Perfection

  It's Sunday night. You've finally done it. You've created the perfect plan. You've meal prepped and time blocked; you're ready for anything. This week, nothing can stop you. You're finally gonna live your best life as the perfect human you always knew you could be. 

  But then Tuesday rolls around, and your keto muffins are moldy, and the store is out of eggs, and you give up and eat a chocolate bar for breakfast. Your schedule gets cramped, extra meetings pop up, and suddenly that dream version of you meets the reality version of you, hitting snooze til it's too late to do your workout, playing a game on your phone instead of reading, and telling yourself you'll try again next week. Sound familiar? 

  So what do we do when we're not as perfect as we want to be, when life throws us curveballs, when we miss the mark? This morning I read a verse from The Message Bible. Matthew 5:48b - "Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." That struck me. What a beautiful way to live our lives, generously and graciously. Not just toward others, but toward ourselves too. Sometimes life requires flexibility. Joyce Meyers calls this living with margins. I like that. As a recovering perfectionist, I have to remind myself often that it's ok if everything doesn't go to plan and to leave myself some wiggle room. 

  In addition to giving ourselves grace, we need to define our priorities. Which things are most important to us in THIS season of life? Because after all, this is a season. Recently I was talking about my hectic schedule with someone, and they remarked, "This is the busiest season of your life." And something about that brought me peace, because I was reminded that I won't always be juggling two sports schedules plus a full-time job. I won't always be running to meetings and doing virtual appointments on my lunch breaks, and it helped me to put things in perspective. Some seasons are just busier than others, and that's ok. In those seasons, know your priorities. Know which habits absolutely must happen, and which ones can get shifted to the back burner. 

  I'm not saying we shouldn't strive to be better. Lord knows it's my favorite thing to do, think, and talk about. But I am saying we need to give ourselves grace; we need to prioritize, and when all else fails, eat the chocolate bar for breakfast. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Progress

  

 Hey there! Have you ever felt stuck in place, like you aren't moving forward, and like things aren't happening the way you thought they would? Me too. But here's what I've realized. Often times, when we are mired in this way of thinking, it's because we've lost sight of the bigger picture. We're so focused on getting from where we are now to where we want to be, that we forget how far we've come. 

  I was reminded of this truth this week when a Facebook memory popped up. Four years ago this week was when I took the first step toward getting "Drake the Dragon" published. I had no idea that taking that step would lead to publishing five books, going full time into writing, becoming a speaker at elementary schools and women's events, creating content on multiple platforms, and a whole host of other adventures. 

  To be honest, on a day-to-day basis, it's easy to feel like we're moving too slow. But when we look back over the years, I bet there's more progress than we realize. Don't overlook the small daily steps, the little moves you're making. Because when you look back, those little steps add up to a whole lot of miles. 

  I've heard it said that we overestimate what we can accomplish in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in five years. Today, I encourage you to take a five-year view. Look at the bigger picture. Look back and see how far you've come in the last five years. What dreams are you living right now that you could have only imagined five years ago? And then look ahead. Cast your vision for the next five years. And get started. It only takes one tiny step. 

  I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

A Fresh Take

  

    Hey Friends! It's been a little while, and I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts with you. Recently I shared a video on social media, talking about why it is that I do what I do. It's something that I've been thinking about a lot. I'm on many platforms, and I invest tons of time daily, and ultimately, I don't want what I do to just be busy work. I want it to have purpose and meaning, to be fulfilling a calling and making an impact. And I bet, if I asked you, you would feel the same way about the things you do. After all, we live in a very busy culture, one that equates busyness with success. But in reality, we can spend a lot of time being busy and not actually accomplishing anything worthwhile or purposeful. And at the end of the day, that's a pretty sad way to live. 

    So, everyone once in a while, we need to pull our head up out of the rat race and ask ourselves why we're doing all this. Is it because we think it will make us happy? Or is it because someone we respected told us we should live this way? Are we looking for approval, or trying to be "good enough?" There's a lot of reasons why we get caught in the busyness, and it happens to all of us from time to time. Which is why I made a point this week of really asking myself to think deeply about and reconnect to my purpose. And I want to encourage you to do the same. 

    For me, when it really comes down to it, there are three reasons for all the work I do. One is because I believe we were created to create. Another is because I want to make a meaningful impact on the world. And the last is because I believe in the power of growth to change our lives, and I want to do everything in my power to grow myself and then help others do the same. Because the more we all grow, the better off we are, and the better off we can leave the world. Ultimately, I want to add value, through what I create, by growing myself and helping grow others, and by making a meaningful contribution to the world. 

    So, I want to ask you; have you been running the race without stopping to question why? Are you caught in the busyness trap? If so, take some time this week to really ask yourself why your here and what you're doing. And once you find the answer, center yourself around that. Leave behind what you don't need and start living a more purposeful and peaceful existence. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Winter of the Soul

   Hey Friends! Recently I heard Mark and Juliana from Boho Beautiful talk about a "Winter of the Soul." And I thought that was such a beautiful way of naming those times when we feel a little bit frozen, when we can't seem to move forward, and when growth seems stagnant. You see, in life there are seasons for everything. In fact, the Bible has a whole book dedicated to this concept (check out Ecclesiastes). 

