Transitions

February is Heart Month—a reminder that heart health is about far more than diet and exercise. It’s deeply connected to stress, burnout, and the changes we experience in midlife. ❤️ Does this sound familiar? We wake up already thinking about the day ahead. Meetings, deadlines, emails, and the quiet pressure to perform. Coffee in hand, we move through the morning on autopilot, telling ourselves, For many professionals in midlife, burnout doesn’t announce itself loudly. It rar

We live in a world that spotlights self-improvement, goal setting, and becoming your “best self.” And those things matter. But sometimes we forget one of the most powerful catalysts for growth: Your brain’s “happy juice” is real, and it responds to simple, human moments. A six-second hug. Learning something new. Connection plus insight. Both help you feel steadier and more confident, especially when life feels uncertain or in transition. Here’s the thing: small groups offer s

When you think "new year, new me," your brain isn't just being naive. By creating psychological distance from your past self, it genuinely makes change feel more possible. So, the key is understanding why it works so you can actually use it. Scientists in behavioral research call it the “fresh start effect.” We're more likely to pursue goals after time markers, whether it’s the new year, birthdays, Mondays, even the first day of a new month. Something about crossing a speci

We’re in the middle of the holiday season–ING. This time of year carries a lot. Expectations. Obligations. Pressure. Emotion. And if we’re honest, most people are walking around with something heavy on their minds whether it’s their own circumstances or the challenges facing people they love. For me personally, this holiday season hasn’t gone the way I expected. Not because of something happening directly to me, but because people I care deeply about are navigating some di

Coaching on Demand™ at ithrive31: Helping organizations expand the power of Coaching We all face moments at work that feel overwhelming: a tough conversation you’re dreading, a workload that feels impossible to prioritize, or feedback that stings and leaves you unsure what to do next.  These challenges are common—but you don’t have to face them alone. With Coaching on Demand™ , you have direct access to a professional coach who can help you think clearly, regain perspective,

When was the last time you had a magpie land on your head? It happened to me last Fall, when the black-and-white bird known for being bold, curious, and a little mischievous paid me a visit. It wasn’t shy about swooping in, grabbing attention, and causing a bit of chaos. I don’t know why, but it chose me: I first saw it ( Oh, how cute! ) It fluttered ( wow, look at that! ) And suddenly landed on my head ( surprise! ) And stayed there ( hey! ) I brushed it away and it insisted

Transitions are a part of life, either by choice or by circumstance. Jobs change, relationships evolve, or we might relocate to different places. Or it could be a shift in priorities or opportunities to try something new. I've been through over 20 moves and three career changes in my life, so I know from experience that transitions bring both real challenges and unexpected opportunities. So, the question isn’t if or when but rather how we navigate the process – the season in

The Autumnal Equinox is on September 22nd. As we shift from summer to fall, I’m striving to embrace nature’s reminder that changes are inevitable. I love autumn. There's something special about those first crisp mornings when I get to reach for a sweater instead of a tank top. The air carries a different energy, and my schedule becomes a bit more intentional. Summer's slower pace give way to fall's more structured rhythm. The changing leaves might mirror our own transforma

Retirement is often seen as the finish line but at ithrive31, we see it as a launching pad. It’s the moment you get to take all the wisdom, experience, and relationships you’ve built and channel them into the life you want now. This is your time to think beyond “what I’m leaving” and focus on “what I’m stepping into.” Whether you crave travel, creative projects, deeper family connections, or new ways to serve your community, this season is about creating purpose and joy on y

There are certain milestones in parenthood that bring up a mix of emotions. Watching your child walk into their first day of kindergarten with a tiny backpack or loading the car to move your teenager to college can be a bittersweet blend of pride, joy, and a little sadness. These moments are big changes, not only for your kids, but for you. When so much of your daily routine, purpose, and even your sense of identity has been tied to the role of “parent,” it can feel differen

As we flip the calendar to July, the second month in this three-month summer chapter, I find myself pausing for a moment of reflection. June felt full. It was busy, yes, but a happy kind of busy. A balanced busy. The kind that reminds me life can be full without being overwhelming. Looking back, June was filled with joy—vacations, time with friends, laughter, and sunshine. There were pockets of rest, much-needed pauses that helped me recharge. And there was growth, both perso

As we head into the busy holiday season, it is very common for jam-packed schedules, last minute to-do’s and family drama to weigh heavy on our mental well-being. But it doesn't — and shouldn't! — have to be this way. We should be able to soak up all the joy, comfort and fellowship this season has to offer. So, to avoid experiencing stress and overwhelming feelings these next few months, now is the time to prepare yourself to end the year well. To help you make more conscio

Hello, Melissa here! Are you feeling stuck and desiring a change? It is a sentiment that many of us experience at some point in our lives. It's that unsettling sensation that nudges us to break free from the monotony and explore new horizons. If you find yourself resonating with these emotions, then you're not alone. For years, I too grappled with similar messages that continuously whispered in the depths of my mind. However, I decided to take charge of my life, turning my t

Meet ithrive31 coaching client Ryan. Ryan was an Executive in a Banking Institution before he made the significant decision to pivot his career in a big way. In the summer of 2021, Ryan and his wife sold their home in Iowa and moved to Kuwait to teach in an American School. Ryan teaches English Literature to high school students and his wife teaches 5th grade. Ryan always had a passion for teaching, learning, and literature and he stepped fully into this calling.

I remember that day well. It was a Sunday in the spring. My husband and I left church and headed to the grocery store before heading home. In the parking lot, I got the call from my boss. As his business partner, I had been working with him over the past month to reorganize the department, which I was a part of. In the reorganization, I initiated a change that eliminated my position. I knew I wanted something different. It was time to leave the organization I had been a part

Transitions are a fact of life. Some transitions are planned and self-initiated, like making a career shift, changing marital status, or moving to a new city. Others happen involuntarily and without much planning, such as dealing with a health crisis, facing the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job. According to Bruce Feiler, author of Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age , everyone goes through a disruptive event on average every 12 to 18 months. Tra

With so many of our beliefs and assumptions being challenged over the past two years, the role of coaching in organizations should also be challenged. Traditionally, organizations have invested in coaching practices to support performance and development. But building a coaching culture is the fabric of a healthy, strong, and thriving organization. This goes well beyond managing performance and supporting development. Coaching is at the heart of engagement, overall well-bein

Melissa has an MBA and is a leader in a Fortune 500 global business. Melissa’s business background, strong coaching skills, and passion to help others make her a great fit for the ithrive31 coaching team. She joins the team as a Leadership and Transition Coach and will do both personal coaching and leadership coaching. Here’s a little more about Melissa’s love of coaching and why she joined ithrive31. What was your response to coaching for the first time? My first experienc

I n honor of INTERNATIONAL COACHING WEEK, every day this week I will be sharing real stories of situations where coaching has made a big impact.  Bill’s Story:  Bill was an outstanding performer and was recently promoted to a mid-level management position. The company had total confidence in Bill and he was excited for the opportunity.  In this role, he would be supervising people who were previously his peers. Additionally, as a younger leader, Bill would be supervising peop

In honor of INTERNATIONAL COACHING WEEK, every day this week I will be sharing real stories of situations where coaching has made a big impact. Kim’s Story  Kim was a successful leader in a growth-oriented company.  She had been in her role for several years, and had been promoted and gained more responsibility over time. Even though she had a great job, Kim was growing increasingly frustrated. She wanted a new challenge and couldn’t shake the feeling that this job was not wh