We always have a choice if we want to operate in the box and color inside the lines or if we want to get rid of the box and color the way we think looks beautiful. It’s our choice.

We can start with the blank piece of paper and decide if there is even a box or lines to color within.

⭐️ We thrive when we're in community with others.

⭐️We thrive when we feel like we have something to share that may be valuable for someone else.

⭐️We thrive when we feel like we're in a safe space to share our experiences.

Today is a day to celebrate! My daughter is graduating from high school and moving on to the next chapter in her life. While I am so excited for her, it signals a shift in my role as a parent.

What if we started celebrating all the steps in the journey vs. waiting for the destination?

I think we would be happier. I think it would make doing the hard work easier because some celebrations are embedded.

As the years pass, I've realized we benefit more when we let go or at least hold things more loosely. One of my very first blog posts was about holding on tight and the challenges that brings.

But today is all about letting go because it allows us and the people around us to grow. When we let go or loosen the reins, it's initially scary because we feel like we're losing control, but then it's exhilarating because there's a feeling of freedom and joy.

So what is worth letting go of? Here are some of the items on my list, and I'd love to hear any you'd like to share.

Are you moving in rhythm right now, or are you off the beat? I don’t have a great sense of rhythm, so I’m often off the beat when it comes to my dance moves or clapping. In the grand scheme of things, there are certainly worse limitations than this.

We all have multiple identities we associate with - parent, child, sibling, employee, boss, coach, community leader, and the list goes on. How often do you ask yourself, "who am I?" Does your response start with those "hats" you wear or does it start with something deeper?

How would you define who you are right now, who you serve, and how you best serve them? Even if you are part of a bigger organization, these are still questions that you should challenge yourself to answer because you might be surprised at what you find.

How are you evolving as a professional?

At some point in 2020, a colleague suggested that I should turn some of my LinkedIn posts into a book. Initially, I wasn't sure if I saw myself as an author, even though I knew I had written a lot of content, and there's always the concern that no one will buy it.

I remember the days when my kids were young and loved opening the advent calendar and counting down the days until Christmas.  They were so excited to wake up on Christmas morning to see the presents that Santa had put under the tree. Their hopes for what was going to be unwrapped were so powerful. The anticipation was such a big part of their experience. Now, as teenagers, the awe of the experience isn’t quite the same and the expectations are different. They recognize that the experience is what we each make of it.  Lessons that we, as adults, can take to heart as we head into this holiday season.