    There are times when we are in full bloom, when things are moving forward and growth is exploding all around us. During these times, we may feel excited and filled with possibility. There are times when we are in harvest, when we are reaping the rewards of those seeds of hard work and persistence we have sown. But there are also times when we are in winter, when things seem dormant and dead. Maybe we just finished a project or a door closed on an opportunity. Or maybe you just feel tired inside and need to slow down. It's during these times we need to be conscientious of what cycle we are in and what we need to do to weather this particular season. 

    When we find ourselves mentally or spiritually in winter, this may mean we need to take some time to rest, to slow down, to meditate and plan, or just to reset. Often winter can feel tough. You know that mid-February feeling that the sun will never come out again? But if you can remember this is only a season, it will help you to not only walk through this particular time, but also to make the most of the season you are in. During physical winter, all of nature is doing a reset. It is resting, hibernating, preparing for fresh growth in the spring. Similarly, when we are in a winter internally, we may need to slow down our outward effort, conserve our energy, look inward, and prepare ourselves for a fresh season of growth. 

    If you're in a winter right now, don't miss the beauty of this season and what it offers. Take the time to reset. Give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack, and know that you are preparing to build something beautiful in the spring. Use this time to think and to dream. Get yourself ready for that next opportunity. Spring is just around the corner. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Excuses, Excuses

   Hello Friends! I've been thinking lately about excuses, particularly those excuses we use to deter ourselves from becoming the best versions of ourselves. You see, recently I was struggling with my health. I had been sick a lot, and this threw me out of my normal routine of exercise and healthful eating. But as time wore on, I was getting farther and farther from the healthiest version of myself, and instead of picking myself up and beginning the journey again, I made excuses. I know you would never do this, but mine went something like this. "It's just so expensive to eat healthy." "I just don't have the time to prepare good food and work out." "I'm just so tired all the time." 

  The problem was, deep down, I knew these were just excuses for not doing what I needed to do to care for my body. And as is often the case when we make excuses, I was getting frustrated with myself. But of course, we don't tend to place the blame where it belongs, and so we start to blame other people. (Not you, of course, I know. But speaking for myself.) I blamed my family for taking up my time or being on the TV when I wanted to do a workout video. I blamed our busy schedule for not eating the way I should, all the while, knowing the answer was actually in letting go of those excuses and getting back on the path. 

  Excuses can derail us. Not only that, but they tend to make us pretty miserable. And here's the reason. As long as we deny responsibility for our circumstances, we also deny ourselves the ability to make them better. That's right. We have to own up to grow up. The moment we begin to take responsibility for where we are, that's when we gain the power to change where we are going. You see, the truth is, we all have a finite amount of time and resources. And maybe it's true that you don't have as many options as someone else. But that doesn't mean you're without any options. It's time to put down the excuses and start taking the steps you can, no matter how small they may seem at the time. 

  This week, look for areas where you are making excuses and placing blame. Then take some responsibility, knowing that by owing your circumstances, you are empowering yourself to make them better. Cut through those lies you're telling yourself and get back on the path toward the very best version of you, one little step at a time. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

What You Don't Know Does Hurt You

   Hi Friends! Ever realize you don't know what you don't know? Seems kind of straight forward, doesn't it? But we tend to forget, to think we know it all, or at least that we've got a handle on certain subjects. But I think more often than not, the more we know, the more we know that we don't know. (Say that five times fast.) 

  Recently I was confronted by this in a subject I consider myself to be pretty fluent in. I'm a very spiritual person. I was raised in a strict Christian household, attending a Christian church and a private Christian school where doctrine and theology were a part of the everyday curriculum. Not only that, but I've been reading my Bible on an almost daily basis since I was 12. And I continually read and listen to speakers on this subject. You could say that I've had two and half decades of intense education on the Bible and Christianity. Now, this isn't to say I know it all. I know that I don't. But I did feel like I knew all the basics. I've heard the stories, a million times over, and if someone mentions a verse, I can usually pinpoint what book of the Bible it's in quickly. I'm well versed in Scripture and theology. (Pun intended.) So, this week, I was completely surprised when I picked up a book and discovered there was an entire section of basic Christianity (Christianity 101, if you will) that I knew nothing about. 

  Right about now, you may be wondering, if we don't know that we don't know, how can we ever know? I know, right. But here's the thing. We have to stay curious. And we have to maintain a childlike mind. If we want to continually learn and grown, then we have to approach things with a fresh and inquiring mindset. We have to be willing to look at things as though we've never seen them before. And this requires a bit of humility. When we think we have nothing left to learn, we are in for serious trouble. But if we keep an open mind, believing there is something for us to learn in everything and everyone, we will find there are new things to be discovered all around us. 

