Sometimes, we imagine that being in a different location will transform us, but the truth is, no matter where we go, we carry who we are with us. While change can certainly lead to growth, our core selves remain the same. We recently returned from an incredible trip to Europe, and this realization struck me. As a family, we were no different in France or Italy than we are at home. My husband still wore his Carhartt shirts, baseball cap, and comfy pants. My son still had his music playing in at least one ear and was calm about everything. My daughter was still stressed about catching up on her schoolwork or practicing her upcoming solos, and I still found it hard to completely relax. My husband still tried to sabotage every photo opportunity, inspiring the kids to do the same. The same insecurities I felt at home, I felt on this trip. I still preferred flip flips for walking over other more "practical" shoes and ended up wearing them the majority of the time. (Despite the ver
A little over a year ago, I made an intentional decision to give meaningful effort and energy to people who meant a lot to me. I was changing jobs and was going to be seeing some of these people less and was feeling that in a big way. I invited them to my home for a fun gathering. I wrote a personalized message to each of them sharing what they meant to me, and gave it with a small gift. Following that, I made efforts to reach out, dropping gifts by their homes, sending notes, texts, flowers etc. Then I gradually eased off, seeing who responded. The majority didn't. While this was to be expected, it was also disappointing. During this time, I started building new relationships. Then, a big unexpected move happened. Again, it was going to change who I saw on the regular basis. I wanted to keep connection. I wanted them in my life. So I wrote, texted, sent gifts, etc. Some responded, some reciprocated, but most didn't. And then it hit me. If I am doing these things simply fo