Thoughts

Somewhere along the way, resting got a bad reputation. It became something we’re supposed to earn. Something we justify. Something we squeeze in only after everything else is done (spoiler alert: everything else is never done). Ironically, rest used to be encouraged. In kindergarten, naps were mandatory — followed by milk and cookies, no less. Somehow, as adults, we decided that resting in the afternoon is a character flaw instead of common sense. But here’s what I’ve learned — especially after cancer and everything that came with it — we need to listen closely to our bodies. Rest doesn’t have to be big to be powerful. Sometimes, the smallest pauses make the biggest difference. That’s where micro-rest comes in. What Micro-Rest Really Is Micro-rest isn’t a vacation. It’s not a full day off or a perfectly scheduled self-care routine. Micro-rest is a short pause that says to your nervous system, “You’re safe. You can breathe.” It might be: Closing your

January has a way of making us feel like we should suddenly have everything figured out, in our personal and business lives. New goals. New plans. New motivation. New version of ourselves — preferably organized, energized, and thriving by January 3rd. But if life has taught me anything (and cancer has taught me a lot), it’s this: big goals can feel overwhelming when you’re already carrying a lot. That’s where micro-goals come in. What Micro-Goals Are (and What They Aren’t) Micro-goals aren’t about dreaming smaller — they’re about moving smarter. They aren’t flashy. They don’t require vision boards or a 12-step plan. They don’t demand that you suddenly feel motivated. Micro-goals are tiny, realistic steps that meet you exactly where you are and say, “This is enough for today.” Why Micro-Goals Matter — Especially Right Now When you’re navigating illness, recovery, grief, burnout, or just a heavy season of life, big goals can feel like too much. Micro-goals do something

Gratitude gets talked about a lot — journals, quotes, even entire holidays. But when you’re in the middle of something hard, like chemo or recovery or just a rough Tuesday, “gratitude” can feel… heavy, and sometimes impossible. That’s where micro-gratitudes come in. Tiny thank-yous. Quiet acknowledgments. The everyday mercies that remind us that even when life’s messy, there’s still something good tucked inside it. What Micro-Gratitude Really Means You don’t have to be thankful for everything — that’s unrealistic (and honestly, exhausting). But there’s power in being thankful in everything — in finding one small moment, one small comfort, that helps you breathe a little easier. Micro-gratitudes are about shifting focus. They say: “Okay, maybe today isn’t great, but this one small thing? I’ll take it.” A Few of My Own Micro-Gratitudes A medical team with a sense of humor that gets my sense of humor. Coffee that actually tastes like coffee – and I drink organic coffee! A text

Big wins get the spotlight — the promotions, the milestones, the triumphant “I beat cancer!” posts. And don’t get me wrong, those are worth celebrating. But if there’s one thing life (and cancer) has taught me, it’s that the tiny victories are the ones that keep us going in between the headlines. The world might not see them, but they matter. They’re the quiet, steady proof that we’re still showing up — even when the day feels heavier than we’d like to admit. Redefining What a “Win” Looks Like A win isn’t always the mountain-top moment. Sometimes it’s just remembering to take your meds on time. Or answering an email you’ve been dreading. Or finally showering after three days of “maybe tomorrow.” Here’s the truth: we don’t need confetti for every victory, but we do need to acknowledge them. Because those small wins? They’re how we build momentum. They whisper, “You’re doing better than you think. Keep going!” Why Micro-Wins

Some days, joy doesn’t arrive with fireworks. It tiptoes in, disguised as a perfectly toasted bagel, quick chat with a friend, or ten minutes of quiet time. For a long time, I thought joy had to be big to count — the kind that fills photo albums or earns applause. But when life hands you a journey like cancer (or three, because apparently the universe thought I needed a trilogy!), you start redefining joy. You stop chasing the grand and start collecting the small. Now, I notice micro-joys — those little bursts of goodness that last only a moment but keep me going when the journey feels heavy. There’s the warmth of my cat Misty curled against me when I can’t sleep. The first sip of coffee (natural blend!) that tastes like motivation. The way sunlight sneaks through the blinds and dances across the floor. Tiny, ordinary moments that whisper, “You’re still here.” Why Micro-Joys Matter There’s actual science behind

A cancer diagnosis changes you. Sometimes in small, almost invisible shifts. Sometimes in ways that shake your very foundation and rewrite who you are. It’s not just about treatments, side effects, and appointments — it’s about identity, relationships, and the strange new reality you never asked for and can’t give back. When I look in the mirror, it’s like gazing into broken glass — the person I used to be is still there, but the cracks tell the story of everything that’s changed. Each fracture holds a piece of the journey: the scars, the fears, the unexpected strength. That person had different worries, different dreams, and a blissful ignorance of medical jargon. I love parts of my “before” self, but I’ve also had to learn to live with — and at times mourn — what’s been lost. Here are some of the changes no one prepares you for. Ghosting: When People Disappear You imagine news like this will rally your

What Alaska taught me about cancer, resilience, and the quiet power of being.  Several weeks ago, we took a wonderful trip to Alaska! It was our second visit—and hopefully not our last. One of the most memorable parts of any trip there is seeing the magnificent glaciers. While Alaska is home to thousands of glaciers, the ones we encountered on this trip were absolutely breathtaking. This is the beautiful Johns Hopkins Glacier. It’s a mile wide, reaches 250 feet above the waterline, and is thousands of years old. There’s something deeply moving about standing near something so ancient, so immense, and so silent. These glaciers have witnessed millennia—yet they remain, shifting slowly, steadily, and with quiet power. Being in their presence reminds you what truly matters—and just how resilient we can be when we lean into stillness, embrace the unknown, and rise with intention. Glaciers are formed under pressure. Layer upon layer of snow compacts over time, compressing into dense

When Cancer Crashes Into Your Already Overloaded Life Let’s be honest. There’s never a good time to get a cancer diagnosis. There’s not an empty Tuesday on the calendar labeled “Perfect Day to Battle for My Life.” Whether you’re a CEO, a stay-at-home chaos coordinator, a road-tripping retiree, or anything in between—cancer doesn’t send a polite message asking if now’s a good time. It just shows up, uninvited, with all its messy baggage. And your first thought? I do not have time for this. That truly was what I told my doctor when she gave me the diagnosis. She gave me a look that said “Make time.” But here’s the deal: you get to do this on your own terms. Not cancer’s. Not your doctor’s. Not anyone’s. Just you. Well, OK, maybe your loved ones get to chime in. Emotional Whiplash? Oh Yeah. Getting the “C” bomb dropped in your lap feels like you got shoved into an emotional blender.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for those dealing with cancer, it can also bring unique challenges and emotions. Whether you’re a Warrior yourself or a Tribe member supporting someone on this journey, it’s important to find ways to embrace the season while honoring your feelings and needs. For those facing fatigue, pain, or the weight of an uncertain future, the idea of “celebrating” can feel overwhelming or even hollow. Holidays may carry a bittersweet significance, particularly if you’re navigating what could be a final season together.  It’s okay to redefine celebration on your own terms—whether that means quiet moments of connection, simplified traditions, or simply allowing yourself to rest and reflect. Embrace Your Emotions The holidays can stir a mix of emotions, from joy and gratitude to sadness and anxiety. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up without judgment. It’s okay to have moments of vulnerability. Remember, you’re not alone—many others share similar