Living in the Gray

Last episode of Season 1 and I explore why I find so much peace leaning into God's plan. I discuss the power of rejection, my own worthiness and why life doesn't happen to us but for us. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesGod's Plan (visual)If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s paradoxes — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

In this episode, I eat a ton of mini Cadbury eggs early in the morning, before drinking my first cup of coffee and I break down why kindness matters, why meditation helps me with the anxiety train, and why grace is important in remembering that we all struggle.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesInsight TimerIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s paradoxes — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Failure is part of life and it's time we embrace it. In this episode, I talk about our family dinners, baseball, taking chances, the importance of failing forward and why the only time you can truly fail is when you don't try.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesSarah Blakely's storyIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s paradoxes — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

What happens when you near the end of life? What questions do you find yourself asking. This is what I'm leaning into today and it comes on the heels of James Van Der Beek's death who died of colorectal cancer in February 2026. In the last video before he died, he shares the question he has been asking himself, "Who am I? What am I?"In the video he said, "I am worthy of God's life simply because I exist and if I'm worthy of God's love, shouldn't I be worthy of my own? And the same is true is for you."Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesJames Van Der Beek videoIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s paradoxes — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

This isn't the first time I've talked about Ego -- check out Episode 9, too!But I bring it up again because of the week I've had. There are some of you out there who've probably had a similar week -- you're not alone. My kids were sick, work was overwhelming ... you get it. And then I ran into a lot of egos.Remember the ego is the part of the brain that wants to keep us safe. The part that's on high-alert and reminds us people are out to get us.I heard this great quote I heard it from Jesse Itzler, but credit for the original goes to Robin Sharma. It says, "A bad day for the ego is a great day for the soul." Basically, if you can set your ego aside and be curious, the world opens up. I try to live every day open now.But life is 50/50 and I'm human and so is everyone else.So this week, my ego flared. I got defensive. Instead of choosing how I wanted to show up, I let the ego take over. It looked like me being frustrated a lot, focusing energy on what I couldn't control, not much good sleep, frustration erupting at home where it shouldn't.Because I felt hurt.We're all going to encounter this. But as I detox from this week, I try to have as much gratitude as I can. I've gone for walks, tried to be present, I've sought out sunsets and sunrises, I've just stopped and looked at my loved ones and try to share something that I love them to show them.When you're frustrated and angry, there's still time to have gratitude. These things will pass.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesJesse ItzlerRobin SharmaInsight Timer metta meditaionsIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s paradoxes — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I love puzzles. I do one 1,000-piece puzzle a year, but I want to do more. I take my time setting up -- turning the pieces over, getting the edge set, and more. Then I go at the puzzle by sections I think I can do first. It takes me months. I do them a little at a time. I like the music on and a cup of tea at my side. It's so relaxing.My business coach shared a quote from Virginia Woolf: "Arrange whatever pieces come your way." It's stuck with me for a couple weeks.I thought I was going to die back in May when I was a passenger in a car accident. I thought I was going to die, upside down, in the swampiest part of Louisiana an hour from home. As I drove home from the hospital later that day, I remember asking myself what I was doing with my life. What had I been doing to get in that car? There was a lot of self-blame. The next couple months were hard. I was trying to make sense of and control everything. What I needed was to give up the wondering and acknowledge I was there for a reason. Metaphorically, I had to stop using my flashlight to look far into the dark unknown ahead, but rather shine down right by my feet to show me where I was now. Since then, my self-worth and spirituality have grown. I have started showing up the way I want to and treated others the way I want to be treated. I've focused on my circle of control. Enter the quote: Arrange whatever pieces come your way. It comes when I'm working on this giant puzzle. If you look at the same pieces over and over, and try to cram them in where they won't fit, you get nowhere. But if you step back for a bit, you find the pieces and fit them in where they ought to be, I've realized the way I want to live my life is to arrange whatever comes my way. To surrender to the fact that there is a path and there is a plan and I'm trusting that I'm on it. If I need to pivot, I will. If I need to turn around, I will. But I have to trust that I'm on the journey that has been planned for me. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesBritish author Virginia WoolfSusie Tucker, my business coachIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

