Exploring Changes

A Different Kind of Power

While otherwise doom-scrolling online, I was fantastically interrupted by this amazing old photo of my daughter, which was exactly the message I really needed! She just turned 18 last week—an adult now—and I can actually feel the way everything stood still for me at that moment, even as she wildly swirled around. As she celebrated the large world in front of her, for me, everything outside faded and nothing else mattered. Just love. A pure sense of awe. The wholly undeniable truth that life itself is the most powerful gift.

And now, I get to watch her step into adulthood, crafting her own beliefs, identifying her own values—not because anyone told her to, but because she’s choosing them. And this inspires me. Because in a world where it feels like too many people focus on division, fear, and control, I see her strength in choosing to follow a sense of wonder, kindness, and courage.

So that had me thinking—what happened to us?

Why do we allow people to hold leadership roles if they choose to engage in power through division, wealth through exploitation, or influence through fear? This isn’t the only kind of power. And the greatest leaders throughout history have proved that it never has been.

They remind us that there’s a different kind of power. The kind that never chases domination or control.

It’s the same enormous power that we sense all around us when a child is born—the hush, the breathless wonder, the collective knowing that this is what matters.

It’s the complete power you feel when you’re in your element—losing time, creating, moving, making… just being. Not for an audience, not for someone’s approval, but just because your soul is alive in the doing.

It’s the magnificent power in reunion—the arms that squeeze tightly, the voices that shake with love, that deep, wordless relief of feeling a sense of home.

It’s also the trembling power of standing at the edge of something new—when excitement is bigger than fear, when the road ahead is uncertain but your heart is somehow steady, when you set out because you just know that you must.

This kind of power? It doesn’t demand, hoard, or destroy. It certainly doesn’t thrive on fear. And it never sells our collective well-being for the illusion of control.

And yet, we have appointed people to leadership roles who chase a different kind of power. One built on division, greed, & power, on the idea that winning means someone else must lose.
But what if we could change that?

I’m not talking about an opposition movement. How about a movement of truth? Not left or right and not about red or blue. But that foundational something that has always existed, that thing that goes deeper than politics, that power that is older than empires.
A movement rooted in core values that can’t be compromised.
Because that kind of power—the power of love, integrity, courage, and wisdom—demands strength. Real strength. The kind that doesn’t flinch when tested. The kind that chooses to seek understanding over protecting our ego.

And this strength never belongs to someone else. It belongs to us. To you.

So here’s the question:

What are the words that guide you? What are the core values you refuse to compromise, no matter what?

I’ve dropped a list of core values to choose from in the comments. All of these are important, but some will stand out to you more than others. So even though you probably identify with lots of them, what are your top 3 or 4? Let’s name them. For example, the words that resonate personally for me (at least today) are Integrity, Exploration, Freedom, and Love. Go ahead and name a few of them for yourself today!

And more than that—let’s live them!

Today, right now, in this moment—do something that aligns with your values. Speak truth. Show kindness. Stand up. Listen deeply. Help someone. Create something. Choose courage.

Because if enough of us step fully into that strength, we don’t just imagine a better world.

We build it.

Are you in?

A Reminder for Myself, and Anyone Else Who Feels Anxious Right Now

I’ve always been something of a morning person. I think it’s because I love the moment right before dawn, when the sky begins to glow, and is not dark, and it’s still not light. It’s that in-between space where everything unfolds in slow motion.

That moment isn’t supposed to last very long. It usually just represents a pause while I prepare to greet what the day ahead has in store. But lately, it feels like I’m living almost entirely in that uncertain space. Suspended, stuck, not knowing what awaits me in this next chapter. Unsteady is a fitting word.

I find myself waiting for the next shoe to drop, the next crisis to appear, the next news story that reminds me how disconnected, exhausted, and scary things out of my control seem right now.
I feel the weight of it, the tension, the tugging undercurrent of “what’s next?” And… I also feel something else.

There’s a shift happening. I am opening up again to that quiet inner whisper that’s always trying to remind me: there’s another way.

Forced positivity or pretending things aren’t hard, I’m a real expert at those shenanigans, but that’s not what I’m talking about today. I’m also pretty good at numbing out or running from everything, but I’m not interested in that right now either. For this day, I’m focused on realigning. On remembering. On reconnecting with what’s actually true - the truth that exists beyond all the unrelenting noise.

We each get to choose our own favorite words to describe this for ourselves, and it’s probably a bias from my Christian upbringing feeding these adjectives this morning, but I authentically find core value in the universal truths of Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope.

Not the plastic Valentine’s decoration “Love,” Instagram-filtered “Joy,” Kumbaya circle “Peace,” or Amazon wish-list “Hope,” kind of ways, but the real, raw, embodied emotion that comes from knowing—way deep down—that no matter how messed up the world gets, I’m still here. And I get to choose the words I want to represent in my life.

