Stone by Stone: Lessons in Leadership and Grit from My Grandparents grit growth holidays mindset resilience strength tenacity Sep 05, 2025

In the legal profession, we talk a lot about innovation, fresh ideas, and staying ahead of the curve. All of that is important.

But sometimes the most powerful lessons don’t come from what’s new - they come from the people who’ve already walked the path before us. Mentors, colle...

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What Karaoke Taught Me About Values (Yes, Really) change fear growth mindset Jul 25, 2025

 I sang karaoke last night. Here’s why that matters.

I don’t usually sing karaoke. Let’s be honest: my voice is a light, airy soprano - sweet and well-pitched, but better suited for church choirs or Mozart arias than pop songs. (Someone once said I sound like a 10-year-old boy s...

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Creativity Day: What If This Is the Key to Sustainable Success? change growth mindset performance May 28, 2025

When was the last time you did something creative - not to produce, perfect, or perform, but simply to play?

 May 30 is National Creativity Day, a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists, musicians, or designers. Creativity belongs to all of us. And for those of us in la...

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You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know - And That’s a Good Thing! confidence fear growth mindset May 02, 2025

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...

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Stretching Your Brain (and Your Comfort Zone): The Power of Learning Something New change fear growth mindset Mar 28, 2025

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

For me, 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 ...

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Happiness: The Unexpected Fuel For Your Legal Career happiness holidays mindset work/life balance Mar 24, 2025

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 e...

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How a Single Hour Can Transform Your Daily Rhythm and Your Career change growth having what matters mindset Mar 14, 2025

It happens twice a year; we all set our clocks forward or back 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 n...

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Surviving the Deep Freeze: Learning About Resilience change growth mindset strength Mar 07, 2025

As is typical in the winter, 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 ne...

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The Secret to Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable confidence growth mindset performance Feb 07, 2025

Let’s be real - lawyers are trained to argue. 

We build cases, poke holes in opposing arguments, and advocate fiercely. But outside of the courtroom? How we disagree matters just as much as whether we’re “right.”

I was scrolling Instagram the other day and I saw this quote by A...

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When Life Sends You a Sign (Literally): A Lesson in Joy happiness having what matters mindset simplicity Jan 31, 2025

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...

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The Power of Hobbies: Finding Joy, Connection, and a Little Magic happiness holidays mindset well-being Dec 13, 2024

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.

F...

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What Adoption Taught Me About the Power of Belonging in Law happiness having what matters mindset vulnerability Nov 22, 2024

(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 t...

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