My soul circle group had another great discussion this week that has stuck with me all week, so I'm expanding on it here because I think it will help others, too. We're expecting a storm here, so I headed to grocery store to stock up. It's a habit I picked up in the Northeast. We have a fear of scarcity because things might shut down. So there I was in the supermarket for just a few things -- we didn't need much. But I saw people buying up all the bread. There were only a few loaves left. I didn't need bread, but in that moment, I felt like if I didn't get some, something bad would happen. I think that's thanks to lizard brain -- the leftover instincts from our pre-historic ancestors who were hard-wired to survive. We don't want to be left out. That's scarcity.Then there's abundance. We're pretty materialistic in this country and we want all the things. But it's not really the things we crave, it's the feeling we get when we have the things. Gratitude helps me keep those feelings of needing to go out and chase more things. It keeps me in that state of abundance. I try to reframe the things I'm afraid of and be thankful for what I do have and have had. My kids are teenagers, and starting to gain their independence. That's hard, because my identity was tied to raising them for so many years. I have a feeling of scarcity about the time we have left and wonder if I did enough, teach them enough, etc. I flip that into abundance by looking back at photos and other memories to remind me of all the good times we had together. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

My husband I play a kind of game called Authentic Agility. It has a deck of cards that asks questions that prompt answers that let people get to know each other better. The other morning, we drew one out, and the questions was, "How do you want to be remembered?"Wow.That got me thinking pretty hard with not very much coffee on board. But I think the answer is I want to be remembered as vulnerable, that I lived a big life with my heart open.The same week, a member of my soul circle red a poem that I share today that really spoke to the way I want to live my life.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesAuthentic Agility gameLiving Life, by Catherine GarlandIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I'm a curator of information. I'm incredibly curious and I'm thankful that I'm able to hear all this great information and motivation. Sharing it is one of my purposes. That's why this podcast exists.This week, I've heard a lot about wins, and the importance of writing down your wins. I don't think of wins as results so much as processes. You never fail if you try. During a speech in 1910, Teddy Roosevelt famously said, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” Brené Brown took that and ran with it in "Daring Greatly."My eighth-grade son tried out for the high school baseball team this week. He made the decision to try out. I'm so proud because they cut all the eighth graders on the second of a four-day tryout. I'm so proud because he reached out the coach immediately to see how he can improve for next year. (The answer was pretty much, "You need to grow.") But he took this as a win and developed a workout routine and more plans to come back in a year. For me, it was writing my book. I got in the ring and did it, even though it was hard and it was scary. The win is not tied to the number of books I sell. It's about doing it.Take some time about what you've done and what you've accomplished. And if you find yourself saying no, try to shift. The win is doing it and that's what will bring you happiness.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesThe Strong Mom ProjectTeddy RooseveltDaring Greatly, by Brené BrownIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

