The other night, I attended a women’s event where we were each asked to share one of our greatest achievements. Without hesitation, I answered, “Raising my kids.” To my surprise, the women around me were genuinely taken aback, and their responses sounded like this: “But you make it look so easy.” “You’re always so calm and peaceful.” “You’re such a good mom.”

My journals are often a reflection of mindsets, strategies, and habits I’ve developed over the last several years to create a purpose-driven and fulfilling life. We’ve explored topics like creating white space, fierce commitment, and cultivating strength, just to name a few. But equally important to what I’ve added to my life are the things I choose to exclude.

Imagine this recurring scene in my house: whenever I ask my kids what they would like for dinner, the answer is often, "I don't know… whatever you want." But the moment I start suggesting options, they're suddenly full of opinions and quick to say, "No, not that… I don't want that… Anything but that!" Sound familiar Isn't it interesting that they can't seem to articulate what they do want, but they can very clearly and quickly express what they don't want?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the space between stimulus and response, where awareness, clarity, and self-trust emerge. This week, I want to take it further—into white space. That’s where magic happens: clarity replaces busyness, intuition grows louder, and overthinking dissolves. It’s uncomfortable at first, doing nothing when we’re used to constant motion. But in this space, we discover self-trust, expanded creativity, and true productivity. White space isn’t empty—it’s where our most optimal selves come alive, ready to lead with presence, purpose, and power.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the truth behind healing: that it is a choice and requires discipline. And Frankl's words added another essential layer of understanding—not only of the path of healing, but of true freedom. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” He made it sound so simple—choose your response, and you'll experience growth and freedom. A simple sentence, easy enough to understand. But when I tried to apply this mindset to my life, I hit a wall. Over and over again!

One of the driving forces behind becoming a life coach was transforming my own lessons into guidance for others. Today's journal isn't a story, but a collection of 26 truths that have become undeniably clear to me over the years. These insights emerged from my own growth and from walking alongside clients as they navigate their journeys. I don't have it all figured out, but here's what I know for sure.

"You're so strong!"—I've been told this numerous times over the last several years as people get to know me and learn about my life. Emotional strength is an incredible quality to possess, and I'm grateful for the acknowledgement, but the truth is that strength didn't show up at my doorstep when I was faced with challenging circumstances.