Over the holidays, my family always finds creative ways to shake up our Christmas Day gift exchange. This year was no exception as we introduced a live auction to the mix, turning our gathering into a spirited, laughter-filled event no one will soon forget.

As the calendar turns its final page and a new year stretches out before us, there’s a certain magic in the air; a feeling of fresh beginnings, unwritten stories, and endless possibilities. Many people make resolutions, set goals, or scribble ambitious to-do lists. But for me, there’s one tradition that feels deeply personal, grounding, and transformative: choosing a Word of the Year.

Have you ever judged someone based on your first impression, only to later realize how wrong you were? It’s human nature to form opinions quickly, but often, those assumptions barely scratch the surface of who someone truly is. Recently, I had the opportunity to see the movie Wicked, and it left me reflecting on the profound lessons hidden beneath its glittering surface and powerful melodies.

Every morning, we wake up with a blank canvas; a fresh opportunity to paint our day with intention, purpose, and the energy we want to carry with us. But how often do we rush through our mornings, letting the day unfold without direction? Setting daily intentions isn’t about rigid schedules or to-do lists; it’s about consciously choosing how we want to feel and what energy we want to bring into our day.

Ah, the holidays, a season of bright lights, cheery sounds, and a sense of togetherness that warms even the coldest nights. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending our local park district’s annual holiday tree lighting event with my daughter and two-year-old granddaughter. It was a magical evening filled with community, connection, and joy.

The holiday season has a magical way of bringing people together, filling our hearts with warmth and joy. This year, I had the privilege of starting the season in the most beautiful way, attending the Carthage Christmas Festival with friends new and old. It was an evening that perfectly blended tradition, music, and community, leaving us all inspired and deeply connected to the holiday spirit.

Over a year ago, my good friend Marilyn began encouraging me to attend events with a women’s group she was passionate about. Time after time, life seemed to get in the way: scheduling conflicts, prior commitments, you name it. But Marilyn didn’t give up. She kept extending the invitation, confident it would be the perfect fit for me.

Fall has a way of wrapping us in its magic, the crisp air, vibrant colors, and cozy nights that make us slow down and savor the season. This year, my family came together for an intimate evening of fall fun, gratitude, and connection. It wasn’t just about the hayrides and bonfire; it was about appreciating the time we have with each other and giving thanks for the love that binds us together.

Have you ever paused and asked yourself, What unlived life is still in me? Recently, I attended a workshop led by the inspiring Sonia Choquette, where this very question was posed. It was like a mirror reflecting back dreams I had shelved, passions I had silenced, and parts of myself that had been tucked away for “someday.”

Recently, I was driving home just as the sun was setting. The sky to the west was glowing in that familiar, breathtaking array of fiery oranges and deep reds that only a sunset can bring. But as I headed east, I noticed something even more stunning, the sky was filled with dreamy shades of purple, pink, and blue, almost like a cotton candy wonderland. It was incredible, yet I almost missed it because I had been so focused on the "main event" of the sunset behind me.

In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, it’s easy to hold back love from others, and many times, even from ourselves. But what if we could change that? What if we stopped withholding love and allowed it to flow freely, both outward and inward? We withhold love when it has the power to transform, heal, and connect us. It’s time to change that narrative and embrace love fully, both for ourselves and those around us.

On a recent visit to my girlfriend, we stumbled across something truly remarkable in Cottleville, MO; a tiny, unassuming shed with a profound message: "Take what you need, give what you can." It was called a Sharing Shed, and it warmed my heart to see such a simple yet impactful way of helping a community thrive.

Friendships are one of life’s greatest treasures, but when one of your best friends moves away, it can feel like a piece of your heart has gone with them. Three years ago, one of my dearest friends Beth, moved away, and although we’ve kept in touch weekly, nothing compares to those precious moments of being face-to-face. Recently, I had the chance to visit her, and it was a reminder of the importance of nurturing long-distance friendships.

One of my best friends moved away three years ago, and ever since, there's been a hole in my heart. Although she’s only five hours away, the distance feels bigger, and in all that time, I’ve only made the trip twice. So, when my brother Jeff mentioned that part of his work trip happened to be near her, he offered to drive me down and pick me up three days later. Just like that, I had three whole days to spend with my friend! It felt like I had won the lotto!

Growing up, I remember my mom always reserving the good china, silverware, candlesticks, and crystal stemware for special occasions. Birthdays, holidays, and important family gatherings were the only times we’d see those treasured items come out of their special cabinets. Naturally, I followed suit and did the same thing. For years, I tucked away the "fancy" things, waiting for the perfect moment to use them, even though those moments were few and far between.

As summer winds down and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, we find ourselves in the last three months of the year. Here in the Midwest, the weather is turning colder, the leaves are changing into vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, and eventually, they fall to the ground in preparation for a new season of growth. Fall is a beautiful time of transition, not just for nature but for ourselves as well. It’s a time to reflect, prepare, and make the most of the season before the year comes to a close.

This past May, my son and daughter-in-law welcomed their second child, Autumn Marae, into the world. Just like her two-year-old sister, Emery, she has already captured my heart in ways I could have never imagined. As with Emery, I committed to spending time with Autumn every Tuesday and every other Wednesday, with the goal of creating a lasting, unbreakable bond with my granddaughter.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve officially wrapped up the first season of The Imperfectly Charming Podcast! Fifty episodes, fifty weeks of heart-to-heart conversations, life lessons, and interviews with extraordinary women who have inspired not just me, but so many of you. Season 1 has been an incredible journey of growth, discovery, and connection, and I’m beyond grateful to each of you for tuning in.