We spent the day undecorating for Christmas. It's always a little sad, and this year was no different. We love the tree, the lights, the decorations...sometimes just sitting and looking at them. We tend do measure our worthiness by external measures -- job, salary, other forms of so-called prestige. None of that really matters.You're worthy because of who you are. If you're looking to set a goal, great. Just ask yourself whether you if hit that goal, lose that weight, etc., or don't, does that change your worth? Let's lean into that. You mean something because you're here. Take the time to be silent enough to listen to your voice and focus on what's important and what truly matters.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Happy New Year! In our family, this time between Christmas and New Years can kind of melt away. It's a luxury. There's not so much planning, or getting dressed early, or ... much of anything except relax and enjoying one another.I ask you to be international this year. Just because the calendar changes to 2026, remember it's just another day. If you want to make changes and set goals, great. That's important. What's not important, is having that all lined up by late night Dec. 31. Don't worry about that. I've suffered from that, and I offer tips on what I've done to overcome it. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesJesse Itzler's Big A## CalendarIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Today's episode was prompted by the TV show "Pluribus" that we've been watching. It epitomized resistance vs. surrender. I lived a lot of my life in a state of resistance, and I ended up mad about what I couldn't control, and at people who didn't seem to care enough about the same things.It's not a healthy place to be, I've learned. And it's why I've come to accept more surrender in my life. I've learned, and it was a challenge, that the things in my life that I can control are pretty limited. There's so much that's out of my control, no matter how much I worry about it, complain about it, and fight against it. Mel Robbins famously writes about it in her book, "The Let Them Theory."Living a life of surrender doesn't make you a doormat. It means you're going to choose what is yours to do today. It means you stop using energy to bang against brick walls. If that resonates, check out the The Enneagram Journey, a podcast by Suzanne Stabile."Pluribus" also explored toxic positivity, which has certainly been a factor in my life. In fact, it's cost me some friendships. It's important to process feelings and acknowledge that it's OK to be sad or angry, but that they can co-exist with happiness and satisfaction. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesPluribus showThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsThe Enneagram Journey, a podcast by Suzanne StabileIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I love Taylor Swift. You don't have to. But if you look at how she changed the world, it boils down to courage. She had the courage. I have adopted a mantra that has opened a lot of doors for me: "Be afraid but do it anyway. Do it afraid." If I hadn't, you wouldn't be listening to this podcast and the book that it stems from wouldn't exist. We're all afraid of failure -- there's a million What Ifs that hold us back. But being afraid and doing it anyway is squarely in the gray. And doing so can give us purpose and clarity. But back to Taylor. I've been watching her docu-series. She kept taking chances and being courageous. I'm inspired that she's out there doing what she was born to do and sharing it with us. In one episode, she talks about going back on stage after having to cancel a show because of a terror threat. It took courage, but performing and sharing lights her up because it's her purpose.Find your purpose and do it. Don't worry about being scared, rejected, or feeling unworthy. Just doit, and do it afraid. You don't have to be a famous musician. Most of us will do much smaller thins. I faced these same fears in pushing all the very personal things I've written out into the world. I was scared. But doing so has created this beautiful space in which I'm living now. The messages I've been getting, including one I share in the podcast, are unbelievable. And it's why I wanted to share in the first place.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesInsight timerIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Intentionality is so important this time of year. The pace of the holiday season is breakneck. A friend recently told me, "I'm going for presence over pace this month." And, like any good quote, this one stuck. I think it's a great way to navigate this crazy time of year.With that in mind, I present my 10 life hacks to getting through the season with less madness, frustration and anxiety.Prioritize SleepPractice Self-CareEat Healthy FoodsPare Down Your Closet / Get What You NeedChristmas MusicALDI (Aisle of Shame)Gift Wrapping DisciplineGift Card ResearchVolunteerSay No more than YesLinks from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesCottage Cheese PancakesALDIIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Thanksgiving is often travel time for my family. This year, the kids aske to go to New York City, so we did.I spent the trip pouring out gratitude, for everything from the small to the life changing.A quote I recently saw reminded me of this trip. "Gratitude isn’t all about what’s going right. It’s about finding a little bit of light in the moment we’re in." It's from Mary Davis.Gratitude is a daily practice for me and it's helped me incredibly. One of our stops was the 9/11 Museum, where I'd never been. But I was impacted more than the people I was living near in Maryland on Sept. 11 because I was from New York and I knew people who were killed in the Towers. I ended up moving back to New York a few months after and covered many funerals that year. Funerals of firefighters and others who worked in the Towers.I was really touched by the World Trade Center site. It was both loud and quiet. There was a palpable feeling of reverence for this sacred space. I felt connected automatically to strangers around me. It strikes me that this is perhaps this time of year is the most important for gratitude. It will help make it magical and meaningful. It can make all the difference.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesInsight TimerMary Davis, authorIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I'm fresh off a four-day gathering of 150 amazing women sharing a room and supporting one another. The Strong Mom gathering is my favorite event. You never know where you might draw inspiration. I talk about the impact a water tower of all things had on me. Really.Smiling -- it's infectious. Following up on Episode 24, it's another form of communication. It creates more kindness and costs you nothing. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesStrong MomsSmiley Face Water Tower, Smithville, Texas If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Today's episode is borne out of an experience my eighth-grade son had at school. He was called out for a mistake that his teacher likely thought was disrespectful, and had to write a paper as punishment. He didn't protest at the time because, as it turns out, the teacher made him feel small, embarrassed and disrespectful.We've all been there. This kind of miscommunication happens in life. A fair amount.Communication is a huge issue because we're all different. We deliver and receive communication differently. And, if we're honesty, we all have egos that bruise easily. If only we could assume best intentions more often. But we're human, and that's hard.Today, we'll discuss my tips for solid communication. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Counter-culture, as a term, came to the fore in the 1960s to talk about hippies opposed to the Vietnam War.But it's popped up more recently in several discussions. So today, we explore it here.There are several definitions out there for counter-culture, but the one I like best is comparing your inner compass to cultural norms. Those norms, of course, change over time.But today's norm hasn't been working for me lately. Like our two-party political system. It's emblematic of today's "acceptable" social norm of otherization -- you're either with me or against me. That just doesn't work for me because people in both camps are all human beings who want pretty much the same things. My philosophy is pretty well summed up by the fictional detective Harry Bosch, who says, "Everybody counts or nobody counts." And, sadly, living that philosophy makes me counter-culturally. If we don't start to think about the greater good, it affects all of us. We'd all be well-served by looking at ourselves and asking, "How do I want to show up?" And then forgiving ourselves if that's different from our reality. We all have work we can do on ourselves. Living in our own belief systems is OK.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesHarry Bosch books by Michael ConnellyHarry Bosch show on AmazonThe ChosenTed LassoIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Football. I know nothing about it. Nor do I care to.That's not to say I haven't tried. I have. My daughter's in the same boat. The other half of our family is exactly the opposite. They live and breathe LSU football. All I do is worry about the brain health of the players on the field.There's a group of people working to change the narrative about football. And I wonder what would happen if people worked as hard for other things that matter. Not that football doesn't, but there are other important things, too. I'm taking about state laws and policies. After the team lost again over the weekend, the stadium of tens of thousands gelled around a cause: firing the head coach. And it worked. Imagine what else we could change with that kind of energy.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesLSU FootballIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I saw a recent interview where someone said, "'No.' is a complete sentence." Wow. That got me thinking. I grew up a middle child. A people pleaser who found my worth in pleasing people. I didn't know that at the time of course, but that's how I was wired. I still find joy in being generous with others, but in a much healthier way. I say No to a lot more now, and to a lot more than I say Yes to. Because I really put my all into those Yesses.It starts, for me, with intentional meditation. Every day. One morning, at the start of a meditation, I read this great quote from Brazilian writer and lyricist Paulo Coelho: "When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself."That's hard because no one wants to disappoint other people. It makes you question your worth. And the more you do it, the more it feels normal. But, the discomfort dissipates the more you say yes to yourself and no to others. It gives you space to do powerful things for yourself.Try it. Say no and start setting some boundaries., As American author and queer activist Glennon Doyle said in her book, Untamed, "Listen. Every time you’re given a choice between disappointing someone else and disappointing yourself, your duty is to disappoint that someone else. Your job, throughout your entire life, is to disappoint as many people as it takes to avoid disappointing yourself.”Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesInsight timerPaulo CoelhoGlennon Doyle's book "Untamed"If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I was 0n the way to some community service with coworkers and a client this spring when we were in a very serious car accident. The client had to be flown to the hospital and, sadly, never recovered. His ashes were strewn at the sprawling prison where he'd spent 50 years before being released just two years before he died. The service there left a range of impressions. It wasn't all what you'd expect. It was beautiful.There is no perfection, just the chase of it. But for me, the beauty of humanity is revealed in the cracks of perfection. Be open and curious enough to see them, and you'll see them every day.Links from this episode:My Book. Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Today I share about my faith journey.I grew up Catholic. Sort of. It was never a place where I really belonged as a kid. We went sometimes, but not too often. I didn't think God cared much about me because I didn't' do the things He wanted of me. In college, I went with friends to a couple of predominantly Black churches. I loved them. I felt welcomed and that I belonged. My husband grew up Catholic, too. But he knew a lot more about it and felt more belonging than I ever did. We did some church things, put our kids in Catholic schools, but for example I never read the Bible cover to cover. I asked my kids a lot about church and religion. I was growing curious. Then friends suggested I start watching The Chosen. Three years later, I started. It helped me understand the stories of the Bible. I found a pastor who I love listening to. I found a group of women called the Soul Circle. I've stopped being so judgmental of others. Not completely. But I've developed a faith for my life. I show up however I want, so I show up with kindness. It makes me feel good, whereas showing up in judgment made me feel bad. It really came about from this show. It struck such a chord of how I want to show up. I've found that faith in God doesn't live in a physical church, it exists within you. My journey has led me to this moment. I choose to believe that there's something bigger than I. I'm here because I'm loved and I'm enough. And everybody else is, too.Links from this episode:The ChosenIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I'm just back from a trip to the beach with my family. There's something just so special about the beach and the sea.I love the beach -- the emerald water, the powdery white sand, the sunsets, the dolphins. I love it all. It usually melts my stress away. We had a great time, including a time in the morning when we were playing together in the ocean. I was so grateful and so happy. One part of our trip reminded me a little of last week's episode. Things can change so quickly. This was a short trip. I knew I was going to have to be very present to enjoy it, and I was. I enjoyed waves of gratitude. Compare it to another beach trip earlier in the year, a week after a serious car crash I was in. I took my daughter and a friend to the beach, a happy place of mine, but I was miserable. I hadn't processed the accident and I spent the weekend grieving. My mindset made the sea look angry, the beach lonely, and more. It reminds me of a poem by one of my favorite poets, E.E. Cummings. It's called Maggie and Milly and Molly and May. It's about the completely different experiences four girls have on the same trip. The last stanza truly hits home:For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)It’s always ourselves we find in the sea.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesMaggie and Milly and Molly and May, by E.E. CummingsIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Joy and Pain -- we can experience both. Sometimes just a few moments apart.My Dad died several years ago. It was the worst Sunday of my life. For those struggling with the loss of a loved one, I offer tips for navigating grief. I was broken, and these strategies were hard-learned.I've been moved by a couple of Andy Grammer, an artist I absolutely love. They're linked below. The song talks about the worst days of people's lives. It's filled with pain. But the point isLife's 50/50. It's never going to be good without having bad. As a life coach told me, there's no exit ramp to the human experience.I've learned this through the loss of my Dad. The memories hurt for a long time because the lost was so fresh. But hang on, because eventually the memories will bring you a mix of joy and pain and eventually, just joy for the lived experiences.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesJoy and Pain by Frankie BeverlyJoy by Andy GrammerWish You Pain by Andy GrammerIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