I’m not here to persuade you, or anyone else, of one thing or another. I just have this moment this morning: a space I’m creating for myself and anyone else who feels ready to step out of the static and into something different. A place where we remember that anger, fear, conflict, and cynicism aren’t the only options. That disconnection isn’t inevitable. That we don’t have to wait for something outside of us to change before we start living our core values.

If you’re looking outside to see what’s going to happen when the sun comes up over the horizon, and wondering what the day has in store for you today, you’re not alone. I’m out here, writing, sharing, reflecting.

And trust me when I say, “We’re all in this together,” that the first thoughts that spring to mind are the sarcastically driven movie quotes from Leslie Nielson in Airplane or Rick Moranis in Spaceballs parroting that line “We’re all in this together” even as everything devolves into chaos around them. And honestly, that laugh helps shift my mood. But my heart echoes Christopher McCandless from Into the Wild as he wrote, “Happiness is only real when shared.”

If you’re still reading, then maybe you feel it too. And for that, I’m grateful.

Why I’m a Huge Fan of AI (It’s Not All So Obvious)

AI is smarter than us now. Let’s just call it like it is. It can solve problems, organize tasks, answer obscure trivia, create the image I used for this post, and probably write this post better than I can (and faster, too).

And honestly? I think that’s awesome.

But the reason I’m such a fan of AI isn’t just because of all the incredible things it can do for us. It’s because of what it reminds us about ourselves.

AI can analyze, calculate, and optimize—but it can’t sit next to you, say nothing, and give you the space to finally exhale.
It can’t pull you in for a hug when life feels too big, or gently assure you that, “You’re not alone.”
And it can’t create that incredible spark of connection—the one that happens when someone truly sees you and says, “Me too!”

That’s why I love AI.

Because every time AI takes something off our plates, it frees us up to lean into the things it can’t do. It reminds us that being human isn’t about being smart or efficient taskmasters. It’s about being present.

The world is changing fast, and yes, it’s a little scary at times. But it’s also exciting. Because if we use AI the right way, it can give us more time, more clarity, and more space to focus on what really matters—building meaningful lives and real connections.

So, let’s embrace these tools. Let’s use them to handle the tasks, the lists, the noise. But let’s not forget to double down on the one thing AI will never replace: the beauty of being human.

What’s crazy? It’s crazy to me how easy it is to get stuck in the same routines, day after day. We tend to want to cling to the familiar because it feels safe—even when we feel profoundly unhappy. I can point to several times in my life when I felt stuck just enduring life, simply because the known was less scary than the uncertainty of change.

Here's what those experiences have taught me: Comfort, safety, and security… while those are important, they aren’t the same as happiness. Just because something feels safe doesn't mean it's right for you.

Staying in a place that doesn't truly meet your needs isn't really safe at all—it's just familiar. Meaningful growth, fulfillment, and happiness often require stepping into the unknown.

Ask yourself:

Am I settling for less because it's comfortable?

What would I gain by taking a step in a new direction?

Is the fear of uncertainty worth sacrificing my happiness?

Taking that first step is going to take courage, but every good hero’s journey has a gateway to transformation. Time and again, when I choose to move beyond my comfort zone, I consistently open doors to opportunities and fulfillment I never thought possible.

If you're feeling stuck—tired, overwhelmed, and wishing for more—know that you're not alone. It's okay to want more from life.

You deserve to live a life that excites and fulfills you.

Identify what's holding you back.

Allow yourself to dream and rediscovery (or discover) your passions.

Create a roadmap for taking action, and move forward.

Don't let the comfort of familiarity keep you from the happiness you deserve.

Let's take that brave step in a new direction!

How exhausted are you? Are you tired, overwhelmed, and burnt out by the endless cycle of responsibilities that just aren’t doing it for you? Are you living a life that doesn't match the dreams you once had—maybe even unsure of what your next dream is?

You're definitely not alone.

I’ve been stuck in that loop, repeating the same patterns without moving forward. The weight of it all gets even heavier with questions about where we’re headed and what truly matters.
The good news is that this can actually serve as a catalyst for change—and I promise you that if you’re truly ready, it’s 100% within your reach.

Here are the first 3 steps to getting started:

Uncover What's Holding You Back: Identify the patterns and obstacles that are keeping you trapped.

Explore Your Passions and Dreams: Rediscovery (or discover) what truly excites and inspires you.

Create a Personalized Roadmap: Develop actionable steps to move toward the things that energize and fulfill you.

It’s easy to let exhaustion and uncertainty dictate your future… Don't let it. You deserve a life that reflects your true self and makes you truly happy!

Ready to break free and start living the life you desire?

For years, I was caught up in the hustle—advancing my career, achieving other people’s goals, and meeting expectations. By most external standards, everything looked pretty good. And yes, those things are significant to me and most of us agree they need to happen. But one day, I took a step back and asked myself: How much of this is what I truly want to be doing?

The answer was eye-opening.