  Jim Kwik talks about this idea in his book, Limitless. He says that one of the key things we need to do to learn is to forget. Seems counter intuitive, right? But what he means is, we have to forget what we already think we know so we can make room for what we don't know. This week, explore the world with a fresh mindset. Look for opportunities to learn everywhere, even in places where you think you know it all. You might be surprised to find there's another level for you to grow to. Keep a curious mind. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Mindset

   Hello, Friends! I often think and speak a lot about mindset, and that's what I want to talk to you about today. You see, mindset matters. This week was my birthday, and I decided to do a little video recap of some events from the last year. But when I did that, I was surprised to see just how much had happened. I traveled to seven (yes seven) states. I wrote and published a novel. I spoke at several events. I got a new tattoo, and I enjoyed so many moments in between. But here's what I realized when I was making that video. So often we are focused on the things that are going wrong, those worries, the things that nag at us. And they may be big things. It might be a financial crisis, a health diagnosis, a relationship on the brink of coming apart. But the devil wants us to stay focused on all those things, so we miss out on the beauty of everything that is happening around us. It's so easy to let our minds dwell on the negative and never see the positive. 

    We need to take our camera lense and zoom out a little. Maybe you've been consumed with whatever problem is going on in your life. And there is a time and place for tackling problems. I'm not saying we should act as if they don't exist. But I am saying, the problem is only one part of your life. And you can let it consume you, or you can choose to change your mindset. Your mindset is the difference between a good life with a few gray clouds, or a bad life where you're always anticipating rain. 

    We have to stop falling for the lie that our problems define us or that our problems are all there is. Life is so much bigger than that. We can change how we see things. We can choose to put those problems in their places, as small parts of the whole, rather than zooming in on them and making them so large that nothing else can be seen in our lives.

    Today, you may need a perspective shift. And if you do, I hope that you can take the time to refocus. Maybe do like I did, go through your phone camera and look at all your memories from the last year and pick our the highlights. Then remind yourself that those moments are happening all around you every day. You simply need to turn your attention toward them. I can't wait to see you succed!

~K.L.W.  

Gratitude Begets More

   Hi Friends! Today I want to talk to you about one of my favorite topics. And no, it's not habits, goals, or starting fresh. Today, I want to talk about gratitude. Here's why:  I keep coming back to gratitude again, and again, and again. It is so powerful to transform our lives in many ways. So, I want to talk about it... just one more time. 

  You may have heard the phrase, "remember when you prayed for what you have now." That is such a powerful reminder. So often we can get stuck mulling over all we don't have, worrying over what isn't going right, and feeling bad for ourselves that we haven't gotten that dream home or vacation yet. But we tend to forget there was probably a time when we prayed for the things we have now. I know I did. I spent ten years desperately wanting my own house, praying for a space we could call our own with room to host people and a big set of floor to ceiling bookshelves. And guess what? I have all that now. Does that mean I always remember to be grateful for it? Unfortunately, no. It's often easier to complain about the drain that needs unclogged, the backdoor that needs replaced, and the foliage which is out of control than it is to sit back and dwell on just how amazing it is to have this dream come true. 

  If we aren't careful, we can allow our minds to dwell on negativity, on lack, on all that isn't going right. And once we get on that path, it's a slippery downward slope. But with a little attention, we can train our brains to reach for what is positive, what we do have, what is already going well, and I think you will find the latter is a much better way to do life. Dwelling in gratitude opens the door for more in our life. Don't believe me? Have you ever had an ungrateful child? I know I have. And guess what, it makes me want to do less for him when he doesn't appreciate things. In the same way, when we are unappreciative of the blessings we already have, we are shutting the door to new opportunities. But like a thankful child, when we appreciate what we already have, we open ourselves to new opportunities for growth and abundance. 

  Gratitude doesn't mean everything is perfect in our lives, but it does mean we choose to focus on what is going right rather than what is going wrong. Take some time this week to slow down and think about all the blessings in your life that you once prayed for. Maybe that's health, a spouse, a child who is doing well, a home, a car, a good job, food to eat, financial security. Whatever it is you have, take the time to express gratitude and to train your brain to focus on all that you are already blessed with. When you do, you're opening the door to new things. Give it a try this week! I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W.

The Me Too Movement

   Hello, Friends. Recently I've been thinking a lot about each of us having a unique story to tell, and the importance of making sure those stories are heard. I was having a conversation with a friend this week, and as we discussed some similar circumstances from our childhood, she said something that stuck with me. She said, "I'm so glad you said that. I thought I was the only one." And truth be told, so did I. But there's power in numbers, in knowing that others have shared experiences. This is the essence of the #metoo movement. But while #metoo started as a way to help those who had suffered sexual abuses, there is so much more to it than that. I believe there are people of all different races, religions, and sexes who are waiting for someone else to share their story so they can say, "Me too." 

  Personally, I believe that while we were never intended to endure hardships and hurts, when we come out on the other side of them, we have the ability to take what we learned and use it to rescue someone else. But the truth is, no one else gets rescued if we don't work on our own growth. If you never move beyond your hang-ups, you can't help someone else move beyond theirs. I've heard Terri Savelle Foy say, "Someone is waiting on the other side of your obedience." You see, even if you don't realize it, there is someone who is waiting for you to grow, succeed, and reach your potential, because they need what you have to offer. I don't know about you, but that is motivating. To think there is someone out there who might need to hear my story, who might need to hear what I have to say because it might help them in some way is both humbling and inspiring. And that's why I want to share this with you. Because there is someone waiting for you too. 