It's been a long and challenging week in the news. There's a lot of healing that needs to be done in our country and our world.As you know, I love quotes, and I want to talk about another one that moved me recently."Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone." -Allan WattsI had a still moment this week watching the news. A story about people, mostly college students, climbing the stairs at Tiger Stadium at LSU, as a way to remember the victims of Sept. 11. The stadium was filled to the brim with students climbing stairs. It was very, very early. It really moved me. Most of these students weren't even alive for the Sept. 11 attacks. And so few college students see that pre-dawn hour of the day. But it showed me there is hope and goodness, We're going to be OK, because most of us want the same things -- purpose, safety and belonging.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesAllan Watts, the British philosopherIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I love good quotes. So I want to talk about a great one I heard:"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else. You are the one who gets burned."We all have this in our lives. It might be about someone hurt us. It might be because we're angry at someone. Regardless, we all have it. One of the ways I combat this is through metta meditation. This is such a powerful practice, and it's one I do often. At its root, it's quite simple. I focus on four thoughts:May I be happy.May I be safe.May I forgive myself.May I forgive others.It's pretty easy.Then, I make the same statements about someone I know.Again, fairly simple. Here's where I really dig in. Next, I make those statements about someone I don't know. It could be a stranger I pass on the street, or someone I see that stays in my memory. Finally, I say them about someone I don't necessarily care for, or who hurt me deeply.May they be happy.May they be safe.May they forgive themselves.May they forgive others.Believe me when I say this works. You're releasing the anger and creating forgiveness and compassion. It's going to bring you peace.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesInsight TimerIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I've had to train my brain that there's a lot of good out there. It doesn't come naturally -- we're wired to look for danger to keep us safe. But our brains aren't bosses, they're employees,I've been spending time each night picturing how I want my life to turn out. And then I do the same with the most important people in my life -- I picture them doing the things they most want to do in life. It's no guarantee, but it surely doesn't hurt. And a few of the things I regularly manifest for myself and for others have happened. I share tips on how to do this positivity practice. Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesUnprisonedIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

