Category: Be Present
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The Space Between Who I Was and Who I’m Becoming
50 Things to Notice in a Season of Becoming I am creating this list as I approach a new decade, but I don’t believe seasons of becoming are tied to age. I’ve experienced seasons of becoming when faced with big challenges, major change, or even moments of self-awareness. They show up when responsibility grows, when Read more
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Mentors, Matrices, and Moments That Matter
This afternoon, I got the best kind of surprise—an unexpected text from my longtime mentor. She was in town and wondered if I had time to catch up. The answer, of course, was yes. No hesitation. My heart leapt at the chance. This woman has been a force in my life for more than a Read more
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The Power of a Real Conversation
Some of my most treasured memories have come from the simplest of moments—like sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a restaurant booth, deep in conversation with my daughter. I remember when she was four, telling me—completely seriously—that she had a periscope in her brain, “just like the pirates,” so she could see through things. She described the inside Read more
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The Time Is Now
For a long time, I didn’t fully understand what that phrase meant. “The time is now.” It always seemed attached to a checklist: the next job, the next milestone, the next life event. I focused on the what—getting married, building a career, buying the house, raising the kids. But somewhere along the way, I realized Read more
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Teaching the Value of Hard Work in a Convenience-Driven World
I believe deeply in the value of hard work. Not just as a way to get things done—but as a way to build character, resilience, and real confidence. It’s something my mom instilled in me from a young age, and it’s a legacy I’m committed to passing on to my daughters. Growing up, we didn’t Read more
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Erase the Line: Raising Daughters Who Believe They Can
When I was growing up, I wanted to be President of the United States. I told people—earnestly, confidently, and often. But one person, someone I looked up to, responded in a way I’ll never forget: “You’ll never do that. You’re a woman, and you don’t have the right last name.” That comment didn’t stop me—but Read more
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My Favorite Day, Then and Now
I just got back from a weekend full of laughter, memory-making, and deep connection with longtime friends. This time, we were in New Orleans—soaked in the rhythm of the city, immersed in the culture, and reminded again of how meaningful it is to step away from the daily grind and just be with the people Read more
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No Phone Zones: Reclaiming Presence in a Connected World
Let’s talk about something that’s become far too normal: our phones. Specifically—our need to check them. Constantly. If you’re like me, you probably remember a time when we didn’t live this way. I didn’t grow up with a smartphone in my hand. Texting wasn’t always a thing. There was a time—not even that long ago—when Read more
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What Does Time Well Spent Mean to You—Today?
Think back to a moment when you felt completely fulfilled at the end of the day. A time when you said to yourself: That was worth it. That mattered. That felt right. What were you doing? Time is one of our most precious, non-renewable resources—and yet it’s so easy to spend it without even realizing Read more
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The Power of a Smile (Yes, Even Now)
Smiling is one of the simplest, most powerful ways we can shift our energy—and the energy of those around us. It’s a small act that costs nothing but has the potential to change everything about a moment. I smile a lot. It’s something I’ve always done naturally, but as I’ve become more intentional about being Read more