    Last week I heard Jay Shetty talk about the idea that all different types of coaches, speakers, mentors, and authors are needed, because each person has a unique way of teaching or telling something. Someone may have heard the same lessons a thousand times, but it doesn't sink in until they hear it from you. Your voice is needed. Your story is important. There is someone who can't move on until they hear what you have to say, and no one else can say it for you. So, what are you waiting for? 

  If you're looking for a reason to grow this week, if you're looking for a reason to heal, a reason to reach out, and reason to pursue your purpose, I hope you take these words to heart. There is someone who needs to hear your story so they know they aren't alone. There is someone who is waiting for you to get victory so you can teach them how, and there is someone who needs something only you can give. You were created for a purpose. Don't let this life pass you by. You have something only you can offer, and I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

My Best Life

   Good morning, Friends! This week I posted a Reel on Instagram, highlighting some photos from a recent trip to Nevada. And in the background, I used a song by Ben Rector called, "Living My Best Life.” But here's what I love about this song. He points out an incredibly important truth that our social media obsessed culture has forgotten. So often, we think of living our best lives as all the things we post pictures of: Drinks with friends, travel to exotic locations, delicious food, perfectly curated homes. And while those things are fun, beautiful, and can add a lot of enjoyment to our lives, the truth is, you can have all those things and still be miserable. You can #liveyourbestlife and still never have a good life. If you don't believe me, think of all the rich and famous people who commit suicide. Our best lives aren't created by how many fancy trips we go on or delicacies we eat. Our best lives encompass so much more. Our best lives require us to thrive. 

    Ben Rector points out a fundamental truth about our best lives. They probably look different on a daily basis than we thought they would. Because in order to thrive, we have to do something so much different than posting glitzy photos on social media. Our best lives require us to put in the work, to create good habits, and to care for our body, mind, and spirit. Our best lives require uncomfortable decisions like exercise, sacrifice, and healthful habits. Our best lives require us to learn and grow as people. Our best lives require us to tap into our spiritual practice and live on a level of love and peace that is above the daily concerns that try to pull us down. And our best lives, they aren't made up of those big moments we show everyone else. They're made up of the small daily decisions no one sees. 

    This should be good news for a lot of us. If you aren't a millionaire, can't drop everything and travel to Bali for a month, or don't own a beach vacation house in the Caribbean, you can still live your best life. You can make the decision to get up everyday and grow yourself, care for yourself, and nurture your passions and goals. You can put in the work to form habits which serve you mentally and physically, and in reality, when you do, you'll realize what your best life really looks like. It might include gorgeous vacations. But it might also be your daily yoga practice, your morning prayer time, or your evenings around the table with family and friends. Our best lives aren't just made up of picture worthy moments. They're also the little, everyday habits we build which truly propel us toward who we were meant to be. 

  This week, focus on the small steps you can take to be your best right here and now. Over time as you build your physical, spiritual, and mental health through your habits, you'll find you really are living your best life. I can't wait to see you succeed.

~K.L.W. 

Wise Stewarding

 Hello Friends, It’s Earth Day, and I thought it was a great time to share some things I’ve been thinking about. Lately I’ve been dwelling a lot on the concept of stewardship. It’s a word we don’t hear often, but it’s something that has valuable implications in all of our lives. When we steward something, it means we use it wisely, that we make the most of what we have and don’t waste. 

  When it comes to the earth, we are probably all familiar with the concept of stewardship. We’ve all been told to Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. And these are important things for us to do for the health of our planet. But the truth is, stewardship extends to so much more. Stewardship should actually be a lifestyle. 

  When we are good stewards of our time, our health, our money, and our talents, we will find we waste less, accomplish more, and get more satisfaction out of what we have. But it’s more than that. A life lived in stewardship of our time and talents is a life with purpose, a life which is not wasted. 

  The book of Matthew tells the story of three servants, entrusted with varying amounts of money while their master went on a journey. Two of them worked hard to multiply what they had been given, while the third buried his away and did nothing. He was fearful and also foolish. Upon the master’s return, he rejoiced over the two who had used their gifts so well, giving them even more to manage because they had proven themselves good stewards. The third, however, was not only a disappointment to his master, but even the little he had was taken away from him since he had not managed it well. (Matthew 25:14-30)

  The sad thing is, all three of them were capable of being good stewards. They would not have been entrusted with the money if the master didn’t have faith in them. Likewise, all of us on this earth are entrusted with varying degrees of time, talents, and money. We wouldn’t have been put here if we weren’t capable of doing something with what we’ve been given. But the question is, will we steward well what we’ve been entrusted with? 

  The choice is yours today. How are you using what you have to make the world a better place for yourself and others? Even if you only have a little, you are capable of being a good steward. Don’t waste what you’ve been entrusted with. The world needs what you have to offer. Steward your time and talents well, and see how much more you can be entrusted with. I can’t wait to see you succeed! 

~K.L.W.

Let the Leaves Go

   Good Morning, Friends! I’ve been thinking recently about the idea of change and the way we deal with transition. As humans, we have a tendency to hold to homeostasis. We want things to stay the same, and we really prefer to stay in our comfort zones, often to our own detriment.

