You Can’t Stop the Waves–But You Can Remember What’s Beneath Them

There’s a quote I return to often–especially when life feels full, fast, or just plain hard:

“You can’t stop the waves. But you can learn to surf.” –Jon Kabat-Zinn

Lately, I’ve been adding a quiet postscript of my own: “And you can also remember the stillness beneath.”

Because here’s what I know–both in my life and in my work with leaders navigating pressure, change, and uncertainty:

Life will bring waves. Emotions will rise. Change will crash.

But there’s always a current of calm.

And we forget that at our own expense.

Sometimes, it’s not about finding the perfect still moment–but simply remembering it’s there.

Even in motion. Even in complexity. Even when it feels just out of reach.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a single breath.

Stillness, I’ve learned, isn’t passive.

It’s not stagnation.

It’s presence. Discernment. Deep-rooted clarity.
It's the ability to pause in a world that rewards urgency.
And it's the capacity to remember yourself–and the values you want to lead with–before reacting to the noise.

It’s the part of us that doesn’t flinch at the swell–because it remembers:

This, too, is movement. And this, too, will pass.

In coaching sessions, leadership trainings, and meditations at Calm & Connect, I’ve seen this truth land again and again:

Sometimes, life and leadership are about surfing–knowing when to move, when to pivot, when to ride the momentum.

Other times, it’s about dropping beneath the surface–refusing to be pulled by urgency and anchoring into something quieter, wiser, more enduring.

The magic is–they’re not opposites.

The ability to surf well often comes from knowing the stillness.

And the ability to be still comes from having surfed enough to trust:

I can ride this, too.

Questions to Reflect On:

• When was the last time you let yourself truly be still? What did it reveal?

• What part of you wants to rush right now—and what might happen if you didn’t?

• Can you recognize when you’re paddling too hard—and give yourself permission to float?

In a world that prizes speed, complexity, and constant forward motion, this is leadership:

The courage to pause.

The ability to discern.

The wisdom to act–not from urgency, but from truth.

I created Calm & Connect for this kind of remembering.

And I weave it into every keynote, every retreat, every training room I step into.

Because no matter how ambitious the goal–none of us can lead clearly from a stormed-out nervous system.

So if you’re navigating waves of your own, here’s your reminder:

The storm isn’t all there is.

Stillness is always available.

And the more we return to it, the more clearly we lead.

🌿 Calm & Connect. Sunday, June 15th.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization– keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions–this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

Moment, 1 Time, Never Again

Ichigo Ichie: One Moment, One Time, Never Again

I recently returned from two weeks in Japan—first in Nozawa Onsen, a small farming and ski village where the way of life is simple, deeply connected, and slow—before exploring the rich culture in Kyoto and Tokyo.

I had originally gone for the cherry blossoms. The adventure. The beauty of Japan in spring.

But serendipitously, a friend forwarded me a yoga and meditation retreat to weave into the journey—and then to top it off, the gift of having my mother join me made it all the more precious.

I began the trip with the intention of slowing down, cultivating stillness, savoring, but what I came back with was much deeper.

There’s a Japanese phrase that echoed through every part of my trip: Ichigo Ichie.

"One moment, one time. Never again."

 This is far more than a poetic sentiment. It’s a way of seeing the world—of honoring each moment as singular, sacred, and unrepeatable.

This moment, right now, will never happen again.

The Moment That Will Never Come Again

In Nozawa, we wandered cobblestone streets and soaked in the healing warmth of the hot springs, surrounded by snow-dusted rooftops and a silence that felt ancient.

One day, we visited the rare snow monkeys—who live and bathe in the onsens (natural healing hot springs). We stood watching them, wild and free, the snow embracing all of us around us.

 I looked over at my mother—this woman I’ve shared so much life with—and felt it.

 This moment.

This version of us.

The ease. The laughter. The unspoken knowing.

 It would never happen again.

And for a long time, I think I would’ve resisted that truth.

Not because it wasn’t beautiful—but because naming it felt like inviting in the ache of its passing.

As if acknowledging its impermanence might somehow shorten it.

 But I know now:

That fear doesn’t protect us.

It robs us.

It keeps us just far enough away from the moment that we don’t fully let it in.

 We think we’re avoiding pain, but what we’re really doing is missing life.

 So now, I let myself feel it all.

The wonder. The fleeting, breathtaking sacredness of now.

 Because that’s how we live it—fully, completely, and wholeheartedly.

The Cost of Constant Doing

And yet—there’s another way we miss.

Not out of malice.

But out of momentum.

We move at lightning speed—getting things done, making things happen, keeping up. We chase after the next win, the next email, the next item on the to-do list.

And while there is nothing wrong with striving, or achieving, or being ambitious...

When our identity becomes wrapped in output—

When our worth gets tied to how fast or how much we can do—

We quietly trade presence for productivity.

And in doing so, we lose the thread of ourselves.

