It's a universal truth that as parents, we often underestimate the impact we have on our children's lives. We may not realize that they are not just observing our actions, but also absorbing the essence of who we are. Our gestures of love, kindness, and resilience are all these facets that leave an indelible mark on their beings.

In life, we are constantly weaving connections with others, and sometimes, those threads can become tangled, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and drained. Establishing healthy boundaries with ourselves and others is a powerful tool to reclaim our inner peace and pave the way for positive change. Through kindness, courage, and intentional action, we can create a fulfilling life that is aligned with our values and aspirations.

In a world that often glorifies the busy hustle, bustle, and constant striving, we often find ourselves caught in a tangle of making things seem harder than they really need to be. What if we could unlock the power of simplicity and embrace the ease of a relaxed Sunday morning? Every time I push my grand daughter in her swing, I’m reminded to slow down, stop rushing, worry less, and trust more.

There are moments in life when we stumble upon something truly extraordinary that resonates with our soul and leaves an indelible mark on our heart. For me, one such moment was an unforgettable evening at Westminster Abbey, where I had the privilege of attending the Evensong choral service sung by the beautiful Westminster Abbey Choir.

My friend Beth and I recently spent some time in Paris. Making the most of our stay, we booked a tour each day and on the second day, we scheduled an adventure, booking a four-hour night bicycle tour of Paris. Little did we know that our journey would be filled with unexpected twists, heart-stopping moments, and unforgettable memories. A friend had recommended the tour and couldn’t say enough good things about her experience.

Picture two women strolling along the charming streets of Paris, enjoying the beautiful landscape and realizing they are unable to get to their destination. Both of their phones aren’t connecting to the navigation tool, and they need to figure out a plan, fast.

Thirty-three years ago I stood at the base of the Eiffel Tower gazing up as the rain gently fell. There were only a few minutes to spare before heading to the airport. There hadn’t been time earlier to explore or experience the beautiful wrought-iron structure due to the tour schedule. Leaving that day, I knew one day I would return.

In life, there are moments when we experience a sudden burst of inspiration or flash of insight that seems to come out of nowhere. The message, inkling, or coincidence compels us to take action or recall something significant.

“Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life move forward,” - Oprah Winfrey. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in a quandary over an important decision.

Recently, my first grand child turned one. How is that even possible? I swear it was just yesterday my son was having his first birthday, wasn’t it?

“Unexpected events can set you back or set you up. It’s all a matter of perspective,” - Mary Anne Radmacher. Oh, how this quote hit home last week for me. How do you react when suddenly, out of the blue, your whole day gets altered, and everything is out of your control?

Recently, I woke up feeling anxious and on edge. I wouldn’t call it a panic, but I felt a bit out-of-sorts. At first I didn’t even challenge my feelings. However, they got the best of me and not in a good way. I was feeling uneasy but couldn’t pinpoint why. As I was throwing in a load of laundry, I stopped and questioned why was I in a tizzy.

Are you currently making time for you and giving yourself some much needed love? I’ve been on a mission to love myself for a while now, and even though some days I may not always get it right, I’m about a million times better than I was before.

“I hate being sick, I feel like a superhero with no powers.” – Unknown

How’s your mood when you’ve been feeling sick and under the weather? Recently, I’ve been dealing with a nasty little cold bug that’s been hanging on for dear life.

In my adolescence years, my Mom enrolled both my sister and I into the Wendy Ward Charm School in hopes of teaching us all we needed to know about manners and social graces. In those early days after we graduated, my Mom would often refer to the school and lessons if she questioned how we completed a task she was sure we were taught during class. She’d say something like, “Didn’t you learn how to do that in Charm School?”

If something doesn’t go to plan, instead of getting anxious, mad, disappointed, or frustrated, try looking at the situation with a curious mind and say, “Hmmm, that’s interesting. I wonder why that happened?” Try embracing the unexpected experiences with curiosity and wonderment.

When was the last time you let something unexpected take you down a path of negativity, frustration, anger, and even fear? Sometimes when one bad thing happens we instantly fall prey to negative thoughts and feelings. It can lead to the start of an emotional avalanche. Once that happens it’s hard to stop the snow from barreling down the hill; causing devastation in its path.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome,” — Anne Bradstreet. This quote rang true for me. Adversity and mediocrity have made me who I am today. It hasn’t always been about the beautiful flowers that show themselves, but rather the failures and lessons learned that created the next unfolding of my life.