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.

Have you ever looked out the window of an airplane and felt like time stood still for just a moment? Recently, on a flight home, I found myself staring out at a sea of clouds stretched like a fluffy blanket beneath the wings. Above them, the sky was a brilliant, uninterrupted blue, radiant and peaceful. It struck me then: no matter how stormy it might be below, the sun is always shining above the clouds.

Pay attention to what occupies your mind daily. Are you constantly thinking about what’s missing, what’s wrong, or what you fear? Or are you focusing on growth, possibilities, and solutions? Our thoughts shape our reality, so if we’re always dwelling on what’s negative, it’s no surprise that our energy feels drained. For one day, keep a journal of your thoughts. Every time you catch yourself in a negative loop, write it down. Awareness is the first step to shifting your focus.

If I asked you, right now, “What do you want?” how would you answer? Not what your partner wants. Not what your kids need. Not what your job requires. Not what sounds good to the world around you. But you… your soul, your heart, and your spirit. What do you truly want?

Life has a way of moving fast. Between work, commitments, growing families, and the general hustle of everyday living, it’s easy to let time slip through our fingers. Although I live near both of my brothers, Jeff and Greg, and their amazing wives, Dee and Pat, we don’t always get the chance to spend quality time together as often as we’d like. My sister Cindy and her husband Steve live out in Virginia, so visits with them are even more rare and precious.

Have you ever noticed that when you dwell on the negative, more negativity seems to follow? Or when you focus on gratitude, suddenly blessings seem to appear all around you? That’s no coincidence. The energy we put out into the world has a powerful way of shaping our experiences.

Life isn’t meant to be walked alone. We are wired for connection, for deep and meaningful relationships that make us feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s your childhood best friend, a group of like-minded women, a church family, or an online support network finding your people, and your community changes everything.