Now That You Ask

Amid the noise and motion of life, I’ve come to see that within us lies a vast landscape where everything belongs. Grief and joy, confusion and calm, peace and surrender flow together like rivers through mountains. The words  “There is room for everything”  once felt impossible, yet they’ve become a quiet truth. When I meet each moment as it comes, I glimpse stillness beneath the surface, a rhythm...

Inspired by Jane Goodall's work with gorillas, we're reminded of the difference one can make through dedication and understanding. Jane's journey encourages us to consider our daily impact, pushing us to act with more awareness. By making small, conscious decisions like offering kindness we can enhance our positive influence. It's not about being perfect. It's about setting the...

In our fast-paced world, the idea of having nothing to say is often perceived as uncomfortable or unproductive. However, this week, I found myself embracing the silence and discovering the unexpected peace it brings. As I pondered the feeling of having nothing substantial to discuss, I realized it was akin to the quietness of a fall morning, where nature effortlessly transitions into a new season....

Returning to my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, after a decade felt like embarking on a "farewell tour." The changes I saw during this visit were staggering. My grandfather's store, along with many beloved landmarks, seemed on the verge of being swallowed by rapid modernization. Despite the drastic transformations, pockets of my past persisted and brought comfort and a chance for re...

In our lives, we often stumble upon unexpected gifts wrapped in shadow. Recently, while preparing to return to my hometown in Alabama for the funeral of a dear, long-time friend, I found myself reflecting on an unusual gift given to me by someone I love deeply—a box full of darkness. For years, this impenetrable gift weighed heavily on my heart as I navigated the world, moving from one adventure t...

Navigating the intricate maze of emotions such as anger and resentment can be a relentless challenge. Recently, I stumbled upon a quote that encourages us to "let 'em go, rise above, get down, and move on." Initially perplexing, these words gradually illuminated my path to personal growth. Embracing this newfound perspective, I metaphorically released my emotional baggage, freeing my...

In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to get swept away by routines and distractions, often forgetting to truly immerse ourselves in the moment. But the beauty of life lies in the simplicity of these moments when you pause and become present. I've discovered that whether it's the satisfaction of making a perfectly made bed, the awe of witnessing a sunrise, or the joy of seeing a chubb...

What does it mean to feel embraced by something greater than myself? There have been moments in my life where that feeling has been fleeting, and I’ve often pulled back out of fear or hesitation. Silence - true silence, not just quiet - has become a place of comfort and discovery for me, especially during my early morning meditations. It’s in that silence that I begin to understand what it feels l...

In the world of self-discovery and storytelling, stepping into one's power means embracing the ability to narrate personal tales with courage and authenticity. I am currently writing my memoir and let me tell you it has been as enlightening as it is daunting and the prospect of sharing these narratives with others is both exhilarating and intimidating. I hope my journey reminds us that our sto...

There have been instances in my life when I had an aha moment and knew the path I was on was not right for me anymore. I knew why but not how I would make a change or what would happen when I did. This week, I explore the quiet, powerful moments that compel us to change course without knowing exactly where we’re headed next. From the emotional weight of walking away to the unfamiliar terrain of wa...

In the tapestry of life, pets often become the threads that weave our moments of joy and comfort. This is a story of Sweet Nancy, a beloved feline companion who, along with her brother Sid, became an integral part of my life 18 years ago. Though they claimed their territories within my home with Sid being the social butterfly and Nancy preferring the solitude of a back bedroom sanctuary. They both...

The art of conversation thrives on the luxury of time, allowing insights and revelations to gracefully unfold. It's about moving beyond surface-level exchanges, or mere cocktail talk, and embracing deeper connections that reveal who someone truly is and what lights them up. Not every exchange leads to lifelong friendship, and that's okay. The goal is to find those rare moments when both pa...

