On my birthday, I'm reflecting on four lessons that changed me this year and might encourage you, too.

Community isn't just about belonging, it's about showing up for one another.

If your mind won't stop racing, these four simple practices can help create a little more peace.

Fun isn't a reward for getting everything done, it's part of living well.

Somewhere along the way, many of us started treating fun like it was optional.

There’s a quote I came across recently that stopped me in my tracks.

"Reaching for hope is often just as easy as bracing for disappointment." — Shannan Martin

from her book Counter

Hope and disappointment both require us to imagine the future. Which one are you choosing today?

Link to the book

https://amzn.to/3T4InDj

Free time isn't wasted time, it's essential time. In a world that encourages us to fill every quiet moment with our phones, this post is a reminder that boredom isn't something to avoid. Giving your brain space to rest is often where creativity, clarity, and your best ideas begin.

Theo of Golden is more than a bestselling novel, it's proof of the extraordinary power of word of mouth. Self-published by Allen Levi in 2023, the book gained a devoted following through readers who couldn't stop recommending it. That grassroots momentum led to a major publishing deal with Simon & Schuster and a #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. It's an inspiring reminder that authentic stories and genuine connections can still outperform even the biggest marketing budgets.

The halfway point of the year is the perfect time to pause and reflect. Instead of focusing only on what's left to accomplish, take a moment to celebrate how far you've come, recognize what you've learned, and decide how you want the second half of the year to feel.

What if this summer wasn't about getting more done—but about enjoying life a little more? In this episode, I share why I'm declaring it my "Summer of Fun" and how making room for joy, laughter, rest, and simple pleasures can actually make us healthier, more creative, and more hopeful.

Your life isn't a debate. You don't have to explain every decision to everyone. Trust yourself. The people who matter will respect your choices, and the ones who don't were never the audience you needed anyway.