Reader Many people think journaling is about reflection. Deep thoughts. Emotional processing. Meaningful insights. And while journaling can absolutely serve those purposes, it can also function as something much simpler and far more practical: A thinking tool. When your brain feels crowded with ideas, concerns, options, and internal debates, the challenge usually isn’t a lack of clarity. It’s cognitive noise. Journaling helps by moving thoughts out of working memory and into a visible space...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Reader One of the hardest things I see clients struggle with is this: Wanting something different, without wanting to blow up their whole life. Many of us were taught to be grateful, resilient, and strong…even when the version of success we’re living no longer fits. That tension between “I should be fine” and “I don’t feel fine” is at the heart of why the Beyond Corporate Burnout Summit exists. This free 3-day virtual summit brings together thoughtful conversations around burnout, boundaries,...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Reader We tend to believe clarity must come before we take action...that we should fully understand, feel certain, and have everything figured out before taking action. And while that sounds logical, it’s often the very belief that keeps us stuck. If you’ve ever found yourself circling a decision, replaying possibilities, or waiting for clarity that never quite arrives, consider this possibility: You may not be missing clarity. You may be missing data. Forward movement (even imperfect,...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Reader What comes up when you see the phrase “treat yourself better”? Not to be confused with the "Treat Yo' Self" approach that Donna and Tom had on Parks and Rec (It's the best day of the year!)...treating yourself better is about about self-compassion and self-kindness. It's treating yourself like you would a good friend and not letting the inner critic take you down, which sounds great in theory, but can be misconstrued as lowering standards and escaping responsibility. Self-compassion...
17 days ago • 2 min read
Reader If you’ve ever thought to yourself: “What’s wrong with me?”“Everyone else seems to manage this. Why can’t I?”“I just need more discipline.” You’re not alone. These thoughts are incredibly common, especially when life is challenging. The problem is, when we repeat these thoughts, we get used to them. And they sound reasonable (or at least normal) to us because we are taught to push hard, expect more, and assume we are the only ones challenged. But what if this inner dialogue is quietly...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Reader Today’s email is a celebration, because the Positively Living® Podcast just hit 300 episodes!! That number is exciting on its own with only about 1.79% of podcasters reaching this point. It sounds impressive, but as I celebrate, I am remind of what this milestone really represents: years of showing up consistently, evolving in format while staying true to my purpose, and continuing to have real, compassionate conversations about productivity that honors life as it actually is. To...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Reader What if productivity didn’t need to be something you push through or prove yourself with? After ten years of coaching, creating, caregiving, building a business, and having thousands of conversations with people trying to do life well, here’s what I know for sure: productivity works best when it’s personal, compassionate, and grounded in reality. If you want support that actually fits, consider these ten reminders: Productivity is personal, not universal. Fluctuating energy is normal....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Reader Have you ever tried a productivity tip that “works for everyone”…and felt absolutely deflated when it did not work for you? When you feel overwhelmed, it is tempting to look for a new solution: a new system, a new planner, a new routine, a new push of willpower. But if the way you are trying to be productive is not aligned with who you are, no amount of forcing it will feel sustainable. That is why self-awareness is still my number one productivity tool, and why I lean so heavily on...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Reader We hear about self-care all the time… but usually in the form of spa days, bubble baths, or vacations you have to “earn.” And while those are lovely, they’re not the kind of self-care that keeps you grounded and supported in everyday life. Here’s the truth I wish more people understood and believed: Self-care isn’t indulgence. It’s maintenance for your mind, body, and energy. One of the simplest ways to practice restorative self-care is by creating something I call a Joy List, a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read