Patience has never come naturally to me, but life has taught me its necessity through unexpected events, like heartbreak and loss. Often feeling like a stranger to myself, I've realized that slowing down and embracing patience allows me to find gratitude in simple pleasures, like a cool breeze or ice cream, leading to a sense of peace. Patience remains a vital lesson, even when timelines are e...

Did you know you can transform mundane daily tasks into meditative and contemplative acts. It's true. There is even therapeutic value in things like hand-washing dishes and the meticulous process of selecting an outfit. There is satisfaction in clean linens. It's simply a matter of being present in these routines, and from that awareness comes a sweet inner peace and contentment. Now That...

I am on a personal journey toward self-love and authenticity. There are both challenges and rewards for choosing to love oneself. Personally, I can recall many of my attempts to fit in and discover who I truly am, from childhood through adulthood, and it is through kindness, simplicity, and embracing my true self that I've learned to laugh at my imperfections and celebrate my uniqueness. The m...

I have a deep love for jewelry. Certain pieces speak to me in ways I can’t fully explain . Their energy, craftsmanship, and beauty resonate with something deep inside me. Over the years, I’ve collected pieces that felt like they were meant for me, even redesigning some to better fit my current lifestyle. Some pieces were inherited, others discovered unexpectedly, but all hold deep meaning. My jewe...

Laughter is transformative. It serves as a coping mechanism, a way to navigate life's awkward moments, and as a universal connector between people. In this episode, I share humorous quotes, amusing signs, and lighthearted stories that emphasize the importance of joy and humor in daily life. I hope it inspires you to embrace your own moments of hilarity and share them to spread positivity. Now...

My life has been a journey of self-discovery and this week I am contemplating what is means to listen to your genuine voice within. I've had many experiences in my life, from focusing on financial stability to moving to California, living abroad, and finally discovering my calling as a writer. Through all the challenges and transitions, I've learned the importance of embracing all parts of...

What is the difference between having things and simply appreciating them—and how has that distinction shaped the way we see the world? Inspired by a quote from Albert Hubbard and memories of flipping through  Town & Country  magazines with my mother, I take a sentimental and humorous journey through antique stores, high-end jewelry I’ll never own, and lavish homes I’ll never live in. But rath...

In this episode of  Now That You Ask , I reflect on a curious bit of wisdom a friend once shared: “To get clear, you need to get as still and stupid as a stone.” At first, I bristled—me, stupid? But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how hard it actually is to  be  still, let alone silent. I invite you to join me as I explore what it means to embrace stillness—not just as an act, but as a...

Sometimes the feeling of immense joy and gratitude can be a little like getting drunk. From serendipitous events to the heartwarming experience of attending a dear friend's granddaughter's wedding, recognizing and appreciating the beauty and kindness around us is not only important but intoxicating. Embracing gratitude and humor can also transform our perspective and enhance our experience...

This week I'm thinking about the relationship between fear and excitement. Listen in as I talk about how combining these emotions has taken me to unexpected yet fulfilling places. Through my experiences overcoming initial career struggles and facing deep-seated fears during a ropes course, I advocate for embracing both fear and excitement to lead an enriched life. Now That You Ask is a podcast...

In this episode, I share my reflections on following the things I love, from the poetry of Rumi to my fascination with flowers, trees, art, and even vampires. Drawing connections between these diverse interests, I explore how each has uniquely enriched my life, grounding me, inspiring me, and offering new perspectives. I think it's important to heed these unexpected pulls and I invite you to a...

Recently some respiratory issues disrupted my podcasting routine. This illness of all things lead me to a simple but powerful affirmation, 'I am enough,' and inspired me to overcome my anxiety and trust in my own abilities. Then through a dream, I found joy and motivation, transforming a stressful situation into a fulfilling creative process. And now I continue to reflect on the significan...

Join me as I explore the potent influence of words and the emotional journey of a writer. I have such deep admiration for words and how they inspire and fuel my creativity. And while they do inspire me, they also bring about some specific challenges like writer's block and feelings of doubt and these obstacles impact my creative process. But thankfully, I have my strategies for overcoming thes...