Planning for a new year: incremental changes that add up

As I planned for the new year, I considered how to set myself up for a successful 2024. For those armed with big “resolutions,” I applaud you. But for the majority of Americans who make resolutions, researchers noted in an article published by Ohio State University suggest that only 9% complete them. Further, 23% of…

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Work-life balance: streamlining our time ‎

“Something’s going to give…” While that’s a line mined from my debut Harlequin Love Inspired novel releasing in 2024, it had been mirroring real-life. Although I can sit at my laptop for 8½ hours while on deadline, when I emerge from my fictional world, my task list is still begging for attention. This arrangement may…

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Compound interest: accruing momentum for the climb

It’s hard to believe the end of February is right around the corner. On the creative front, the year began with a big bang. Within the first two weeks, I received green lights on a few of my submissions to smaller publications. I don’t know about you, but when things get off to a stellar…

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A recap of 2022: more than checking off the ‘dones’

In my next to final post of 2021, I recounted the milestone moments of my past to (hopefully) better inform a future grounded with intention. This served to help me recall goals accomplished, new dreams I dared dream, as well as lessons learned. While I can add up similar highlights achieved in 2022, what interests…

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When you achieve happy-ever-after: what comes next?

The less time you spend dreaming up a world of happily ever after, the more time you’ll have to actually live… ~ Abby McDonald When you achieve a dream or a goal, do you ever consider what comes next? Predictably, in fairytales and modern-day romances, the two love interests ride off into the sunset. Yet…

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New year, new word: a recipe for success

I talk a lot about setting ourselves up for success. About our one magical life. And I write about hope for new beginnings, humor in the messy middle and heart for happy endings. But what happens when new beginnings take a detour? This past summer, my husband and I embarked on a new beginning of…

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Biting off more than you can chew: when enough is enough

How do you know when enough is enough? I wrestled with that question recently as I realized I’d bitten off more than I could chew (again). Let me back up a second. This past summer, an urgency to create movement inspired me to begin making small life changes. I neglected one important consideration, however. No…

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