Dare to Live Your Biggest, Boldest Life

As many people are shining a spotlight on Women’s History Month, I have been reflecting on the attributes of great women — past and present — that we can all be aware of and aim to amplify in our lives.

We might not rise (or care to rise) to leading a nation, like Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico. We might not aspire to be President of the European Commission like Ursela von der Leyden. Even with great physical talent, we might not care to aim for Olympic glory like Alysa Liu or Hilary Knight. 

What I dream of for women everywhere is that we step into our power and create lives that are bold, satisfying and impactful.

The path to living your greatness

Great women know what they really care about.

What means so much to you that you feel a deep desire to pursue it?

Your answers may well include personal and professional things.

Think about what matters for you. Your deep personal desires could be health-related. They could center on your family. They could be related to supporting a cause that’s close to your heart. They could be about pursuing a passion that brings you joy. 

Think about your professional life. Maybe you want to rise to new levels of leadership, shift your career direction entirely, or launch a new enterprise. Maybe you want to nurture and guide the next generation or focus on your legacy.

Maybe you dream of impacting your community, or the world!

Take time to note the things that really light up your heart now.

Great women fully appreciate and own their gifts, their genius!

Too many remarkable women I have spoken to and coached over the years fail to believe in their greatness. They may have lived in the shadows of others. They compare themselves to other people and feel less than. They may have had a hit to their confidence. They question themselves, they doubt, they feel like impostors.

A focus on self-love can make a world of difference.

Remind yourself every day of how capable you are and how meaningful your contributions are. Pause to appreciate yourself as often as possible.

Make time to do things that delight you, and do as many of those things as you can. When your spirit is fueled you will find it easier to see all the ways you shine, and routinely celebrate yourself.

Great women set bold visions for themselves.

Sit back, get quiet, and imagine yourself a year from now and what you wish your life to look like.

What will you have experienced and done?

Envision having reached that moment.

Where are you? What do you look like? How do you feel?

Also imagine yourself looking back at the risks you dared to take, and at the  adjustments you made along the way as you navigated toward the wonderful outcome!

Journal about all of it and reread your descriptions periodically.

Living your best life matters

Each of us has talent, intellect, spirit and passion we can tap into and amplify. Each of us is full of incalculable amounts of creative power. 

And no matter what stage of life you are at right now, what you do with that amplified passion and creative power makes a difference.

It counts. 

When you live your fullest most satisfying life you are not only happy and inspired, you touch others in meaningful ways you may never become aware of. The positive energy you bring into the world ripples far and wide.

So whatever you choose to make your focus now, when you pursue it with clarity, belief and passion, creating in myriad ways as you live day to day, be sure to appreciate the journey.

The way you move toward your vision is the gift.

It’s is the path to a life of enormous satisfaction.

And no matter what challenges show up, which are inevitable, you will know that there are always ways for you to create and overcome them.

I want women to take the lead to making this a better world.

Live the biggest brightest version of your life for yourself, and for all of us.

Your Challenges Can Make You Stronger

All of us have dealt with challenges.

It can feel like everything is going smoothly and we then get blind-sided by an event that seems to come out of nowhere. 

Or, we may have lived through a challenge that seemed endless.

You might be going through a challenge right now, and figuring out how to get past it.

Challenges show up in countless ways

Some are health-related. They can be sudden, can be short-lived, or may impact your life for a long time.

Some are related to work. These may include stress about the possibility of job cuts or the sudden loss of a position; coping with harassment; feeling pressure to reach unrealistic objectives; having to tolerate conditions that take a toll over time.

Personal challenges are often related to family dynamics or relationships. Marriages end. People close to us suffer illness or die. We adjust to parenting. We relocate and create new relationships in new places. We are close to someone who struggles with addiction, or addiction is a personal challenge.

Financial challenges can be the result of our own decisions and actions, those of people close to us, or external economic dynamics.

While there’s no single strategy for navigating life’s challenges or overcoming them, we have all made our way to the other side of challenges in our lives — sometimes muddling through, sometimes having found a straight path.

And once on the other side it can feel great, or far from great.

The other side of challenges

Having made it through a challenge we sometimes celebrate ourselves for having overcome it, or celebrate the the way we moved through it.

That’s a terrific place to find yourself, as it fortifies you with pride as well as confidence about facing future challenges.

And, it’s common to live with regret, shame or bitterness about the event or how we handled ourselves.

At other times we try and forget it happened or the way we showed up, and we aim to simply move on.

Your challenges can be great teachers

Try this brief exercise and see what you learn.

1. Take a moment and recall a challenge you have moved through.

The challenge may have been recent, or something that happened years ago.

2. Identify the primary emotion that comes up as you recall that challenge.

Whether you feel relief, pride, shame, sadness, bitterness or regret, let yourself breathe for a moment and feel the emotion.

3. Whether you feel good, feel pain, or are upset, realize that you have the opportunity to learn from the experience.

Your takeaways may be things you learned in hindsight, or something that you can see now, with fresh perspective.

• Maybe you can see that standing your ground has risks but also benefits.

• Maybe you can see that setting a clear boundary is a key to reaching a good outcome.

• Maybe you can see that asking for help is important and does not signify weakness.

• Maybe you can see that daring to look at what has been uncomfortable opens your eyes to a fresh, clear perspective.

• Maybe you can recognize an old knee-jerk reaction and envision how you can let it go in the future.

• Maybe you can see that you did the best you could, and that was actually a lot.

• Maybe you can see that taking care of yourself in the midst of a challenge makes a huge positive difference.

• Maybe you can see that you are strong and resourceful, even if you are not perfect.

• Maybe you can see how creative thinking helps to resolve problems.

The lessons will help you create your best future 

When you know that you have the capacity to navigate challenges big and small, and that whatever comes your way you can learn from the experience, you are able to face the future feeling resourceful and resilient.

That’s a powerful way to create your best life.

How Appreciation Shifts Your Mind and Energy

In the Northeast, where I live, it’s bitter cold and another blizzard is underway. Snow emergencies have been imposed — again. Schools are closed and work is disrupted — again.

And I am away.

I am savoring the warmth and sun and natural beauty of the Southwest, and feel deeply grateful to be here.

It is easy to appreciate that I was able to plan time away for a brief respite from winter, as well as to appreciate the good timing of being here now. 

And I am reminded that I can tune in to appreciation no matter what is happening in my life.

Appreciation shifts everything 

Much is written about the power of gratitude, and having a regular gratitude practice is terrific.

Appreciation is a bit broader and deeper than gratitude, and appreciation often generates gratitude.

Appreciation is about focusing on and recognizing the significance of something in the moment.

When you look for what you can appreciate, in any moment of your day, you shift your brain’s focus in incredible ways.