We Forget How to Feel

In all that speed, we forget how to feel.

We override the signals.

We suppress the stirrings.

We shut down the parts of ourselves that need to rest, to grieve, to soften.

 We fear that slowing down will derail us—

That turning toward the emotion might flood us,

Or worse… stall our momentum.

 But what if it’s the very thing that brings us back?

 Because when we skip the processing, we clog the inner channels that allow life to flow.

 Beauty. Wonder. Insight. Joy.

 We fill our calendars—but hollow out our lives.

Reflection: What Are You Holding Onto?

Lately I’ve been asking myself:

✨ What am I doing because it once served me, but no longer does?

✨ What am I clinging to—out of fear, not truth?

✨ What parts of me are longing to be felt, held, honored… before they slip away unnoticed?

The Sacred Moment of “Is This It?”

I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs who are at the top of their game, yet quietly asking the same question:

“Is this it?”

That moment—of asking, of wondering—is sacred.

Because it’s the beginning of remembering. The moment we realize the life we’ve built may not reflect the life we want to live.

It’s not a dead end—it’s a doorway.

A doorway into self-inquiry.

Into deeper listening.

Into the tenderness of being human.

The Beginning of Returning

It’s the moment we get to bring fierce curiosity and compassion to ourselves.

To notice our pulls. Our cravings.

To honor the things that delight us, teach us, stir us.

But if we are moving too fast, we miss them.

We miss the signs. The whispers. The magic that beckons.

So today, I’m slowing down. Again.

And I’m inviting you to do the same.

Turn Inward

These aren’t just prompts. They’re invitations to return to yourself.

💡 What part of your life are you rushing past?

💡 What’s one moment today you could treat as sacred?

💡 If this exact moment would never come again—how would you meet it?

Let that be your anchor.

Let that be your reset.

Let that be the doorway back to presence.

A Space to Practice Presence—Together

This is why I created Calm & Connect.

A space to pause.

To reconnect.

To gently unhook from what no longer serves, and return to what’s real.

🌿 Calm & Connect. Sunday, May 18th.

And if you're a leader ready to bring this work into your organization—through keynotes, workshops, or weekly mindfulness sessions—this is the work I’ve done for over a decade.

 Helping high performers slow down enough to come alive again.

Helping organizations become more human.

 🔗 Join Calm & Connect

🔗 Explore 1:1 Coaching or Corporate Support

What needs to die—so you can fully live? 🌱

Recently, while co-facilitating an Entrepreneurs’ Organization Retreat in Mexico, my co-facilitator Jesús shared a practice that struck me deep in my core:

 "Every night, I choose to die… it’s not easy, but I let my ego, my known 'self' die, and I wake up each day, ready to be reborn."

 At first, I just listened.

Then, the weight of it settled in.

 What would it mean to let the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us die each night?

What would it look like to wake up lighter, freer, untethered to old fears and patterns…or even identities we work so hard to justify and defend?

I kept coming back to this:

So much of what keeps us from fully living isn’t what’s happening around us—it’s what we’re unwilling to release.

And when I did, something shifted:

✨ The fear loosened its grip—but it didn’t leave.
✨ Instead, it sharpened my awareness. Made every moment richer, brighter, more alive.
✨ It made me stop waiting for life to happen—and start choosing it, now.
✨ It made me ask: What am I still holding onto that’s keeping me from fully living?

And I don’t think I’m alone in this.

Most of us are gripping onto something—whether we realize it or not.

A belief. A fear. An identity we’ve outgrown.

Maybe for you, it’s…

💭 "I am someone who always struggles."
💭 "Who I am is not enough."
💭 "I can’t let this go—what if I lose everything?"

But what if you let that version of yourself die?

Not all at once. Not forcefully.
But gently, like an exhale. Like an old weight slipping off your shoulders.

What if, every night, you laid down your fears—so that every morning, you could wake up as something more?

There’s something fascinating about oyster farming in New Zealand.

Long lines are dropped into the ocean, and oysters—tiny, free, unanchored—attach themselves.

They grow there. They harden there.
And eventually, they are farmed and harvested.

But what they don’t realize is—they could let go.

They could release themselves into the open ocean, into movement, into life.
But they don’t.

And neither do we.

We grip onto what we know, even when it keeps us small, stuck, afraid.
We hold onto who we were, even when it keeps us from becoming who we could be.
We forget that we have the power to unhook—to step into something bigger, freer, more expansive.

So, I’ll ask you:

👉 Where are you holding on so tightly that it’s keeping you from fully living?

Scarcity: The Fear That’s Hard to Release

For me, scarcity is something I have had to unhook from again and again.

I grew up hearing: 

"We may have this today—but we may not be able to tomorrow."

It was meant to teach me gratitude.
Instead, it wired me for anxiety, control, and the fear of not having enough.

And I don’t think I’m alone in this.

Scarcity doesn’t just show up around money.

For some, it’s about Love. Stability. Security. Worth.

