shifts that support both your professional and personal life.
This work is reflective, actionable, and deeply personalized, grounded in real life, not perfection.
Learn more about coaching and current offerings at:
👉 https://www.getwellbydesign.com
Workshops & Group Offerings
In addition to individual coaching, Well by Design offers workshops and group experiences designed to create space for learning, reflection, and connection.
These sessions bring together people who want to grow thoughtfully without hustle culture, burnout, or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Workshop Spotlight
Finding Alignment: A Thoughtful Start to the New Year
Saturday, January 24 @ 9:30 AM EST
This workshop is for anyone who wants to begin the year feeling grounded and intentional- rather than overwhelmed or behind.
Instead of setting rigid resolutions, we’ll focus on:
Clarifying your values and priorities
Reflecting on what truly supports your wellbeing
Identifying what feels misaligned or unsustainable
Creating intentions that honor both your goals and your capacity
This is a calm, supportive space to pause, reflect, and reset especially for those in helping roles who rarely get time to do that for themselves.
You’ll leave with:
Greater clarity about what matters most right now
A framework for making aligned decisions throughout the year
A renewed sense of direction that feels realistic and nourishing
✨ No pressure. No perfection. Just thoughtful design for the year ahead.
More details and registration information can be found at:
👉 https://www.getwellbydesign.com
Thank you for reading and for being part of this early chapter of Well by Design. I’m grateful for your support.