  Over the past two years, most of us were forced to change our lives in one way or another, everything from the space we work from, the way we attend social functions, and picking up groceries has shifted. And so, the idea of transitioning anything else might seem overwhelming at the moment. 

  But the truth is, change is a necessary and even healthy part of life. Just as the earth methodically goes through seasons, we must realize that our lives do the same. And the harder we fight against change, the more difficult our lives become. It is only when we can let go and grow with the change that we receive the peace and benefit of the seasons we’re entering and leaving. 

  There’s a children’s book, called Little Tree, by Loren Long. And in this book, a small tree decides not to let go of its leaves in the fall. And so, season by season, as all the trees shed their leaves and grow them anew, little tree stays stuck holding its brown dead leaves, until all the trees around it have grown large. This book may be written for children, but the lesson is a poignant one for all of us. We must be willing to let go and change in order to grow. 

  This week, ask yourself what it’s time to let go of. What are you holding on to that’s holding you back. Don’t be afraid of change. Stay flexible as the seasons come and go. I can’t wait to see you succeed!

~K.LW.

Letting Go

   Hi there! I've been thinking a lot lately about expectations. Expectations are things we hold on to, both good and bad, and often times they tend to result in frustration, disappointment and anger. We expect things to go a certain way or people to behave in a manner we've imagined for them, and when they don't, then we feel let down. But the truth is, if we didn't hold onto expectations so tightly, we could live a lot more freely and lightly. Not only that, but we could give a lot more grace to those around us. 

  The scripture reminds us in James 4:13-15 that despite all the plans we make, we "do not even know what will happen tomorrow." The truth is, we all want to be in control. We want our children and coworkers to behave in the manner we expect will work best for us. We want our days to go according to our set pattern. But often, that's not the case. If there's anything this last several years should have taught us, it's that we are not in control. And in fact, while that may sound disheartening, we can take heart if we know the One who is in control. 

  We can plan for our days, and I believe we should. But we must teach ourselves not to be so attached to our plans and ideas. When we're willing to change, to bend, and to go where the moment takes us, we just might find a better more beautiful plan than the one we could have imagined. I'm not saying we shouldn't expect the best, but we need let go of things that don't meet our expectations and realize everyone is on their own journey, and their timeline may not line up with ours. When the disruptions happen, we need to learn to take a deep breath and go with the flow. Don't let a change of direction throw you off course. 

  One of my favorite things my yoga instructors say is, "Let go of all that no longer serves you." It's a reminder not to hold onto things which aren't working for us, and that includes our expectations. Today, be willing to live more flexibly and more gracefully. It makes the journey more enjoyable. Enjoy the bends in the path and look forward with joy to what lies ahead. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W.  

Spring Cleaning

   Hello Friends, spring is finally in the air. The sun is shining; the birds are chirping, and it seems as if the clutches of winter are loosening. Now, don't get me wrong, I know there is still cold snowy days and a few rainy months ahead, but this break from the frigid temperatures and darkness of the past few months always gives me a boost of energy. And I was reminded recently that it's time to start spring cleaning. I know, often times the thought of cleaning can be a bit arduous, and if you're like me, you probably have a basement full of stuff you've been piling up for when the weather gets nicer, but there's just something about spring cleaning that puts a little life in my step. 

    Spring cleaning carries with it the promise of fresh newness, like that first breath of outside air when the flowers start to bloom. And with that thought in mind, I want to give you a few spring cleaning tips. Now, spoiler alert, we are almost a quarter of the way through 2022, and if that frightens you to think about, join the club. It seems to have snuck up on us. But this quarterly mark is a great time to hit refresh. And on that note, here are the three best ways I know to refresh from the inside out. 

1.  Detox your schedule

    Take some time to sit down and really analyze how you're spending your time. Are you doing the things you want? Or are you coasting through on auto pilot, turning on the tv after dinner, trying to forget the long day of work, and dreaming of the weekend when you can maybe get caught up? The truth is, most of us have more time in our schedules than we realize, and most of us aren't doing the things we really want to be doing with our time. We say we want to take a walk outside after dinner, but instead we hit the couch. We say we want to get coffee with friends, but we don't seem to make it happen. Doing a time audit and refreshing your calendar can help you see what things you're spending time on that you don't want to be, and what things you can replace those with. Toss the things on your calendar that weigh you down, and make a little room for some fresh habits that will bring you more joy. 

2.  Detox your body

    Most of us set some type of new year's goal to be healthier, but truthfully, for a lot of us, after a few weeks that goes out the window and we return to our same old, poor eating habits. Take the time now to hit refresh on your health. Ask yourself if you are eating, moving, and feeling the way you should, and if not, make a plan to change it. Set a goal to get back to the gym or make that healthier grocery list. Or pick a date and do a full reset. Eat only fruits, veggies and meats for a week and see how you feel. You just might be surprised at all the junk food that snuck it's way back into your life. Seasonal markers are a great time to reevaluate our goals and our calendar, so make the most of this reminder and get back on the healthy train. After all, summer is just around the corner, and you know everyone will be talking beach bodies then. Why not beat them to the punch and get healthy now?

