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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

How often have we heard or even said to ourselves, "I'll sleep when I'm dead"? 

It's a common refrain in the legal profession, where long hours and late nights are often worn as badges of honor. But at what cost? 

Tomorrow (March 15) is World Sleep Day, so I invited my dear friend and EsquireWell ...

I’m on my phone … a lot. I’ll admit it. I try not to use it when I should otherwise be present with others, but even then, I’m guilty of a quick under-the-table email glance. I’m working on it, really I am.

Even yesterday, this came up in our family. Our daughter will be going to Italy in a couple ...