For example, even as you may be feeling upset, if you look for something to appreciate — perhaps delicious food at lunch, or a smile from someone you pass in a corridor — your brain will be triggered to release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

These chemicals boost happiness.

The brain will also release less cortisol, thus lowering stress.

The more often you focus on what you can appreciate, the more resilient you will feel.

And anxiety will be reduced.

You may even experience improved sleep and lower blood pressure.

When you regularly look for what to appreciate, you shift into a positive mindset and are able to see possibilities you might otherwise have missed. 

What you focus on impacts your energy

The focus you bring to your days has a huge impact on the energy you bring to everything you do.

When you train yourself to focus on what you can appreciate, you will more naturally feel optimistic, strong, eager, and confident.

That’s positively charged energy — and that energy will boost the way you approach everything — all of your tasks, every conversation, each decision.

You will see and feel your creative power expand!

New ideas will show up.

You will have new levels of belief in what you are capable of and envision bigger possibilities.

You will be resourceful and flexible.

In turn, you will more magnetically engage others.

And you will experience more great outcomes.

Who wouldn’t want more of all of that goodness?

A (small) challenge for you today

Aim to took for and feel appreciation all through your day.

Make notes as you go, or at the end of the day list those moments.

Then sit for 20 to 30 seconds to savor the appreciation.

Last, take a brief moment to appreciate yourself for doing it!

And if you like what happens, or think that it will get better with practice, repeat the process tomorrow.

And keep it going. 

Ask Better Questions, Transform Your Life

Have you considered the questions you ask — to yourself and others?

Do you tend to ask questions that lead to yes-and-no or finite answers, or do you ask questions that are open-ended?

Building awareness and consciously shifting the way you ask questions can have a significant impact on your life.

It’s easy to ask better questions 

While we tend to operate on automatic in many circumstances, bringing a small bit of attention to the way you frame questions will make a world of difference to what follows.

To begin asking other people better, open-ended questions today, start with the words “How,” or “What.”

Some examples of questions you might ask others, that lead to expansive conversations are:

• What possibilities have you considered?

• How would you describe...?

• What did you learn from that experience?

• How did that person impact you?

• What excites you the most these days?

Examples of questions you can frame for yourself, that can open fresh trains of thought are:

• What mattered most about that experience?

• What else might I have considered or tried?

• What would be a great outcome of exploring that option?

• How could that conversation have ended differently?

• What other responses might I consider now, that could lead to a satisfying outcome?

Experiment with what shows up in your day today. See how many opportunities there are to frame open-ended questions, and how many ways to ask them you come up with.

Why asking better questions makes life better

Questions like the examples above are great for many reasons:

• When you begin a questions with “How,” or “What” you elicit richer responses.

• The responses you’ll hear will be more descriptive.

• You are prompted to think more deeply.

• Thus you learn more. 

• And the insights that come to light are likely to spark fresh approaches you might never have considered.

• You also deepen connections in richer conversations.

The benefits grow over time

Improving the questions you ask will likely disrupt habitual patterns — habits of thinking and ways of responding to particular situations.

The more you ask better questions the more you create sparks that help you see and consider fresh perspectives and envision new possibilities.

You will see new ways you can take action, as well as new ways of interacting with others.

When seeing everything through a fresh lens becomes a routine experience, you will naturally be more curious, rather than defaulting to knee-jerk or old safe approaches to circumstances in front of you.

All of which amplifies the creative power you bring into all aspects of your work and life.

That powerful energy changes the way you see the world and the way you show up in the world.

You will feel more positive, have more confidence, and experience more agency as you move through life.

Ask great questions today and ignite the process!

What Do You Really Want? Start Dreaming

Do you know what you want? Really know — beyond an urge for a warm cup of coffee right now?

Do you get quiet and connect to your deep, deep desires?

Years back, when I asked women, “What do you want?” I was amazed at how many of them could not answer that question about anything deeply meaningful.

It no longer surprises me when tears well up, or when there’s significant frustration, because so many women are enormously disconnected from what they want.

Or, they have a feeling of not being worthy of the true desires about which they are aware.

How about you?

If I was sitting with you, looking into your eyes, and asked you, “What do you want?” and “What else do you want?” over and over for five full minutes, would a host of desires tumble out? Would it be a challenge to get to the heart of what you truly want? Would you struggle to give voice to your desires?

You are worthy

One thing that trips many women up is a deep sense of not being deserving of having desires for themselves.

Or, if they are aware of what they desire, they do not feel worthy of the thing (or things) they want. 

One remarkable, accomplished client of mine recently realized she doesn’t dare to dream. When we explored her resistance, she realized she keeps her focus on doing many things she cares about and is highly capable of, because she does not feel worthy of dreaming. 

And, when she thought of letting herself dream, and imagined the possibilities for what might emerge if she did, she was filled with discomfort. 

We are all worthy of dreaming — and exploring the dreams we find in our hearts!

A fundamental aspect of self-love — which is a foundation for being a creator of your most fulfilling life — is being able to listen lovingly to what is in your heart.

And having listened, when you cultivate abundant self-love, you feel that you are good enough. You know that you matter and that what you desire matters.

You know, too, that you must fully fill your own cup, first, in order to be there for other people in all the ways you care about, personally and professionally.

Connect to the desires you have now

Set aside a bit of quiet time — alone or with a close friend — and either write or speak things you want.

The things you find that you dearly want may be long-held desires, or may show up in the moment.

That’s why I recommend making a periodic practice of asking yourself questions like these:

• “What do I want?

• “What else do a I want?

• “What do I deeply desire?”

• “What do I dare to dream now?”

• “Is there something else I really want?”

• “If anything were possible, what would I pursue?”

• “Do I have a crazy big dream that’s so audacious it’s hard to consider?” 

• “If nobody would judge me I would love to [fill in the blank]”

• “Has a new desire shown up that I have not paid attention to?”

Do not edit yourself. And do not leave anything off the list because you do not know how that desire could be pursued, how it could become real, or what that reality might be like.

The point in this moment is to bring your desires to light. 

To sit with them. Play with what might be possible, and what you might do to explore something that showed up.

This step will wake up your heart and light up your spirit. 

It will ignite the creative power you are full of, that’s waiting to be accessed!

Your only job right now is to dream to get started. 

You’ll be able to decide when to explore the desires that speak loudest to you, and how you want to proceed. 

Trust your creative power to guide you

Once you get started you will realize that it doesn’t take any more energy to dream a big dream than a small one — so let yourself imagine the biggest possibilities as well as the small and significant dreams in your heart.

Then you can choose where and how you want to explore a dream or two.