It’s the quiet belief that whispers:
"I must hold on. I must play it safe. I must grip tighter—because what if I lose everything?"

And yet, here’s what I know:

The more we hold on in fear, the more we lose in presence.

It’s like an app running in the background, draining energy we don’t even realize we’re spending. And unless we consciously shut it down, compassionately close it out—it keeps pulling us away from life.

What Needs to Die—So You Can Fully Live?

I’ll be honest: This is a daily practice.

I don’t do it perfectly. I get stuck, I forget, I grip too tightly.
But there’s a whisper in me that always nudges me back to presence.

And so today, I’m pausing.

To ask myself:

✨ What am I gripping too tightly?
✨ What am I afraid to release?
✨ What belief, pattern, or identity am I willing to let die—so I can fully live?

And I invite you to do the same.

A Space to Explore This Together

I believe in making space for these conversations.

For pausing.
For sitting with the unknown instead of avoiding it.
For letting ourselves ask the hard questions, so we don’t sleepwalk through life.

And that’s why I created Calm & Connect.

A space for stillness. For noticing.
For letting go of what doesn’t serve us—and choosing what does.

If this resonates, come sit with me.

🌿 Join us in Calm & Connect.

💡 Looking for deeper work?
Let’s explore 1:1 coaching or an upcoming retreat.

🔗 Click Here to Learn More & Join the Conversation

The Call to Live. Fully. Deeply. Now.

There’s something stirring in me.

A whisper. A pull. A call I can’t quite name yet—but I can feel it.

And maybe, just maybe, you feel it too.

Lately, I’ve found myself asking: What does it truly mean to live?
Not just exist. Not just get through. But live.

To feel awake, to feel present, to feel—fully, deeply, now.

Because I don’t want to sleepwalk through this life. 

I don’t want to wake up one day and realize I missed it.

And so, I’ve been sitting with these questions:

💭 Am I alive when I get caught up in the mayhem of my mind?
💭 Am I alive when I replay old worries, waiting for the perfect time to act?
💭 Am I alive when I hold onto certainty, avoiding the stretch that real growth requires?

Or…

💡Am I alive when I lean into discomfort—because discomfort is often the first step toward something bigger?

💡Am I alive when I choose presence over autopilot? When I pause, breathe, and truly take in the moment?

💡Am I alive when I say yes to something my heart longs for, even if I don’t yet know where it will lead?

I don’t have the final answers. But I do know this:

I want to live.

And I want that for you, too.

What If Today Was Your Last?

I recently came across a story that stopped me in my tracks.

"I woke up as my 90-year-old self in my 32-year-old body… and it was amazing. I took the walk I always postponed. When my mother called, I cried, because it had been years since I’d heard her voice. A voice I took for granted before it was too late."

I sat with that for a long time.

Because it made me wonder…

📌 Who in my life do I take for granted?
📌 What am I waiting to do, say, or feel?
📌 What would I regret if tomorrow never came?

And if that wasn’t enough—this thought landed even deeper:

If today were my last, would I have been fully here for it?

Not just in the big ways—but in the quiet, ordinary moments.

☕ The first sip of morning coffee.
🌅 The way the sky shifts colors before the world wakes up.
👂 The sound of laughter from someone I love.

So often, we wait for the “big things” to wake us up. The promotion. The love story. The life-changing trip. But maybe—the things that make life worth living are already right in front of us.

The only question is: Are we here for them?

A Space to Sit With It All

Lately, I’ve been feeling a pull to shed another layer. To sit in the discomfort of peeling back what isn’t real—so I can step more fully into what is.

And if I’m honest? That’s not always easy.

Most of us resist stillness.
We avoid the unknown.
We fill space so we don’t have to feel.

But what if the discomfort isn’t something to fear—but something to lean into?
What if, instead of turning away from the uncertainty, we turned toward it?
What if we gave ourselves space to listen? To really listen?

🌿 That’s why I created Calm & Connect.

A space to sit in the unknown together. To listen, not just to our thoughts, but to something deeper. To create space for clarity to emerge—not by force, but by presence.

It’s for those who are willing to get uncomfortable in the pursuit of something greater. 

For those who want to live—not later, but now.

If this resonates, come sit with me, with us, this Sunday, March 16th.

If you’ve been feeling the pull to something more, but don’t know what’s next—let’s explore it together.

An Invitation to Listen

✨ What helps you come alive?
✨ What is your soul asking for?
✨ Are you willing to listen?
✨ Are you courageous enough to heed its request?

If this message speaks to you, I see you.

🌿 Want to sit with these questions in community?
Join us in Calm & Connect.

💡Looking for deeper work?
Let’s explore 1:1 coaching or an upcoming retreat.

🔗 Click Here to connect or simply reply to this email

Your Mind's Worst Trick—And How to Stop It 🙌

When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go?