3. Detox your home

    Now that the cold weather has broken, it's a great time to start cleaning out all the winter clutter that seems to build up. Fill up a box of clothes you aren't wearing and donate it. Clean out the garage or the basement. Eliminate all the extra appliances in your kitchen and (Gasp!) get rid of those Christmas gifts you didn't really want and haven't used yet. Don't be offended. You know you have some. If you're looking for a mood boost, find someone who can appreciate the things you aren't using and make their day by giving to them. Or, if you need some extra cash to fund your new calendar or health habits, post those items for sale and see how much you can make from your unused stuff. 

  As spring approaches, now is a great time to refresh our habits, our bodies, and our homes. Do some spring cleaning this week, and see if it doesn't just put you in a better mood. Don't let the seasons just pass you by. Make the most of every opportunity to hit reset. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Where to Start

   Hello Friends. I’ve been thinking about the world lately, about life, about struggle, about the constant overwhelm and fatigue that seems to be plaguing so many of us right now. Life was already hard, and then we added two years of a pandemic, and now a war. It’s difficult not to feel overrun by it all. Maybe you’re looking at your life, at your days, at the world, at all your goals and dreams and wondering where to even start. So much is different now than we all imagined it. But don’t lose hope. 

  If you know anything about me and my journey over the last decade, you probably know that I was a person who was overwhelmed, frustrated, wanting more, but having no idea how to get it. I went to bed every night thinking, “Tomorrow, I’ll figure it out.” I was waiting for that one big cataclysmic moment that would change everything. And day after day it didn’t happen. 

  But something changed all that for me. And that something was learning about the power of small consistent steps compounded over time. I learned from a book called The Slight Edge that change doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s in the little, tiny actions we take each day. This was a great relief to me, because while I had struggled and failed over and over to make some big crazy change and fix everything in my life, I could take one small step, and another, and another. And ya know what? It worked. The person I am today has changed so much for the better and accomplished so many goals and dreams I never imagined would happen. 

  So that brings me to today, to the frustration and overwhelm we’re all facing. Too many of us are looking around at the world and wondering how to fix everything. And the truth is, we can’t. At least not all at once. But I was reminded recently of something we can do. And it goes back to that one simple principle I learned almost ten years ago. Arthur Ashe said it this way, “Start where you are with what you have.” 

  If you're struggling, overwhelmed, and frustrated by trying to solve it all, just start with one step, right where you are, with what you have. You might not have the time energy and money to change everything, but can you change one tiny thing? Because one thing is all you need to do right now, from right where you are, using just what you have. Take the step. I can't wait to see you succeed. 

~K. L. W.

P.S. If you need a little help knowing which step to take, come join me on Patreon!

Something Deeper

  

 Good morning, Friends! I've been thinking and talking about self-care this week, about the idea of loving and nourishing ourselves so that we can be filled up enough to go out into this big wild world and pour forth that love onto others who are deeply hurting and in need. But what does it really look like to love and care for ourselves? Culture has created this "self-care" trend to be something consumeristic, the so called, "Treat Yo-Self" mentality. And while I love Parks and Rec, and a good splurge as well as the next, I wonder if there's not something deeper to self-care than the retailers would have us believe. Sarah Wilson says it beautifully in her book, This One Wild and Precious Life. "What if instead of self-care we focused on caring for our souls?"

  Caring for our souls is something different entirely. It requires us to work from the inside out. No more buying a facemask and a mani-pedi to make everything alright. No, caring for our souls requires us to dive beneath the surface, to unearth the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and mindsets which are helping or hindering us, and to sit with ourselves for a while in all of our humanness. 

  Caring for our souls means seeking out truth, growth, and life. It means we must do the hard work of uprooting what is holding us back. And unfortunately, a new handbag or pair of shoes won't do that for us. Now, I'm not judging here. If anything, I'm speaking to myself. For a long time, my go to when things weren't working in my life was to buy something. I would go to the store in a frenzy looking for that one thing that would fix my life, a new set of running shoes, a new outfit, the perfect makeup, a vitamin that would make me feel great all the time, a new planner that would ensure I hit all my goals. But the truth is, none of these things made the problem go away. Society has taught us that if we just buy the next right thing our lives will be perfect. But, while there are helpful tools, books, and items for sale, none of those will do the work to create the life we want and need. Only we have the ability to do that, and it requires us to do the work of caring for ourselves enough to get tough with ourselves. 

  Here are a few of the things I've found are often hindering me when I start to feel the need to look for a quick fix:

1.  Fear - Too often we (and by we, I mean me) let the cares of this world pile up. We start to worry about how we will pay the bills, or if we should be preparing for food shortages, or how we can save the planet, or how to make sure our kids end up as decent human beings, and we start to shut down. We live from this place of fear and scarcity, and those are never good places to make decisions from. 

     Whenever I catch myself living from a place of fear, I have to come back to the truth. "There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18a) I have to remind myself that I was not created to live in fear, and the only way to truly live is from love. I have faith in a perfect love from my creator, and by extension, I can live fully in that love without fear. When I approach the world and my decisions from a place of love, the scarcity and anxiety mindset goes away, and I can get back to who I need to be. 

