Both AND: Celebrations, Chaos, & Finding Harmony

A perspective that moves beyond the concept of "balance," embracing the reality that life isn’t about choosing between one thing OR another, but about weaving together everything that truly matters.

I know it’s been a while since I last checked in, and I want to share why I’ve been a bit MIA here. The past four months have been a whirlwind of life events, celebrations, and some serious reflections. So, let’s dive into what’s been keeping me busy!

First, let’s talk about the big upcoming celebration: my little sister is getting married next weekend! 🥳

Photo source: Krista’s Bridal Shower, the bride-to-be in the middle

Krista isn’t my biological sister, but she’s every bit a sister in my heart and life. We’ve known each other since she was 8 years old, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow up, navigating the ups and downs of life with her by my side.

Our bond was forged in those early years when I’d pick her up from school, a ritual that became our own little tradition. We’d grab bagels, crank up the volume on some hip-hop, and just enjoy the simple joy of those moments. It was more than just an after-school routine—it was our time to connect, to share, and to create memories that still make us smile.

We even volunteered together at StandUp for Kids when she was in high school, an experience that solidified our shared values and deepened our bond. Working side by side, we learned the power of giving back and supporting others, and it was clear that, despite our age difference, Krista was mature beyond her years, with a heart full of compassion and a fierce determination to make a difference.

Our connection transcends blood—it’s built on years of shared experiences, inside jokes, and those moments that define what it means to be truly close to someone. Krista will always be like a sister to me, and I’m grateful every day for the unique bond we share.

We’re all so excited and deep into the preparations for Krista’s big day. The bachelorette party was lit. I mean, two nights of staying up until 6 AM, dancing, laughing, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Hanging out with a group of young, vibrant people had me feeling like I was back in my 20s again—until I tried to recover. Spoiler alert: it took weeks to get back to normal! I learned that my party stamina isn’t quite what it used to be, but it was worth every sleepless night.

Me Power Happenings

In the midst of all the excitement, the new school year kicked off. With a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, the demands of school and after-school activities like swim lessons and soccer have completely taken over our schedule. I’ve been doing the daily juggle of drop-offs, pick-ups, snack packing, and cheering on the sidelines. It’s a beautiful chaos, but it’s also a reminder that my time and energy are limited resources.

Photo source: my iPhone, from left to right Donovan (4), then Davidson (6)

The last few months have given me a lot to think about, and I’ve had to confront some hard truths about my goals and priorities. I’ve realized that the pace I’ve been keeping—saying “yes” to almost every opportunity, every project—just isn’t sustainable. It’s been a process of re-aligning my actions with what truly matters to me right now, and that clarity has been both challenging and liberating.

As a mom, my focus has shifted now that my boys are older and more independent. One goal is to help them master swimming, not just as a skill but possibly as a sport if they’re interested. I’m also encouraging them to try new activities and take safe risks—whether it’s exploring a new sport, venturing into nature, or diving into creative pursuits. It’s all about nurturing their curiosity and resilience, and teaching them that growth often comes from stepping outside their comfort zones.

Professionally, my role as the Director of Student Wellness at the Santa Fe Community College is at the forefront of my mind. I’m passionate about expanding the Student Wellness Center, making it a true hub of support and resources for our students. Fundraising for the food pantry is a top priority, ensuring that no student goes hungry or struggles to find basic necessities. So many students and community members don’t know what’s available to them, and I’m determined to change that. We have incredible support systems in place, and I want to make sure people know how to access them and feel empowered to do so.

All of these goals—whether personal, professional, or entrepreneurial—are about aligning my life with what matters most right now.

Photo source: SCORE Santa Fe Chapter, Women in Business Conference 2023

On the entrepreneurial front, here’s what I’m saying “yes” to:

• Local or Accessible Speaking Opportunities: Like the Annual Women In Business Conference (see above), where I had the privilege of speaking on a beautifully moderated panel. It felt more like a meaningful conversation with the audience than a traditional panel, with Q&A seamlessly woven into the discussion in a way I’ve never experienced before. For more on this event, check out the feature in The New Mexican.

• Making Time for Writing and Reading: I’m carving out dedicated time to focus on my second book. It’s time to get serious about my book proposal, especially since I’ve changed the focus of my topic far too many times. This is a big priority for me, and I’m committed to moving forward.

• Expanding My Online Presence: Social media has become such an important way for people to get a sense of who I am before we ever meet face-to-face. It’s like a virtual handshake! It helps me share my story and expertise, so when potential clients see my content, they already feel more comfortable and confident about booking me for speaking engagements.

• Connecting Over Coffee or Tea: I’m embracing the chance to meet with friends and new acquaintances, like former Secret Service Agent Dr. Mary Beth Janke, to discuss business, marketing, favorite restaurants, and everything in between. These conversations are invaluable for inspiration and collaboration.

For now, these are the opportunities I’m focusing on as I align my actions with my goals and the life I want to create. Of course, this will change—because, let’s be honest, my to-do list has more plot twists than your favorite show on Netflix!

It feels like I’m constantly relearning how to prioritize, set new boundaries, and be even more intentional with my time.

So that’s where I’ve been—celebrating, reflecting, and recalibrating.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as I navigated this busy season.

I’m excited to be back, with a renewed sense of purpose and focus, ready to share more insights and inspiration with you all.

Three ⚡️ in 31 Seconds

⚡️What about you, dear reader? Are the goals you’re setting aligned with the life you want to create? How are you celebrating, reflecting, AND recalibrating?

⚡️RSVP for this Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce event I’m leading as part of their “Women Empower Series” on October 9, 2024, from 4 pm to 6 pm.

⚡️Here are my top strategies that can help prioritize and protect your energy when life feels overwhelming:

• Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for focused work, meetings, and personal activities. Use a timer or an app to ensure you stick to your time blocks and take breaks.

• Phone a Friend: Reach out to friends and/or family for advice, support, or just to talk things through. Sometimes, sharing your struggles can help you gain perspective and find solutions.

• Use the 2-Minute Rule: If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming.