How Motherhood Shapes Powerful Leaders

If you had asked me twenty years ago about leadership, I would never have connected it to motherhood. I might have even laughed out loud and said, “Me a leader? Nope, I’m just a mom.” But as the mother of six kids, I’ve learned that there’s nothing “just” about motherhood. In fact, it’s one of […]

How Real Friendships Protect Your Mental Health

Have you ever had one of those days when your mental health is plummeting and everything feels overwhelming? You know, the kind where stress piles up at work, traffic is terrible, and all you want to do is climb into bed and pull the covers over your head? Who is it that you reach out […]

Yes! You Really Are Making a Difference

Have you ever had one of those days when you wonder, “Am I really making a difference?” You’re working hard, pouring your heart into something, but doubt creeps in. Maybe it’s your job, your hobby, your family, or just daily acts of kindness. Sometimes you may feel like you’re throwing pebbles into a vast ocean, […]

32 Years Together: The Real Secret to a Lasting Marriage

This month marks 32 years of marriage between my husband and me. Wow, just saying that out loud feels surreal. I often get asked by friends, family, even strangers, “What’s the secret? How did you do it?” The truth is, there’s no magic formula or perfect recipe. If I could distill it down to one […]

Personal Growth Has No Finish Line

My choice to become a speaker has taught me a lot about personal growth. I’ve given many speeches over the years. Each time I step onto a stage, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned from past experiences. Yet when I step off that stage, there’s never been a moment when I think, “That’s […]

Be the Person Who Steps In: Why Helping Others Matters

Helping others isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s the right thing to do as we strive to be the good in the world. A few days ago, I was flying back from an amazing writing retreat. As I got on the plane with my heavy carry-on bag, I attempted to put my bag in […]

Stop Just-ifying Your Life! Be Proud of Who You Are

In a world of so many different voices and opinions, it’s not always easy to simply be proud of who you are. Because of this, you may find yourself using the word “just” to describe yourself. For example: “I am just a stay-at-home mom.” “I am just a secretary.” “I am just a doctor’s wife.” […]

Do It Anyway: Why Facing Your Fear Is Worth It

Facing your fear can be a scary thing—but it can also be empowering. This week I did something that scared me. I was at an event where they invited people on stage to share a new story they were working on. When I heard that invitation, part of me thought, “Just sit this one out.” […]

My Lesson on Patience from a Freshly Paved Street

Let’s talk about patience. Have you ever had one of those days when something small throws off your whole schedule? Well, that happened to me this week. The city decided to repave my street, and they sent a notice saying we could expect delays. But not just a quick two-minute stop—we’re talking 15 to 30 […]

The Power of Self-Care in Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? Deep down, do you feel like you’re fooling everyone into thinking you’re more capable than you really are? Imposter Syndrome Is Real I’ve seen some really incredible people struggle with imposter syndrome—including my own daughter. Earlier this week, Olivia was really struggling. She felt like she didn’t belong […]