3 Tips on FInding Your Flow

What were you doing the last time you were in flow? 

Flow is when you're so into something that nothing else matters, time flies by, and you're doing it just because you love it, not to reach a specific goal.

We are doing it for the love.

It's when we're making or doing something just because we want to, without worrying about the final result. 

You've felt it, right?

We've all experienced it - flow can come in various forms. Those perfect moments in life can occur while dancing, making music, chatting with friends, or even when lost in your own thoughts. However, in a world that constantly pushes for more productivity and tries to make money from every enjoyable experience, it seems like a forgotten art.

To get back to our true nature and give equal importance to "doing it for the love" as we do for efficiency is key to a simpler, fulfilling life.

But, to reconnect with the essential aspect of flow - joy - we must understand that it won't always be pure fun. There's a distinction between enjoyment and simple pleasure. Think of pleasure as a quick dopamine rush, like scrolling through TikTok or indulging in a treat after a tough day.

Enjoyment, optimal experiences, and flow, on the other hand, demand a bit of effort and challenge. It's about high-quality leisure, the activities you commit to even when you don't feel particularly excited at the start.

Because suddenly, time seems to vanish, each moment seamlessly transitions into the next, and you rediscover what it means to be truly human. This is the secret of flow - it demands more deliberate effort than fleeting pleasures, but it has a profound and enduring impact on our well-being.

3 tips on finding your flow

1. Choose an activity that brings you joy, aligns with your personality and talents

2. Create a distraction-free environment and put devices on Do Not Disturb

3. Give yourself enough time to settle in and become absorbed in your given activity.

Ben Franklin's evening question:

What good have I done this day?

In its simplicity lies its profound impact. This question empowers us to craft our definition of greatness—whether it's the positive impact we've had on others, the strides we've taken toward our goals, or the inner growth we've nurtured.

However you choose to paint your canvas of achievement, asking this question each evening forces you to pause, identify a win, to savor your victories, even if they seem small.

Momentum is the lifeblood of success. When you start noticing your wins, you manufacture momentum and start having more of them. In those moments of reflection, you'll discover that you are the artist of your own success, and your masterpiece is formed one stroke of greatness at a time.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Simplify & Get Back to What Matters

I help busy parents & professionals simplify and get back to what matters in their life, across their career, their family and their life.

“I am just overwhelmed."
“I don't know what it is I want."
“I'm unhappy but have no idea how to get to the state of joy and peace I desire."
“I'm a working mom with kids in five different activities. I have no control of my life, I cycle through burnout and parent guilt regularly."

I used to be you, and what I've learned transformed my life. I’ll help you simplify and get back to what matters by simplifying your career, your family and your life.

When you simplify and get back to what matters you have less stress, more control, and create the life you desire.

Tired of the cycle? Let’s connect. DM or website in bio to kickoff you plan to simplify your life, drown out the noise and focus on the next, right 1-2 steps to achieve the life you desire.

Turning Five

Behold my Marleigh, radiant and bright,

In a dress that fills her with joy and delight.

Her imagination soars, boundless and free,

Commanding the stage with unwavering glee.

No world shall steal her dreams away,

For I'll guard them fiercely, come what may.

Dream boldly, my daughter, let your heart ignite,

The corrupt world may lurk, but you'll shine with might.

For your spirit, dear Marleigh, knows no bounds,

In a world where true beauty astounds.

So dream on, my child, with passion and grace,

In your dreams, the world finds its rightful place.

-BB

365 Days Around The Sun

The past 365 days have been a journey filled with memories that have brought me joy, growth, and fulfillment. As I approach a new year in my life, I can't help but look back and appreciate the experiences I've had.

One of the greatest highlights was the realization of a dream - stepping into the threshold of my dream home. Within these walls, we're learning that a home is more than just a place; it's where dreams take root and where love grows.

Love has been a constant companion throughout this year. My heart has been enriched by the connections that make life meaningful. These connections have been my foundation, providing support and strength in times of need and amplifying the celebrations of life's victories.

Watching my little one graduate from pre-K and move on to Kindergarten has been a highlight. Her curiosity and wonder remind me of the joy of discovery and nurturing young minds.

These 365 days have shown me that life is a mix of experiences – exciting and calm moments alike. It's a happiness painted with love, achievement, and togetherness.

