Start Here….
New Here? Begin with These Reader Favorites
Storytelling: The Oldest Wisdom That Is as Fresh as Ever — Where it all began.
Peacekeeper or Rabble Rouser?— The story behind the peacekeeper and the rebel.
What Menopause Is Really Asking of You — A reflection on identity, energy, and midlife transition.
Why Play Is Not a Luxury — Reclaiming joy in a world that rewards productivity.
Self-Leadership for Women in High-Responsibility Roles — What happens when responsibility becomes identity.
These articles are part of a larger conversation.
For shorter reflections and monthly essays, visit Café of Joy, my LinkedIn newsletter.
“Where Is Minnesota?”
A move I didn’t plan. A season of grief I wasn’t prepared for. And a place I had barely heard of. Sometimes the ground that unsettles you becomes the ground that strengthens you.
The Writing on Sand
Many well-intended goals fade not because we lack discipline, but because we try to carry them without support. Like words written in sand, intentions can be washed away by the demands of daily life, caregiving, work, and emotional overload. This reflection explores how to anchor intentions with clarity, self-compassion, and practical structure—so what matters can be sustained, not forced, even through life’s constant ebbs and flows.
In the Arms of a Sitka Spruce: Remembering We Are One.
In the arms of a 1,000-year-old Sitka Spruce in Alaska, I felt something beyond words—oneness with nature, with life, and with the divine. Just as a sacred moment in Jerusalem revealed the kindness that flows across all faiths, this ancient tree whispered the same truth: we are all connected.
Demons under the bed
As a child, I was terrified of the monsters I imagined lived under my tall teakwood bed. One night, I decided to face the fear. I peeked under—and found nothing. That small act of courage became a turning point. Over time, I learned that fear isn’t always something to run from. Sometimes, it’s the invitation to grow.
Driving the Freeway
“Let’s go, Mom! Stop being so scared, c’mon!” my son said from the back seat, wide-eyed with excitement.
We were living in Santa Clara, just 35 minutes from San Francisco—but for me, that city felt like another world. No GPS, just MapQuest printouts and a deep fear of getting lost.
But he believed in me.
And so I drove. Slowly. Hesitantly. Then again. And again.
The Sparrow and the Ocean
Once, on the shore of a mighty ocean, a mother sparrow built her nest and laid her eggs. She chose a quiet spot nestled among the dune grass, where she could warm them in the morning sun and whisper songs of the sky to the tiny lives growing inside.
Peacekeeper or rabble rouser?
This is where my life meets reflection, where everyday moments turn into something meaningful.
Dear reader, as you begin this journey with me, I want to share the story that sparked it all—the why behind the words, and my heart behind the voice.
Storytelling: The oldest wisdom that is as fresh as ever.
Unlock the timeless power of storytelling to fuel resilience and personal growth. From childhood memories steeped in Indian tradition to coaching moments filled with meaning, discover how stories connect us across generations. Dive into reflections on courage, curiosity, and rewriting your life narrative
Once Upon a Time, I was a Snail
I love snails—tiny, slimy, and oddly adorable. There’s something about their slow, deliberate pace that has always fascinated me. In many ways, my life mirrored that pace for the longest time.
Interwoven
Beneath the surface of a quiet forest, something magical happens: roots intertwine, signals travel, and support flows. It’s a world of invisible strength. Of deep connection.
This story, told through the lives of two birch trees—Aria and Mika—is not just a tale of nature. It’s a mirror for us. A reminder that resilience, community, and healing often begin in what can’t be seen.
