Category: Be Present
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The Power of Six Seconds
Some days feel like a sprint and a marathon all at once, and it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos. When emotions run high—whether with your kids, your partner, your coworkers—it can feel like you’re just one comment away from snapping. I’ve been there. I still go there. What I’ve learned over the… Read more
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Lessons From My Children
Have you ever had that moment with your children where they say something so simple, yet so profound that it takes your breath away? When they say something obvious and innocent that you wish more people in the world followed their advice? I know I’ve learned many lessons from my children. Their words have moved… Read more
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When the Icing Hits the Ceiling (and Why That’s Okay)
I’ve always been someone who loves a good system. Give me a label maker, some drawer dividers, and the scent of a freshly cleaned room, and I’m in heaven. A trip to the Container Store? Basically therapy. Cleanliness and order have long brought me calm and a sense of control in a world that often… Read more
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Reclaiming Connection in a Hyperconnected World
Technology. It’s a lifeline, a blessing—and let’s be honest—a daily battle. When my girls were younger, I remember leaning on screen time as a survival tool. Baby Einstein gave me 20 minutes to breathe. The iPad helped during long car rides. The iPhone came to the rescue in waiting rooms and checkout lines. At the… Read more
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“Mommy, Are You Alive?” — A Wake-Up Call I’ll Never Forget
Years ago, I was powering through a typical evening—emails pinging, mental to-do lists scrolling, dinner bubbling, and messages flying across my phone screen. I was physically there but completely somewhere else. Then came a voice that cut through the noise. “Mommy, are you alive?” My daughter had been talking to me about her day. I… 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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Smell the Flowers, Blow Out the Candle
More than a decade ago, in the middle of a chaotic weekday morning, I had a moment that has stayed with me ever since. My girls were little, and like most mornings back then, we were racing against the clock. Danica, eager to help, wanted to make herself a Hot Mama roll—a garlic roll with… Read more