As I step into the next year, I carry my memories like treasures. The past year has been a well-lived chapter, showing the beauty of being human. With gratitude and excitement, I welcome 36 – new adventures, growth, and cherished moments.

On Sisterhood

Sisterhood. It's the anchor in the storm, the beacon of support amidst life's unpredictable waves.

I get it, some of you might be thinking: Really, women are such b****es. They can be sneaky, gossiping, untrustworthy, and self-centered. And it's true, women have been unfairly judged in this world dominated by male culture.

I believe none of us escape childhood or adulthood without experiencing mean girl behavior – or being the mean girl.

One big problem from the patriarchal belief system is that we struggle to form deep, trusting bonds with other women. We find it hard to share joy, brightness, and happiness.

We've been taught that connecting with other women often comes from sharing our problems together. We're used to starting conversations with bad news. Talking about positive things? That feels awkward.

This way of thinking holds us back. It keeps us stuck in negativity and prevents us from reaching our full potential. We end up feeling small, disconnected, and not as amazing as we could be.

Picture a world where women lift each other up to succeed. Where we laugh together and comfort each other when we cry. A world where we don't just talk about our dreams, but we fully believe in each other. A place where we celebrate our beauty, passion, and happiness without holding back.

Sisterhood is like a safe haven where your real self is not just okay, but truly celebrated. It's where you can share your honest feelings and find relief. A space where you can be yourself without pretending or making sacrifices – just the genuine you.

Ready to up your sisterhood game?

1.  Flip the script on negativity. Seek out a tribe of women eager to uplift each other. Start a ripple by sharing your triumphs instead of complaints. Witness the magic unfold as positivity echoes through your bonds.

2.  Make room for truth. Life's a spectrum of highs and lows, and we all need a space to express both. But let's not amplify the lows. Create a sanctuary where you can share your thoughts without judgment, a space for genuine release.

3. Prioritize sisterhood time. In a world buzzing with distractions, let's mark our calendars for sisterhood. Just as we allocate time for work and obligations, let's allocate time for the relationships that fuel our spirits.

Change Your Thermostat

Imagine your life as a thermostat, set to a certain level of goodness you're comfortable with. But what if you could crank up that setting and bask in even more greatness?

As life starts soaring to new heights, a sneaky tendency creeps in. You unconsciously pull back to the familiar, even if it's not as amazing as where you could be. Your happiness has a comfort zone, and it has a say in how you approach your dreams.

Were your earlier days filled with stress and pressure? It's like an echo that lingers unless you decide to shatter the pattern. It's time to escape the cycle.

Why? Because familiarity feels safe, and safety brings resistance. You might catch yourself provoking arguments, dodging important tasks, or drowning in distractions—all ways of staying in the known zone.

But guess what? You're not stuck. The power lies in recognizing you have a choice.

Regulating your inner state isn't just about being calm—it's about seizing your power of choice. Picture having the strength to step back from chaos and respond from your inner wisdom.
We've all hit those moments when choices seem out of reach, when turmoil takes the wheel. That's a sign you need to restore balance.

When you stand at the edge of your comfort zone, facing the unknown desires you've never tasted, relish it. This is your chance to expand.

And now, a nod to Gay Hendricks and his book "The Big Leap,” which introduced me to the thermostat concept. It helped me comprehend that I can set my life to a temperature I desire, and I encourage you to do the same.

Novelty

NOVELTY.

Turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones just by trying something new.

Trying new things, especially for the first time, helps our brains create vivid memories. These positive memories make us feel like we have more time and make our experiences more meaningful.

We can make time feel abundant and life more meaningful. Novelty doesn't have to be big, complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. It can be as simple as...

++ calling up your bestie for a sporadic lunch date at the new restaurant
++ taking the backroads where you’re going instead of the fastest route
++ sprinkles on your ice cream
++ a fluffy fort on the ground for movie night vs. the couch
++ changing up your daily routine
++ dancing when the music moves you

Taking a little extra time to design our lives instead of sticking to the same old routines.

And most importantly, do not fall into the trap of thinking, "When I have more money, lose weight/get fit, have more time, get more sleep, finish this busy season..."

Novelty is the secret sauce to slowing down and making more meaningful memories. Living instead of existing.

What’s 1 new thing you can do this week? This month?

