Something came up in conversation this week that got me thinking… and I figured you might relate, Reader. I was telling a friend how fun it was to make a last-minute decision to see The Lumineers. I’d been wanting to go, but I kept waiting to see if everything would fall into place — or, if I’m honest, to convince myself it was worth the hassle. You know, all the adult reasons not to go. Eventually, I just said to myself, Life is happening now. Go live it.Because otherwise? Life starts to...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
I just celebrated my birthday, and true to my wanderer soul, I chased every playful whim, Reader. There was a vintage roller coaster, a saltwater soak in the mountains, and frolicking through Boulder with Italian food and a spark of spontaneity. It reminded me how energizing it is to choose play — even in the in-between, imperfect, or unpredictable moments. If you caught my last message, I talked about breaking out of your perception box — that mental framework that quietly shapes how you...
2 months ago • 1 min read
We all carry invisible boxes, Reader.Boxes shaped by what we’ve been taught are “professional,” “productive,” or “realistic.” Boxes that quietly tell us to stay small, stay serious, stay safe. A few weeks ago at Playposium 2025, I spent time with people who are actively breaking out of those boxes—through laughter, movement, storytelling, and play. One of my biggest takeaways?I learned I have play limits, especially when I’m tired.So I stepped back. I rested. I honored what I needed. That...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Life can get so heavy, can’t it Reader?You're like, DUH 🙄 Between managing responsibilities, navigating challenges, and trying to keep everything together, it’s easy to forget one essential truth: you’re allowed to enjoy life. And what better day to remind ourselves of that than today — the International Day of Play! 🎉✨ Joy isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity, especially when the world is melting. 🫠 Science shows that play lowers stress, sparks creativity, and strengthens resilience. Play fuels...
4 months ago • 1 min read
For the longest time, I believed resilience meant powering through. Do you relate to being unshakeable, stoic, or tough, Reader?Over time, I realized real resilience is more like a dance than a march.It’s not about brute strength. It’s about bounce.It’s about curiosity. Flexibility. And yes… even playfulness. Here’s a reminder that always makes me smile:You can’t spell resilience without “sili.” Not silly in a dismissive way—but silly as in light-hearted and free. It’s about finding joy, even...
5 months ago • 1 min read
When was the last time you played, Reader?Like, truly let go and had fun without a purpose or outcome in mind?I’m fresh off attending the National Conference on the Value of Play last week, and let me tell you—I played my heart out and had an absolute blast! Most of my days aren’t as play-filled as that, but that’s not the point.For many of us, “play” feels like a distant memory, something we left behind in childhood.But here’s the thing: play isn’t just for kids—it’s a biological need for...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Let’s talk about stress, Reader. If you’re an ambitious professional, you probably know stress well. It’s that tightness in your chest before a big meeting, the racing mind at 2 a.m., or the nagging thought that you’ll never “do enough.” But here’s the truth: stress isn’t your enemy. It’s a signal—your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need attention.” For years, I thought the answer to stress was to push harder, do more, and ignore the signs. But that only led to burnout. What changed everything...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, It’s been a minute! Some things have shifted in my corner of the universe, so it feels like the perfect time for a little reintroduction. :) Since July, I stepped back from my newsletter and social media to create space for refining my work. This gave me the time I needed to be present and creative—without feeling scattered or rushed into producing something inauthentic. Taking on a part-time role in healthcare technology gave me room to sustain myself in new ways—without the...
7 months ago • 1 min read
"The most important thing is to find a way to move that brings you joy and makes you feel alive."-Kelly McGonigal, The Joy of Movement Do you ever feel like the to-dos of adulting are stealing your joy, Reader? When I lack joy, I need more playtime—the bridge between my spirit and its expression. So I'll often hop on the swing set when I'm on my walk. I pump my legs so hard that I touch the tree branches. The thrill of it is like my biggest win of the day. And you know what? I even end my...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read