Posts by Annie
For Better Results, Finesse
When we talk with clients about making small changes that have significant impact, we often use the word “finesse” to describe the process that’s needed. Maybe that’s because we eventually bore of saying “optimize,” “improve,” and the colloquial “zhush.” It’s as much because the concept of finessing is apt. In my mind, finessing is the…
Read MoreIf You Have THIS You’re Luckier Than You May Think
Growing up, my family’s norm was the unpredictability of chronic illness. The question of whether my mom would have a “good MS day,” (denoted by having enough energy to be showered and dressed, participate in conversation, and feed herself), or a “bad MS day,” (see: the opposite) lingered in the air each night. This made…
Read MoreWhose Power Is It, Anyway?
True power is not, as is so often thought, dictatorial, oppressive, or corrupting. Power is the force of our authenticity, the knowledge that we are worthy of being here, and the confidence that relying on our intuition provides. Being in our power, counterintuitively, is what allows us to relax. From this stance, we know when…
Read MoreThe Opportunity Of The Moment
Each of us has the choice to view life as a series of opportunities, or as a random string of good or bad events. When we choose to view life as an exercise in opportunity, we live with the awareness that every moment is a teacher. Every circumstance is unfolding for the potential betterment…
Read MoreNote To Self: Take More Initiative!
Even more invaluable than a truly helpful person is one who doesn’t wait to be asked for the help they provide, but who takes initiative. Initiative is where genuine care, proactivity, and confidence meet. The person who takes initiative possesses a desire to contribute their skillset and ease the load of others to a…
Read MoreYour Permission To Have Ambition
One of my favorite exchanges I’ve had in recent months was with my client’s teenage daughter. She’s a talented cheer athlete, and competes nationally along with her twin sister. After we had finished editing their bedroom, I asked her, “What do you love most about cheer?” I’m embarrassed to admit that I expected her…
Read MoreGratitude Is The Starting Point
Most people end the year with notes of thanks. I’m ringing in the new year by suggesting we all orient our focus on gratitude. What I’ve learned is that gratitude is not the place you arrive at, but the starting point. Every morning since my mom died, I’d been thinking “I’m so grateful to…
Read MoreHow Will You Carry On?
Daily frustrations, careless mistakes, unforeseen, unnavoidable crises, and even intentional, premeditated evils–these are all part of the human experience. There is no way to separate being alive from the challenges of life. Now that we’re more connected to the world at large than ever before, these hardships are inescapable. Everywhere you look is a…
Read MoreHarness The Power Of Rituals
Whether or not you realize it or would like to admit it, if you’re an independent adult, your daily life is your design. The privilege of getting to divvy up a chunk of 24 hours into segments as you see fit is not one to be overlooked. If you’re like most of us,…
Read MoreUnburdened, We Heal
When we experience emotionally traumatic events, it’s tempting to dwell on our pain. Allowing ourselves the opportunity to process what we’ve lived through can be essential. “Did that really all happen?” We may want to ask ourselves. “Did it really happen the way I remember it did? Was it really as bad as I…
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