Just in case you're starting to think about 2024, I wanted to share my favorite journal prompts so you'll have them to work through whenever the time is right for you. I encourage you to make this a slow, cozy process whenever you start. Stay snuggled up and relaxed on the couch or in bed while the kids are sleeping or watching a movie and reflect. Use this time, not to do, but to ponder and decide.

My 1:1 coaching clients are doing big things in the world and experiencing frustration, anger, boredom, and a host of other "negative" emotions. The biggest difference? They're not expecting to be happy every day. They're navigating challenges and getting support through tough times, all while creating fulfilling careers, spending time with their kids, and prioritizing the hobbies and relationships that give them something to look forward to.

Whether you're in the market for a new planner or just want to use the planner you already have more effectively, here are 7 questions to consider before you click purchase and start using your new planner. 

I hope my sweater can serve as proof, as inspiration, that even though it may take time. Even though it may feel like progress is slow and you take two steps forward and one step back, things change. And those things that you love will always be there. They're not holding a calendar or timer. They know you'll be back. The question is - do you know?

As I think about how to combine the excitement and options that we have today with the feeling of that slow and quiet year, there are 5 key things that will make all the difference in helping you orchestrate a beautiful holiday season for your family without burning out.

When you've tried all the things and still don't follow through, it's time for some external accountability. For someone else to create the deadline and hold you to it. To hold the space on your calendar for you to do the thing you've said you want to do. There's nothing wrong with asking someone to help you do the thing you can't seem to get yourself to do.

When I help clients set up systems and routines around the house, it's to free up more time, with the hope that they'll use that time for fun, enjoyment, and relaxation. But those same routines also serve you in seasons of survival. They make it easier to keep things running when you're low on energy, motivation, or health. Whether you're in a season of enjoyment or a season of survival, here are 5 of the routines that keep life running and free up time and space for whatever it is I need.

Regardless of how the kids felt or whether or not they enjoyed it, it was something I wanted to do. And that was enough. That change in perspective didn't take away the frustration or disappointment in the way they behaved. But it colored my memory of the day a little differently. It helped me turn my attention to the things that I did enjoy.

You deserve a life that feels fresh and exciting, like a pair of tropical pants that turn heads and elicit compliments. But you have to be willing to try on something new. And then have someone there who can tell you - That is SO you. In 1:1 coaching we create your version of the tropical pants life.

I feel very strongly that one of the ways I was able to create better work life balance for myself, was by reminding myself of this very thing. My 70% is someone else's 100%. That acknowledgement gave me permission to breathe. To slow down just a little. To stop hustling so hard.

A second brain can be a great way to share household responsibilities by making information readily available. With a shared school second brain, any adult in your household can call your child in sick or send an email to the teacher with a question about that project that's due! Here are some other categories or notebook pages that I'm in the process of creating (just to give you some ideas).

Research has been done about how trying or learning new things together strengthens a relationship. It's a new shared experience where you get to see each other in new ways. And for parents, where it's all too easy to just talk about your kids, you're forced to put your attention on the experience itself. On figuring out or learning this new activity and therefore you're not talking about the kids or the logistics of life. You get to just BE together.