It was one of those rare, sun-filled NYC days. The kind of day we all live for… The kind that either demands an unnecessary urgent work errand just to get outside—or turns an ordinary weekend into something magical. But instead of soaking in the moment, I was somewhere else completely, lost…drowning in the mayhem of my own mind.  

I was spiraling through everything at once:

🔹 The never-ending to-do list.

🔹 My grandmother’s cancer.

🔹 My dad’s terminal diagnosis.

🔹 The tens of millions worth of jewels stuck in Qatar’s customs under my charge.

Suddenly, before I knew it, I was back in Qatar—arguing with customs agents, my voice rising, my heart pounding. Then, somehow, I was being hauled off to jail, panic flooding my system as I feared I’d never see my father again.

✨ But here’s the thing…

I wasn’t in Qatar.
I wasn’t in jail….

I was still standing on a sunny NYC street, completely hijacked by my own mind.

My brain had taken a full-blown trip—dragging my body and a suitcase full of stress chemicals along with it. Because here’s the truth:

At that moment, my body was experiencing it all as if it were real. My cortisol and adrenaline were flooding my system. My breath was shallow. And while my brain was trying to prepare me for the worst, I wasn’t just thinking about it—I was living it.

And for what?

Not only was I suffering through a disaster that hadn’t happened (and never would), but I was also:
🤯 Debilitating any ability to think clearly or rationally.
😰 Completely destroying the moment in front of me.

And this wasn’t just an isolated incident. This was how I lived.

Every hammer my boss could drop? I lived it. Not once, not twice—more like 20,000 times. Meanwhile, in reality? They happened, but far from the frequency, I experienced it. 

Sounds Familiar?

I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this 😉 (Or maybe I am? 😅)

🌿 When was the last time your mind took you somewhere you didn’t want to go?
🌱 What stressors do you amplify in your mind that haven’t even happened yet?
✨ How might your day, your week, or your life change if you could redirect your mind toward clarity and peace?

Here’s what I know now: We don’t just suffer when something actually goes wrong. We suffer every time we relive it in our heads—before, during, and long after it’s passed.  Our minds are wired to scan for danger—they do this brilliantly.

But here’s the best part: we can work with our minds.

It takes practice. It’s our job to take the reins, to remind them what’s real, and to train them to come back to the present.

Bottom line?

You can train your mind. You can break the cycle. You can stop reliving disasters that never happen—and start taking back control.

How?

1. Join Calm & Connect. (the best part? It's Free!) 🌿 

A space to pause, breathe, and retrain your mind to return to the present—so you can lead, live, and create from clarity instead of chaos.

📅 Next Session: Sunday, February 23rd at 10 AM CT

2. Dig deeper. I work 1:1 with heart-centered individuals, founders, leaders and high-achievers who are ready to shift their relationship with stress. Those who are ready to not just to feel better, but to think better, live better, and if appropriate, lead better. If you’re ready to step into a new way of leading and living, let’s talk.

Join a session or reach out to explore 1:1 coaching. Because peace isn’t just a concept—it’s a skill you can build.

Together, we can create space for peace, clarity, and impact. ✨

P.S. What’s one way you bring yourself back to the present when your mind runs away? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear. 💬

🎉 40 Years, New Beginnings, and Rising from the Ashes 🎉

Today is a special day—it's my 40th birthday! 🤩

Birthdays, for me, are an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate—not just the milestones but the moments that shape us, the challenges that stretch us, and the community that holds us through it all.

If you had told me at the start of 2024 what this year would hold, I don't know that I would have believed you. It began with uncertainty and the need to release a future I deeply wanted. 

There were moments that felt like standing in a pile of ashes, unsure of what would rise. But here's the thing about ashes: they make way for new growth, and when the time is right, something beautiful begins to emerge.

🔥 2024 taught me that letting go, though painful, creates space for the most incredible evolutions.

Here's what I'm celebrating as I step into 2025:

• Roots in Nashville: Finding a place that feels like home and embracing a city and community that has welcomed me with open arms.

• Growth in Coaching: Deepening my work with my clients and execs at CHIEF as I moved towards - and applied for my Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential (held by less than 5% of coaches!), a journey that has refined my practice and expanded my heart.

• Launching The Reset Room: A dream realized—a multi-sensory experience integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, and healing music to transform stress and inspire renewal.

These aren't just achievements. They're reflections of a year that asked me to trust the process, sit in discomfort, and make space for something new.

What are you celebrating as we step into 2025?
🌟 What challenges did you face head-on?
🌟 What growth are you most proud of?
🌟 What are you ready to release as you make space for what's next?

So often, we focus on what we want to change, but let's also take a moment to honor what we've already accomplished—the ways we've shown up, stretched ourselves, and grown.

Exciting Opportunities to Reset and Renew

1️) Calm & Connect: Returning in 2025 (New Zoom + Calendar Link!) I'm thrilled to announce that Calm & Connect is BACK, starting Sunday, January 12th, at 10 am CT, and will run every other week!

