I gave the invocation at my Toastmasters group meeting last week.  This part of the meeting is designed to be inspirational and set the tone.  A few days prior to my delivering this 1 to 3 minute speech, I gathered my thoughts.  What did I want to say? I thought about a helpful meeting I had with …

Will a difference you make OR a space you take? This was a billboard sign I read recently. Wow, that was a powerful question indeed.  It truly had me pondering.  A few years ago, I would have just dismissed the message without much regard. Now the words matter to me. I have no interest in just taking up …

Like most people in their twenties, I had fun in those years and didn’t work too hard.  I dreamed away the first thirty years of my life with no regrets. After I entered the third decade however, I began to want more.  I began to contemplate less and take more action.  My head floated down from the clouds and …

The world needs more children’s books.  And more adults need to read them in this uncertain, disturbing society that we often live in. As I read book after book to my kids today, I heard all the important messages that we adults need to remember.  I felt uplifted and hopeful after hearing simple reminders of: …

Only takes one… One word One expression One smile One thought One heart One beat One resolution One you One me One million odds One world One love One step One leap One push One fight One victory One moment One pause One breakthrough One tear One laugh One life One blessing One chance One gift One need …

A few days ago I had a one-on-one meeting with a very influential, powerful female leader. I respect her immensely. We talked casually and openly.  I shared my aspirations, current graduate school studies and future career ideas. This leader gave me her no-filtered, blunt advice. She does not hold back. I appreciated that. But as she …

“Shut up and Get to work!” I yell at myself. That’s right. I can talk to my inner voice like this.  And sometimes I need to. I doubt I’d appreciate anyone else being so blunt with me.  But I often need to stare my whiny self in the mirror and tell me, “Enough already!  Plant your butt …

I gave the below speech today to the Gulf Power Engineering Society and my fellow Toastmasters group on May 26, 2016. I wrote this in March 2016 and finally had the opportunity to deliver it for a crowd in the way I wanted. This was my final speech to complete the Toastmasters Competent Communicator manual. …

A few days ago I was asked to be part of a project. I said “No” right away. I’ll be honest…it felt really good to say No!  I gave a strong, quick answer.  I was decisive. I felt empowered. Damn, I really meant it too.  I said No and Wow, I was relieved.  I took myself out of the …

“Why did you call yourself a bad mommy at the doctor?” my eight year old asked me two weeks ago, sounding surprised. “Because I ignored my instincts about you being sick.  I thought you might have strep and it turns out you did.”  I replied back. “But why does that make you a bad mom?” she …