Inner Greatness 101

This morning, I woke up with aching bones, stiff joints, and a right hand that’s seen better days. My legs are sore, my hands feel worn, and my body carries the weight of every movement I’ve pushed it through. But I know this pain. It’s familiar, expected, even welcomed. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s proof of effort. A cup of coffee in hand, I take a breath and ease into the morning. The stiffness will fade as I move, the discomfort will lessen, and soon enough, I’ll be ready to do it all over again—the same activities that caused these aches in the first place. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. The alternative? A life of ease. Of sitting still. Of letting my body soften, weaken, and deteriorate under the illusion of comfort. But I refuse to trade my strength for stagnation. We were made to endure, to push, to grow through struggle. Suffering isn’t optional—it’s inevitable. But we get to choose what kind of suffering we embrace. The suffering of discipline or the suffering of re...

Regaining Composure: Powered by Coffee, ADHD Tendencies, and Parenting at Full Speed Picture this: it’s 6:15 a.m. The high schooler can’t find their earbuds, the middle schooler just remembered a science project that’s due today, and the elementary kid is peppering everyone with questions like, “Why do grown-ups drink coffee instead of chocolate milk?” Meanwhile, the coffee mug sits abandoned—cold and forgotten—for the third time. Parenting isn’t easy. Parenting across three schools while juggling career uncertainty? That’s a whole new level of chaos. Yet, every day is an opportunity to rise to the challenge, even when it feels like the pieces might fall apart. As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” And if there’s one thing parents know how to do, it’s rise again (sometimes with coffee in hand). Coffee: The Unsung Hero of the Comeback For parents, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a lifeline. It’s the fu...

French philosopher Michel de Montaigne really nailed it with this gem: “He who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.” While it’s profound and introspective, let’s not pretend we’re here to have a quiet moment with tea and poetry. Instead, let’s grab this quote, shake it up, and see how it hilariously applies to life and career. Life: The Fear of Suffering in Everyday Adventures Picture this: It’s Sunday evening. You’re lounging on the couch, scrolling through social media, and stumble upon a meme about the soul-crushing agony of Monday morning meetings. Suddenly, the following thoughts hit you like a freight train: “I’m definitely going to oversleep.” “My boss will call on me, and I’ll just blank out and stare at the webcam like a deer in headlights.” “What if they ask about my progress on that report I forgot existed?” Now you’re stressed, and it’s not even Monday yet. By the time the actual meeting rolls around, none of these catastrophes occur. Instead, t...

Self-doubt is a voice we all hear at some point in our lives. It’s that inner critic that whispers, “You can’t do this,” or “You’re not good enough.” It can be paralyzing, stopping us before we even begin. But what if the antidote to that voice is not ignoring it, but confronting it head-on? Vincent Van Gogh , one of history's most iconic and influential artists, knew this struggle well. Despite battling intense self-doubt and receiving little recognition during his lifetime, his persistence led to a legacy that transformed the art world. His words below can remind us that action, not perfection, is the key to overcoming fear. If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced Taking Action to Overcome Doubt in Life, Business, and Career Self-doubt isn’t limited to the workplace—it can seep into every part of life: Hesitating to pursue a new passion or hobby. Doubting your ability to build meaningful relationships. Avoid...

 We all have those mornings where everything feels overwhelming, emotions run high, and our best intentions seem to miss the mark. Recently, I experienced one of those mornings. I want to share my experience and the steps I’m taking to work through it—not because I have all the answers, but because this is something many of us can relate to. The Morning Struggle It started with unmet expectations. I had reminders and plans in place to keep things on track, but they weren’t being followed. My frustration boiled over, and I let it show. That disappointment lingered, making me more sensitive to other interactions. When I felt spoken to in a way that left me hurt and upset, my emotions got the better of me. In a moment of frustration, I let out a scream, hoping to release the tension. Instead, it left the morning feeling strained, both for me and for those around me. Afterward, I felt weighed down—not just by the situation but by my reaction to it. Knowing I needed to reset, I turned t...

Sobriety isn’t just about putting down the drink; it’s about picking up the pieces of yourself that you may have lost along the way. It’s a courageous act of self-discovery, one that often requires us to confront the parts of our lives we’ve numbed, ignored, or buried under the weight of alcohol. For many of us, making the decision to get sober is one of the bravest things we’ll ever do, and it opens the door to tapping into a version of ourselves we might not have believed existed: our inner greatness. The Courage to Face Yourself When I decided to stop drinking, it wasn’t because I felt ready or confident. In fact, it was the opposite. I was forced to confront the person I had become—a person hiding behind the false mask of alcohol-induced fun. Drinking had been a way to escape the mundane, a quick ticket to relaxation or excitement. But as time went on, the joy it once brought became fleeting. The energy it drained, the anxiety it fueled, and the depression it deepened were inescapa...

Sun Tzu’s quote, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity,” reminds us that even in the most uncertain and challenging situations, there’s potential for growth, change, and success. While originally meant for warfare, it’s a profound reminder for life: chaos often disrupts comfort zones and forces us to adapt, innovate, and find new paths. In life, chaos can look like career transitions, personal struggles, or unexpected changes. Yet, these moments often open doors to possibilities we wouldn’t have seen otherwise—a new skill to learn, a stronger relationship to build, or a chance to redefine what truly matters. So don’t stress. Trust that today is exactly how it’s meant to be, roll with the punches, and keep your eyes open for the opportunities hiding in the chaos. Great things are just around the corner—expect them! ✨