It’s that time of year again - the end of the semester. I’ve been reflecting on the students (almost all 3L’s) in our upper-level, two-credit “Well-Being and Professional Formation” course at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. It was an honor to co-teach with Professor Jerry Organ and to wa...

In the legal profession, we’re taught to show confidence, control, and command of the facts. We research thoroughly. We write persuasively. We present our arguments with authority. That’s what we’re trained to do, and often, what we’re rewarded for.

But what we’re not trained to do is show uncertai...

What if one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress, build stronger teams, and feel more fulfilled as a lawyer or legal professional didn’t require more hours or another certification?

What if it just meant being a bit more generous?

Last week, I had the privilege of emceeing the Lawyers Concer...

This past week was my little sister’s birthday, and as I was looking through old photos, I found one that really made me pause. It’s a picture of us as kids, riding our bikes. I’m in front, glancing back over my shoulder, and she’s behind me, looking up and following my lead.

That simple image sp...

Today, the first Wednesday of April, is National Walking Day!

When you think of powerful well-being practices for lawyers, walking might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but maybe it should be.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of legal practice, we’re often glued to our desks, imme...

When’s the last time you did something completely new?

Recently, I found myself standing in an empty church sanctuary, surrounded by over 20 handbells, wearing fancy headphones, and trying not to mess up my part in a professional music recording.

Here’s the backstory: a friend of mine coordinate...

Happy Monday, and I hope your first official weekend of spring was fabulous!

Two recent "celebration" days inspired today's newsletter ...

International Day of Happiness was last week on Thursday - a reminder that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a core part of our well-being. And yet...

This past Sunday, we all set our clocks forward by one hour. It’s a tiny shift - just 60 minutes - but it has an undeniable impact. The mornings feel darker, the evenings stretch longer, and for a few days, our routines feel slightly off. But then, almost without noticing, we adjust.

This small, de...

A couple of weeks ago, Minnesota was in a deep freeze - schools were closed, my weather app showed -15°F with a "real feel" of -30°F, and I had to bundle up in a stocking cap and winter coat just to step outside and head to the law school to teach (law school classes are never canceled, it seems). 

Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of complexity - both in the legal profession and in the world around us. Maybe you are, too. There’s so much happening at once, and it can feel overwhelming to juggle competing priorities while trying to stay focused, effective, and even-keeled.

In moments like ...

A few years ago, I had one of those relentless weeks - the kind where every minute felt accounted for before the day even began. 

Client calls, urgent emails, back-to-back meetings, late-night work … and no time to even think about taking care of myself. I told myself I would catch up on sleep late...

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day 2019 looked a little different than usual for me. My husband was in Tanzania on a service and learning trip for work, soaking up the sun, connecting with and learning from others, and enjoying a safari before he headed home. 

I was home in Minnesota with the ...