There's a concept in economics called the Pareto Principle, or more commonly known as the 80/20 rule. Put simply, it states that in economics (and others have shown its application in nature, business, relationships, and more) 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort. That means most of the ef...
I love the show Parks and Rec. There's an episode where Donna and Tom teach Ben about their annual day of relaxation where they treat themselves to basically anything they want, including...
"Clothes (treat yo self)
Fragrances (treat yo self)
Massages (treat yo self)
Fine leather goods (treat yo...
It was 10:25pm on Super Bowl Sunday. We had just witnessed the Kansas City Chiefs get absolutely stomped by the Philadelphia Eagles. My twin teenage daughters asked me if I would do their braids and heatless curls (something they love having in overnight so they have magically fabulous locks in the ...
No ballerina has started out doing pirouettes or leaping across the stage on pointe. Each one starts with a barre and big mirrors, with simple directives like, "First position. Now plié. Point those toes!"
The muscles required to do the big performances down the road have to grow one session at a tim...
Creating something new requires all of the spiritual and emotional fuel we can get. Scrolling social media or even flipping on the news first thing in the morning drains us of the vital nourishment required, taking our energy and leaving us in a deficit throughout the day.
If you feel stuck or block...
This morning, the sky was covered in clouds and the sun rose without any kind of fanfare. But it still rose.
Some days are like that. Gray, unimpressive, "mid," as my 13-year old would say.
But that's still enough.
We can still move forward, progressing toward our goals and finding beauty in the thi...
Have you ever tried to explain why you love something to someone who doesn't have the same level of knowledge or appreciation for it? They just don't get it. Because they can't right now, at their level of experience and affection with it.
What about people who do have at least your level of knowled...
There's a lot you can do if you don't like something in your life.
My kitchen felt super dark for the first 3 + 3/4 years we've lived here, with oak cabinets, oak floors, and dark countertops (probably very chic when the house was built, but gooodness not anymore). This last December, I decided to d...
You answer to the highest judge, who loves you infinitely and delights in your growth. This judge has given you gifts and talents to share that will lift others. Hiding them out of fear of mortal opinions may win you temporary acceptance, but at the price of feeling like you're slowly disappearing (...
Sometimes commandments and covenants seem like orders that we have to obey, with long lists of things to remember and just try not to mess up (but mistakes inevitably happen), and we feel like we're constantly falling short.
But what if these commandments and covenants are actually invitations?
Let'...
I've been craving deeper connection with women in my life, so I invited a handful of church friends over for brunch this week. I was so excited leading up to it, and then the morning of I felt the stress and then frenzied thoughts start to bubble up during my writing time before getting the kids off...
My family's been on a Duck Dynasty kick lately (such a fun, wholesome show if you're looking for something to enjoy all together), and in one of the episodes, Jase said a new phrase that I've enthusiastically incorporated into my vocabulary.
Bull butter.
It's the same thing as saying "bull crap," or ...