🗓 Special Note: The second session will take place on Saturday, January 25th, before returning to our usual rhythm.

These gatherings are a chance to ground yourself, find clarity, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Join whenever you can—your presence is always welcome.

👉 Mark your calendar and sign up here to be sure you get the links and can add it to your calendar! 😍

I'm overjoyed to announce UNBOUND, an intimate retreat for reset and renewal. Together, we'll embrace the healing power of mindfulness and connection, leaving you inspired and ready to step into the year ahead. I hope you can join and feel free to share with others in the Nashville area!

📍Nashville, TN
🗓 January 26, 2025; 1-5 PM CST
🌟 Learn more and reserve your spot here.

🤝 Together, Let's Rise 🌅

To anyone feeling like they're in the ashes right now: I see you. Hold on. Trust that something beautiful is rising within you.

Thank you for being part of this journey—through the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. Your support and presence mean more to me than words can express.

Here's to stepping into 2025 with clarity, courage, and a heart full of possibility. Let's celebrate the growth we've cultivated and the potential waiting to bloom.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Transform Success into True Fulfillment

Ever feel like you're running a race you didn't sign up for…

…Only to realize you're chasing your own shadow? 👥 

Me too. We spend so much time and energy trying to outrun our fears, our frustrations, those nagging voices in our heads…ultimately, simply, ourselves.

And the kicker? All that running, and we find out, we've only been on a treadmill, 🏃🏾‍♀️ never truly arriving at a new destination. There may be different people next to us, but deep down, it still feels the same.

In our last chat (and newsletter), we touched on the power of sitting with discomfort—particularly the discomfort of being with our emotions rather than trying to outrun them. Today, I want to take it a step further and explore how avoiding that discomfort actually limits us—keeping us from being the bold, innovative, and, quite frankly, amazing humans we're not only capable of being but meant to be—and already are, beneath the muck of our mental mess.

And all it really does is keep us disconnected from our true selves. It's like having a memory-draining app running in the background, constantly leaking our energy and keeping us in a battle with ourselves. 🔋

I've seen it time and time again—initially in my own life, and then ultimately in the lives of the incredible people and leaders I've had the privilege to work with. My work isn't just about helping people "tinker with their brains"—it's about guiding them to truly see themselves, to stop running, and to start embracing the amazing, unique, bright, beautiful beings they are.

Because when we stop battling ourselves and start living in alignment, everything changes.

Transforming Success into Fulfillment…

Have you ever hit that point where you've “made it” or reached that precious goal but still feel like something's missing? I've been there. Misery or apathy often tag along on that journey, sometimes in a seesaw with the ego's grip on success.

But here's the thing—when we learn to sit with ourselves, to really be present with all those messy, uncomfortable feelings, and acknowledge how we sometimes bury our heads in the sand or overlook what's really there, we unlock something incredible: choice. 

The choice to act from a place of alignment rather than fear, to connect deeply with who we really are, and to start living—really living.

 And that's when everything changes. 

 We stop just going through the motions and start connecting more authentically, building deeper relationships, and unleashing creativity and inspired leadership we didn't even know we had. It's uncomfortable at first, sure. But trust me, it's worth it.

Calm & Connect: A Space to Get Real (and Maybe Laugh a Little)

This Sunday, I'm inviting you to join our Calm & Connect session at 11am EST/8am PST. We'll dive into these ideas, probably share a few laughs, and explore practical steps you can take to start or deepen this journey. Whether you're just beginning or looking to take it up a notch, this session will have something for you—and maybe even a surprise or two.

Something Exciting (and a Little Mysterious) on the Horizon…

 I'm bursting at the seams with something new and exciting that's coming soon. It's an initiative I've been working on with some incredible co-collaborators, and it's all coming together at a major conference in September. I can't wait to share more with you—stay tuned!

 In the meantime, if you're ready to stop running and start living in alignment, let's connect. Whether it's for yourself or your organization, I'm here to help you lead with clarity, heart, and maybe even a bit of irreverence. For some immediate zen, check out my Insight Timer page—more meditations are on the way because, yes, my Calm & Connect Community has spoken!

Embracing Change and Living in the Moment: My Journey to Nashville

LOVE, LOSS, AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Good morning!

It's been a while, and I've missed connecting with you. We have a lot to catch up on. Since we last connected, I embarked on quite a journey: returning from my six-month semi-sabbatical in Victoria, BC—a place I hold dear—spending a brief moment in Colorado with family, friends, and colleagues, and finally making a permanent move to Nashville, TN.

On May 6th, 2024, my entire storage unit, locked away since 2021, arrived from Texas. On May 7th, my heart ached as I said goodbye to one of the most precious beings in my life: my 16-year-old Maltese, Cooper.🐾

It felt as though he was saying, “Mom, I got you home. Now it's my time to rest.” 

