Real stories

When Things Go “Wrong,” Can I Still be Happy & Grateful?

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This seems like such a counter-intuitive question.  Usually when things go “wrong,” we can have a pretty negative response.  This may include anger, frustration, disappointment, fear, guilt, or any number of negative emotions.  Aren’t we justified to feel these in  a “bad” situation?  Perhaps or perhaps not.  While it’s natural to feel the sting of any unexpected situation when it first happens, how long we keep feeling that sting is our own choice.   We can keep recounting the unfairness of what happens for days, weeks, months or we can choose a different perspective – look for the gift and opportunity in the situation and act from there.   Let me explain with an example. ...  read more

How to Create New Year “Goals” That Inspire You All Year

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I don’t know about you, but I no longer like coming up with S.M.A.R.T goals for my new year resolutions.   This is mainly because goals like “I want to lose 6 pounds in six months” or “I want to launch a product manager bootcamp by x date.” are both rigid and demotivating as the year goes on.   It also doesn’t get at the heart of WHY I want these goals. ...  read more

4 Unexpected Gifts From My 2 Week Cold

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working while sick

It is the season to be thankful.  However, I felt far from it a few weeks ago.  I woke up sick one morning.  It was not COVID (at least according to my rapid test) and I didn’t have a fever.   I had everything else though – body aches,  headaches, sore throat, etc.

I thought I would recover in 48 hours.  I mean most common cold only last that long, right?  Boy was I wrong.  I felt worse after 3 days.  I started coughing and at night, my throat felt like I was swallowing glass. :-(.   It was worse than any common cold I have ever had.  I lost my voice almost completely and all my energy as well.   It felt like it would never end. ...  read more

It is Time to Splurge a Little – Here is Why

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I just paid $699 for an upgrade to a business class seat from SFO to Newark.   It’s the first time I ever paid so much for an upgrade “I don’t need.”  I had a “perfectly practical” economy class window seat near the front of the cabin.    Splurging a little on myself was actually a difficult action to take for me.  I have been frugal and practical all my life. ...  read more

There are Only Two Important Things In Life – Do You Know What They Are?

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The Unwanted Visitor – Health Issues

For over four weeks now, an unwelcome guest has lodged itself into my life – health issues. It wasn’t a cold, nor was it Covid. Figuring out what it is has been the real problem.

It all started with an incident that seemed like food poisoning. My husband and I shared a lovely meal at our favorite restaurant, and not long after, I found myself hunched over, losing my dinner. My initial guess was the cheese on the burger; after all, we both had some and felt a bit off. However, while he bounced back, I didn’t. ...  read more

When You are Clear on What You Want, The Universe Will Find a Way to Help

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This story is not about work, but I think it can apply to many aspects of work and life.    My kids has been wanting a dog since the pandemic started.   Dogs love them and they love hanging out with all the neighborhood dogs.  We have been casually making a list of all the dog types we want.   I have even searched the web for where the puppy breeders are.  However, we haven’t gotten a dog yet. ...  read more