A Note on the “Glimpse Mentality” and Its Toxicity
I had a beach day with a few people earlier this summer and something happened that has been on my mind ever since. I want to talk to you about it because it is so relevant and so important. My hope is that it makes a difference in how you go about your days and how...
A Tale of Two Kiddies: Parenting Through Faith vs. Fear
My children are in the process of saving their own money so they can make a couple bigger-ticket purchases. In order to reach that goal, my oldest daughter thought it would be a great idea to caddy at a local country club for the summer. We agreed. She immediately...
‘Life Leaves Clues’ and Other Lessons From Physical Therapy
I am going to ease into this story with a bit of background info, because it is important for you to get the context. But, the story holds an important message (important enough for me to break my lengthy blog silence) so I want you to hang in there with me, okay? I...
The Importance of Character as a Measurement Tool
If you are a subscriber to my newsletter, you may have already seen this. If you aren't a subscriber, I hope you will become one and then read this post in its entirety, because it is really important. Last week, we were invited to my daughter's school for a...
My Husband’s New Business
I eluded to this last week on my Facebook page, and this is the post some of you have been waiting for. My husband and his business partner, Alan, have launched a new business. He has spent countless hours over the past six months doing market analysis, networking,...
On Trusting the Process (and Yourself)
How many times have you clamored, mid-stride, for a do-over? How many times have you wanted to hit the reset button before you see That Thing through to completion? How many times have you stopped yourself before you even gave yourself, or That Thing, a fighting...
Out With the Old and In With the New
We're a few days into 2015 and I haven't left the house in two days. I am actually pretty stoked about that because 2014 held a consistently frenetic pace for me, especially the last few weeks. I desperately needed some down time, so I happily claimed it on a couple...
Some Thoughts on the Importance of Giving People Space
It was time to dust off the microphone today and discuss some thoughts on giving people space to process things in their own way and on their own terms. I talk a bit about how, when we are uncomfortable with someone else's emotions, our egos can kick into gear and we...
The S.C.O.R.E. Method of Parenting Makes Back-to-School Shopping a Breeze
In today's episode of Arété Today, I get real about back-to-school shopping, dressing room degradation, and Target tantrums. Based on my recent experience of school shopping with my daughters, at least 60% of you will benefit from this advice and I have totally got...
Reflections On New Perspectives and Acting in Love
First and foremost, HOW IS IT JULY ALREADY? The first six months of 2014 have whizzed by in a blink! There is a new Areté Today podcast on iTunes today. Admittedly (and sheepishly), it has been quite some time since one has been recorded. The old me would beat myself...
Are You Tilling Your Soil? And Other Profound Lessons From the Garden
In this, the 13th installment of Areté Today, we dig deep into some profound lessons from the garden. I'm one of those people who gets my inspiration from a multitude of sources—the ocean, art, literature, other people—the list is endless. This Podcast is based around...
Is It Really Bullying? How To Know and What To Do
Most of the work I do with my Self Esteem Through Art program occurs BEFORE a bullying incident has taken place. I work in schools and with groups to boost people's self-esteem, strengthen their moral compass, and tease out the brilliance in their character. Much like...