In this candid and relatable post, Karen shares how a simple nap turned into a spiral of guilt after she missed an important meeting. Through vulnerability and reflection, she explores how easy it is to let shame define our day—and how to reclaim our power through grace, perspective, and purpose. With honesty and hope, she encourages readers to stop tying their worth to productivity and instead take one small, intentional step in the bright direction.

This post started as a walk-and-talk voice note—raw, real, and totally unfiltered. I’m sharing what accountability really looks like for me these days: not hustle culture, not guilt trips, but honest alignment with what matters most. From missed TEDx deadlines to rewriting what it means to follow through, this is a story about showing up with grace, intention, and a whole lot of self-awareness. If you’ve ever struggled to “do the thing,” I hope this gives you permission to start messy and keep going anyway.

As a kid, my report cards were filled with notes like “Talks too much” and “Needs self-control.” Now? I call it Talkabetes.What used to get me sent to the principal’s office has become my superpower—fueling connection, storytelling, and even my career. In this post, I’m sharing how I turned a lifelong “flaw” into a calling, why our voices matter more than ever, and how humor, honesty, and heart can light the way forward.

Ever feel like you’re doing it all—and still falling short? Same. I used to believe that hustle meant success, whether I was hosting a holiday meal or building my business. But here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes the most productive thing you can do is let go. In this post, I’m sharing the freedom I found in ditching perfection, delegating like a pro, and saying yes to peace over pressure (and yes, takeout counts). If you need permission to release the overwhelm—this one’s for you.

Facing the “Bad Feeling” — And Finding Peace

When I felt that familiar buzz of fear—the one I call “the dark cloud”—I knew something was off. A routine mammogram turned into a biopsy, and the waiting began. In this raw and honest post, I share the emotional journey of a cancer scare, how my faith anchored me through it, and the promise I made to live bolder on the other side. If you’ve ever faced the unknown, this one’s for you.

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to launch the first episode of my podcast with a very special guest—my daughter, Lyndsey. A passionate world traveler and a true example of resilience, Lyndsey has faced incredible challenges and emerged stronger than ever.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the power of connection, the role of mentorship and support, and the mindset shifts that help us push forward with confidence. We also dive into the transformative impact of travel and new experiences on personal growth.

This episode is a deeply personal and inspiring reflection on the strength of women, the importance of building meaningful relationships, and the courage it takes to carve our own path. I hope Lyndsey’s story resonates with you as much as it inspires me.

Almost ten years ago, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon—but the real race was the one within me. Fear and uncertainty had once held me back, but step by step, I learned that faith moves us forward. Now, as I launch my first book, Six Steps in the Bright Direction, I’m reminded that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising again. If you’re facing your own marathon of transition, loss, or rediscovery, know this: fear doesn’t have to finish the race with you. Faith will carry you if you let it.

Is money a burden or a tool for empowerment? This heartfelt blog dives deep into a personal journey with finances—exploring the struggles of debt, the impact of loss, and the guilt of wanting wealth. From early financial mistakes to rebuilding after life’s hardest moments, the author shares how their perspective on money evolved from fear and shame to empowerment and freedom. This inspiring read reminds us that money isn’t the enemy—it’s a catalyst for security, choice, and living a fuller life.

Growth isn’t just about celebrating the big wins—it’s about recognizing the journey, the lessons, and the small steps that shape who we are becoming. In Shine Forward: The Power of a Growth Journal, we explore how shifting the practice of journaling from gratitude to growth can transform the way we track our progress.

From personal and professional development to relationships, health, and finances, this blog walks you through how to create a Growth Journal that brings awareness, intentionality, and momentum to your goals. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. Because when we learn to love the process, every step forward becomes a success. Ready to chart your growth? Let’s do this—one reflection at a time!

If I had continued to believe that story, I might not have married the man I love today. I might still be stuck in that cycle of guilt and shame, unable to see the opportunity for growth that was right in front of me.

New Year, new goals—but what happens when overthinking keeps you stuck? Too often, we let doubt and distraction derail our progress, even when we have everything we need to succeed. In this post, we explore how to break the cycle of overthinking, shift from knowing to doing, and align our mindset with real, tangible action. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward, this is your guide to resetting your mindset and embracing a year of growth!

I read a a devotional that talked about the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is something that we experience. Joy is something we truly feel, that lives inside us. As I look at that, I question what joy is to me. That's a really big question, and I don't necessarily have the answer and that scares me. It scares me because joy is a critical part of living.