The energy you ignite in the process of dreaming is your creative power. And you can trust that power — that’s rooted in your heart and your intuition — to steer you well. 

Try it for yourself and see.

There’s no downside to letting yourself dream or feeling worthy of your desires.

And the upside?

Your dreams, and your belief in your worthiness of what you desire, are the first steps to creating a more expansive, fulfilling future.

I invite you to start dreaming today.  

And then, use the spark you feel to take a tiny step toward creating one dream. 

Email me and let me know how it goes for you!

Set Intentions Without Expectations This Year

It’s February — we are already a month into the new year!

Now that the holidays are behind you and routines have settled into place, it’s a great time to pause and consider the big year in front of you.

Maybe you set goals for yourself.

Maybe you made a resolution or two.

Maybe you selected a word for yourself for this year. (And, if you still want to do that, you can grab my guide here).

No matter what you want for yourself in 2026, there are two keys that will help you to reach significant outcomes.

First, set intentions with care

Great outcomes begin with clear intentions.

And setting any clear intension entails thought. 

When you set a clear, meaningful intention you take a deep approach to defining what you want, as well as committing to what it will take to reach your intended outcome.

You might set an intention to take a particular action.

The action could be going to the gym regularly to get more exercise, or starting and sustaining a morning routine that will support you to have your best day.

The key is that to set an action as an intention, you’re prompted to think about why the action matters to you, and if it matters enough to commit to it consistently.

You might set an intention with an outcome in mind. 

The outcome might be achieving recognition related to your work, or setting a boundary that, when in place, will open more time for you to do things you love.

Setting an intention connected to an outcome entails thoughtfulness about what level of commitment you are will to make to see that outcome become your reality.

And, it’s important to consider what new way of showing up will be needed for you to reach that outcome. 

Then ask, “Who will I become to live my intentions?”

Whatever intentions you set, consider the question of who you need to be, or become, for those intentions to become your reality.

Perhaps you will need to feel truly worthy and value yourself enough to take the clear action called for by the intention you set.

Perhaps you will need to step into being a clearer communicator to see the outcome your desire become your reality.

Perhaps you will have to make a shift in an entrenched pattern or habit to become the woman who can stay committed over time and make her intention real.

Perhaps you will recognize that it’s time to ask for help in order to stay the course through the inevitable ups and downs you’ll experience along the way.

Watch out for expectations that can trip you up

Most of us, having set an intention, jump to a mental image of the way things should go:

• what the process should look like

• the speed we think we should move to see big results 

• what the outcome should look like

The problematic word to be wary of, that you may have spotted, is should. 

Every time you use the word should, you put an expectation in place — and, typically, a harsh expectation.

These expectations not only set you up for let-downs and self-recrimination, expectations close you off to possibilities for better ways to proceed.

They limit your ability to consider new possibilities and opportunities that you could not have foreseen at the start.

Expectations also tend to involve roles you think others will play, which often leads to disappointment or resentment.

When you get attached to specific ways things need to go, and precise outcomes, you are likely to fall short of the outcome fixed at the start. You set yourself up for frustration and also limit possibilities for different — often better — experiences along the way.

Here’s to a year of stepping into new, clearer ways of living so that your meaningful intentions become your reality.

Unlock Clarity Through Creative Expression

Last week, at the Creation Vacation retreat, I witnessed magic unfold.

I watched as women connected to their deep creative power and saw what emerged for each of them.

The opportunity to be fully expressed, as we all laughed and experienced expansive play, opened hearts.

Meaningful realizations came to light as we engaged in deep conversations, and those ideas were explored and expanded in quiet introspection and coaching conversations.

There was palpable ease as everyone was fully cared for — from our exquisite and comfortable surroundings, to eating scrumptious food, to being led in remarkable yoga, and working with a brilliant energy healer and teacher to embody the insights and intentions that showed up.

There is no question that each woman will experience a year that is focused, meaningful and satisfying in incredible ways, having gifted herself this experience.

I am filled with gratitude for the trust these women put in me, and for the way everyone showed up, was all-in, and shared love and support for everyone around her.

Creating brings clarity

When you create — in any way that delights you — your heart opens and has information that you can listen to.

Try it for yourself.

Choose a way to play and create that appeals to you.

If you want to play with colors, you might paint or draw, or combine colors and textures when you prepare food.

If you are excited about music, play an instrument, sing, or listen intently to music you love.

If you love to use your body, dance, hike, do yoga or work out.

You might write, do improv, arrange flowers, build in a workshop, make ceramics, or do many kinds of things with your hands.

When you make these ways of creating a regular part of your life, you’ll connect to insights, desires, and new ideas with ease.

They are accessible when you activate creative channels. 

Creative energy can carry you far

The more you tap your creative spirit and listen for the intuitive messages that show up, the more clarity you will have — about what you want, what really matters, and great ways you can take action toward the outcomes you want. 

And when you are fueled by your creative power, taking aligned action becomes easier and easier over time. The more you keep that energy flowing, the less you will struggle.

Is it guaranteed that everything will magically and quickly progress as you dream it will? Of course not.

We are complex beings and we live in a world that changes all the time.

And, you can make it as smooth and easy as possible for yourself to make progress toward your desires. So why not explore that way of living?

And, you can get help!

While the Creation Vacation retreat for 2026 is in the books, the Live Big Live 2026 retreat is just a few months away.

Why not check out that opportunity, to accelerate your path and have loving support and guidance to live your best life?

here are some special moments of the Creation Vacation experience last week!

Build Creative Power in 3 Simple Ways

It's a joy to write to you each week and share ways you can claim and amplify your creative power. My mission is to help women everywhere to create and live their biggest, best lives. 

Today, I am away leading my annual Creation Vacation retreat. I am filled with joyous energy as we are creating in fun and stimulating ways, diving deeply into what is revealed for each woman when we tap that energy, and focusing on where each woman wants to go — propelled by vibrant creative energy — in the year ahead.

3 ways you can build creative power now

Although you are not at the retreat with us, I’m happy to share 3 ways you can activate creative energy and power on your own that can have a big impact on your year. 

1. Claim your greatness!

It is crucial that you appreciate all of your genius in order to show up fully and create your best life. 

And, I know that for many amazing women, it feels boastful to name and claim their gifts.

Some also tend to minimize the attributes that make them special and remarkable — sometimes out of modesty, and more often because they fail to believe that they are really amazing. 

The truth is that we all are filled with greatness, and we need to acknowledge it to be powerful creators of amazing lives!

My invitation is for you to sit and write down everything that is special about you. Take your time and note all of your gifts and strengths — from the smallest to the greatest. 

Are you kind? Sensitive? Loving? Smart? Considerate? Generous?

