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.

Recently, I spent a much-needed day with a close friend, indulging in some pampering and self-care. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking time for ourselves and connecting with the people we love is so important for our overall well-being. When my friend mentioned she’d never been to a salt cave, I knew we had to go!

Do you ever have those places that instantly bring you back to simpler, sweeter times? The ones that hold a special place in your heart, reserved for cherished memories? For me, that place is a quaint frozen custard shop with bright yellow and white decor, reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. This shop, with its nostalgic charm, has been a part of my family's traditions that always made it feel like a magical place saved for special memories.

In a world that’s constantly on the move, where our schedules are packed and our minds are filled with a never-ending stream of information, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. We rush from one task to the next, constantly connected to our devices, and often feel the pressure to do more, be more, and achieve more. But in this relentless pursuit of progress, we forget one of the most powerful tools we have, the power of stillness.

When I think of the words "community garden," I typically envision a piece of land divided into sections where individuals work, plant, weed, water, and tend to their own plots. However, recently, I discovered a different kind of community garden, one that goes beyond vegetables and fruits, a place where flowers bloom not just for those who plant them, but for the entire community to enjoy and share.

Asking for help has never come easy to me. It's a trait, unfortunately, that I seem to have passed on to my son, Andrew. Like me, he struggles to reach out when he could use an extra hand. Some of my hesitation to ask for help stems from early experiences where I was shut down after asking. Those "no’s" built a wall of self-reliance around me, making it difficult to let others in.

Sometimes in life, we have to navigate blindly through situations, relying on our instincts and senses to guide us. This past weekend, I had both the pleasure and absolute joy of experiencing a glow in the dark night golf outing, which beautifully mirrored these moments of uncertainty. The experience was filled with laughter, excitement, and valuable lessons that reminded me of the importance of trusting oneself even in the darkest of times.

Horses are known for their sensitivity and ancient wisdom. These majestic creatures are being trained to work with people on an energetic level. Although the concept wasn’t new to me, I knew little about the actual process. Curiosity piqued, I booked a session.

For several years, I've been on a path of transformation and wellness. This year, my focus has shifted to a crucial aspect of my well-being: hormonal health. Understanding and balancing our hormones can be a game-changer, yet it's often overlooked in mainstream healthcare.

Though everyone on the boat was having a great time, it felt as if time had stopped, and it was just Emery and me, making unforgettable quiet, yet impactful, memories together. These moments are the ones I will treasure for a lifetime.

There comes a time in all our lives when we need to step away from the daily grind and celebrate ourselves. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing just that with a night away at a charming inn, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Como. This serene retreat not only rejuvenated my spirit but also reminded me of the importance of self-care and self-celebration.

Life is about the relationships we build and the love we share. Don’t wait for tomorrow to spend time with your loved ones. Take action today.

If you know me well, you might suspect, or even know, that I don’t really like surprises, especially those that put me at the center of attention. Birthdays, in particular, have never been my favorite focus. However, my children recently threw me a surprise birthday party that completely knocked my socks off.

Your true north is more than just a direction; it’s a journey towards understanding who you truly are, what you value, and what brings you joy and fulfillment. It’s about identifying your core beliefs and aligning your actions with them, leading to a life that feels genuine and rewarding.