A Day Well Spent

In the realm of desires I long to find,
An 80-degree day where humidity’s kind.
A companion, true, for earnest talk,
Where honesty’s words are a gentle walk.
Moments of laughter, pure and bright,
Blissful minutes, surrounded in love’s light.
The wind in my hair, and a sunkissed glow,
Simple joys that we know.
My family is strong, their wellbeing dear,
Forever untouched by worry or fear.
Inspiring souls, like stars above,
Touching others with simplicity and love.
Real connections, no masks to wear,
Raw reality, a truth laid bare.
On Windy Ridge, I stand with glee,
Barefoot, grounded, wild and free.

-BB

Life by Design - Resume vs Eulogy Virtues

Author David Brooks once wrote about the distinction between what he called Résumé Virtues and Eulogy Virtues:

Résumé Virtues are the things you put on your resume. Your professional accolades, education credentials, titles, status, net worth, and more.
Eulogy Virtues are the things people talk about at your funeral. Whether you had a clear purpose and worked with meaning, whether you were curious and interested, whether you were kind, loving, and trustworthy, whether you were a loyal friend, partner, and parent, and more.

He believed that people often prioritize Résumé Virtues, but Eulogy Virtues are actually more important and fulfilling. Despite this, don't discount the resume virtues.

The key is to focus on the right directionality to achieve both types of virtues.

Chasing Résumé Virtues can lead to success in terms of financial wealth and professional accomplishments, but it narrows your focus and may cause you to miss the bigger picture. Leading with Eulogy Virtues, on the other hand, involves working with purpose, building meaningful relationships, and acting with integrity. It allows you to see the broader perspective and ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and successful life.

The directionality matters: A purposeful focus on Eulogy Virtues will build Résumé Virtues, but a focus on Résumé Virtues will not build Eulogy Virtues.

The main takeaway is to stop focusing solely on Résumé Virtues and prioritize Eulogy Virtues instead. By living with purpose, kindness, and meaningful relationships, Résumé Virtues will naturally follow. The key is to maintain the right directionality in life.

Farm to Table

Teaching my daughter, the joys of farm to table, melts my heart. Last night, we took her to the garden as she requested, full of excitement to see what it had produced since her last trip. She couldn’t wait to devour the tomatoes and cucumbers she picked herself. Nature is nurture. Nature is the future.

Finding Freedom

Freedom is personal and profound,

A choice to exercise  that echoes, resounds.

Exercise it or forsake,

the path we take, the stance we make.

What we practice, we become.

Have we forgotten, lost in haze,

The right to be, to freely blaze?

In a land free from tyranny's grip,

Let's reclaim the vigilance we used to equip.

Speak up, rise high, ignite the flame,

Unite, and set the world aflame.

Seek wholeness, find peace within,

Be true to ourselves, let pretense grow thin.

As true patriots, let's decree,

Freedom and peace as our destiny.

Exercise liberty, respect every soul,

In harmony, let freedom make us whole.

Looking for your Tribe?

Putting this out into the universe: I’m looking for women who want to think differently, dream bigger, and take action despite fear. I am creating a community that will defy limits, challenge conventions, and ask “why not?!” 

Courage is infectious and empowering. There can be a different way to move through doubt and design our lives and become who, and do what, we’re meant to.

You’re not meant to leave a life half-lived.

Drop a message below, send a DM, or visit the website link and contact me if this sparks your interest.

I can't wait to share some things I've been working on soon that help with all this. 

Until then, just take one aligned next step and wait for the journey to begin!

Copy Culture vs Creative Culture

Our propensity for screen time is creating a copy culture in our children. Instead of spending time with friends and making up new moves and tricks, our kids simply want to copy what they saw on TikTok and YouTube. 

Unless we change course, a new generation will prioritize imitation over innovation, eroding America's spirit of ingenuity. Striking a balance between imitation and creation is crucial, honoring pioneers while fostering space for originality and discovery. 

Put down the phones. Schedule a game night. Play some music and get up and dance. Grab the skateboard and invent new tricks. Unleash the power of genuine presence.

Mothers Day 2023

We laughed, we floated, we went fast and we boated. Eternally grateful for the one who made me mom. Mini-me, you complete me.

