Sometimes life’s sweetest surprises come when we say yes to something new. Last November, my friend Marilyn invited me to join her weekly Mahjong group. I had heard of the game before but never played. To be honest, I wasn’t sure my brain was up for learning something so complicated, but I decided to take a chance. That “yes” became the beginning of new friendships, plenty of laughter, and even a deeper bond with my sister.

Have you ever had an experience that left you both breathless and grateful all at once? That was me in Dubrovnik, Croatia, suspended 165 feet (50 meters) in the air at Dinner in the Sky, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combined fine dining, panoramic beauty, and a dash of courage.

Over a year ago, two of my girlfriends reached out with an invitation that sounded straight out of a travel magazine, “Would you like to spend a week on a yacht in the Adriatic Sea, sailing to Croatia and its islands?” My first thought? Croatia? Honestly, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. The cost seemed steep, and I couldn’t quite picture myself there. My automatic response was a hesitant no.

Have you been feeling a little stuck lately? Maybe bored or even frustrated with where you are in life, not completely unhappy, but sensing there’s more waiting for you beyond the routine? That whisper inside you saying, “There’s something else, something better.”

Recently, my day began with sunshine and promise. I had a new local airport shuttle service, and everything seemed to be falling into place. We zipped to O’Hare airport lickety-split, with check-in complete, luggage weighed, boarding pass in hand and CLEAR sign-up complete, I had time to sit at the gate with two friends I was traveling with. We chatted with excited anticipation, ready for our adventure to begin. But oh… how quickly things can change.

If I asked you right now, “How are you doing?” I mean really doing, what would your honest answer be? Would you smile and say, “I’m good,” even if you’re barely holding it together? Would you whisper, “I feel stuck,” and afraid to admit you’ve been standing still for far too long? Or maybe, just maybe, you’d boldly declare, “I’m ready and I’m already on the path to transformation.”

Have you ever caught yourself saying “yes” when every fiber of your being wanted to say “no”? Or found yourself doing something not because it aligned with your heart, but because someone else expected it of you? If so, you’re not alone and it might be time to check in with your boundaries.

Recently, I found myself in a moment that left me shaking my head, feeling equal parts annoyed and fired up. I was with three wonderful women: smart, funny, vibrant women all in our second half of life. We had made reservations at a lovely restaurant with an enchanting view of a hidden city park. It was the kind of place where you want to linger, catch up on life, and watch the world go by through big windows.

Have you ever had one of those weeks that seems to disappear right before your eyes? You wake up on Monday, with a long list of things to do, a calendar full of appointments, a few goals in mind, and then somehow, it’s Sunday evening and you’re left wondering, where did the time go?

For years, I was on autopilot, doing all the right things, the things good moms, good wives, and responsible women do. I raised my family with love, devotion, and the kind of energy that makes you forget to pause and ask, “What do I want?” Somewhere between soccer practice, meal planning, and cheerleading for everyone else’s dreams, I left a part of myself behind.

Let’s talk about overwhelm for a minute. You know the feeling, the never-ending mental checklist, the pressure building behind your eyes, the weight of everything you need to do that’s sitting heavy on your chest. Overwhelm doesn’t ask if you’re ready; it just arrives and takes over.

Recently, I was reminded of a powerful lesson that I keep learning over and over again, one that sneaks up on me when I least expect it and cracks my heart open a little wider each time.

June is my birth month and something about it always feels like a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. Longer days, warmer sun, and blooming gardens are the perfect backdrop for a deeper kind of becoming, the kind that happens within.

Have you ever found yourself second-guessing your every move? Asking others for their opinions before trusting your own gut? Yeah… me too. It’s one of those sneaky habits we often develop without even realizing it. Somewhere along the way between raising families, building careers, caring for others, and trying to “get it right” we forget that we have everything we need within us.

Last week, I officially began a new strength training journey and let’s just say, it started with a little… detour. 

There’s something magical about girlfriends, palm trees, and a lanai under the Florida sun. Add a splash of spontaneity, a couple of cocktails, and a night filled with laughter, and you’ve got yourself a story worth telling. Well, let’s just say we added a little sparkle to our usual rhythm.

There’s something sacred about a women’s circle. It holds you, gently, but firmly reminding you that you are not alone. A few years ago, I experienced this firsthand during a women’s retreat that etched itself on my heart. Recently, I’ve found myself revisiting it, reflecting with new eyes and a deeper appreciation for what it truly meant.

This week, I’m celebrating my dad’s birthday. It’s a celebration that looks different than it once did. There are no cards to buy, no calls to make, no ice cream or cake to share. But in many ways, this new kind of celebration is just as sacred, maybe even more so.