Intentional Optimism applied to real life.

I’ve been told I lack follow through.

When I would share with family that I was applying for a new job, or wanted to get a certification for a new career, I got questions like “what’s wrong with the job you just got?” Or, “what about that Interior Design thing you were working on last year?”

You see, I really like variety. I also really like starting...

I don't know about you, but on the eve of the eve of Christmas, all is NOT necessarily "silent, holy, calm or bright."

While the holiday season is typically described with words like Joy, Peace, Light, Merry, Hope, and Happy…  how many of us truly experience it that way?   Traveling to visit family and being married to a pastor don’t always contribute peace ...

Finding a quiet moment, to think about what’s important, can be tough at this time of year.  The flurry of holiday shopping, wish lists, wrapping, holiday programs… it can all be a bit overwhelming.  

So find a cozy spot or curl up by the fire, and let’s chat. 

In the middle of all this gift buying, I’d like to talk about Generosity. 

My...

I’m not an “It’s a Wonderful Life"...

Ah, PURPOSE… whenever I start talking about this subject I feel like I’m in a John Hughes film. 

I struggled for years, and I mean YEARS, trying to figure out what my “calling” was. What was my Purpose? I equated that with a career, or something I was supposed to DO. I had talent, and almost pursued a singing career… but I didn’t. I’m not...

Here, in the US, we are entering a week of reflection and gratitude, and this year I’m taking that a little more seriously. Some wait until December 31^st to look back over their year, but I prefer to start a little early. 

 Like, now. 

Looking Back

The past 11 months have been full of monumental change ~ in my life, my family and my friends. We are all different as a...

 “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”  ~ Steven Covey

We all want to be understood. 
It’s one of our core desires… to be seen, heard, and understood.
I fear, though, too few of us take the time and effort to see, hear, or understand others.

"...get understanding and wisdom at any cost." ~ King Solomon

This is an active pursuit. You have to be...

Rosie The Riveter is, perhaps the most vivid picture of what women can do when we put our minds to it.  When the whole world seemed to be falling apart, women came together to do something extraordinary.  They stepped into roles they had never even been offered before, and created a whole new idea of what it could mean to be a woman in the workforce.  

This concept of...

Everyone's talking about leadership. You practically trip over it on every social media platform or in any bookstore. You can find teaching on leadership from any angle, perspective or viewpoint.  

My own philosophy, Intentional Optimism, is loosely based on Proverbs, Chapter 31, which is a lovely description of a strong woman who just so happens to be a great Leader...

Wonder: n: a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable; v: desire or be curious to know something.

We are heading into what I call the “Season of Wonder.” 

The leaves change color, and inexplicably vacate the safety of the trees. Fields are harvested, providing their food and a reminder that we are both...