Over the years, doctors warned me to prepare for this moment. But Cooper had an incredible spirit and seemed to live on nine lives. Each moment we shared, particularly towards the end, reminded me of a profound truth: we never know how long we have with the ones we love.

This realization can either paralyze us with fear and anxiety or be a precious gift—an opportunity to embrace each moment with love, gratitude, and presence.

In our Western culture, we often avoid discussing aging, death, and dying. We fear it and swipe left when it comes up. However, in cultures like Mexico, where age and death are embraced, every moment is lived with greater vitality and appreciation. By accepting the inevitable, it no longer lingers in the shadows but fiercely reminds us that every moment is unique and precious.

Living in Gratitude + Embracing New Beginnings🙏🏼

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize the preciousness of time and the importance of living in the present. We often get caught up in the hustle, forgetting to savor the beauty of each moment. But life, in all its imperfections, offers countless opportunities for gratitude and growth.

 And as I settle into Nashville, I'm excited about the new friendships and opportunities this city will bring. If you know anyone in Nashville who might be interested in connecting—whether for friendship or professional collaborations—I'd love an introduction - so please do not hesitate to reply to this email!!

Exciting Work Ahead🎉

On the professional front, there's a lot happening. At the end of the month, I'll be running two Unleash Mindful Leadership sessions for a global investment bank, an executive presence + public speaking event for a tech company, and several events focusing on how to effectively navigate stress—essential with the upcoming elections—and how to shift from frustration and fear to courage and innovation.

If your organization could benefit from our support and expertise, I'd love to explore how we can collaborate. Now is the perfect time to start the conversation, as we'll soon be stepping into the busy fall and election season. Let's work together to create resilient, mindful, and empowered teams.

An Invitation to Reflect and Connect

Today, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with time and change. Where might you be holding back in fear? How can you embrace the present moment with more gratitude and love?

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let's continue to embrace change, nurture our endeavors, and trust in the unfolding beauty of life

P.S. If you're navigating your own sea of change, remember: it's not just about weathering the storm. It's about developing the skills and learning to sail in new directions. If you're ready to embrace and cultivate change, reach out—I'd love to hear from you!

P.P.S. Don't forget to join us for Calm & Connect this Sunday, June 16th at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST. It's a wonderful way to strengthen the muscle of mindfulness and dive into essential reflection alongside others.

Unlock Your Brain's 🧠 True Potential: Embrace Change Like Never Before

Earlier this month we started to explore the concept - and waves - of change; we also began to address how to move with the rhythm rather than fight the tide.

Pertinent to this is understanding the brain's proclivity - or simply reflexive response - when it comes to change. While I shared a few tidbits, I'd like to dig deeper as it is my experience that when we understand “why” things happen (and understand it's simply habitual - but a habit we can break), it empowers us to leverage the levers at our disposal.

Because change - is the one inevitable - the one thing that no matter how hard we try to avoid - it's life's one guarantee.

The Brain: A Prediction Machine + Inner Cartographer

🔑 Recognizing this simple, millennia old affect is the first key to etching a new path.

The Paradox of Planning

While planning is invaluable, becoming too enmeshed in our blueprints can detach us from the richness of the present moment. We risk living more in the hypotheticals of our plans rather than in the vibrant, sometimes messy reality of life's unfolding.

Being present, while uncomfortable, can actually free us from the angst, and enable us to see - and grab hold of - the otherwise unforeseen opportunities that present themselves.

The true art lies in balancing our gaze -forward into the future (rather than simply re-creating the past)  while rooting firmly in the now.

Mindfulness: The Keys to Expansive Living

An Invitation to Practice 🙏🏼

This month, I invite you into a simple and profound  mindful practice: whenever you start planning too far ahead, gently guide your focus back to the now. Observe your environment, the air you breathe, and the thoughts passing through your mind. Bonus? Commit to daily inspiration… Whether it's simply googling “inspiring quotes” or reaching for a visual that lifts your heart, I promise it's impact will create fertile ground for etching new pathways and possibilities in your mind.

As we continue navigating life's changes, let's commit to living expansively, beyond the limits of our past experiences. Embrace the beauty and unpredictability of life's unfolding journey.

P.S. Embracing change isn't just about adjusting to new external circumstances; it's also an inward journey of growth and discovery. I'm here with you, every step of the way.

P.P.S - Join us for this weekend's Calm & Connect on Sunday, April 28th at 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST. It's a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness, embrace invaluable reflection, and connect with others who are on similar paths.

Unlock Your Inner Strength: Conquer Inner Critics 🔓💪

I recently dove into the world of imposter syndrome and our inner critics, revealing how they can dominate our thoughts and, by extension, shape our lives. With a staggering 70% of women and 50% of men experiencing imposter syndrome—and even more grappling with their inner critics—it's clear this is a universal challenge.

But here's the game-changer: a simple yet profound tool that turns the tide on both fronts. Remember how we talked about pausing when these voices emerge? It's because battling or ignoring them only amplifies their influence, muddying our mental clarity and pushing us into reactive states—be it withdrawal or confrontation. This division, both within us and with others, stems from the fear that the world echoes our inner critics.

