Tag: encouragement

I planted a tree this weekend. Clearly I was somewhere other than Aberdeen, SD because no one plants trees in South Dakota in November.

But they do in San Diego!

Have you ever gone somewhere warm and sunny when everyone you know back home is freezing their weebles off? It’s kind of awesome.

But I’m not here to brag. I’m ... Read More


From the time I was about 10 years old I can recall seasons where a sense of hopelessness would follow me through the morning.

It was the oddest thing. Some days I would wake up and there it would be, sitting in the corner like a cloak insisting on being worn. I couldn’t leave my room without it. Other mornings, it ... Read More


“This is your captain speaking from the flight deck. I’ve turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We’re about to experience some turbulence. Please remain in your seats.”

I think of those words as we head into this week.

Captain … turbulence … remain seated.

Even with our feet solidly on the ground or our seats firmly planted in a stable ... Read More


I got back from LA late Saturday night. The whole family was wide awake and practicing their best (loudest and highest) opera voices.

The next morning I went out to collect a week’s worth of mail. No one thought to bring it in, or maybe they knew I would get a kick out of seeing how many things our mailman, Kevin, ... Read More


She’s known as the “Witch of Warroad.” Doesn’t sound like a compliment, does it?

It wouldn’t be, unless you’re Loralee Marvin, of Warroad, Minn., who looks forward to Halloween year-round. She says it’s the one time of year a person can dress up and act like a total goofball and no one seems to think anything less of them.

In her town, ... Read More


The awesome thing about living in a small town is that we get to see celebrities on a regular basis. We’ll be at the grocery store, standing in the cereal aisle when all of a sudden, BOOM!, Celebrity Sighting!

It’s just the coolest. My kids will back away shyly, barely able to make eye contact, waiting for the celebrity speak first.

They ... Read More


I have an amazing kindness team that includes three women who are way kinder than I am. I’m not being humble. It’s true.

They also have a way of noticing the kindness around them, which continues to inspire me to see it in my own life.

Sarah Tachon, who is my marketing guru, shared this refreshing story of kindness that I wanted ... Read More


I was reminded of something so very important this morning. I figured you might need reminding of this too.

You are the light that shines in the darkness of this world.

Every smile you send, every gentle response, every negative word you refuse to let out of your mouth — you are shining a much needed light.

Maybe you’re going through ... Read More


I had a conversation with someone recently that reminded me of something I had written about my dog.

This person was talking about something she really wanted to accomplish, but couldn’t quite get over the fear to truly pursue it. I innocently asked if someone had once made her feel like she wasn’t talented enough in that area. My friend’s eyes ... Read More


How in tune are you with what’s happening around you? Do you walk into the grocery store while texting on your phone? (I’m guilty.)

When you walk out of that store, would you be able to tell someone the color of the cashier’s eyes? (‘Fraid not.) Or even their shirt color? (Maybe.)

Sometimes my mind is so full of what needs to ... Read More