2.  Selfishness - Often times when we find ourselves living small and encumbered, it's because we have gotten tunnel vision. We have become so focused on "I, me, mine" that we forget we aren't the only people in the world. It can be easy to get on Instagram and look at everyone else's picture-perfect lives and start to feel pretty sorry for ourselves. But all it takes is a homeless person on the corner, a picture of a refugee child on the television, or a glimpse into the lives and struggles of our neighbors to help us see that most of the time, things aren't as bad as they seem. Ironically enough, the cure for our souls in this case is to be with, listen to, and love others. We have to get out of our own yard to see the grass isn't actually greener on the other side. 

3. Ungratefulness - I'm sure you've heard the expression, "count your blessings." And while it's easy to say that, often times we forget to do it. I was reminded of a beautiful quote this week from Albert Einstein. "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." 

     Too often we fall into the first camp. We cease to be amazed by a sunrise, a bird chirping, breath in our lungs, and instead we complain. Gratitude truly is the cure for all that ails us. Training ourselves to be in awe of life and all that we've been given will truly change our perspective. Here's some things to consider: 178,000 people die each day around the world. If you're reading this, be thankful. Here's another one: 43 million people in the world are living with blindness. If you can see these words, be thankful. The list could go on for days of all the things we have to be thankful for, running water, food, homes, electricity, education, etc. Often, we simply need to take the time to appreciate what we have. It puts things back into perspective. 

  This week, if you are needing a little self-care, you can buy the latte, get the massage, or shop til you drop. But while you're at it, take the time to truly care for your soul. Dig deep and see what you need. It probably doesn't come from a store. Most likely it is rest, love, perspective, and gratitude which will heal us from the inside out. Take the time to get quiet and ask yourself the deep questions. You might just find some truth which will set you free. I love you friends, and I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Enduring the Loss

     Hello Friends. This week I have been thinking a lot about loss. Yesterday was the 14 year anniversary of the loss of my daughter, Chelsea. And so, my mind has been drawn to this idea of what it means to lose those we love, but not only those people we love, but places and things. I have been wrestling with the idea of change and of letting go, and of how we endure, move through, and even thrive with loss. 

    You see, loss is a part of life, at least on this side of eternity. Death and decay are a constant force in this world. And they are forces we were never made to live with. When God created this world, everything was supposed to live on eternally. It was perfect. There was no pain and loss. But after the fall of mankind, the introduction of sin and death brought with it the continual pain of loss in our lives in some fashion or another. (Genesis 1-3)

    I am young by most standards, and yet I have suffered the loss of numerous family members, close friends gone too early, pets, jobs, relationships, and places and things I have loved. Each loss takes a toll on us, and I believe that grief is a healthy and necessary process to our healing. However, after we have suffered the pain of loss, we are left with a choice to make. We can grieve what was and become bitter and shriveled, refusing to move on, closing ourselves off to the world. Or, we can choose to accept loss, move through the process of grief, celebrate what was and remain open and loving to the world and what will be. Natalie Goldberg says it this way. "If we look at the state of the world, shutting down seems logical. But to truly live we have no choice but to keep unfolding, even in the face of devastation." (The Great Spring) 

    And so, I want to encourage you. If you have suffered loss, of a loved one, of a dream, of a way of life, as so many have in these last few years especially, don't shut yourself off. Don't give up. Keep moving forward. Celebrate what was, remember and reflect, but keep your eyes on the horizon. The temptation is to believe the whispers that everything good has died, that the best days are behind us, and only pain lies ahead. But when we spend all our time looking back, we forget that there are beautiful places on the road ahead. We become stuck in the dense fog and mired in our own sadness. We must look forward. We must cling to our belief that the future is better than the past. But even this comes with the realization that there will be more loss and pain ahead. And even so, the journey is still worth it. 

    Today, reflect on and celebrate those people and seasons you have loved. But don't forget to move forward, with arms and heart wide open to the people and places that will be. The best is yet to come, and as long as you are still here, there is more life to live. Celebrate what was, embrace what is, and look forward to what will be. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

Keeping in Step

     Hello Friends! Have you heard the old adage, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." While that piece of sage advice may be true, what it fails to mention is, the journey of a thousand miles does not end after that single step. It requires taking that step, and then another, and another, and another, and another. 

    You see, we are all on journeys. Maybe it's a health journey, a relationship journey, a growth journey, a parenting journey, or a career journey. And even after we take the steps to get started, if we want to succeed and ultimately reach the destination, it demands that we put in the necessary footwork to get there. 

    Too often we think when we begin on a new endeavor that we can just take that first giant leap, and suddenly arrive where we wanted to be. But the truth is, anything worthwhile will require us to put in time and effort, over, and over, and over again. You can't just tell your spouse you love them once and assume that will carry forward for a lifetime. You must demonstrate it day in and day out if you want a relationship to remain strong. You can't eat one salad and lose fifty pounds and be healthy forever. You have to put nutritious food in day after day and move your body consistently to achieve results. 

    Our society has tricked us into believing in fast food results for everything. We think overnight success is the norm, and we get frustrated and discouraged when results elude us after one or two steps. But if we begin the journey with the vision of it being a journey, we will not grow weary and give up after the first five steps, or ten steps, or twenty. We will know that the thousand-mile journey requires 10,000 hours and even more steps. We will know that the joy is in the journey AND in the destination, and so we will press forward, one baby step at a time. 