Do you bring laughter into the world? Contribute new ideas? Take bold action? Solve problems?

Do you create beauty? Delight and inspire others? Write or sing or dance?

Write down every way that you are special!

You might ask a close friend what she sees as special about you. Add what she says to what you wrote.

Then look back at the list and breathe slowly as you take it all in. You might read the list each morning for several days. Keep it where you can reread it any time your belief in yourself falters.

Keeping your belief in and appreciation of yourself strong provides a solid foundation for creating your best life.

2. Spark your spirit!

Think about what lights you up.

Maybe it’s spending time with family or friends. Maybe you feel best when you are outdoors. Maybe you crave quiet and time alone to read and rest. Maybe going on adventures excites you. Maybe hearing live music or visiting a museum makes you feel amazing. Maybe travel, and planning travel, fills you with excitement.

Plan for ways to do things that fill you with joy, and aim to include small experiences that fuel you in your life on a regular basis.

The more you “feed” your spirit with joyous energy, the more creative energy you will bring to everything.

3. Imagine with abandon.

Now, envision ways you want your year to unfold.

Having embraced a solid appreciation of yourself, coupled with vibrant joy in your heart, you’ll be ready to tap into a vivid vision.

What do you desire?

What do you dream of?

What evolution of your life now can you name? Maybe it will be a big change in your current reality. Consider small things, bigger things, or a mix.

And bear in mind that it doesn’t take more effort to dream a big dream than a small one, so let your heart lead you!

Write down what you can envision for yourself at the end of 2026 based on your visions.

And think, too, about who you want and need to be to take steps to make that vision real.

You can write it out, compose images on a vision board, share your vision with a close friend — or all three things.

Then think of one small step you can do today to move in the direction of realizing your vision.

Be gentle — and commit to consistent action

Consciously moving toward a new way of being, to realize a compelling vision, can feel daunting. 

Yet as counterintuitive as it may sound, the best way to make meaningful shifts and realize significant change is to take very small, consistent steps over time.

Keep reminding yourself of all of your genius. 

Keep lighting up your heart.

And commit to taking small, consistent steps forward. Even if you find yourself backsliding from time to time, keep your commitment to taking small steps.

And reach out if you want to consider having support to fully believe in yourself, to stay on track, to keep your energy fueled, to set a compelling vision, and to make faster, smoother progress to living the life you envision.

Book a chat with me here.

Whether we determine that private coaching is ideal for you or there’s another way you choose to move forward, we’ll have a meaningful conversation.

3 Daily Practices to Elevate Your Spirit

I hope your 2026 is off to a great start!

As I reflect on the magical time I spent in Paris over the holidays, I am not only savoring many precious experiences — I feel heightened awareness about the importance of seeking opportunities to fortify my spirit every day.

Because I am committed to living a meaningful and happy life, and I want to feel strong and resilient no matter what is happening around me.

If you, too, feel a desire to live that way you can include small yet powerful daily practices in your routine, like many that made my time in Paris so special.

I intend to continue to build these practices into my life, and I’m happy to share ideas that you can choose from.

Attend to your heart. It can be easy — and fun!

In addition to eating healthy foods and staying active to support your heart, bear in mind that your heart is a center of emotion. It is where desire lives. It has intelligence. It is the home of your spirit.

And when you honor and nourish your spirit, it responds in wonderful ways.

Consider these ways to elevate your spirit each day:

1. Seek out beauty

No matter what environment you move through, there is always an opportunity to spot something beautiful. (In fact, there’s a chapter in my book, Live Big, about this, called See Wonder. It has terrific exercises to help you make this a regular practice.)

The beauty you notice might be a color, an image, a person wearing something that catches your eye, a building, the composition of food on a plate, the sky. The possibilities are endless!

The key is that when you notice beauty, take a moment to savor it. Reflect on it. Perhaps you’ll see even more about it that's noteworthy, or you might recall something similar from a memory, or you might think of someone to tell about it. 

When you spend as little as 20 seconds savoring something, you “save it to disk” in your brain and your spirit — rather than it being a fleeting moment that slips away forever.

2. Look for and spot inspiration

The inspiration might come from a work of art, from something small and interesting you notice as you move through your day, from a person with energy or ideas that impress you, from something you read, from something that surprises you.

And in the same way that savoring beauty for as little as 20 seconds “locks in” the awareness, savoring things that inspire you will have a lasting positive impact.

3. Feel joy

This will be easy on many days — when you look into the eyes of someone special, when you share laughter, when someone does something special for you, when you achieve something your have worked toward.

When that joy shows up, recognize how precious it is. Savor it just like beauty and inspiration.

And on days that are more difficult, you can create joy. 

How?

Think about a way to connect to someone special. Go to a place that makes you happy. Do something for someone that will lift their spirits — and yours will be lifted, too. Draw, compose a poem, play an instrument, or sing. Take a walk and admire the sky and your surroundings. 

Even when things feel heavy, joy and awe can be part of your day!

And cultivating that joy will buoy your spirit and lift your mood in ways that will have meaningful benefits.

Watch your creative power soar

Having fortified your spirit when you incorporate these practices daily, the wealth of great creative power you naturally possess becomes easy to tap — and in time, may even feel effortless!

Your thoughts will be more expansive as you see possibilities and put ideas together with the fuel of an elevated spirit.

You will show up in the world more authentically and vibrantly. That energy will be magnetic.

You will be able to create visions for what is possible, in all dimensions of your life, that are vivid and feel exciting to test and pursue.

You will feel strong and filled with hope, knowing that you are creatively powerful and resourceful.

My dream is that women everywhere (and men, too!) will adopt these small practices. I know that together we impact the world in marvelous ways — in 2026 and beyond.

Paris memories — the gate at the entrance to the courtyard of our flat, and inside the apartment; the incredible Gerhard Richter retrospective at Foundation Louis Vuitton; the Bourse de Commerce museum, where we saw the Minimal exhibition; inside Les Deux Magot, the cafe famous for the luminaries of literature who gathered there; flowers inside the iconic Art Deco building of the Samaritaine department store.

My 2026 Word is RISE — What’s Yours?

Happy new year!

I am writing to you from Paris, where my husband and I are enjoying a short visit. We are seeing family, fabulous art, and are thrilled to be back in this magical city. 

No matter where I am at the start of a new year, I always feel exciting energy. Maybe you do, too.

I hope the first few days of your 2026 have been filled with love and joy.

What’s your personal vision for the new year?

I am curious to know if you have chosen a Word of the Year for yourself (that I wrote about last week). If so, I am excited for you!

And if not, early in 2026 is a great time to use my process and set yourself up for a wonderful year.

You can grab your free guide to choosing a Word of the Year here.

