I may be the one who received the cancer free news, but I did not get here alone. The gift of this journey has been realizing that the people who showed up with faith, encouragement, laughter, meals, and real-life support were some of the best medicine I could receive. This is the story of how I learned to let people help, lean into hope, and keep Shining Forward.

The MyChart alert came through after my double mastectomy, and for a moment, I could not bring myself to open it. What happened next was a lesson in fear, faith, surrender, science, and the people who help us keep going.

Days before my double mastectomy, I found myself standing on a stage holding a microphone in front of a community of women I truly admire. In this moment I was reminded me that I am still me. Not just a patient. Not just a diagnosis. This is the story of Magical May, Mic Drop Live, and the unexpected reminder I needed before surgery. Comparison doesn’t stand a chance in the face of meaningful connection!

There is something ridiculously satisfying about power washing. Watching dark, mucky brick transform into something clean and new feels invigorating. Motivating. Cancer may have slowed me down, but it also changed the way I see growth, identity, scars, and the messy beauty of becoming someone new on the other side.

Two weeks, four rounds of chemo, and a whole lot of real life in between. This update shares what it actually feels like, what I’m learning, and yes… my wig finally has a name. You’ll have to read to find out.

Today my gratitude list included pizza, Kleenex, and a really good trip to the bathroom.

Cancer will do that to a person.

While hiking after my third round of chemo, I started noticing the things that still felt good, still felt normal, still felt like life.

Turns out gratitude gets very real when life gets really hard.

Chemo 3, Day 5 hit differently. Bone pain, anger, and a full-blown pity party forced me to confront what faith really looks like when you don’t feel strong.

She looks healthy. She looks happy. But she is in the middle of chemotherapy for stage 2 HER2 breast cancer. A reflection on invisible illness, faith, and why kindness matters more than we know.

From pub chats to cave swims, this post is all about the unexpected connections we made across the globe. It’s proof that belonging isn’t tied to location—it’s about heart, humor, and a willingness to say hi.

Vacation season is here, and if you're traveling with family, you’re not just packing bags… you’re packing personalities. From solo strolls by Big Ben to safe words that saved our sanity, I’m sharing 7 real-world strategies for navigating family travel with more grace, fewer meltdowns, and a whole lot of honest moments. Whether you’re a people-pleaser, a planner, or somewhere in between, this one’s for you.

Sometimes even the most resilient among us get stuck. This is what it looks like when the speaker who helps others power through hits her own wall—and finds her way back to hope.

Most people don’t think of a cemetery as a place to find peace, joy, or clarity. But for Karen, it’s become sacred ground filled with memories, grief, and unexpected moments of grace. In this deeply personal reflection, Karen shares how walking among the headstones with her dogs has shaped her perspective, softened her sorrow, and reminded her that even in loss, life keeps moving.

Mother’s Day looks different when your mom is no longer here. In this heartfelt reflection, I explore the legacy my mother left behind—the faith, humor, and grit that still shape me—and why the Hebrew word for mother, meaning strong water, couldn’t be more fitting. Whether you’re mothering people, pets, or communities, this one’s for you.

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.