    Today, no matter what you are journeying toward, and whether you have just taken the first step, or if you have been traveling for some time, keep the thousand-mile journey in your mind. Life is an adventure made up of a lot of steps. Don't give up. Keep moving in the direction of your dreams, day, after day, after day. I can't wait to see you succeed!

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

~K.L.W.

106 Things

   Hi Friends! I hope you got a chance to watch my video this week and have been taking some time to think about the things you would like to accomplish in your life. You see, too often we get caught up in the mundane and forget to challenge ourselves, to look for excitement, and to make the most of this beautiful life we've been given. I'm not a country music fan, (I know, I know, please don't unfriend me), but I want to remind you of a popular country song, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw. 

    The truth is, a lot of us forget that we don't have to be dying to live to the fullest. We can seize every moment and every day, because in reality, we all will die someday, and none of us knows when that day is. So why not live each day like it's our last? Today, I want to challenge you to do two things. The first, is to write out what you would do if today were your last day on earth. Really take some time to sit with this idea and ask yourself what you care the most about. Chances are, many of the things you would want to do on your last day on earth are things you can do right here and now. Things like time with friends and family, maybe taking a trip, maybe just going for a walk and savoring the moment. We would all be much more satisfied with our lives if we invested our daily time and energy into the things we care most about, those "last day of our lives" items. 

    The second thing I want to challenge you with today is to make yourself a Life List. My list started as 103 things back in 2016, and it has grown to 106. This is a list of big and little accomplishments. These are things to get excited about, to work toward, and to grow and stretch for. I wrote about my list in 104 Things. And today, I want to give you some updates, and maybe some ideas for things you can put on your list. 

     Here's a few things I haven't accomplished yet, but I am working towards:  Speak fluent Spanish, Take my son to Egypt, Ride an Elephant, Swim with Sharks, Have a star named after me, Visit St. Judes and give books to the kids, Take a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Live abroad for a year.

    And here's the ones I have accomplished. (Some pictures included). You'll just have to trust me on the ones I don't have pictures of. 

    Publish a Book - April 2019 (I have three published books, and more coming soon!)

    Get some Tattoos - July 2019 (I have five now)

 

    Ride a camel - July 2019

    Own a hot tub - October 2020

    Make good cookies - December 2017

    Successfully grow a plant - June 2020

    Enjoy our wedding and reception - October 2016

(Photo credit: Yacqueline Hoefler)

(Photo Credit: Barns and Bows Photography)

    Start a blog - April 2018 (Here we are 4 years later!) 

    Ride the banana boat - August 2017

    Help out at a soup kitchen - September 2017

    Try sound bathing - June 2020 (I highly recommend checking this out. I went to Center for Sound Therapy)

    Take Aden to Disney - January 2019

    And many more to come! I hope my list inspires you to make a list for your own life of big and small things. Things for others and things for yourself. Big dreams and little goals. Put them down. And then start checking them off. It's a beautiful life if you make it that way. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W. 

    

The X Factor Depends on Why

   Hi Friends! I hope you are diving into the new year and making progress on your goals. However, if you are flagging, studies show you aren't alone. According to an article on inc.com, 80% of people have given up on their goals by the second week of February. Ouch. That's not a great statistic. So how can you make sure you stay in the 20% who stick it out? Well, for starters, you need motivation. But not just any motivation. 

    There are several types of motivation, and each one will only take you so far. Perhaps you've heard of external motivation. Using some sort of a reward to motivate yourself, such as a trip, a new pair of jeans, or a day out with friends can help you to stick to your goals short-term, but ultimately, extrinsic motivation will not get you through the long haul. You might be all about the "revenge-body," but when the rubber hits the road, something outside yourself probably won't be enough to keep you moving, even if it is the stunned face of your ex-lover. 

    The second type of motivation you may have heard of is internal or intrinsic motivation. This will take you a little farther, because it comes from within yourself. It is usually based on a strong feeling, and this can propel you to stick with it longer. The problem is, we all only have so much will power, and if you are solely relying on your internal motivation to keep you going, there will come a point where that will peter out. You will be too tired, get decision fatigue, and probably quit somewhere along the way. 

    So if external motivation works for the short-term, and internal motivation won't carry us through the toughest days, what is the answer to building unstoppable motivation? The key is something called "Why." Having a why melds the external and the internal. A why is connected to your very core, your passion, your desires, what you care most about, and this will drive you forward. But a why is also connected extrinsically, because your why should be service based. Therefore, not only is your passion and purpose on the line, you have other people at stake too. 

    Finding your why truly gives you the x factor you need to move forward and stick to your goals even when the going gets tough. Compounding your goals by the power of why will bring you exponential results, because you are motivated by your deepest purpose, values, and desires, and you are driven forward by the understanding that others depend on you to succeed. If you aren't sure what your why is or how to discover it, you can check out the video I made for you this week. You can be in the 20% who stays on the path to victory. 2022 is the time to conquer your goals and dreams, and I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K. L. W. 

Photo courtesy of Christopher Hoefler