People often talk about the Disney Difference, but until you experience it, it may sound like a bunch of "princess and fairy tale nonsense" {as a friend once quipped}. Moments like our recent one sailing with Disney Cruise Line are what more organizations of all sizes need to realize cost nothing {yes, correct, $0}, yet mean absolutely everything. It's been a long week and a little levity can serve us all well, so what better time to reflect on this moment.

Over focus on details that others tend to under focus. Even if 10% of your clients/customers/staff notice, they will recognize the care and diligence you take in “the little things”. That attentiveness will generate some of your biggest advocates.

The day started with a lockdown. It ended with one student deceased, two in custody, and countless broken hearts.

There are so many heartbreaking details to the situation and countless questions, but I'm focusing on sharing the lessons that are coming from an otherwise devastating day.

13 years of soccer may have taught me more than most other times in life. It takes a team. Everyone has their role, but if we don’t work together it’s going to fall apart. Shared wins, while recognizing our individual contributions.

2020 has been a beast. We closed out lake season last weekend and I was flooded with a series of thoughts that never used to come. But I reminded myself that ✨I’ve given up creating imaginative narratives that serve nothing but anxiety. ✨

Quarantine brought me back to the present. It put everything in perspective. It brought to light the true priorities.

If there is one incredible thing to come out of 2020 it’s going to be the perspective. The way priorities are set. The notion of what really matters. The beauty in the present moment {yes, even the ugly ones}.

How can you best manage the fitted sheet?

Just fold it.

Quit focusing on matching the corners the exact way someone else has. It may be their best way, but it might not be yours. 

I have been in awe of k-12 educators over the last week as I’ve lead and sat in on multi district {virtual} professional development sessions.

Life will always be busy and throw curveballs. Some more familiar than others, but all of them will likely test you before you recognize the lesson in it.

I fell down. A lot. But I got back up and tried again. And again. And again. My wrists hurt. I sprained one. Almost put a hole in a wall. Kicked a tree while practicing outside. But I needed to tackle a new skill to remember that we can do hard things.

This {really long, wordy} blog is serving solely as a memory for the day I am sad I have to rush out the door to work, can't make the kids pancakes because I have to drop them off early to latchkey/school, and feel guilt for not being at the bus stop every day to greet them.

Anxiety is like a blurry tunnel where all you can see is what you hope is a way out. What does anxiety look or feel like? It can vary from person to people, but for me it’s several things. Raw, real, transparency into life with anxiety.

As the tears came so did the clarity. It didn’t stop the tears, but those went from sadness to the release of control. I was tired of being sad/frustrated/worried, while always trying to be strong. I needed to feel the feelings as I always encourage others to do.

Note to self: feeling like you're getting hit with a lot of rejections only means you're taking that scary leap in putting yourself out there.

It's the same concept as failing forward. Or going for no. No is the answer; yes is the destination.

Life has suddenly taken on a new look. The way we communicate, interact, learn, and work have all changed. With that comes great excitement, but it also brings incredible exhaustion. Now is the time to find your voice allowing you to say, “no”, and to know when to be able to walk away.