In the spring of 2022, I became completely captivated by rocking chairs. Not the ornate or oversized kind—just a simple wooden rocker with a perfectly balanced wide seat, spacious yet not too large, that moved smoothly with each motion. A solid wood frame that cradled and supported me as I rocked rhythmically forward and back.

 

Even more than the chair itself, I found that the moments I spent in these magical seats were some of the most peaceful I had ever experienced. This newfound appreciation was sparked by one of our favorite hotel partners, SCP Hotel.

 

My first introduction to these humble yet extraordinary pieces of furniture happened on the Oregon Coast at an SCP resort, Salishan. Stepping onto my balcony, I was initially struck by the breathtaking view—the towering trees, the rolling golf course—until my eyes landed on her.

 

Intrigued, I paused. When was the last time I sat in a rocking chair? I couldn’t remember. Still curious, I eased into the seat, gently pushing off. As I settled into a steady rhythm, I felt something unexpected—a sensation that was both soothing and energizing all at once.

 

I rocked multiple times daily during that trip to Salishan, often before and after I met with and coached the sales team. It became more than just a seat; it was a space for clarity, creativity, and deep thinking.

 

Fast forward to the winter of 2023, and we once again found ourselves at an SCP property—this time in Laguna Beach, California. As I wandered along the winding path toward the beach, there they were—an entire row of simple wooden rockers, perfectly lined up, waiting. Each one was an invitation to pause, reflect, and find the perfect rhythm for that day’s view.

 

For years, I was too preoccupied, too busy, too caught up in the next thing to even consider stopping—let alone sinking into a chair and rocking. The thought of spending minutes, maybe even hours in that slow, rhythmic motion felt almost indulgent.

 

But everything shifted when I set one simple daily intention—an intention that has since allowed me to experience life more richly, fully, and deeply. From the seemingly mundane yet profoundly meaningful moments to the lowest lows and the highest highs, this single shift changed everything:

 

 

So simple. Yet unapologetically impactful.

 

Since setting this intention over half a decade ago, I’ve experienced a profound shift. I’ve learned to feel deeply, connect meaningfully, discern with clarity, and contemplate with intention. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve been able to do what I’m doing right now—writing as a way to connect and impact the lives and leadership of others who are on a similar journey.

 

 

Let me be clear—this doesn’t necessarily mean moving slowly. You can still move fast, but with a different energy—one of focus, intention, and attention.

 

 

But you might be thinking, That’s nice for you, but my plate is so full I don’t see how I could possibly not rush.

 

I hear you. I’ve been there. But I promise you—it’s possible. Not rushing doesn’t mean doing less or moving slowly. It means operating with intention, presence, and clarity.

 

 

If every moment of your day is booked, you have no room to think, breathe, or be present. Schedule at least 30 minutes of white space daily—a buffer between meetings, a break before making a decision, or just time to sit, reflect, and reset. These moments are where clarity, creativity, and breakthroughs happen.

 

Try this: Look at your calendar right now. Where can you create a small pocket of space today? Even five minutes is a start.

 

We often schedule our week based on availability, but what if we scheduled based on when we perform best? Notice when your mental energy is highest (mornings, afternoons, late nights?) and plan your most important work during those peak hours.

 

Try also batching similar tasks together on the same day to create momentum and reduce mental switching costs. For example:

When you structure your week with intention and alignment, you’ll find yourself working with your energy instead of fighting against it.

 

Try this: Instead of packing your calendar back-to-back, structure it in a way that works with your energy, not against it. Look at your upcoming week and identify a day (or block of time) where you can group similar tasks together.

 

Every “yes” you say to something unaligned is a “no” to something more important. Stop overcommitting. Protect your energy. Say no to things that pull you away from your bigger purpose.

 

Try this: Before agreeing to something, ask: Does this align with my priorities?  Does this get me closer to or further from my vision?  Is this a yes out of obligation, guilt, or true desire?

 

The pressure to do it all right now is a trap. Urgency is often self-imposed. If everything is a priority, nothing is. Give yourself permission to focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.

 

Try this: Take five deep breaths right now and remind yourself: There is plenty of time and money for everything!

