Playground Bullies: The Middle-Aged Version
Real Talk, Relationships, adult playground, boundaries, bullies, friends, friendship, healthy friendships, mean girls, relationshipsA few months back, I was out with a group of women; some I knew well, others on a more casual basis. The conversation was light and energetic when one question caught us all off guard. “How do I tell my teenage daughter that the playgr...
The View
Career, Relationships, points of view, relationships, viewA familiar view can bring a rush of memories, and also create a sense of calm, purpose, connection to nature, or a feeling of home. As I sit and write – admiring this longtime favourite view and constant in my life since the age of ten –...
Hope is Not a Strategy…But it May Be What We Need!
Real Talk, Relationships, enjoy life, goals, hope, live, New Year, reflectionWhen the word “hope” is used in business, a client of mine is always quick to remind that “hope is not a strategy”. This may ring true in work environments, but when it comes to our personal lives, our hearts are far softer in co...
Give, Care, Repeat…
Live, Real Talk, Relationships, caring, giving, holiday giving, volunteerFor me, the spirit of the season means joy, peace, and the chance to reflect while spending meaningful time with family and dear friends. But, it’s not the case for everyone. In reality, it’s quite the opposite: a very lonely and sad...
Perfectly Imperfect
Live, Recharge, Relationships, Wellness, imperfect, lifestyle changes, perfectly imperfect, preparing for the holiday season, You can't do it allAs a born perfectionist, I’ve learned many things the hard way, or simply put, through the wisdom and experience the gift of aging has provided. I have come to understand and embrace being “perfectly imperfect”. Many would agree hind...
This Is 30 (Years of Marriage)
Live, Relationships, marriage, marriage lessons, relationships, wedding anniversaryLast week, I celebrated 30. Not turning 30 years of age, but celebrating 30 years of marriage with my husband, partner, champion, supporter, and best friend Michael. It happened slowly and yet so fast, all at once. I’d be lying to sa...
Feedback: Are You On The Same Side of the Table?
Career, Live, Relationships, conversations, difficult conversations, feedback, giving feedback, receiving feedback, vulnerabilityHave you ever experienced a derailed feedback attempt, where you felt personally attacked and had to shield yourself in “armor” to fight back tears (or, did you just do that too)? Done well, feedback is expressed as a function of res...
The Beauty of Real Conversation: Have We Lost It?
Live, Real Talk, Recharge, Relationships, communication, conversations, live, real conversations, recharge, smart devicesI couldn’t help but feel somewhat agitated, or maybe it was actually a bit sad, as I sat observing those around me while having a pedicure a few weeks ago. I witnessed: One woman arrive talking on her phone, followed by her choosing a ...
Mother’s Day Wishes and Focusing On the Real
Live, RelationshipsThis weekend presents a special day, celebrating Mom. A time to celebrate your mom, grandmother, motherhood of your own, or recognizing those “like a mom” to you. This can also be a time of reflection and sadness for those who have lost ...
How Far Do We Parent Our Adult Children?
Live, RelationshipsAs we say goodbye to the toddler and teenage days of parenting, we enter new territory: parenting adult children. This stage presents a new set of challenges, as those before them did. In the continued spirit of embracing simplicity, I c...