Use it to find a special word that will support you to live with intention and inspiration all year long.

My word for 2026

Last week, when I wrote about the Word of the Year process I’ve used for the last decade, I had not yet settled on my choice of a word for this new year.

That surprised a lot of people, and many have been curious to know my word. 

It took me a bit more time this year than usual to feel clear about my word.

I chose RISE.

As I sat with several choices, “RISE” most resonated as a word to inspire me — and provide energy for — the way I want to show up this year.

I also expanded on the way I want my word of the year to serve me.

I have a template I use each year, that I set up and then print. I pin the sheet with my word next to my desk, where I see it each day.

I will be happy to set up the Word of the Year this way for the first 10 women to request one — and will send an image file that can be printed out.

If you’d like that for yourself, email me to tell me your word. And include the supporting text you want, too.

Let’s all show up vibrantly this year! 

No matter what is happening in your life, choosing a word to support and inspire you can help you make each day the best one possible.

You might feel that a word like TRUST, or FAITH, or COURAGE are what you most need this year.

You might feel that a word such as SOAR or LEAD or ADVENTURE is aligned with what you are here for this year.

Maybe a word like REST, PEACE, HEALTH or NOURISH will make this year your best ever.

Please remember that you are filled with creative power, and that that power can be called upon in times of challenge, days that flow with ease, and times of great possibility.

Let’s all move through our lives feeling our creative power and using it. The world needs us all to show up fully and make our most meaningful contributions.

Choose Your Word of the Year for 2026

Starting a new year is, metaphorically, like stepping over a threshold — entering a new space that is separate from where you have been. 

And transitions of any kind mean change — although many people drift across the calendar transition, maybe with a quick resolution in mind, and then keep living as they have been.

This moment offers all of us an opportunity to think more deeply, and focus specifically, on the life we want to live the next 12 months.

What do you truly want in 2026?

In this transition to a fresh new year, do you feel called to do something new? To do more of something you’re doing now? To let something go? To embrace a particular way of being in your day-to-day life?

I invite you to think of entering a beautiful expansive place filled with great possibilities, and choosing the way you want to live in the new year.

To help you sharpen your focus and live your best year, I am happy to offer you a tool that I have used for years. It helps you to get crystal clear about a focus and quality of life that will be meaningful, and be inspired to take aligned action.

I and many of my clients have found this to be a remarkably helpful tool to use at the start of each new year.

Choosing a Word of the Year is powerful

While it may sound surprising, a carefully-chosen word has proven over and over to guide me in more ways than I initially envisioned.

The key is to get quiet and then move through a process of discovery.

Start by listening

Begin by kindling a light from within. Connect to the desires in your heart. 

Ask your heart what it wants. Ask if there are things it craves.

Then sit and listen.

You may hear whispers or bold statements.

Whatever you hear, think next about something small you can do to respond to a deep desire that can be satisfied with ease.

Honor what you hear

If, for instance, your heart longs for quiet, set time aside in a peaceful place. Make it beautiful. Light a candle. If you have flowers, put them where you will be. Add a scent that pleases you. Then savor the quiet.

If your heart asks for connection, reach out to someone and make a date. Or call a special person who is far away. Or plan a lovely way to spend time with someone about whom you care.

If there are a number of things your heart yearns for, aim to satisfy those desires gently and lovingly. 

Next, use a focused process to guide you

It is my pleasure to offer you a process I have honed that will help you choose a word that aligns for you, and will anchor you to what you want in the year ahead.

The words I have selected over recent years have made a tremendous difference for me. Here are a few of them.

Several years back I chose DEPTH. I yearned to dive deep into learning more and also do deeper work with my clients. My word inspired me to create new retreats, to take women deep into their hearts and find satisfying paths forward. 

In 2024 I chose IMPACT. I aimed to keep a keen focus on ways my work could touch and support as many women as possible. The word supported me to do more speaking, and to create a new program to bring into organizations to help women thrive personally and professionally. 

At the start of 2025, I chose SPACIOUS to guide my year. I have looked at that word each day, where it is tacked to the wall next to my desk. It has reminded my to simplify, embrace play, commit to a lighter schedule, and get more help.

To guide you to find a meaningful word that fits you for 2026, click here to download my PDF. It will walk you through 3 thoughtful steps.

(You can also click on the image above to get the PDF.)

You may quickly find a word that feels just right, as I have in some years.

Or, you may consider a word or two for a couple of days, even explore a synonym that is more nuanced and inspiring, and then land on the word that’s just right for you in 2026.

(A few years back, a client had started with the word THRIVE, and came to realize that FLOURISH would be an even clearer guiding word.)

And give yourself bonus points if you add a sentence or two, as a reminder of the ways you want your word to support you.

Living your Word of the Year 

As you will see when you download the PDF, I suggest printing out your word in large bold letters, and putting it where you will see it and be reminded of it each day — so you gain the greatest benefit from this process. 

And I welcome you to share the word you choose for 2026! Email me

One last thing…To supercharge your 2026, consider joining me and an intimate group of amazing women at Creation Vacation! There’s still an open spot for this glorious annual retreat that starts January 19. Let’s talk to see if it’s the perfect fit for you now, or if there’s another path to your most rewarding, fulfilling future.

Kindle Light & Love This Winter Season

The dark sets in early each day of December in North America.

And for many of us, it is very cold now. At this time of year we particularly crave warmth and light.

And while being in a well-heated home and having ample warm clothes are essentials for which to be grateful, the power of light is sometimes overlooked.

Yes, it’s delightful to put up lights for the holidays. Yes, we lit Chanukah candles last week and marveled at their glow.

And there are many special ways to bring light into our lives — and the wider world.

Start by lighting up your heart

You can kindle light from within when you connect to the desires in your heart. 

Ask your heart what it wants, and if there are things it craves.

Then sit and listen.

You may hear whispers or bold statements.

Whatever you hear, think about something small you can do to honor a desire.

If, for instance, your heart longs for quiet, set time aside to be in a peaceful place. Make it beautiful. Light a candle. If you have flowers, put them where you will be. Add a scent that pleases you. Then savor the quiet.

If your heart asks for connection, reach out to someone and make a date. Or call a special person who is far away. Or plan a lovely way to spend time with someone about whom you care.

If there are a number of things your heart yearns for, aim to satisfy those desires gently and lovingly.

And think about ways to continue to honor what your heart desires.

Cultivate love to add more light 

Love, in every form, is a powerful force.

The more we love the more light we generate.

Start with self-love

Self-love is the foundation for all love, and for your capacity to spread love.

Listening to and responding to the desires in your heart was one great way to cultivate self-love.

Add attention to caring for your body. How are you nourishing it? Are you giving it ample rest? What are you doing to stay strong and flexible?

