Life changed. I took off a couple of weeks to regroup due to a new role - however - I am back and look forward to continuing with the weekly newsletter!

Vacation. I am smiling as I write the word. My son was born at the beginning of COVID, and we haven't gone on vacation without the kids in two years. However, my husband's friend celebrated his 50th in Scottsdale, Arizona at the end of February and we decided not to take the kids.

Despite spending weeks planning to ensure a smooth experience, we struggled to get to Arizona. Our flight was canceled Friday morning due to Chicago snow (not re-booked - canceled). Thanks American Airlines.

By Saturday afternoon - I am sitting in sunny, 70-degree weather at the hotel pool in Arizona. Despite the rough start, it was worth the scenery, fellowship, and time away. The caregiver for our kids was amazing; no issues at all. I had such a great time and eagerly awaiting the next trip!

Good Quote

Life is in a constant state of change. And so are we. To get upset by things is to wrongly assume that they will last. To kick ourselves or blame others is grabbing at the wind. To resent change is to wrongly assume that you have a choice in the matter. Everything changes. Embrace that. Flow with it.
Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic (Page 340)

Life

This quick article below reminded me of a simple concept - progress over perfection. I wouldn't consider myself a perfectionist. But when I think about making a spelling mistake on this blog - I might have some perfectionist thoughts. If you feel the same way, you will find value in Molly's article.

Redefining Success: Progress Not Perfection

When success is defined as perfectionism, it’s a recipe for failure. When we focus on progress not perfection, we set ourselves up to achieve better things.

Thin DifferenceMolly Page

Corporate Ecology

"No meaningful life is stress-free. But, managed correctly, stress can be an engine of personal growth and peak performance."

The following article below from McKinsey breaks down stress in a unique way. Did you know that taking a 30-second break from work can improve stress levels?

Please read the article below and learn a few tips on how to approach stress and manage it healthily.

How to turn everyday stress into ‘optimal stress’

Managed well, stress can be an ally rather than an enemy. Here’s how to use it to your advantage.

McKinsey & CompanyJan Ascher

On Family

As my son turns two years old this month - I enjoyed reading this article on the impact of COVID on two-year-olds. However, I do worry about the collective impact on COVID babies.

How the Pandemic Has Shaped Babies’ Development

The first two years of life are a time of astonishing brain growth. What has that meant for the toddlers who have only known a world with COVID?

The AtlanticLydia Denworth

Disconnect

"Having my old phone as an object in my house is an identity signal that I like a slower pace," said Ms. Kennedy, 38, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario.

NY Times article below on a trend of having a good old landline. It's an interesting concept that the phone causes one to flex their memory muscle by having to remember phone numbers. As Ms. Kennedy stated, it's also representative of a slower pace of life.

The landline phones in this article are visually pleasing - who knew 90's phones could look so cool!

Too Much Screen Time? Landline Phones Offer a Lifeline.

Like record players and VHS tapes, landline phones are being embraced by nostalgic fans as an antidote to an increasingly digital way of life.

NYTimesBy

Can I Leave You A Funny?

Yep - pretty much nailed how I act during spring cleaning!