BWell Blog

When is the last time you felt stuck?  Out of routine, out of habit, out of hope in what once was and is no longer.  While I imagine it’s not entirely impossible, we can’t rely on a random wave of motivation to turn the tide.  Time doesn’t always allow the luxury of waiting for luck to strike.

I’m someone who intentionally avoids looking in the rear-view...

In my favorite picture (which I still can't find)I’m standing on dirt at the far southwest corner of what someday would be our basement in the home we built for our family.  It’s game day and the yellow Oregon Duck shirt that's nearly too small is pulling tightly against my growing belly.  My arms are stretched wide and I’m wearing the confident grin of someone with...

As I navigate through my professional and parenting journey, I find myself relying on some of the same guiding principles.

Humility I question everything.  Once I think I’ve got it (them) all figured out, everything changes.  They keep me humble.

Humility is my favorite trait in a person.  Humility is showing up as the student, regardless of whom you are or the title you...

I can always count on Ava to hold the mirror up for me when I need it most.

After dinner the other night we all huddle around to play a game before bedtime routine.  Honestly, this isn’t my most favorite time of day as I’m an early riser and I tend to be begging for bed long before everyone else in our house.  But, it’s one of the few moments in our day when...

Ava shared her bucket list with us today.

I am inspired.  Here’s what I notice:

She is intentional.

She takes the time to write it down and posts it on the wall in the kitchen where she can be reminded every day.

She is committed.

It doesn’t take her long to complete (15 minutes or so).  Once her pen hits the paper, she goes for it.

She is clear.

As I watch her write, she...

40 things over 40 years that stay with me and matter most right now.

For Ava + Carson

Choose courage over comfort.
Your ability to be resilient changes everything.
Live and love with the long-term perspective in mind.
Humility is rare and beautiful.
Make self-care a priority.
Forgiveness will set you free.
Self-compassion first.
Find the humor in everything.
Be flexible.
Make time to do the things you...

Choosing means new commitments; choosing means things can change.

Choose:

To decide that a particular person or thing is the one that you want

To make a choice about what to do

To select freely and after consideration; decide; to see fit

To accept and embrace

I’ve been turning the word (choose)over and over in my head for a while now.  I need it to be active, in the present. ...

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision.  So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. 

 –Neil Gailman
I start every year with a new word, a word that best describes my intentions and hopes for the year in front of me. This year, I choose quiet.

More quiet means recognizing...

There are few things that feel better than receiving a thoughtful, personal, handwritten note. Love notes are big around here in our home.  I started thinking about all of the places where notes show up and what they mean to me.

Welcome home notes Ava leaves around the house, when we arrive home from a trip out of town.

A love note written on Ava’s lunch napkin, I leave as a...