And honor your spirit. Make a point of doing things that bring you joy. Create in any way that will fuel your heart!

Show your love to people who are special to you

We often overlook ways to express love to family, friends, colleagues.

Small expressions of appreciation, like putting a note at someone’s place at the table, or bringing a cup of tea to someone who is stressed can make their day.

Affirming someone who you see is struggling can mean the world to them.

Chipping in to help, even in a small way, is a great way to show you care about someone.

Tell people you love that you love them!

Spread love to the wider world

When you are filled with love and are generous with love to those near you, you will naturally spread love in wider ways.

You will smile with ease, with those you know and strangers.

You will be more present and listen more deeply.

You will naturally feel and express gratitude.

Holding a door for someone — whether their arms are full of packages or they are simply moving through a portal behind you — will be your norm.

You’ll smile at someone who’s busy or frazzled and wish them a happy day.

You may decide to volunteer, or contribute to causes that align with your values.

Let’s all bring light into our lives and the world

In the midst of darkness and cold, this is a precious time to connect and celebrate — the holidays of this season, ourselves, and one another.

We can collectively bring light and love into the world in myriad wonderful ways, and make the world a better place. 

That focus on light, love, connection, gratitude and joy, has great power.

Thank you for joining me to build our enormous collective power.

Manage Holiday Stress With More Ease

The end-of-year pace is picking up for most of us now.

With the holidays coming, most people are selecting gifts.

You may be planning for gatherings you’ve been invited to (anything from what you will wear, to who can look after children, to considering how the dynamics of specific conversations will play out), or you you may be hosting a gathering or two.

Maybe you are figuring out activities to put on the calendar, whether you are seeing friends, family, or are far away from people who are special in your life. 

And you may be thinking about the start of a whole new year — with excitement or trepidation.

How are you feeling about the coming weeks?

Are you excited and eager?

Are you feeling frazzled, tired, stressed?

Maybe some worry is showing up.

Take a moment to close your eyes to ask the question. See what shows up in both your mind and your body.

Many of us believe that our thoughts give us all the information we need, and fail to pay attention to our somatic sensations.

What we physically feel can be remarkably revealing.

For example, if you sense a tightness in your belly when you check in with yourself, or if your neck and shoulders feel soft and relaxed, you can connect the physical signals to the thoughts you observed and gain clarity.

There may be a correlation between thoughts and what you feel, or you may find that the sensations in your body provide a clue to something other than what you were thinking, or prompt you to explore deeper awareness than you had initially considered.

When you gain clear awareness, you can move ahead and make the most of the weeks ahead.

How to leverage your emotional awareness 

Most women find a mix of emotions show up when they check in with themselves, and at this time of year that is especially likely to happen.

And having that insight can help you to move through this busy time with as much ease and grace as possible.

These steps can make a world of difference any time you have identified a challenging emotion such as tension, concern, or feeling overwhelmed.

1. Clearly name the emotion

By naming a challenging emotion, you can often remove some of the intensity you feel, which in turn will make it be easier to find a thoughtful, creative path forward.

2. Pause, rather than pushing ahead

It may feel natural to plow ahead and aim to get productive. Or you may be inclined to minimize the power of the emotion and try and push it aside. Instead, honor yourself and take a short pause.

3. Take 3 slow deep breaths

When you choose to briefly sit with the emotion and take a few intentional deep breaths, you increase oxygen flow. That activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which, among other things, relaxes you and gives your body the signal that you are safe.

4. Talk with a trusted person or jot in a journal

This step supports you by helping you reflect specifically on the current situation. Speaking or writing brings clarity, as you find the words to express what you feel and what brought on the feeling, as well as how you are considering ways to move forward.

5. From a calm, clear place you can move ahead with more grace

After you have quieted your system and expressed your thoughts, you can look at the situation with more perspective. You will be less reactive. And you are likely to be able to reframe the situation, and see your opportunities to move ahead in new ways.

Create peace and there will be more space for joy

By taking a few quiet minutes to assess and move through emotions that get in your way (like tension, struggle, annoyance or stress) with intention, you are able to access more creative thinking.

That thinking will help you see things with perspective, and chart new ways forward that would otherwise probably not have occurred to you.

And once you are feeling clearer and steadier, you will feel different — lighter, better, able to see new possible paths and outcomes.

And whatever way you find to move ahead, there will be space for joy — or space for more joy — that when you started.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with peace, joy and love!

Give Yourself the Gift of Seeing Original Art

Seeing This painting by Jack Whitten at MoMA, took my breath away

Do you visit museums and galleries?

Have you thought about the difference between seeing a painting, a sculpture or other work of art on your phone or laptop, or in a printed book, and what you see and feel when you are in the presence of a work of original art?

I am fortunate to live in Boston, where there are many wonderful museums and outstanding galleries.

I often go to a museum for just an hour, to see the work of an artist in a special exhibition, or to wander and make unexpected discoveries. I love seeing sculptures in natural settings. And I enjoy popping into galleries to see new art.

(Happily, galleries are free to visit, and many museums are open without charge on particular evenings and weekend days.)

What happens when you see art

Being in the presence of something that has been created by an artist can be thrilling. It may make your heart flutter, pique your curiosity, surprise you, make you feel awe, or disturb you.

Whether you feel delight, confusion, or decide you don’t like what you see, you are stimulated in significant ways.

And that stimulation — that can vary from moment to moment as you walk through a gallery — has a bigger impact than you may imagine.

Physically and neurologically, studies have shown that dopamine is released (that makes you feel calm and provides sensations of pleasure), bloodflow to the brain increases (that can make you feel loving), and stress hormones decrease (less stress is always a plus!).

And with frequent exposure to art (in all forms), depression, anxiety and even pain are reduced. Your view of the world is positively impacted. Emotions are heightened, and empathy, tolerance and critical thinking skills all tend to increase.

Why seeing original art matters

As good as a reproduction may be — and most often, reproductions fall short of being accurate to the color of an original work — there is a lot that is missed when leafing through a printed catalogue, or clicking though a museum website.

Because the color you see in reproductions is bound to be duller, or brighter, or more garish than what you see standing in front of an original work. Thus you feel something very different compared to the response you’ll have seeing the original art.

You also miss relating to the scale of the work.

Standing before a tiny canvas or a huge one, or in the presence of a towering assembled sculpture or a smooth marble bust sitting atop a pedestal at eye level, impacts what you see and how you feel.

You also get to take in the surface of a painting. It may be smooth and flat, or the paint may be thick. The strokes may feel powerful and energetic (think of Vincent Van Gogh's vigorous paintings of landscapes and sunflowers). Observing these differences can impact your emotional response to the work.

