Inspired & Growing

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the advanced reader copy - I was captivated within the first few pages. This is the third book in the Park Avenue Promise series and is scheduled for release on May 27, 2025.  It is a must-read novel that centers around friendship, ambition, and romance in Manhattan. The story revolves around three strong women who have shared a close-knit bond since childhood.  The main character, Harper Ross is hired to renovate the Benover property for her friend's new production company.  She initially clashes with Reid, the project's designer, but their professional tensions gradually transform into respect and a deeper connection as they work together on the renovation. On a personal note, my heart truly went out to Harper, who lacked support and respect from her own family, especially her mother. I've been incredibly fortunate to have a mother who encouraged me to become the best version of myself, and I’ve passed ...

I discovered the Lavendaire YouTube channel about five years ago, and it quickly became a go-to source for personal growth and lifestyle inspiration. The channel covers topics like self-development, intentional living, self-love, meditation, and so much more. Aileene, the host, has also created The Artist of Life Workbook , a guided journal designed to help you craft your most intentional and successful year. This workbook, along with tools like ChatGPT, has played a key role in helping me shape my goals. Its thoughtful exercises have not only affirmed and refined my understanding of who I am but have also clarified what I truly want in life. Plus, the workbook keeps me accountable with weekly action pages and monthly reflections. It’s been an invaluable tool in my personal journey! Under the philosophy of slow living, it took me three thoughtful months to work through the exercises and refine my goals. This patient, deliberate approach allowed me to make meaningful progress and, at la...

Have you ever loved someone so much that their struggles felt like your own? It’s one of the hardest parts of being human—caring deeply but realizing you can’t control everything. When someone we love is hurting, sick, or facing an uncertain path, fear creeps in. We want to fix it, to make things better, to ensure the outcome we desperately hope for. But what happens when we can’t? I’ve wrestled with this—wanting to have faith but feeling afraid of being wrong or disappointed. I’ve held onto hope, only to feel crushed when the opposite happened. It’s a painful tension: wanting to trust but fearing what trust might bring. I’m trying to learn how to trust isn’t about guaranteeing a certain outcome—it’s about finding peace in the present moment, even when the future is unclear. Here’s what I plan to focus on to help me navigate this journey. 1. Focus on the Present, Not the “What Ifs” When we love someone who is struggling, our minds jump ahead. What if they don’t get better? What if they...

The past few years have felt like a cycle of setbacks. Just as I regain my footing after one challenge—whether it’s family drama, job loss, or another unexpected twist—something else seems to knock me back down. Even the small disruptions feel overwhelming, leaving me wondering if I’ll ever catch a break.   But this year, I’m shifting my mindset. I’ve accepted that life will always throw obstacles my way, and instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” I’m making the most of the quiet moments. When life gives me a pause, no matter how brief, I’m choosing to take small, intentional steps forward.   And so far, it has been working really well. I began with our home. With retirement on the horizon, downsizing is inevitable—but figuring out where to start felt overwhelming. Enter Martha Stewart’s Organizing—a guide from the queen of home organization herself. I dove straight into Part Two: Organize Your Home, and I have to say, the results have been incredibly rewarding. So f...

As a new year unfolds, many of us feel the pressure to set big, measurable goals that promise transformation and success. But what if the traditional "goal-setting" approach doesn’t align with where you are in life right now? Enter intentions , a gentler and more flexible way to guide your actions and focus throughout the year. The Difference Between the Two? Goals are specific and measurable outcomes and focus on achievements and results. Intentions, on the other hand, are about how you want to feel or the values you want to live by as you navigate the year. They’re not tied to an outcome but rather to your mindset and daily actions. While goals look outward at specific destinations, intentions focus inward, grounding you in the present moment and helping you enjoy the journey. For me, setting intentions over goals feels more natural, especially if you’re at a stage where life is more about balance, mindfulness, and personal fulfillment than hitting strict benchmarks. Inte...

When we think of leadership, we often picture decisiveness, vision, and strategy. But there’s one underrated skill that sets exceptional leaders apart: discernment. As Hailey Bouche,  Associate Editor, in her  The Everygirl article points out, discernment is the ability to evaluate situations thoughtfully, weigh options, and make sound decisions—often without all the answers in front of you. It’s a skill rooted in self-awareness, empathy, and critical thinking, and it’s essential for thriving in both professional and personal life. So why is discernment so vital? For leaders, it’s the bridge between action and intention. While making a quick decision may seem like a hallmark of confidence, true discernment means knowing when to pause, reflect, and trust your instincts . It’s about sifting through noise to focus on what truly matters, whether that’s the needs of a team, the nuances of a relationship, or the direction of a project. The article highlights practical ways to build ...

Fall cleaning feels like more than just a chore; it’s a seasonal reset for both my home and my mindset. It’s an opportunity to create a warm, inviting space perfect for embracing the cozy months ahead. By tackling small tasks now, I can stay ahead of holiday chaos and focus on what really matters—family, friends, and cherished moments. This Better Homes & Gardens article I recently discovered offers a room-by-room checklist with daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks. It's a practical guide for decluttering, deep cleaning, and maintaining a welcoming environment throughout fall. Whether it’s organizing spaces or tackling forgotten corners, these tips make it easier to step into the season with a clean and refreshed home. Here’s to starting the season organized and ready for everything fall has to offer! The Complete Fall Cleaning Checklist for a Tidy Home :  Written by Jessica Bennett and Halee Miller Van Ryswyk Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay #life #lifethoughts #momblogger #...