Real stories

What Changed When I Stopped Fighting Reality

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I’m now in the fifth week of what I confidently called a “four-week flare-up” in my earlier article, The Health Debt from Overwork. I laugh a little when I think about that now. Apparently, my body didn’t get the memo.

For the first three weeks, I was mostly in denial. I knew I was hurting, but I kept telling myself it was minor.  I thought if I just cut back on my phone and computer, rested a little more, went to my chiropractor and acupuncture, it would pass. ...  read more

Who Is Actually Running Your Life?

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A few weeks ago, during a group coaching call, one woman said something that stayed with me. I’ll call her Rachel to protect her privacy.

Rachel is around 40, a first-time mom with a three-year-old, and she’s worked hard for her career. Lately, though, she’s been feeling less motivated at work and dealing with some health challenges. Part of her wants to slow down, maybe take a break or even shift to part-time for a while. ...  read more

Let it Feel Sucky

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I cried almost every day last week. Not on purpose. I wasn’t sitting around thinking about sad things or trying to work myself up. It would just happen. I would wake up anxious, think of something in the afternoon, or have a small interaction with my daughter that normally would have irritated me, and suddenly I would need to go into my room and cry. ...  read more

Proud, Yet Heartbroken

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Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how it’s possible to feel two completely opposite emotions at the same time. As the parent of an 18-year-old entering adulthood, I’ve discovered that pride and heartbreak can exist side by side.

My daughter turned 18 in May and graduated from high school. She is standing at the edge of adulthood—excited for college, independence, and the life waiting ahead of her. ...  read more

A Mother’s Love Shapes Us More Than We Realize

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I Didn’t Fully Understand It Until I Became a Mother Myself

As Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about my mom and how much her love shaped me over the course of my life.

When I was younger, I don’t think I fully appreciated it.  Like many children, I think I simply assumed my mom would always be there — supporting me, worrying about me, comforting me, encouraging me, and loving me quietly in the background of my life. ...  read more