How A Little Connection Goes A Long Way emotional intelligence habit happiness performance well-being

My husband and I take an annual trip to Austin, Texas, to see dear college friends. 

The trip was everything I needed: good food (can you ever have too many tacos?), good music, driving and walking through beautiful scenery, lots of hot tub time, and late nights filled with laughter and conversatio...

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From Deflection to Connection: Rethinking Praise appreciation confidence emotional intelligence gratitude happiness imposter syndrome self-awareness vulnerability

World Gratitude Day - a beautiful reminder each year to pause and reflect on the power of appreciation. It is a day meant to highlight how expressing gratitude and receiving it with openness can ripple outward to strengthen relationships and communities.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect …...

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What’s In Your Carry On? (And What’s Weighing You Down?) authenticity confidence efficiency emotional intelligence goals growth happiness having what matters productivity resilience well-being

I always enjoy when I can give one of my favorite presentations: “From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence in the Legal Profession: Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession.” I never tire of this topic. No matter the audience—whether new associates at orientation or seasoned partners at a retreat—I alway...

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The Long Weekend Your Brain Has Been Waiting For happiness having what matters health work/life balance

I did something rare and wonderful that we often talk about, but never follow through with: I took myself out on a solo date.

My husband and son headed to our family cabin, our daughters are studying abroad, and I have just a couple more meetings and projects to wrap up today from my office.

So la...

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Happiness: The Unexpected Fuel For Your Legal Career happiness holidays mindset work/life balance

A recent "celebration" day inspired this newsletter ...

International Day of Happiness - a reminder that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a core part of our well-being. And yet, in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the legal profession, it’s easy to overlook or even dismiss happines...

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Your Heart Works Hard for You: Are you returning the favor? growth happiness having what matters health

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...

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This Valentine’s Day, Don’t Forget About You! ♥️ confidence happiness holidays self-care

 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 kids - right in the mid...

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When Life Sends You a Sign (Literally): A Lesson in Joy happiness having what matters mindset simplicity

Have you ever noticed a theme emerging in your life? Maybe it's something subtle, like a word, a feeling, or an experience that seems to pop up repeatedly, as if it’s trying to tell you something. These themes often point to areas of growth, insight, or even just simple reminders to slow down and ap...

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Silent Nights, Rested Days: Rest and Recharge Before the New Year happiness holidays self-care stress

I’m sipping coffee out of my favorite holiday mug that says: “All Mama Wants is a Silent Night.” It’s a playful reminder of what so many of us crave at the end of a busy season - peace, quiet, and a little breathing room.

For lawyers and legal professionals, the end of the year often feels like a...

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The Power of Hobbies: Finding Joy, Connection, and a Little Magic happiness holidays mindset well-being

Life as a lawyer or legal professional can feel like a whirlwind - deadlines, client demands, and never-ending to-do lists. It’s so easy to push our own passions to the back burner. But here’s the thing: making time for hobbies, especially creative ones, can change everything.

For me, it’s playing ...

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What Adoption Taught Me About the Power of Belonging in Law happiness having what matters mindset vulnerability

(This note is a little more personal, but it also ties into our legal workplaces and one of the main reasons I do the work I do.)

National Adoption Day is a day close to my heart. As the mom of three incredible children - two of whom are adopted - I’ve seen firsthand and lived the beauty, challenge...

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Not everything is a it seems: Lessons in empathy from a frozen plant happiness self-care stress vulnerability

As I glanced out at the backyard deck the morning after our first freeze, my plants seemed fine. From the kitchen window, they looked just as vibrant and lively as ever. But when I stepped outside and touched them, I realized they were frozen solid. What looked perfectly okay from afar was, in reali...

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