Hey Reader, You didn't get invited to something. Maybe your friends went out without you, or your coworkers had lunch and didn't ask you to join. You feel hurt and left out. And your mind starts spinning. Why didn’t they ask me? Why didn’t they want me there? Here’s how to handle that moment without losing your peace (or your relationships): #1. Remind yourself: I wasn’t meant to be there. Seriously. Say it out loud. There’s a blessing in a door closed. #2. If you bring it up, don’t start...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Happiness isn’t out there somewhere. It’s not in your next job, your next relationship, or your next vacation. It starts in your next conversation. Because a happier life begins with your words, your tone of voice, and the way you approach hard conversations. This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Gretchen Rubin—bestselling author of The Happiness Project—to talk about how communication shapes your happiness more than you think. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why happiness isn’t...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You want your words to have more impact. But your sentences feel weak, even when you're making important points. That's because you're watering down your message without realizing it. Here's how to fix it: #1: Ditch the adverbs. Remove words like "very” and words that end in -ly (absolutely, really, literally, basically). It's not that you're "so mad." You are livid. It's not that you're "very happy." You are thrilled. #2: Separate the contractions. Slowing down the contractions...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Someone says something that stings. Your gut reaction? Fire back. But here’s what I’ve learned after thousands of hard conversations: I’ve never once regretted choosing the kind thing. In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing how to use your words to create a better life—no matter what the other person says or does. Here’s what you’ll take away from this week's episode: Why kindness is a choice, not a personality trait The two-word phrase that instantly defuses tension How to...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, We often hear that asserting a boundary means drawing a line. But it’s not a line. A boundary is a border. Think of a map—or just driving around your neighborhood. When you see somebody’s fence, it tells you what they own. What they claim to be theirs. Boundaries work the same way. They inform the outside world about where your values are. Let’s say your family is your top priority. That’s a value. We know your values because of the boundaries you set. You say no to the networking...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You show up.You contribute.You’re kind. But deep down… You don’t feel respected when you speak. In this week’s podcast episode, I’m talking about exactly that—how to be more respected in your communication, without changing who you are. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to use a slower, calmer voice to instantly command more respect The go-to response that helps people know where you stand (even if you don't know the right answer) What to say when someone crosses the line—and how to...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You have great ideas in meetings. But when you speak up, people don’t take you seriously. Your ideas deserve attention, but they’re falling flat. Why? Because you’re downplaying your ideas instead of asserting them.Here’s exactly how to fix that: Next time someone asks for your opinion in a meeting, don’t start with “I think” or “I feel.” Soft language undercuts your credibility. So use predicting language instead like: “I predict…”“I anticipate…”“I envision…” It signals that...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, You’re mid-sentence, making a point. And suddenly they jump in with, “Well, you know what I think…” Just like that, they’ve taken over the conversation. Now what? In this week’s podcast episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to respond when someone talks over you—without raising your voice or losing your ground. Here’s what you’ll learn: The common (but ineffective) responses that actually make you look desperate What to say instead—so you stay confident and in control Why your...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I don't know if I'm the first to tell you this but… You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to. Someone wants to argue? They’re handing you an invite. And you get to decide if you’re going. Get in the habit of declining with no regret.Here’s how to do it: #1. Decide if it’s worth it. Ask yourself, "Is this invitation going to teach me or cheat me of my time and energy?" #2. Shut it down. Say, "I'm not going there." You don't owe them more explanation than that. #3....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read