Pause, Acknowledge, Transform

Pausing to acknowledge these thoughts does more than silence them; it empowers us. Why do they exist? To keep us safe. But left unchecked, they're like inexperienced tween drivers at the wheel – convinced they know how to drive, but hand them the wheel and you're sure to find yourself in a pileup on the nearest interstate.😂

Here's where we can pivot: Recognize these thoughts for what they are, label them, and then actively engage with them through a transformative system I call Town Hall(SM). This isn't just about quieting the noise; it's about converting that cacophony into insights and wisdom that resonate with our deepest values.

Town Hall(SM): Your Mental Alchemy

This isn't theoretical jargon but a practical, values-aligned system grounded in brain science. It's about seeing through the fog, purifying our mental environment, and aligning actions with our core values rather than being puppeteered by fear.

Having facilitated this workshop for female executives and business owners, I've witnessed its power to illuminate and liberate. And now, I'm thrilled to extend this opportunity to you.

Join Us for a Transformative Journey

My desire is to share more of this with you through a workshop that promises to shift these concepts from theory to actionable practice. While it's a busy couple of months ahead, if the prospect of transforming your inner dialogue excites you, let's make it happen together.🤝

Are You In?

If your heart says, "Yes, I'm ready for change," simply reply with “ME!” or “Interested.” Your response will help gauge interest and possibly schedule another empowering event.

Here's to turning our inner critics into our greatest allies,

P.S. Just pausing to recognize these voices is already a massive step forward. But if you're craving more—if you're a seeker ready to harness the full power of your mind—this workshop is for you!

P.P.S. I am excited to continue digging further as well in THIS Sunday's Calm & Connect!

If you haven't already, sign up below!

The Critical Distinction Between Judgement and Discernment - And Why It’s Essential For Your Leadership

Did you know that the difference between Judgement and Discernment is HUGE, critical - AND it’s life and leadership transforming?? 👇

Discernment simply looks at the facts: what works, what won't, and can be a bridge to curiosity to look at how to navigate complex situations. It lacks the emotional baggage judgment carries.

Judgment, on the other hand, creates divides, within ourselves and others. It’s black and white, leaves no room for curiosity, and can stir self-righteousness, can make us (kinda) feel better about ourselves.. Or even really feel better about ourselves.

For example: discernment says “maybe my boss is overstressed, and scared herself and has not learned how to manage it well” Judgment on the other hand says “My boss has the emotional intelligence of a second grade squirrel.”

But again, it creates divides…

… and then when we direct it at ourselves, Ooph! That is a whole other talk and conversation - but it is worse than our worst critic.

… And judgment makes it really difficult to relate, communicate, collaborate, resolve issues, never mind innovate - and come up with out-of-the box solutions when it's most needed.

BUT as you start to leverage discernment, it begins to rewire habitual reactions - shifts your state of mind - which shifts your actions, interactions and ultimately the results that you get.

Where could you leverage a bit of discernment? It’s your game-changer.

If you are ready to embrace this game-changer, and not just understand but truly embody this difference, and want to connect for 1:1 coaching or corporate workshops, keynotes and trainings, reach out, let’s connect.

Imposter Syndrome

Unleash Your Inner Power: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Negative Thoughts

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the clutches of imposter syndrome? Or been at the mercy of relentless negative thoughts that seem to pop up at the most inopportune times? These challenges are more common than you might think, and the ability to conquer them is a skill that can revolutionize both your leadership prowess and your entire life.

Allow me to share a profound truth encapsulated in this timeless quote:

"Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own thoughts, unguarded. But once mastered, no one can help you as much." - The Dhammapada

The insidious trap we often fall into is taking every thought that crosses our mind as the absolute truth. Whether it's a self-critical whisper or a paralyzing fear, these thoughts are not indisputable facts. Instead, they are narratives we construct, narratives that we have the extraordinary power to reshape at any given moment.

Imagine embarking on a daring career move, pursuing a lofty dream, or stepping boldly beyond your comfort zone, all while being guided by these disempowering voices and narratives. It's a recipe for self-sabotage.

Here's a piece of advice: You deserve better. You deserve to lead from a place of strength, clarity, and self-assuredness.

But it requires Mindfulness. It requires Awareness… AND the intentional action and response to these thoughts.

Case in point: only a few weeks ago, I dove in with an executive, who in digging into what was holding him back from taking certain actions was a niggly voice saying “Really, do you think you really can??” Simply becoming aware, and then crafting a plan forward, with how to respond, how to take intentional action, was transformative.

This executive is not alone. It is a common story for all of us, and one I see day in and day out.

So together let’s address it.

I invite you to delve deeper into this crucial topic by reading my Forbes article: The Number 1 Voice Certain to Drive Your Leadership off the Deep End

 Discover the origins of these voices and learn how to harness them to supercharge your leadership effectiveness.

