Again, I didn’t necessarily set out for any of this, but as I took the next inspired action, my life fell into place in a way that was better than I could have imagined, without forcing it or trying to control the outcome!  Ask yourself, what brings you joy and purpose? What is one tiny step you can take in that direction?  Real success aligns with your values and passions, not society's expectations, though you may find that you end up meeting some of them, too, but on your own terms.

And then, a whoosh from within, came a different thought: What if joy isn’t something I have to chase? What if it’s something I get to choose?  So, I did something radical that day. I stopped obsessing over outcomes, stopped attaching my happiness to the next success or the next fleeting pleasure. I stopped at my favorite trail on the way home and went for a walk.  And there it was!  I soon felt the sun on my face, my heart rate accelerate, and joy like it was going to burst through my chest.  It had been a long time since I felt that feeling.

Spring marks a powerful opportunity for your own growth and renewal. In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to prioritize yourself and your self care. You can only uplift others when you first nurture your own well-being. What are you doing to commit time to your personal needs and desires?

I am grateful to have this chance to redefine myself, pursue joy, get into some of the best shape of my life, deepen my connection to others and increase my joy, I encourage you to look at your Then and Now.  What has changed for you?  Where were you, who were you, what were you like?  What have you let go of?  What have you picked up that is in your highest good?

Growth and change go hand in hand, yet many think they are the same thing.  They are different and they happen at different rates.  Reflecting on my journey, I have undergone a pivotal transformation. How can I tell? Practicing the Then and Now method allows you to see the incremental steps and the huge shifts. Here’s how…

Relationships can enhance our lives if we allow them to. They act as mirrors, reflecting our behaviors and patterns back to us. Today, I want to delve into different kinds of relationships where our choices may feel limited, while emphasizing that we always have control over how we respond to others and various circumstances.

As we enter 2025, take time to reflect. Use the following prompts to gain clarity, celebrate your achievements, and set meaningful intentions for the upcoming year.

It’s important to recognize that in a nurturing relationship, your feelings should never be up for debate. If something causes you discomfort, that feeling is significant. Your partner's responsibility is … to listen, empathize, and strive to improve in the future.

Being clear about your desires and how you wish to feel will help you navigate obstacles without losing focus or spiraling. Any energy that you put into an intentionally aligned year will help you feel super aligned and help you to co-create the life you want.

It is at times like these that it is important to double down on self care. During such hectic times, I often seek accessible ways to cultivate peace and relief amidst the chaos. I wanted to share three simple self-care practices to help you navigate this season…

Stop sacrificing your own well-being to force a relationship that isn’t meant to thrive. You cannot compel someone to care for you, remain loyal, or become the partner you need. Sometimes, the person you desire the most is actually the one who is best for you to let go of.

Relationships serve as opportunities to get to know ourselves and our habits and patterns better.  My best advice extends beyond just romantic connections.  Relationships are key to our thriving, and how we understand and nurture connections with others has a great impact on our quality of life.

When life presents you with contrast, knowing what you don’t want, what do you do with that?  It is easy to deflate.  It is easy to get frustrated.  It is easy to withdraw.  Easy is not always best.  It has taken work to recognize my patterns, rewrite my self talk, and choose again.  I have worked toward this in tiny increments for years, and Wednesday was a great example of how prioritizing our self care, and being mindful of our habits allows us to create a life of joy, calmness and peace.

Why can I stick to these practices now, when I wasn’t able to in the past?  My intentions are different.  I am no longer pushing, punishing and shaming myself for what I did not did not do.  Every day I ask what would be in my best interest?  I ask if something I am faced with is in my best interest.  Instead of trying to muster the willpower to push through, I am making choices with ease that make me feel my best and create the energy to want to take further inspired actions.

Each day I plan to wake up and ask myself what is it that I most need today? What would help me fill my soul or empty my cup? I will reboot and recharge, creating the salubrious life I desire.

I am going to put perfectionism to the side and practice good enough and take anything off my plate that interferes with my highest priorities, my kiddos, my students, and my self-care.

When you start your day and center it around these higher aspirations, then the minutiae of the day does not have the same impact on you.

Early interests are often the initial clues to what truly captivates your soul - whether it's science, singing, exploration, fashion, writing, or playing with your easy bake oven, if you were lucky enough to have one.

As you pursue growth, you'll face challenges and obstacles. In yogic tradition, these are called Avidia, or obstacles. These may be internal or external barriers or resistance. As you step outside your comfort zone…

Self regard measures how you think about yourself, your abilities and your achievements. Self regard is balancing respect for yourself while appreciating both your strengths and the negative aspects of yourself.