My writing was awful and that realization left me feeling insecure and full of self-doubt until I learned about self-compassion and turned things around. — I’m reading through the chapter and my stomach begins to clench. The manuscript pages are covered in green ink. These are the revisions for the early chapters of my first book. And, it’s obvious the writing is crap. The sentences are stilted and boring. Concepts vague. The voice sounds like…

There is one thing you need to operate a successful business — you. Make sure you have the bandwidth to keep going. — I don’t have big plans, Wednesday. I’m not going to sit down at the computer, probably won’t fold laundry or sweep the kitchen floor — though both of those things need to be done. I will read, draw up a concept for a project I want to get started on…

It’s the advice I didn’t take that turned out to be the difference — Joanne called from New York. In the days before text and email were standard practices and long before editors from big-time magazines were calling me, I was sending out queries with self-addressed stamped envelopes enclosed. …

Some days — who am I kidding — some years — can leave us feeling ragged and worn, but we can find appreciation and strength in these experiences too — When I was a kid, we had an older friend who owned a vibrant floral couch. It sat in his living room. Covered entirely in furniture plastic. The light reflected by the thick plastic blunted the colors of its design, making it hard to see. And, it sure wasn’t comfortable…

It’s the simplest things that make our relationship rich and worthwhile — We just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary and it surprised me. Not that we’ve been married this long, but that I got married at all. I didn’t plan on it. Getting married. Was happy, comfortable living alone. Enjoyed my relationship with Mr. J and also the independence I had. But…

Use these habits to develop a luck mindset — and be sure to keep your fingers crossed — There were planets cut out from construction paper taped to the gym floor in a wide circle. Each had a number written on it in black marker. When the music played, if you had a ticket, you could hop from planet to planet. When the music stopped, a volunteer would…

Develop your own Editorial Calendar and use it to cultivate regular sales and a steady income stream. — In November I’m writing an article about gratitude. A podcast in December focuses on simple party planning tips. And, in March, I’ve got a post about entrepreneurial vacations lined up. I haven’t written any of these yet, haven’t created the content, but thanks to my editorial calendar, I know what…

When I set up shop 26 years ago, I wanted to create a sustainable career. To do it, I needed to create a life. — This morning I made breakfast for my teenager, then took her to school. Made it to my dentist appointment by 8 a.m. Checked in on a friend, after. …

Learn to use your intuition and it will give you an edge when it comes to decision making, innovation, and growth. — It may appear to you as a vision or dream. Some say they hear words almost like they’ve been spoken to. Others experience a slate of synchronicities or notice that colors become brighter, bolder. My intuition usually hits as a feeling. A stomach-churning, buzzing, or sense of comfort and ease…