CHOOSE WELLNESS, EMBRACE STRENGTH AND LIVE YOUR LEGACY

New possibilities rarely announce themselves as opportunities. For leaders, they usually arrive as friction, misalignment, fatigue, or the quiet sense that the way things used to work no longer does. We're conditioned to push through that discomfort.  To optimize, restructure, or power forward.  But effective leadership requires discernment, not just endurance. Discomfort isn't always a problem to solve; sometimes it's data asking to be examined.    New possibilities don't emerge from doing more of the same, just better.  They emerge when leaders are willing to question long-held assumptions , outdated measures of success , and decisions driven by familiarity rather than relevance. Leadership isn't proven by how long you can tolerate what no longer fits.  It's demonstrated by what you're willing to re-evaluate, even when the answers aren't convenient. Before asking what's next for your team or organization, ask this: What are you continuing to def...

Beginning today, December 1st, and every day through December 31, I'll be sharing a funding opportunity.  This month, I'm focusing on making information accessible and highlighting resources that can help nonprofits grow, stabilize, innovate, and expand their work.  Too often, organizations operate in isolation, competing for the same dollars and carrying the same burdens alone.  But the truth is this: the sector is stronger when information is shared, not guarded. My goal this month is simple: To highlight what collaboration can look like. To encourage organizations to support each other rather than compete. To emphasize the impact of passing it forward. To remind leaders that generosity starts with sharing what we know. There is room for every mission.  There is funding for every vision.  There is an impact waiting for every organization willing to step into it. And, for those who know me, I keep it real.  While collaboration is the ideal, not every nonpr...

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I'm giving myself permission to slow down and breathe.  This season isn't just about a table full of food or a crowded room of people; it's also an invitation to pause.  To refocus.  To regenerate.  To reflect on what truly matters. I've learned that gratitude isn't always loud; sometimes it's quiet.   Sometimes it shows up in the lessons we didn't ask for, the strength we didn't know we had, or the people who stayed when life felt unsteady. Grace and new beginnings have marked this year in particular.  I'm thankful for my supportive husband, my family, and my inner circle - the people who speak life into me and hold space for me.  I'm grateful for clarity, courage, and strength, and the ways each one continues to shape my purpose. I also want to acknowledge that this holiday isn't joyful for everyone.  For many, it brings complicated emotions, empty seats, or memories that sit heavy.  I have my ow...

Let me share something others don't like to say out loud. Raising a child with complex emotional or behavioral needs is not the storybook version of parenting.  It's a journey that will change you, challenge you, and force you to grow in places you never expected. I will speak the truth that others are living but too exhausted, too judged, or too afraid to say out loud.  I have been there, I've survived it, and I'm still walking this journey. The Part No One Prepares You For Your child's needs don't fit the categories, the checkboxes, or the assumptions.  Yet, somehow, you're expected to explain the unexplainable to professionals who see symptoms instead of the child. No one prepares you for the fear. No one prepares you for the silence. No one prepares you; no matter how much you try, it's never enough. No one prepares you for how fast people disappear when your story doesn't fit the narrative. The Reality Behind Closed Doors There is the life you s...

People often wonder how certain caregivers end up carrying some of the hardest responsibilities.  If you're unfamiliar with Erma Bombeck's timeless piece, " The Special Mother " , you may want to search for it.  It adds a tender layer to the message you're about to read.  " The Special Mother " so beautifully hints that some assignments are given with intention.   ********************************************************************* Strength They Can't Teach.  Courage They Can't Break. Who are they?  They are anyone or anything that tries to define you without living your journey. This is for all caregivers, no matter the gender. When God chooses a caregiver for a loved one with an emotional, behavioral, or mental health need, He isn't picking the most polished person in the room.  He's picking the one who will love through the storms.  The one who will show up when it's inconvenient.  The one who will advocate, push, question, and f...

Dear Veterans: Today, we pause with a heart full of gratitude.  Veterans Day isn't just another date on the calendar; it's a day of remembrance, reflection, and respect.  It's a time to honor the men and women who stood in defense of freedom, who carried courage on their shoulders, and who continue to teach us what true service looks like. This day is deeply personal.  I think about my family members, friends, and colleagues who answered the call; each with their own story, their own sacrifices, and their own quiet moments of courage.  Some returned home and rarely spoke of what they endured.  Others continue to serve our communities, workplaces, and families long after hanging up the uniform. Your strength, discipline, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.  You have defined what it means to lead with honor and to love your country deeply. May we honor your legacy by leading with compassion, serving with heart, and standing united in gratitude. Wit...

  There is no denying it, the mountain is real.   The Weight of Leadership in Uncertain Times In today's nonprofit and family-serving world, leaders are facing an uphill climb like never before.  Budget cuts at every level, workforce shortages, and community needs are rising faster than resources.  It's enough to test even the strongest among us. But waiting for the perfect plan or everyone's approval can weaken your impact.  When you lead with conviction instead of consensus, you show others what courage looks like.  Your steadiness becomes their strength. For Leaders and Organizations Protect the mission - it's non-negotiable. When resources shrink, distractions multiply.  That's when protecting what matters most becomes the real work.  Whether you're leading a program, guiding a team, or supporting your family, stay anchored in your "why". Assess your vulnerabilities.   Strengthen your partnerships. Embrace tools that make your m...