Much as it can be great to listen to a good recording of music, if you have had the opportunity to be at a live concert to hear that same orchestra or singer, you know that what you felt was different in ways that elevated and expanded your experience.

Give yourself the gift of small art dates

I invite you to seek out experiences to engage with original art from time to time.

Being in the presence of human creative expression is amazingly powerful.

Whether you visit a museum or sculpture park or gallery alone, invite close friends to join you, or take kids in your life with you, you are bound to leave feeling renewed and inspired.

You are likely to feel happier, find yourself considering new perspectives, and you may even see the world around you through new eyes.

Your creative power will certainly be boosted!

And, if your experiences are anything like mine have been, the joy you’ll feel when you engage with art will linger for a delightfully long time.

Seek Inspiration to Ignite Your Spirit

For many people in the US, last week’s Thanksgiving holiday meant lots of sharing with family and friends. Many traveled or hosted gatherings, and some started shopping for the upcoming holidays.

All of the busyness was likely to have crowded out time for slowing down, savoring some quiet, and doing a bit of reflection.

And while the stimulation around the holiday may have felt great, there’s another kind of stimulation I treasure, that most women skimp on.

Stimulation can take different forms

The stimulation I carefully make time for — throughout the year — is found when I seek inspiration.

I make time to fill myself with wonder. I take in beauty for the sole purpose of opening my heart and expanding my spirit.

Sometimes that means going for a walk on a lovely day and pausing to notice the way the clouds look in the sky, the textures in the bark of a tree, the colors of a beautifully painted house, or the joy on the face of an adorable child walking with a parent.

Sometimes, I spend an hour at a local museum to see the work of an artist I love, or to discover something unexpected made by an artist whose work I’ve never seen before.

Sometimes I travel to experience scenery, food, art, history or music that is unique or new to me.

Sometimes I meet with a friend I have missed, and share an especially delicious cup of tea or coffee in a cozy shop.

The gifts are bountiful and splendid

Each time I treat myself to an hour or day or weekend (or a longer excursion) that offers me something special that is not part of my routine life, I feel amazed at what happens.

My spirit is ignited by the delight I feel.

My energy is boosted and my curiosity is fueled.

I find myself amazed by the creativity I have witnessed, and my creative fires are stoked in ways that lead to new forms of expression, sparks of insight, bigger ideas, and better solutions to conundrums I am sorting out.

I am able to reflect on everything in my current situation with fresh perspective.

And I feel new levels of joy, deeper love, and more grateful for everything in my life.

I invite you to seek opportunities to honor yourself and light up your spirit. 

Email me to share how your joy is sparked and your creative power is ignited!

Try This 5-Day Gratitude Challenge

This is the week that people everywhere focus on gratitude and saying thanks.

And gratitude is something terrific to make your focus, as I have written about in the past.

And still, I continue to learn about gratitude.

There’s a deeper layer to explore

For most of my life, my thoughts about gratitude were like those of most people.

I was grateful for a wonderful family, for having a comfortable home, for delicious healthy food (especially when sitting at a Thanksgiving table), for great friends, and whatever recent vacation I had just enjoyed.

My recent revelation about gratitude came from a friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Jenkins, who is a prominent Positive Psychology expert.

To take gratitude to a deeper and more powerful level, you begin by thinking about something you never wanted to have happen.

For instance, you or someone you love may have been stricken with illness. Maybe you lost a job, or had a romantic breakup, or you were in the path of a natural disaster.

With such an event in mind, think about something for which you can be grateful, such as something that you learned, some new relationship you formed, some opportunity that showed up for you, an unexpected positive outcome.

It may be hard to find a kernel of gratitude, yet there is ultimately something in every event that can be appreciated.

And when you are able to find that gratitude, your heart opens wider and your outlook on life is boosted.

I have found that the old saying that when one door closes another opens, has proven to be true— though sometimes it requires some distance and perspective to be able to see that truth.

Dr. Paul Jenkins suggests that you look for five such moments of gratitude for things that didn’t go well, and do that every day for five days. He says that the benefits of identifying that much deep gratitude can significantly change your life.

Why not try it after yourself this Thanksgiving week and see what happens for you. Email me, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Small Changes, Powerful Results: Start Today

Most of my life, I thought that big bold action was required if I wanted to make a significant change.

And in some cases, that was true.

When I realized it was time to sell my first business (after 27 years!), having felt the call to make a major career change and become a coach, I certainly took bold action.

Several years later, when I created retreats for women to have experiences that ignite their creative power and help them discover the path to a life that fully lights them up, big action was required.

And, I have come to understand — and experience — that making extremely small shifts is remarkably significant.

It is those small shifts that have led me to insights about what I desired enough to take bold action and make them real. 

“It has to be hard” is a myth

I’d resisted the idea of small changes having a big impact for a long time. It seemed counterintuitive.

And living in a culture that is focused on hard work, striving, and no-pain-no-gain, I rarely even considered what small changes I might make that could matter in a meaningful way.

And, as I was guided by great coaches, and then explored, learned, and tested, I experienced that I could make intentional small changes and the impact could be amazing.

Start thinking small for a change

I just spent four days at a powerful retreat with my coach, where we focused on an array of very small changes that can be enormously significant.

One of the most meaningful things I am taking away from the retreat is to remember that making extremely small shifts to my mindset leads to small and powerful shifts to my energy.

And the energy each of us brings to everything we do impacts the outcomes we experience.

You can try it for yourself.

Something small to try

This is one of the best ways I suggest to start making small, meaningful shifts that will support your strongest energy. 

Notice the language you use.  

Pay attention to your words — in conversations and in thoughts about yourself.

Spot the word “should.”

Also notice when the words “I have to” show up. They are another way that “should” sneaks up in our thoughts. And they are damaging words, particularly when used frequently.

It takes focus to catch yourself and it is worth doing!

Once spotted, substitute new words.

Try out: I want to, I get to, or it would will feel good to.

When you reframe by substituting one of these new phrases, you open a gateway to a reframe of your energy.

You will feel different.

Your outlook will be different.

Your physical posture may change, to sitting or standing talker, with a more open chest and open heart. It will feel good!

With that natural energy shift, you will move ahead in new ways, and you will experience new outcomes.

And in time, with repetition, you can change old habitual patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have limited you.

Bringing a focus to small modifications will bring rich rewards.

An ongoing way of living

The opportunity to notice small things — like thoughts that keep you in a state of harshness towards yourself (as described above), or fear, or doubt — and then consistently endeavor to make small adjustments to the way you think, will change you. 

Start with awareness.

Be intentional as you make small shifts.

Repeat. (Repetition is the magic ingredient!)