The book is out!Woke up and friend had ordered my book.The book will begin landing on people's doorsteps on Aug. 26, my birthday! That's definitely the universe talking! I'm so thankful that people are spending their money to support me by buying my book. ----In my full-time job. I work with formerly incarcerated people. We had one gentleman who came to our organization on his birthday not long ago. We always do fun birthday things, and I went to get a cake to celebrate him. The woman who was decorating the cake told me a story about on her birthday, she always brings tons of food to unhoused people in the community. It was so inspiring! Goodness is contagious. It led me to rethink how I would celebrate my birthday. And it was awesome.Links from this episode:My Book! Living in the Gray – A Memoir About Navigating Life’s ParadoxesKendra C Sikes, The BookologistSuzie (Austin) business/life coachIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

My book is getting close to coming out! Today, I talk about my process, inspiration, and need to write about what's happening in my life. I talk about transitioning from sharing my writing with no one, to a few select friends and family, to finally the general public.For me, writing is a calling. It's my gift. It's why I'm here. It's what God put me here to do,If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I'm pulling together a ton of really valuable lessons from a range of sources. We'll look at the different types of self-care and what each one looks like in your life.What lights you up? Do it. You deserve it. What's something you're scared of doing? Try doing it, even if simply for the sake of doing it. Don't forget to have some compassion for yourself. Treat yourself the same way you'd treat a good friend or family member who made a mistake. Links from this episode:My Fentanyl ProjectRachel Nielson's 3 in 30 Podcast, with guest Mia HemstadStrong Mom If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Please welcome our special guest -- Lou Lou. He's my 13-year-old son. And he's going to give us a translation of all the latest popular slang parents just don't understand.Plus offensive punctuation. Did you know a period at the end of a text sentence likely lands as if you, the Gen Xer is mad at the Gen Zer?But is there hope for overlap? There sure is. We'll spill all the 411. (information)Links from this episode:The If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

I heard a great quote, "A bad day for the ego is a great day for the soul." It really resonates with me and I unpack exactly what it means.You deserve better. Sometimes, we need to really stop and take a look at ourselves and be honest about what we see. What is most important right now?Links from this episode:Dan Harris -- 10% HappierIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Moving to a new city can generate a lot of inner turmoil. That can bring up feeling of not fitting in or belonging. They're different, and I explain the distinction. I also provide tips on addressing the discomfort and whether fitting in really matters. (Spoiler alert: It might not!)If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Are you ready for your 2.0? I've put together years worth of my writing into a book. And I'm excited to say it's coming out soon! Living in the Gray is for everyone -- but especially those who feels like there's more to life than you're experiencing. Links from this episode:My Fentanyl ProjectIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Sports are an empty vessel. We assign values to them, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. It's important not to put your kids' value in winning or losing. And their success or failure is not a reflection of you as a parent. And it's important how you show up -- you might think you're being supportive, coming from a good place, but that might now be how it's received. Think about asking your kid how they want you to show up for them. You might be surprised.If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Riding with a new driver can certainly make you scared. Or is it fearful? There is a difference between the two and it's an important one. And both are completely normal.Lots of us are living with fear, and much of it stems from balancing what we can control and what we can't. Lack of control often leads to fear, which can manifest in many ways including anger. Remember, you can't mop the ocean!Links from this episode:The Mel Robbins PodcastIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

There's nothing more in the gray than raising kids. There's no blueprint, there's no instruction book, and what works for one kid won't necessarily work for another kid, or even the same kid a few months later! But there is hope. I share some strategies to set parents up to successfully navigate the choppy waters of parenting.If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

If you're great at giving compliments, but accepting them makes you cringe, you have plenty of company! Sharing my work publicly makes me vulnerable, and it's hard to talk about. But I share some strategies to make it feel less awkward and a little more honest. Links from this episode:The Partnership Aligned podcastIf you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit my website or Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media:InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Your body is enough in every way -- good enough, small enough, strong enough ... everything enough.Your age is something to be embraced -- there's a positive for every quality society says is a negative.If you heard yourself in today’s episode, you’re not alone.My book, Living in the Gray gathers ten years of writing about living inside life’s tensions — the both/and moments that shape who we become. It’s a deeper look at the questions behind these conversations.Visit Amazon to explore the book, and join me on social media: InstagramLinkedIn:FacebookSubstack

Five life hacks for leaning into positivity when your brain simply wants you to go back to bed.