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While reading about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I came across a statement that completely changed the way I think about certainty: Certainty is a feeling, not a fact. I had never really considered certainty that way. We often think certainty comes from having enough information or knowing the "right" answer. But what if certainty is actually an internal experience rather than an objective truth? As I write this, it is the weekend of July 4th, when our country celebra

This past week, I stopped to help a painted turtle cross a busy road. She was sitting on the center line between two lanes of traffic, seemingly content to rest in one of the worst possible places. As I approached, I wondered whether I would need to pick her up or if I could encourage her to move on her own. The turtle quickly decided I was a threat. A few claps and stomps were enough to get her moving. She scurried forward, stopped to rest, then moved again when I got a litt

Have you caught yourself over-functioning lately? Or maybe under-functioning? Do you know what those patterns look like in your life at home, at work, or in your relationships? Over-functioning can look like taking responsibility for things that aren't yours, rescuing others, solving everyone's problems, or feeling like everything depends on you. Under-functioning can look like avoiding decisions, procrastinating, withdrawing, or waiting for someone else to step in and take t

I have a basement full of things that need attention. Things to sort, donate, recycle, give away, or throw out. And honestly? It’s not just the basement. There are closets, drawers, the pantry, piles of papers, computer files, and old photos waiting for me too. I know I’m not alone. Most of us have spaces in our homes — and maybe even parts of our lives — that feel cluttered, overwhelming, or unfinished. And while I love a good organized drawer or freshly cleaned space, getti

One year ago this week, I earned my coaching certification. The process was challenging, eye-opening, and deeply life changing. More than anything, it helped me understand just how much our thoughts — and the way we speak to ourselves — shape our feelings, actions, and daily reality. You’ve probably heard the quote often attributed to Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” There’s a reason that idea has lasted. Mindset matters. Whethe

Lately, I’ve been thinking about potential. Not in a big, abstract way—but in a very real, everyday question: Am I actually living into mine? For most of my life, I’ve been a striver. As a kid: the best gymnast, the best student, the best daughter. As an adult: the best partner, the best coach, even the best fiddler. And somewhere along the way, I quietly decided: Potential = being the best. But… is that actually true? When I looked up the definition of potential, the word

Maybe you can relate. Almost three years ago, I left the classroom after 20 years. When I walked out, I tried to leave things in a way that would make it easier for whoever came next. I didn’t want to leave behind a mess. But I also couldn’t just throw good things away. So I brought a lot of it home. And it’s been sitting in our basement ever since. Maybe your “boxes” look different. Maybe they’re from a parent who downsized or passed away. Maybe they’re your children’s art

Over the past month, we’ve explored why patterns and habits feel comforting—and why they require less energy. We’ve also looked at the science behind habit formation and how coaching can support meaningful change. And yet… many of us are still not changing. We can easily list what we want to do differently—eat more fruits and vegetables, prioritize strength training, finally clear out the basement from a life chapter that ended years ago. We know. We understand. But the new

“We are what we repeatedly do.” — Aristotle In my last post, we explored the familiar paths we often find ourselves walking. Sometimes we recognize those paths with a knowing smile. Other times, we arrive there almost without noticing — simply moving through our days on autopilot. We talked about why these patterns exist. Our brains are designed to reduce cognitive load and protect our sense of safety and survival. Habits help conserve energy. But we also discussed how coachi

For the first winter since we moved here, the deer have claimed our backyard as part of their nightly route. At first, I worried about what spring might bring — the hostas, the flowers, the careful tending undone. And yet, secretly, I wanted to see them. To witness them under the bird feeders, moving quietly just thirty feet from where I sleep. Last week, I finally did. At 3 a.m., one clear beautiful night, I looked out and saw them — heads bent beneath the feeders, eating t

Say the words “Valentine’s Day” and a wide range of emotions can surface—love, grief, joy, longing, sadness, and hope. For many people, it’s a complicated day that touches many different places in the heart. This year, I want to offer you a different perspective on self-love and emotional wellness. What if Valentine’s Day became an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with yourself? Not the “bubble bath and chocolate” version of self-care, but something deeper: true

Thankfully, not my actual closet! I have wanted to clear out my closet for weeks. The amount of clothes in there is staggering, making it difficult to get things in or out—or even see what I have. Each time I look for a shirt, I hear myself saying, “I don’t need this many shirts!” And yet, what do I do? I grab the shirt for the day and close the door. How many of us have that one or two drawers, closets, or tasks we put off over and over again? We know it needs to be done. A

There’s a particular kind of frustration that shows up in winter — the kind that says, “I understand why this happens… so why am I still struggling?” You’ve read the articles and reflected. You often can name the patterns in your brain and nervous system with clarity. And yet, the follow-through still feels heavy, inconsistent, or out of reach. If that’s you, this isn’t a failure of insight or effort. It’s a reminder that knowing brings awareness — not automatic capacity

Here in the Northeast, when the leaves fall, the trees don’t disappear — they reveal themselves. Branches that were once hidden come into view. The shape of the tree becomes clearer. And sometimes, tucked into that revealed structure, you notice things that were always there: nests, knots, places of shelter and activity, built and held long before you could see them. These hidden supports are often blanketed in snow, making them even more visible in winter. This season does t

“By reflection, I can project…” — Henri Nouwen Just last week, many of us were still enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers and settling into a slower weekend. And now, suddenly, we’re turning toward the next stretch of holidays—Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s—coming quickly around the corner. Before we rush ahead, this is a good moment to pause. To reflect with compassion. To notice what last week’s holiday stirred up in your body, your energy, and your relationships. Holiday

I recently came across research suggesting that negativity can actually shorten your lifespan. That idea stopped me in my tracks. So I went digging — and sure enough, there’s growing evidence that optimism and positive thinking are connected to longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. That insight resonated deeply. Because I’ve had seasons in my life that felt dark and uncertain — times filled with fear, doubt, and exhaustion. During those periods, it was easy to be pu

Have You Been There? You wake up in the middle of the night and start replaying that meeting—or that email—over and over again, unable to fall back asleep. You want to be cozy under the covers, drifting in dreams, but instead your thoughts are spinning, replaying past moments or worrying about what’s ahead. So frustrating! Why does this happen—and more importantly, how can we turn it off when it does? 💭 “Our minds want safety, not sleep.” Sometimes rumination is our brain

What Neurodiversity Really Means What comes to mind when you hear that October is ADHD Awareness Month ? For many, it’s a flood of...

Walking the path in Arches National Park, May 2025 Every journey starts with the realization that your current path is no longer the...