I can’t make time stand still or turn it back. If I did I would miss out on the next spectacular version of each of them. I was there then, can be here with them now, and aspire to be there for all the moments that come next. 

Without this vision of what it means to thrive, it can be difficult to move purposefully towards it or make intentional changes to make it happen. Drafting a definition, for you, makes the road to thriving more tangible and less abstract (or fantastical).

Let’s start by agreeing on a most basic common denominator. At the most basic level, we are all human. Before all the rest, we belong to the same species. If we choose the mindset of “we”, meaning our collective human existence, (as opposed to “me versus you” or “us versus them”) can we acknowledge that we all belong to the same group? 

Emotional vulnerability is universal. It’s something we all experience. Vulnerability offers the opportunity for connection. It also invites the vulnerability of others. Bravely being vulnerable evokes courage in others to do the same.

Be brave. Know that no matter the outcome of a decision, you will, without a doubt, navigate what comes next. This decision will lead to the next one and the next one. And the next one. You get to make the choices that shape your life. How awesome is that?

I wonder how it would feel to pivot from focus on belief in an outcome to trusting in your ability to navigate as things unfold. To trusting in your ability to adapt. To believing that you will get to wherever it is you’re going, even if it’s a single step at a time.

In parenthood, you and I are leading whether or not we’re ready to lead. Whether or not we consider ourselves to be a leader. Whether or not leadership is part of our identity. We have followers simply because we are who we are to them.

To all those who are doing this parenting thing: You are resilient because you don’t quit. No matter what kind of day you had yesterday, you get up today and do it all again. You reflect, regroup, repair. You adjust. You create new ways to navigate the ever-changing terrain of parenthood.

Lead your life. Lead to move. Lead to pause. Lead to pivot. Lead to freaking trail blaze.

The trees must wait painfully patiently for the warmth to come or the wind to blow. They have to wait for some external force to come and relieve them of their frosty burdens. You and I, though? We have the luxury of shaking off the snow and standing ourselves up all on our own.

The balance that is sustainability can only be achieved with awareness: of self, of want, and of need. It can also only be achieved by telling the truth: both to ourselves and to others.

If we look at wellness as a process, it is evident that there is no destination. No finite achievement. Wellness is a practice. It is a balance of each of the dimensions of our being.

Removing the title of something we are doing from who we are frees us from its implications. When making a change, this affords flexibility and groundedness to pivot from center as opposed to taking a leap.

Instigating change is bold. It’s brave. It shows you’re in there - you with the voice. With the opinion. With the fire. I see you in there.

Get to the core of what’s uncomfy. Let’s identify what’s screaming out boo! May we accept and respect whatever that may be. Then let’s remember we are so very capable of choosing: boo-hoo or boo-ya!

As we change, as we adapt, may we stay connected with ourselves (including that chick we used to be way back when).

Take the time to consciously become acquainted with yourself. You are the biggest constant you will ever have.

The importance of shifting the focus from applauding achievement to celebrating the effort.