On today’s episode of Simply Words, Vicki and Ebony discuss the word Excellence.  It encourages us to reach higher, challenge ourselves, and pursue growth in both our personal and professional lives. Excellence pushes us to unlock our potential and discover new capabilities.

It’s important to recognize when excellence crosses the line into excess. By staying mindful of our limits and prioritizing balance, we can keep the "pesky, overbearing aunt" of excellence at bay. This allows us to enjoy the rewards of growth without letting the pursuit become a source of stress.

In this episode of Simply Words, we use the word GPS to explore how we find direction in uncertain seasons. Through the lens of Get Clear, Pause, and Support the Signals, we reflect on how faith can guide our decisions, steady our hearts, and help us trust the path ahead even when we don’t see the full map.

In this episode of Simply Words, Vicki and Ebony explore the word Greenhouse, which is traditionally used to nurture and protect seedlings until they are ready for the outside world, but what if we apply it to our personal lives. They discuss how we can use the concept of a greenhouse to intentionally nurture our relationships and create a dedicated environment for meaningful growth.  We hope you find this discussion insightful and offers a valuable perspective on cultivating your own connections.

As 2026 begins, Vicki and Ebony share their Words of the Year. Listen in as we share what's on our hearts for the year ahead. We hope the conversation brings encouragement to you and helps you find just the right focus for the year ahead!

Worn doesn’t mean worthless. Secondhand doesn’t mean second-best.

In this episode, Ebony and Vicki explore "Thrifted" as a word about hidden value, untold stories, and the power of seeing what others miss.

As we begin this holiday season, we take a moment to consider the word Tradition.  It can be heartwarming to think back about what makes a tradition so special and evoke memories of past generations. 

Traditions are a part of all of our lives.  But do you know how your specific family traditions started?  It can be fun to reminisce about the legacy others leave behind.

What happens when you realize a tradition no longer serves you?  And how do you know it's time to create a new tradition for the generations to come?

In this episode of Simply Words, we unpack “Storm” the emotional weather of overwhelm, grief, and sudden change. We’ll explore the moments when the storm forces us to pause, the harder truth of when we become the storm ourselves, and the surprising ways a storm can also clear space for truth, healing, and new growth. Together, we’ll look at how to ground, repair, and move through the weather.

What does an electric car have to do with the way we balance our lives? Just as electric cars need regular stops at charging stations to keep running smoothly, we also need to pause and recharge to avoid burnout. On today's episode of Simply Words, Vicki and Ebony explore these parallels and share ways they navigate charging to provide the energy they need.

In this episode of Simply Words, we unpack the word perception, that invisible lens shaping what we believe to be true. Ebony and Vicki invite you to slow down and ask: What if what you see isn’t the whole story?

Through personal reflection and real-world examples, they explore how our experiences, emotions, and assumptions color the way we interpret people and situations. You’ll hear how perception influences communication, leadership, and even self-belief and how shifting perspective can turn misunderstanding into meaning.

We see walls as a normal part of our day. But have you ever considered the way you look at the walls around you?  Or how you use walls in your life?  

On this episode of Simply Words, Vicki and Ebony take a closer look at how walls see us and what we can do to change their perspective.