 

Unfinished tasks clutter your mind and drain your energy. If something takes less than 10 minutes, do it immediately and do it well. Completing small tasks clears mental space, leaving you more present and focused on bigger priorities.

 

Try this: Scan your to-do list. What quick task can you knock out right now to create momentum?

 

I hope this serves as an invitation, not just advice or a sales pitch for rockers. An invitation to create space in your life—not just for the sake of slowing down, but so you can show up fully for the things that matter most.

 

Because when you stop rushing, you start living. You start seeing the beauty in small moments, feeling more deeply, and aligning your life with the purpose God has for you.

 

So today, take a breath. Make space. And step into a life that is rich, intentional, and truly yours.

 

Thank you, SCP, for all the beautiful moments spent in your rocking chairs—I can’t wait for the next one!

 

If you’re looking for a rejuvenating escape that nourishes both mind and spirit, I highly recommend SCP Hotel. Their spaces are designed for rest, reflection, and connection, making them the perfect retreat for anyone seeking more peace and presence in their life.

 

Go ahead—slow down, take a breath, and maybe even find your own perfect rocking chair. 

And to think, I almost didn’t stop.
And to think, I almost didn’t make the time.
And to think, I almost pushed forward without taking a moment to pause.

 

 

 

I’ve lost count of the times I had a plan, a perfectly structured execution strategy, but no room for life’s seemingly insignificant moments, the ones that, in hindsight, are the most beautiful and awe-inspiring.

 

 

As I rounded the corner of Bay Road in Miami Beach, I walked toward my favorite meditation spot, settled onto the concrete edge, and smiled. A deep inhale, a long exhale—one of those rare, unhurried sighs that says, I’m fully here.

 

And then I heard it.

 

 

I glanced up, and there he was—a man dressed in slim-fit khakis and a blue short-sleeve, collared, two button shirt, sunglasses on, a water bottle in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.

 

“Excuse me,” he said again.

 

I smiled up at him.

 

“This might sound strange,” he continued, “but when you walked up, I could feel your energy. It’s so positive and radiating. What do you do to create that?”

 

I paused, offering up a silent prayer of gratitude. Just that morning, I had prayed:
Lord, let me be an energy and light that lifts each person I encounter today closer to You.

 

I smiled. “I’m here to meditate before heading to the store to pick up some sushi-grade ahi tuna for dinner.”

 

He introduced himself—Carlos. He lived a few blocks away and meditated here daily, too. We talked about the brilliance of living on West Ave in South Beach, the way the morning light dances on the water, and the energy of the neighborhood. Before parting ways, I asked him to carry the same energy he had felt from me into his day—to share it with every person he met. He grinned, nodded, and walked away lighter, almost buzzing with energy, ready to pass it forward.

 

I closed my eyes and meditated for just four minutes—long enough to receive divinely guided ideas for the book proposal I’m working on. Then I stood, heart full, whispered another prayer of gratitude, and continued my morning God walk.

 

 

Life isn’t waiting for you at the next milestone, in the next big achievement, or on the other side of your perfectly executed plan. Life is happening right now. 

 

We get to choose—to be fully present for it or to rush past it.

 

I choose to experience it richly.

 

And I invite you to do the same.  Will you accept my invitation? Comment “I accept” below.

We all experience life in different ways, shaped by our beliefs, experiences, and the stories that are often running on repeat in our heads daily. But what if the very beliefs that have driven your success are now the ones holding you back?

 

We are not machines, programmed to operate in only one way. What works for you might not work for me—and that’s not just okay, it’s the beauty of being human. Growth, leadership, and success are not about rigidly clinging to what we think we know. They are about curiosity, adaptability, and creating the margin to ask perspective-shifting questions.

 

Because here’s the truth: The number one thing keeping you from your next level of success is your current level of success.

Most of us rarely question our core beliefs. We hold onto them because they feel familiar, comfortable—even when they no longer serve us. But if we truly want to grow, we must be willing to challenge them.

 

Try this exercise:

For example, if you believe “Success requires constant hard work and struggle,” ask yourself:

What if success could come with flow and ease? What if effort and impact didn’t have to mean exhaustion?

