By Dawn Onley I dabbed tears from my eyes two times yesterday at the thought of my baby girl. It doesn’t happen often. Usually, I’m bubbling over with happiness when I think of her. But sometimes, those thoughts make me sad and they get the best of me. That was the type of day I…

By Samantha McKenzie Every once in a while, we all find ourselves in unfavorable situations. We end up in places we didn’t think we’d be. We face obstacles, make all the right choices and still find ourselves smack dead in the middle of a circumstance that we never imagined could have happened to us. Most people don’t…

    By Dawn Onley Some people are into all of the latest gadgets. Before the next greatest thing is rolled out, they have already pre-ordered it. Some people are like this with cars, choosing to buy a new one the moment their old car loan is paid in full. I’m a big fan of experiences….

By Samantha McKenzie If we pay close attention to nature, she will tell her story. I’ve long admired the redwood trees that stand strong and tall. They live for thousands of years and can grow to heights over 300 feet. Their appearance speaks for themselves. If you’re ever in their presence, you’re bound to feel…

By Dawn Onley All through life I’ve had a tight crew of friends. Ones I could count on one hand. Most of my tried and true are women, although I have a few great guy friends, and most of us share a college, workplace, family, hometown, or similar upbringing in common. I’m sociable and friendly, the…

By Samantha McKenzie Everyday we see more and more media posts of people spewing hate or racist rhetoric. It’s become so common now that no one seems to be shocked. We are repulsed, but we aren’t really shocked. Many of us have been on either side of this divisive talk. We are either a part of the…

It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer. – Albert Einstein By Dawn Onley Get used to hearing the word “no.” Get used to things not working out. Listen to why, learn from it, and keep it moving. Don’t let “no” deter you. Try a different course of action,…

By Samantha McKenzie The ladies lit the Rio stage on fire! The 2016 Summer Olympics was nothing short of spectacular. Each day we saw courageous men and women pour their heart and soul into their respective sport. We saw their tears of joy and defeat and the compassion of great competitors. We tuned into the riveting…

By Dawn Onley Anais Nin called shame: “The lie someone told you about yourself.” When you are feeling down, you may be more apt to beat yourself up with language like “I never do anything right,” or “for once why can’t I win?” You may spend precious time lamenting a past decision or a past…

By Samantha McKenzie It’s perfectly okay to break out of a routine. Actually, it’s highly encouraged. Don’t get me wrong, routines have their rightful place. They help us stay organized. They ensure that all of our chores are completed. But most of all, they provide a safe haven and security blanket for the masses to…