Windy Ridge Collective

Today is Small Business Day, and as you're here reading this, you're exploring my small business venture. I started my coaching business because I have a deep desire to help others quiet the noise and listen to their soul's purpose. It's a journey I've been on, and continue to trek, but over time, I've heard the longing of my soul to lift, inspire, and teach others how to live a fulfilling and impactful life, to tune out the daily societal conditioning that can hold us back.

Through my coaching, I aspire to empower individuals to tap into their inner wisdom and unlock their full potential. I believe that each and every one of us has a unique purpose, and I'm honored to guide my clients towards discovering and fulfilling theirs. So on this Small Business Day, I want to express my gratitude to you for considering my business and for being a part of this journey towards living a more meaningful life.

Beating the Worry Trap

I think it was Baz Luhrmann that said worrying is about as effective as trying to solve an Algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. I chuckle when I hear that phrase, and although I know worrying is useless, I have to coach myself out of doing it regularly.

Why are some of us prone to worry? Because, worry can become a habit, which then turns into a trap. The worry trap then spawns the "What if" loop:

"What if we had acted differently, what if we succeed or fail, love or lose, or what if something happens or doesn't happen."

How can you beat the worry trap? Focus on what's within your control by taking small steps and making small shifts. If decision-making becomes difficult, consider asking for help to alleviate the weight. Prioritize protecting your time, energy, space, and health as you begin to feel better.

Jot it down, promise to worry later. 

Take in a media that soothes or inspires you like music or a podcast

Be present and disconnect - turn off your phone. This is the most impactful for me because I realize I have a future-focused mindset. Usually my worry is spawned by thinking about the future. Bringing myself back into the present helps me rationalize and realize what I have charge of today (my actions, my response, etc.)

Get outside - sit in nature or go for a walk

Focus outward - go can you help or serve?

THe ongoing gift of parenthood

When do we lose our childhood enthusiasm for life? Do we inevitably become jaded and accept the routine and mundane, or is it the cynics among us who erode our joy?

I ask because when I look at these kids, they're living life with gusto.

I don’t. But surely I used to. Don’t all kids?

As we mature, we learn to navigate life's challenges with composure and grace, but in doing so, we often suppress our true emotions. We live in a world where showing too much joy or vulnerability can be perceived as weakness, and fear and uncertainty are often met with scorn.

Yet, it's important to recognize that emotions are what make us human, and they are what give color and depth to our lives. We should never forget the childlike wonder that once fueled our enthusiasm for life and find moments to embrace and celebrate the things that bring us joy.

Parenting brings the joy of experiencing the world anew through our children's eyes, a constant gift of wonderment. That's the gift these children continually give to me.

Unlocking creativity within struggle

Struggle is often seen as a problem, a sign of something being wrong. But what if we embraced struggle as an opportunity for growth, learning, and creativity? In the face of challenges, we discover our inner strength, adaptability, and curiosity. Struggle becomes the fertile ground where love and innovation flourish. Let us welcome struggle as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation, propelling us to new heights of resilience and potential.

Unlocking Creativity Within Struggle

Embracing a growth mindset is key; understanding that struggle is not the end, but a gateway to learning and creativity.

When faced with struggle, here's a few ways to cultivate your creative practice:

1. Embrace a growth mindset, seeing struggle as a source of learning and creativity.

2. Acknowledge the struggle and resist the urge to escape or fix it.

3. Stay present, finding inner spaciousness.

4. Approach the struggle with curiosity and explore the unknown.

5. Cultivate creativity by seeking alternative approaches.

6. Discover the remarkable depths within the realm of struggle.

Unleash your creativity in the face of challenges and witness the transformative power that emerges.

to all the teachers…

Let me tell you about my best friend…It’s Teacher Appreciation Day, and I see you. All you hardworking, diligent teachers who are passionate about what you do - inspiring and growing our youth.

 I have witnessed firsthand the lengths my best friend goes to in order to provide the best education possible. She invests countless hours crafting her own curriculum, driven by the desire to ensure no topic is left unexplored when school funding is tight. I have seen her dip into her own pockets, selflessly purchasing supplies, gifts, and incentives to create a stimulating learning environment. This year, I have observed my daughter's first teacher pouring the same tireless efforts into cultivating her classroom, and I am in awe of the immense growth and wisdom my little girl has gained under her guidance.

Your selflessness and commitment are truly remarkable. Thank you for shaping the minds and futures of our children.