Last November, I told you how my family returns to a beloved tradition we call our “thankfuls.” It’s a simple ritual—colorful 2×8 inch cardstock, a few Sharpies, and a basket in the kitchen—but it anchors us in something profound: the practice of noticing and naming what we’re grateful for. Throughout the month, we aim to jot down one…

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall invites us to pause, reflect, and realign. It’s a season of transition—one that gently nudges us to ask: What’s calling me right now? What needs tending, releasing, or reclaiming? This month, I’m approaching self-care not as a checklist, but as a quiet practice of listening. Listening to…

Welcome back to our final installment of Mindful Politics, a series born from my lived experience navigating political tension across Wyoming’s civic landscape, local communities, and even my own kitchen table.  Before we dive in, I need to be honest: the past two weeks have knocked the wind out of me. I had this column ready…

Mindful Politics, Part 3 of a 4-Part Series Politics isn’t just policy and position—it’s people. The way we engage with others, especially those who challenge us, matters just as much as what we stand for. If we want a healthier political culture, we must lead with emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence: What It Is—and Why It…

A Leadership Guide to Better Disagreements Mindful Politics, Part 2 of a 4-Part Series Conflict isn’t a sign of poor leadership—it’s a gateway to clarity, connection, and progress. When handled with intention, it can realign strategies, strengthen teams, and spark innovation. Psychologist and author Adam Grant reminds us, “We should agree to disagree more often.…

Warning – I’m going to talk about politics…but it’s going to be ok. It’s not just the book club story that troubles me—another friend recently shared about the polarizing discord surfacing in her dinner group. These friends, who have known each other for decades, raised their families together, worked together, and found each other in…

Anxious. Angry. Upset. Frustrated. Joyful. Are these states of being? Sentiments? Thoughts? Fun fact – I deleted my entire article after watching Pixar’s Inside Out 2 movie with my family last night. For those not up-to-date on current youth films, I assert this one transcends generational boundaries. Even if you don’t have children—please, go! My older teen and…

Does this ring a bell for all you Gen Xers out there? Perhaps some of you straddle the generational divide and are familiar with the 1984 film, Gremlins (and hopefully, millennials and Gens Y & Z, if your folks raised you right). Adhere to these three simple rules, and all will be well in the…

Well, here we are…the holidays are in the rearview mirror, school is in session and everyday life is back to the old grind. And January. Is. Already. Over. How on earth did that happen? In my ideal world, I should have already finished my 2023 reflections and mapped out my goals and intentions for this…

Recently, I tuned in to an NPR Fresh Air interview featuring Colman Domingo, where he discussed his role in the new musical adaptation of The Color Purple with Terry Gross. What caught my attention was Colman’s reflection on his character, Mister. He pointed out that Mister is the central character without a song, and he pondered on…

During the month of November, my family embarks on an annual tradition of practicing gratitude. We call it our “thankfuls.” It’s my job to run to the craft store to pick up a few packs of 2×8-inch colorful cardstock and Sharpie markers. They are kept in the kitchen in a basket where we can access them. The goal…

Here are a few ways I know that autumn is in the air: The leaves are turning colors and falling to the ground.  It’s getting colder.  My outside plants are nearly done…let’s be honest, they are almost dead. And at least one of my kids needs new pants because they grew this summer. Sounds familiar?…