Experience the new energy you bring into every aspect of your life.

And importantly, make this process integral to the way you live. The quality of your day-to-day life will be transformed.

Savor the Hidden Gifts in Your Harvest

This moment of gratitude at the Creation Vacation retreat last year has filled my heart for many months

Welcome to many new readers! Thank you for being here — whether you are new to my weekly Big Ideas, or have been with me for a long time. I am grateful for our connection.

Gratitude in this season

Gratitude is something I focus on daily. And as we are nearing Thanksgiving in the US, there is a collective focus on gratitude with family and friends.

In the autumn, bringing awareness and focus to gratitude is aligned with the rhythm of nature. 

This is the time we harvest what we planted — literally and metaphorically.

For those who grow gardens, there is a visible bounty for which to feel grateful.

And, because we all reap what we have sown in our lives, we can focus on more dimensions of the harvest.

Life is always a mixed bag

We each reap an array of outcomes in our lives.

Consider that you are harvesting now what you created in your work, your efforts to build relationships, the new offerings you put out in the world, your attempts to connect in new ways, and what has landed in front of you by happenstance.

It is easy to feel grateful for the bounty that went well.

Yet we all reap things that did not go as we had hoped, or things that showed up and challenged us. 

Finding and feeling gratitude for things that disappointed me, or felt hurtful, or were hard to deal with, never used to cross my mind.

And, I have learned that looking for and finding the gifts in everything that happened — and feeling gratitude for all of it — has been incredibly meaningful.

Try this two-step approach

Step 1

Take a few moments to list wonderful things in your life this year.

The big things will show up right away.

Be sure to also include small moments. Like the kind person who helped you by holding a door open. A laugh you shared with a coworker. The nice remark a family member or friend or colleague made out of the blue.

Look over your list and savor the feelings that fill your heart. 

Step 2

Now make a new list. This time, write down things that have not gone to plan, or hurt you, or were tough to deal with.

Again, the big things will show up first.

Your list may include an opportunity you didn’t get. A relationship that was rocky. A loss you suffered. An illness you endured.

Include, too, a small rude moment, or a missed train that changed your whole day, or a careless remark that someone made that stung.

As you look over this list, consider what was there for you in each situation.

What lesson did you learn?

What new perspective did you gain?

What better outcome came your way?

As you find a kernel of gratitude for each item, jot that down in another color, or in a separate column.

Your opportunity is to feel appreciation for everything you identified or uncovered.

Let appreciation fill your heart and savor the gratitude.

The gratitude effect is tremendous, all year long

As you sit in gratitude, something subtle yet profound is happening on a cellular level. Your brain releases feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine) that elevate your mood.

And as you keep this practice going — you might write daily in a gratitude journal — you are likely to view the world through a lens that identifies the positive in every situation.

When you live with a more positive perspective, you experience less stress and more hope, you are more resilient, your sleep and your overall health are likely to improve, and your energy supports you to create with more ease.

The gifts that show up for you as you make gratitude for everything a regular practice will keep building!

Email me and share your insights, questions, or outcomes. I am always glad to hear from you.

Stop Overwhelming Yourself — Ask "Why?" First

When I Experiment Freely in my studio I always feel inspired and find that fresh insights emerge.

I was speaking to a colleague last week. When I commented on all that was on my to-do list, and my efforts to trim it down, she gave me a great gift.

Her amazing suggestion was to add a simple question after each entry:

Why?

Not only has this small tip helped me get clear on the most meaningful things to attend to on my list — and things to defer, drop or delegate —  it reminded me to pay attention to the "WHY" related to everything in my life.

The most powerful question you can ask 

Most of us focus on “what” to do.

We’re often overwhelmed by long lists of things that have to get done, things we feel obligated to do, things we offered to do to please someone, and a few things (usually at the end of the list) we want to do for pleasure.

We also think a lot about “how” to do things.

This focus typically leads to one of two paths — letting go of meaningful things because we do not already know how to do them, or going down rabbit-holes of research and how-to’s.

I invite you to start with “WHY?” instead.

And make it a practice to ask “Why?” regularly — for the smallest of matters in your day, not just the big initiatives that Simon Sinek spoke about in his famous TED Talk.

Because when you skip past the “Why?” there’s a high probability that you will get mired in efforts that are not squarely in the zone of what is most important — for you. 

Meaningful clarity is likely to emerge

Adding the “Why?” to items on my to-do list has been enormously helpful for me.

Because I always have ideas, and I get excited by them!

And, I know (from years of overwhelming myself) that if I pursue too many of those interesting ideas, I’ll be swamped, exhausted, and far from living the spacious life I yearn for.

Asking “Why?” has helped me to clarify the most important things for me now, and release things that are not aligned.

I am focusing my time, energy and attention on:

1. Coaching great women who want to move past what’s in the way for them and powerfully create their best lives;

2. Speaking to great audiences of women leaders to help them ignite their creative power, and understand how that power can be ignited to change cultures and improve results in their organizations;

3. Leading great retreats for women to have experiences that are deeply inspiring and truly life-changing;

4. Creating to express what is in my heart — painting every day and writing from my deep voice;

5. Sustaining a daily practice to stay strong and healthy.

What will your “why’s” bring to light?

This process can be fun. It is easy to do. And what happens can make a significant difference — today and for your future.

If you choose to start with “Why?” and it sharpens your clarity, I would be delighted for you to share what shows up for you.

Email me, or we can hop on a call.

Magic From France: Create Your Own Wonder

I’ve returned from L'Aventure Française, the annual retreat I lead in France.

After all of the excitement of planning the retreat and then leading each day, I am resting as I savor more incredible moments than I can count.

The retreat was a remarkable experience — for the wonderful women who were with me, and for me.

Surprises and wonder filled each day as we immersed ourselves in the magic of art, food, culture and beauty in Paris, and then slowed the pace in the glorious French countryside.

We saw wonders all around us, created joyously, went deep in coaching conversations, played, and reveled in the magic of being in such a spectacular place, with hosts who poured love into each moment we spent there.

I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on so many moments and the many ways each of us was transformed by all we experienced.

It’s a delight to share images from the last days of the retreat in the Dordogne, when we explored markets and villages, ate wonderfully, and created joyously. 

As the insights continue to surface for all of us, we will share and process more, and I will share more with you.

Magic is available to each of us

My wish for you today is to find moments of magic in your midst, wherever you are.

Listen to your heart.

What is it asking for? What questions and insights show up in the quiet?

And let your imagination take you to places you want to explore!

Create visions for things that will delight you, in simple moments and big adventures that call to you

You are full of creative power that can be used in infinite ways!

Start with something today that will nurture your well-being and inspire you. That energy will be infused in everything you do.