Or if you believe “I need to have all the answers to be a great leader,” ask yourself:
What if the best leaders don’t have all the answers—but instead, ask the best questions?

This practice isn’t about proving yourself wrong. It’s about expanding your perspective, opening new doors, and stepping into a version of success that is aligned with who you are becoming, not just who you have been.

 

We often measure success by external markers—titles, revenue, influence. But true success is deeply personal. It should look different for each of us, evolving as we do.

 

The real shift happens when we remove the attachment we place on outcomes. When we no longer tie our self-worth to whether we perfectly execute a plan or reach a predefined milestone, but rather the progress we are making each day.

 

Because when success is no longer about proving yourself, it becomes about expressing yourself. And that changes everything.

 

I have always been a driven, focused, independent woman. I love challenges, and deep in my core, I believe I can do anything. But like many powerful beliefs, this one is a double-edged sword—yes, I can do anything (and so can you), but not all at the same time.

 

Early in my career, I tried. I was determined to excel in my corporate leadership role in finance, be an incredible mother, wife, sister, and friend, volunteer in my community, and continue studying and learning in every spare moment. My life was a nonstop cycle of achievement, where success was measured by accolades, awards, perfect execution, and external validation. The bigger the bonus, the higher the grade, the more recognition—I tracked it all, and my self-worth rose and fell with the results.

 

If I wasn’t excelling at everything, I wasn’t enough.

 

It took years before I started to realize that while I could do anything, I didn’t have to do everything. And more importantly, my value wasn’t tied to how much I achieved or how perfectly I performed.

 

I began to shift my focus—prioritizing what mattered most in different seasons of life and setting goals accordingly. At first, I was still striving, still seeking a sense of perfection, but the intensity started to ease. Then one day, I asked myself the very question I’m posing to you now: ⤵️

 

“What do I know to be true?”

That simple question cracked open everything I thought I knew about success, self-worth, and fulfillment. I started challenging my beliefs—about how I measured success, about my health, my relationships, my strengths, and even my spirituality.

 

And in doing so, I redefined what success meant to me.

 

It was no longer about external markers of achievement. Instead, I created a new measurement: Did I wake up with energy and enthusiasm? Because if I did, it meant that the day before, I had shown up as my highest and best self. And if I could do that, I could do it again today.

 

From that point on, something shifted. Success no longer felt like a relentless chase. Day after day, flow and ease began to rise—even in the face of challenges.

 

Because the truth is, the freedom you’re seeking isn’t found in achieving more. It’s found in redefining what enough looks like for you.

 

So I ask you:
What do you know to be true?
And what if the opposite is also true?

 

Here’s to choosing self-discovery over stagnation. To being endlessly curious—not just about the world, but about yourself. To embracing who you are, rather than the version of you that’s been shaped by external expectations.

 

Growth isn’t about discarding who you are, it’s about expanding who you are willing to become.

 

Are you willing to challenge what you know and step into something greater?  Comment below and share your thoughts!

In today’s fast-paced world, decisiveness is key to dynamic leadership. The DECIDE framework helps you make timely, impactful decisions that move your team and business forward. 

 

Trust your intuition and experience to cut through the noise. Discernment lets you focus on what matters most.

Tip: Reflect on past wins and lessons to strengthen your decision-making instincts. 

Identify knowledge gaps and seek insights from trusted experts or mentors. Use data wisely—don’t get stuck overanalyzing.
Tip: Know where your expertise ends and consult trusted advisors to avoid uneducated decisions.

 

Think beyond quick wins—consider how your decisions shape the future and align with your bigger vision.

 

Make decisions deliberately—no knee-jerk reactions. Move forward with purpose and timing.
Tip: Pre-decide on routine matters to save time and energy for bigger decisions.

 

Stay involved after the decision but avoid micromanaging. Create clarity, remove roadblocks, and support your team.
Tip: Lead with your compelling vision, check in regularly, and empower others to act.

 

Shift from doing to leading. Share ownership, provide clear expectations, and build trust.

1. What problem are we solving?
2. What options do we have?
3. What happens if we don’t decide?