📖 Read the article here:

But don't let the insights stop there.

If you're ready to break free from the shackles of self-doubt and elevate your leadership journey, reach out and connect. I'm here to help you not only understand, but also master the art of overcoming these internal barriers.

Do you feel like your organization could benefit from some of these approaches and insights? I do many keynote and corporate events, tailored to the needs of your organization, so let’s connect.

Why Embracing Our Wholeness Is A Super Power

A month ago, as I wrapped 2022 and stepped into 2023, I took a week to dig deep with the most incredible group in Mexico, to reflect on my own leadership, life, and what lays ahead. And while some of the critical takeaways were ones I already “knew,” there was a new level in which these takeaways seeped into my being and consciousness.

Tremendously meaningful and directive as I plan for 2023 and what lays beyond, I wanted to share them with you, too.

🔑 We are so much more than how we identify ourselves. 🙋‍♀️ For many of us, we identify ourselves by a few, particular descriptors, pigeonholing ourselves with what is possible.

Not only does it minimize us, but quickly opens up a can of worms when we do not show up as we expect ourselves to: “magnetic,” "great communicator," "great friend,” or “stellar listener.” And instead of compassionately exploring “what’s up” for us in that moment, the habitual reaction is to self-flagellate and self-minimize: an approach which is widely ineffective and fails to embrace the reality of our wholeness and humanity.

The greater lesson?

The moment we embrace the wholeness of who we are - the completeness of our experience, we stop resisting the moments of “contrast.” Because it is precisely that resistance which causes us pain and suffering.

And as you embrace instead of resist, you access the wisdom, the insight and the completeness of your life and experiences.

🔑 The moment we drop our past we can more quickly create the life we desire. It’s easy - and very normal - to hold on to - and use - past stories as the reasons and justifications for why we are the way we are: resentful, angry, frustrated, not where we want to be.

But the moment we drop those stories, and simply instead look at where we are, and what we want to create - we no longer create from the past, but from a blank slate full of potential with a whole new spectrum of paint.. THAT is far more powerful than only using the colors of the past.

Ready to embrace your wholeness? Reach out. Let’s Connect for 1:1 leadership development. And if you want to join a community that is already doing so, join our Calm & Connect Mindfulness Community. 

How to Leverage the Power of A Pause + Micro Moments

Have you recently felt riddled with agitation? Or ever? If you have, you are not alone.

Let me tell you about a moment which, after intense agitation, changed everything: my perspective, my approach and my resolution. And it boiled down to a simple micro-moment. That moment where I chose to pause, to reflect, and pivot…

A few months ago, I had the gift of taking care of two precious, personality-filled pugs, Bear & Bella. In addition to their love, they offered invaluable lessons (click here for the first, fabulous edition :D ):

You know those mornings where you wake up and before you open your eyes, you are already agitated? At what, you have no idea! Perhaps it was a disturbing dream that you can’t even remember, but the urge is to go back to sleep and maybe, just maybe, shake the dream and shake the mood.

One particular morning, after a rough night of sleep, aware I had to deal with a sizable work issue, I groggily rolled over willing myself into a better mindset…

AND THEN… I smelled it.

This wasn’t the first day this had happened. It was the 5th(!!) day.

STRONG. Pungent. Poop. 😩

No matter how late I walked these precious pups - or how early I rose… 2 am on the living room floor was their newfound favorite time and place to relieve themselves.

Already agitated, you can imagine how this impacted my state of mind. I was DONE.

Done with the poo, done with the underlying agitation and issues.

As I knelt on the floor, scrubbing (and scrubbing… and scrubbing) the hardwood floor, I realized that my hands were mimicking my brain: attacking an issue, creating more distress and frustration.

So I stopped.

It was one of those micro-moments where I had a choice: further enmesh myself in my agitation and have that influence the rest of my day - which would be detrimental…

OR…

Pause, acknowledge the frustration without digging a deeper hole, and then pivot: look at how to best resolve the situation at hand and ask myself simple, yet critical situation-shifting questions.

Micro-moments are incredible opportunities that fill our days. And when we leverage them, we:

🧠 Reset and dramatically change the course of the hours and days that follow.

🧠 Turn around problematic situations with colleagues, clients and family members.

🧠 Create opportunities to ask a question (instead of jumping to conclusions), transforming our communication and relationships.

🧠 Reboot between engagements and meetings

🧠 Reroute problematic and debilitating inner dialogue

🧠 Ensure everyone feels heard and understood.

How do YOU leverage micro-moments?

It begins with awareness. It begins with mindfulness. And just like any muscle you build, it gets stronger with use.

Whether you set an alarm or use the “breathe” reminder on your phone, gift yourself regular moments to pause, reflect, and see if there is a simple or needed pivot.

I promise, you won’t regret it.

Ready for 1:1 Leadership + Development Coaching? Let's Talk.