If you're a mid-career professional who's climbed the ladder and found success but still feels unfulfilled, you're not alone. It's easy to get so wrapped up in the pursuit of the next achievement that we lose sight of the things that are genuinely meaningful and fulfilling.

Maybe the toughest thing to do is to make a change, to redefine success on our own terms, and to pursue a life that aligns with our authentic self.

Ready to take the first step on a new path forward for the next chapter in your life? Let's connect.

"A place to be me." It's probably what the welcome mat says at the gate to the universe.

No matter what we call it—fear or control—what we are looking for is a sense of direction, a plan. Most of us hold on tightly to what we know, reluctant to let go unless there's some sort of a guarantee of something better.

But as I've witnessed firsthand here in Asheville in the wake of Hurricane Helene, across the country amid political uncertainties, in our careers and personal lives navigating health concerns, financial strains, relationship challenges—the list goes on—it's pretty clear that at the heart of it all, we just want a place to be ourselves.

A place where we can feel free, safe, apricated, and loved.

As we create the vision for the next chapter in our lives, this seems like a meaningful dream to strive for.

You're not alone. No matter what obstacles you're navigating, let's build this place, a place where you can be the very best version of yourself, together.

As we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene here in Asheville, and as our friends and loved ones in Florida brace for Hurricane Melton in Florida, there’s an awareness of both flooded property and flooded emotions.

Life is often compared to a river. Sometimes it’s a raging river, especially during times of uncertainty and fear. The storms we face—both literal and metaphorical—is overwhelming. Yet, amidst the turbulent waters, we find refuges: acts of kindness, moments of peace, and the unwavering support of our communities.

These safe havens ease our stresses and soothe our minds, bodies, and souls. They remind us that even when the river of life is fierce, there are steadfast boulders we can cling to—our relationships, our faith, our shared humanity.

But here's the profound truth: the river and the refuge are part of the same journey. The challenges we endure and the strength we discover are interconnected, shaping us into more resilient beings.
Let's continue to be each other's refuge during these difficult times. By supporting one another, we not only find solace but also become a source of strength for others.

Stay safe, stay strong, and remember—we're all navigating these waters together.

In the wake of the devastating hurricane here in Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina, I've been profoundly moved by the strength and resilience of our community. While the storm has brought untold challenges and hardships, it's also revealed the incredible capacity we have to support one another.

I've witnessed neighbors offering shelter to those displaced, volunteers distributing food and supplies, and countless acts of kindness that turn fear into hope. Amidst the struggle and tears, there are also smiles and laughter—proof that even in the darkest times, we can find light.

Attitude truly changes everything. We may not control the storms that come our way, but we can choose how we respond. By coming together, we transform scarce resources into abundant sharing, grief into solidarity, and uncertainty into collective strength.

Let's continue to surf this wave together, turning adversity into an opportunity for unity and compassion.

Stay strong, WNCchanges . We're in this together.

Breaking Free from the Whack-a-Mole Life

Ever feel like your workday is just a relentless game of whack-a-mole? Constantly putting out fires, managing crises, and hoping that by day's end, you've kept your head above water?

I was there. Despite all the traditional signs of success, my life felt like an endless cycle of stress and reaction. I realized this wasn't sustainable—or fulfilling.

So, I decided to make a change.

I chose to step off the treadmill and seek a life that wasn't about just managing threats but embracing meaningful experiences and genuine fulfillment.

If you're feeling trapped in a cycle of constant firefighting, maybe it's time to pause and ask yourself: Is this the game you want to keep playing?

Let's choose a path that brings purpose and joy, not just stress and exhaustion.

Are you ready to break free from the whack-a-mole life?

"It all added up to the conclusion that having a life that looked great was worthless if we didn’t have a life that felt meaningful."
— June 5, 2020

For years, I was driven by motivation—chasing Rocks like KPIs, OKRs, compensation, status, and titles. But I realized that motivation is a blunt instrument, fueled by hope for rewards or the fear of failure.

What I was missing was inspiration.

Inspiration comes from being emotionally captivated by the journey itself, not just the destination. Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in having goals and achieving dreams. But, it's about pursuing what truly moves you, not just ticking off boxes.

I chose to shift from being motivated by external expectations to being inspired by a sense of passion and purpose.

If you find yourself chasing goals that don't ignite your spirit, perhaps it's time to seek inspiration over mere motivation.

Let's embark on journeys that truly resonate with us.

I've come to realize that staying on the same path, repeating the same routines, and holding onto the same mindsets keeps us from truly living. Life isn't meant to be a loop of yesterday's thoughts and actions.

There's no past version of ourselves that we're obligated to repeat. Each day offers a new opportunity to choose a different direction, to embrace new attitudes, and to grow into who we genuinely want to be.

If you've been feeling stuck or unfulfilled, perhaps it's time to break free from the patterns that no longer serve you. Let's choose to take the road less traveled—the one that leads to authenticity and fulfillment.

Are you ready to chart a new course?