I didn't think I could write an email this week. But then I realized — how could I not send one? The truth is, I'm grieving. I lost my mom this week. And as I stood in her hospital room filled with family I hadn't seen in years, everything I'd believed for so long was confirmed. The endgame isn't to improve how we look. It's not about the perfect outfit. It's not about a flawless makeup routine. Nor is it about how well we curate our color palettes. It's about something much deeper. For most...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Are you trying to make new friends as an adult? It can feel impossible. But there's one big reason that can make it more complicated than what you might expect. And that reason is personal growth. Curious as to why? As we grow, our values, interests, and priorities naturally shift. They reflect who we've become. And while that's beautiful, the challenge is that the people we used to feel at home with don't fit anymore. Rest assured — it's normal. You've evolved. But the tricky part is that it...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
New beginnings rarely go according to plan. They aren't linear like we envision. And whether you're 26 or 83, if you've ever chosen a new direction in life, you know it's as much about what you're internally up against as it is about external obstacles. Here's Mary's story. Questions for reflection are at the end. The Second Act Mary's brow furrowed as she slammed her third crossword puzzle of the day down on the wooden kitchen table. "What am I doing?" she asked, running her hands through...
about 2 months ago • 7 min read
Hurricane fatigue is real. Two back-to-back storms can quickly put you in survival mode. It's why I'm taking it slow right now. But there's also another reason. Restlessness. Permission to get personal? After much introspection, I realized my current restlessness stems from an increased appetite for learning. I'm feeling more curious. There are things I want to know more about. That's why I'm taking more time to explore new places, try new things, and read new books. But I also realize I...
2 months ago • 1 min read
The power's back on. And after evacuating from Hurricane Milton, we're finally home. But coming back to a fridge and freezer that required a complete cleanout? That's a different kind of fun. Especially after six days. I'll spare you the gory details. However, there was a bright side to this. As I tossed everything, I realized I was at a crossroads. Do I need seventeen condiments? Or should I be more intentional about what I bring back? You can probably guess my approach. Instead of...
2 months ago • 1 min read
We're safe. Hubby and I evacuated from Hurricane Milton earlier this week. Where we're hanging out, the weather is much cooler, and the humidity is much lower. It feels like Fall even though we don't have the colorful leaves. It's almost like we're camping. Except with cats. No makeup, one pair of earrings, comfy T-shirts, a hoodie, joggers, and flip-flops. My nails aren't painted—neither are my toes. I'm overdue for a haircut. Yet, I'm making new friends and having the time of my life. I...
2 months ago • 1 min read
As I make final preparations for yet another hurricane—this time, Milton—I've been reflecting on why stressful life events can actually be positive. It sounds a bit backward but stick with me. First, when life shakes up your world, it forces you to take stock of everything. As I stocked up on supplies, I wasn't just preparing for a storm—I was also reevaluating what truly matters in my life. Is it the expensive TV or irreplaceable family photos I'm most worried about? Most people want to get...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Walking into a room and instantly feeling like you don't fit in is more complicated than you'd expect—especially when trying to break into new social circles as an adult. Everyone already seems connected, yet you're standing alone on the sidelines, questioning why you bothered showing up in the first place. Julia found herself in exactly that position during her first Book Club meeting, feeling more alienated with every shallow conversation. But she uncovered a powerful truth in the...
3 months ago • 2 min read
I'm writing this Thursday evening, with Hurricane Helene set to hit in a few hours. We've already lost power and internet several times today. Not sure what Tampa will look like by morning, so I'm scheduling this in advance. Now, back to where we left off. Much of Florida, Georgia, and Northward have been bracing for Helene. But as I mentioned in my most recent email, internal storms are the root of many of our daily headaches. Plus, there's something in that email I didn't discuss — the...
3 months ago • 1 min read