Grateful, Proud & Relieved

Greetings from the bleachers of an indoor track meet! Today I’m watching my son do what he loves – still floating after I had the opportunity to do one of the things I love last night: public speaking.

If you’ve been reading my newsletter for a while, you know my TEDx talk at Bellarmine University was on Feb. 20. It was an incredible experience that taught me a lot.

First, preparation matters. I practiced. I refined. And yet, somehow, I refrained from tweaking every sentence until the last possible second.

Second, the stories we tell ourselves matter. Until recently, I would have walked off stage replaying what I should have done, said or gestured differently. This time, I walked off grounded, grateful and proud. 

Not because it was flawless (it wasn’t!), but because it was fully me. 

Sitting here now, waiting for Jack to run his next race, I’m reminded that whether it’s a track meet, a TEDx stage, or life, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s having the courage to do something challenging. It’s showing up for the thing you care about. It’s crossing the finish line of every experience with your head held high. 

Here’s the link if you’d like to watch my talk. I was blown away by the other speakers and performers who shared the stage, so be sure to check them out! My talk begins around 1:34:30 and lasts about 10 minutes. 

I can’t close this newsletter without a HUGE thank you to my support system. To everyone who texted, showed up, cheered, or sent love from afar — I felt it and am so grateful. Thank you for always being in my corner! 

Real Talk 

“When perfectionism is driving, shame is always riding shotgun and fear is the annoying backseat driver.” If my TEDx talk resonates on any level, this short clip with sociologist Bréné Brown and everyone's favorite talk show host Oprah Winfrey is a must-watch! 

Brain Food

Soon after my last newsletter on time management, I came across this CNBC Make It article about the importance of maintaining a consistent bedtime. We hear a lot about the benefits of waking up around the same time everyday, but did you know researchers found that irregular bedtimes were linked to lower productivity and more disengagement at work? Something to sleep on! 

In the Spotlight

Keynotes & Speaking Ops

I'm excited to take the stage a couple of times before the next newsletter. Thanks to the Kentucky League of Cities and PRSA Counselors to Higher Education for inviting me to be part of your upcoming events! If my POV can help your organization, let's chat. 

Progress, Not Perfection

Growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s simply walking off the stage without mentally rewriting your performance. No matter what “stage” you’re stepping onto next, I hope you will, too.