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Not Every Deer Is a Danger: A Lesson in Self-Awareness change fear habit stress

This morning, I was enjoying a quiet morning at home, sipping coffee, basking in the silence and stillness. 

My husband and two of our kids are already at the cabin, because that’s what Minnesotans do when the calendar says “July 4” and the mosquitoes say “party time.” 

My other daughter spent the...

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Just because it rains, it doesn’t have to pour change efficiency habit productivity

This past Tuesday afternoon, I wrapped up a productive client meeting downtown, packed up my laptop, files, and water bottle, and headed home feeling efficient and accomplished.

Then came Wednesday morning. Coffee in hand, I sat down to start the day … only to realize my laptop charging cord was st...

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Lettuce Lessons: A Gardening Fail Led To Big Learning change growth habit productivity

This week, I tried something new: growing vegetables. Specifically, lettuce. I’ve always loved the idea of stepping out into the backyard and grabbing a few fresh leaves for a salad. Simple. Healthy. Satisfying.

So this past Tuesday evening, my husband Ryan and I pulled out the starter plants I bou...

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Why ‘Follow Your Passion’ Isn't Always the Best Advice: A Smarter Way to Thrive in Law change confidence growth habit

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...

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Walk the Walk: A Simple Step Toward Lawyer Well-Being change habit health simplicity

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...

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Outsmart Yourself: A Gift to Your Future Self habit having what matters holidays well-being

Greetings from Scottsdale, Arizona! I’m here at a conference, catching up with friends and clients who work in professional development in the legal profession. 

Conferences are always a mix of connection and chaos, so I’ve developed a few habits to make things run smoother.

Take my nametag, for e...

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Sleep Smart, Work Smart: The Science Behind Better Rest for Lawyers habit health self-care work/life balance

Okay, I have to confess: I am a total nerd when it comes to learning. 

Earlier this week, I was giddy - and I mean that in the most literal sense (like, standing outside the doors when they opened so I could get a front row seat) - spending two full days at the Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus...

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Paws for Thought: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Lessons from Our New Dog change habit mindset vulnerability

A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter and I met a sweet rescue dog named Sadie. We connected with her immediately—her gentle eyes and tentative wag of the tail spoke volumes. But just as we were about to welcome her into our family, life got hectic. I had speaking engagements in Philadelphia, and then...

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Full Circle: How Merry-Go-Rounds Teach Us About Breaking Old Habits change growth habit performance

This weekend is the annual city festival in our town. Every year since the kids were small, we stop by, eat some “fair food”, check out the vendors, and let the kids ride a few carnival rides.

This got me thinking about the merry-go-rounds that we all see at every carnival, especially today, which ...

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Break free from these 5 obstacles to your success and well-being! goals habit holidays performance

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July - so here is an advance “Happy Fourth of July!” since you are hopefully out of the office tomorrow relaxing a bit. 

Before I check out for a long weekend of fireworks, s’mores around the campfire, boat rides on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, and dousing myself regul...

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Tricky political conversations? How to have them - from the conference room to the kitchen table authenticity habit holidays mindset

I’m writing this to you from my hometown of Franklin Grove, Illinois (population 950). I’m here visiting my family for Father’s Day weekend, so I get to see both my dad and mom, but also my 91-year-old grandmother who still lives nearby.

My family and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on politics, so I...

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Creating a Culture of Caring growth habit mindset productivity

Last week, my neighbors moved away after several years of living up the street. Although we didn't know each other well, we occasionally encountered each other at neighborhood gatherings. They certainly seemed nice enough, and we always exchanged pleasantries and small talk at the mailbox or waved a...

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