• Coaching,  Finances,  Teaching,  Wellness

    At the crossroads on the best possible corner

    I should have figured August would be full of emotion. (It always is for teachers—and I am still in that category. Probably always will be.) But this emotion has been building up for 10 months. And today is the final day of that period. I must recognize publicly this time at the crossroads. If you know me at all, you know my hope is that my message might reach someone else—down the road.  Ten months ago, almost to the day, I walked away from my school, my position, my community with a heavy heart. Because my loved ones were struggling, I was near heartbreak and could not concentrate on my…

  • Coaching,  Wellness

    Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This

    Yesterday I hit a wall. Everyone knows the kind of concrete face-plant that usually ends in tears and crazy utterances like, “I can’t do this!” For me, it doesn’t get to that point, anymore. I know when I am approaching that path and can usually steer clear. I decided to check in publicly to remind myself of the formula and perhaps practice how inspiration can interrupt that downward spiral.  I have been working extremely hard the last couple months because I know success is solely based on me Showing Up. As my work and tasks (and accomplishments) started piling up I got up earlier and earlier to exercise, study, read,…

  • Books,  Coaching,  Teaching

    Warren Buffet does not keep a full calendar and other time-management tidbits

    Warren Buffet told Charlie Rose and Bill Gates that sitting and thinking may be of much greater priority than filling every moment in your schedule. The clip, labeled Busy is the New Stupid, came across my feed with obvious interest. I don’t know if I agree with the stupid part, but busy is an idea that is far overused often, in my opinion, creating a victim mentality. To have time is the most precious thing. Even WB can’t buy more. Most, including me, think more time would somehow alleviate some suffering and stress. There is a constant need to get things done and feelings of always falling short. Surely more…

  • Coaching,  Wellness

    On Becoming a Writer

    Earlier (and often), I wrote about dissatisfaction and frustration with self, actions, and fear. It goes against the I’m-enough mantra. It’s part of why I started a blog. This time of year, it weighs heavy on my (and others’) mind due to all the talk about 2018 accomplishments and 2019 goals. Today I saw a post that was entirely related to positive reflections with and about the past. Being the ever-optimist, this post spoke to me much more than the others. As I re-read last month’s writing, even in my desire to make a change for the better in my life, I noticed those pieces were negative. Like something is…

  • Coaching,  Wellness

    A Best Self… of Some Sort

    I often say, to myself of course, but now to you, that I am trying to be my “Best Self.” That is my true and worthy goal, and a desire that is a blessing and a curse. I, like many my age, are trying to reach some level of better that probably borders on perfection—probably impossible to attain (probably). Best Self? What is that anyway? I am a true believer that perfectionism is a form of fear. I try to avoid it. All of these terms, I believe, are more likely related to empowerment. The void between self-loathing and empowerment is vast–I’d need a ship to make passage. I think…

  • Coaching,  Wellness

    On My Dream of Simplicity

    How to make a life, not just a living. I had been longing to visit the Dream Bank in Madison for the past couple years–since I knew it existed. Everything I had heard about the mission and goals to inspire the community made it very appealing to me. So after finding this freedom (from work), I decided to monitor and set goals for each day and week as to input and output. This transformed by time, whether I was spending time with my mother or pursuing other learning. Remember, this is the time for me to acquire that which is not possible while working. So last month Bruce and I…

  • Coaching,  Teaching

    Dear 2019, Please be kind.

    I’ve been writing for about a month; free from work responsibilities (what I call freedom) for just over two months and now the old year is coming to a close, new year looming—everyone is talking about it. It offers everyone a space for reflection and renewal. How will I show up? How will I rise to the the shine of sun on January 1st? Will I retreat and close the shades or let the sun inspire new opportunities and possibilities? I’ve imagined for two months the transformation to come. It’s out there. Not just the new year. I have imagined the next part of life and bear witness to the…