Significance is a desire within us, a birthright. We each long to matter, to be extraordinary, to be outstanding, to be a unique contribution. We do not want to be ordinary. To be “ordinary” is to be “just another one of those.” Nobody wants more of the same. This is what draws us to Starbucks […]
This is my friend, Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr. DT is a real American hero, retired as Senior Master Sergeant and special ops paratrooper with the Air Force. He was blown up when his Humvee rolled over a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He had third degree burns over 80% of his body, he was in […]
My fellow artists, makers, thinkers, crafters, creatives, Have you ever wondered where your ideas come from? Whether they're yours or entirely and wholly other? Ever wondered how these ideas find you, whether you generated them or if they're floating around waiting to be claimed, or if someone sent them to you? I've wondered. Most artists […]
Maybe it’s because I am forever a hostess at heart, and wherever there is a party there is also food a’ plenty. Or maybe it’s just because I love when a story comes to life, especially when I can get into the minds of the characters. Either way, whether I’m thinking with my head, my […]
I have always been the caboose, always at the end of the line putting all my people in front of me. I was pushing a stroller, then a double stroller, then a stroller again. Sometimes with a toddler beside me, but always still in front of me. From the moment they were mobile, I have […]
When I was a little girl, I loved watching Mr. Rogers. I would sit in my living room and stare at the TV, watching so closely and listening to whatever he was talking about, soaking it all in. I loved his sweater and his shoes, I loved when he would feed the fish. Admittedly, I […]
I had spent a couple of years without a place to call home on Sunday mornings. There were no real reasons, I guess, but one week at home had turned into a few weeks, then into a few months, into a straight-up sabbatical from Sunday morning routines. Church and me: we were on a break. […]
Knock, Knock. Who's there? Something that should matter to you. Something that should matter to you - who? Yes. And also Where and When and How and For What Purpose and For What Cause. Everything matters. There's so much to care about. Everybody is giving me more things to care about. The headlines are […]
Well done, Simone. Well done. We don’t own you, Simone. Nobody does. We have showed you off like you are our prize pony, but you are nobody's work horse. You knew in your heart that this doesn't define you. That you are enough. I cannot get over this display of greatness, dear girl […]
Middle School is officially in the rearview mirror. Everybody finished, everybody survived, and I don't just mean the eighth graders. Many years ago, I was invited to speak at the continuation ceremony of a class of eighth graders, a special crew who had gotten their start in my kindergarten classroom. They're all well into adulting […]
There are so many things that are difficult about being a person right now. There is what there has always been, And there is a long list of what has never been before. There are the dishes in the sink, And there are the cereal boxes left open on the bottom shelf of the pantry. […]
Do you want to live your life on purpose? I am honored to partner with a terrific team of authors, speakers, teachers, and podcasters for a free event next week: The Life on Purpose Summit Learn how to find your purpose and recognize your significance without adding one more commitment or service project to your agenda with […]
"Mom, I asked her to be my girlfriend. But don't worry - I talked to her dad already." "You asked her dad?" Peter and I exchanged silent glances, since "asking the dad" isn't something we had coached this young man to do. There are a few gifts born from my sons watching my own love […]
When my family goes away for a bit, things fall to pieces. When we got on the cruise ship in March, it was still safe to travel. When we got off the ship, the pandemic had hit, and we barely made it home. Everything had changed. Schools were closing, small businesses were sinking, and nobody […]
"This is one of my favorite days," he said. He's the principal of my sons' middle school, and he was hosting the Honor Roll Assembly. Each student would receive a public affirmation, a firm handshake, and a certificate. We parents are the lucky ones - the real winners. We get the coveted sticker for the […]
Nine Things I Learned from My Dad: 1. If you're going to get in trouble at school, let it be for talking too much to all of your many friends. Sociable is not a bad thing. 2. When putting together an outfit, choose the least noticeable color in the busier item, and make that your […]
“Is he a police dog?” “No, he’s a friendship dog.” “Why is he here?” “We brought him to your school to see if anybody would like to pet him. Maybe somebody needs a friend today.” “I do. I need a friend.” “Then Sam is here to see you.” We brought our pal Sam to some […]
My father used to give this advice to my sister and me as we were preparing to go out on a date. "Turn. Let me see you," he would say approvingly. "You look beautiful." Then he would add the words he always said before we went out--words that every daughter needs a father to say: […]
This morning, my oldest boy turned thirteen, and my younger boy boarded the bus for three days at Outdoor Ed. I mean, I'm the mom who celebrates all the milestones and every little step toward independence, but even I have to say… it was a lot for one day. I watched each one blend into […]
A few months ago, I was invited to speak at Willow Creek, a megachurch in Chicago. I've long admired and loved Willow from afar, as a lot of the greatest leaders and most effective pastors I know have learned from the leaders on their stage. And there I was, on the phone to talk about […]
