Well-Being

When life feels heavy, it’s easy to slip into autopilot, moving from one obligation to the next without truly being present. In this honest reflection, Dorene shares what it looks like to live with the intention of uncertainty, embracing the process instead of rushing past it, one day and one choice at a time.

In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to forget that people, not productivity, drive meaningful work. The most effective leaders don’t just focus on results; they create space for their teams to pause, recharge, and be human. Sustainable success starts with energy, not exhaustion.

Stop trying to juggle everything and start choosing what truly matters. When you look closely at how you spend your time, you may find a disconnect between your priorities and your daily actions. By identifying your “glass cups,” letting go of “ghosts,” and setting intentional boundaries, you can protect what matters most and create a life rooted in clarity, focus, and purpose.

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a wake-up call. When exhaustion pushes you to your limits, it’s an opportunity to rethink your mindset, set boundaries, and create a life that truly aligns with your values. Learn how to turn burnout into clarity, growth, and sustainable living.

Spring is a season of renewal. As the days grow longer and nature awakens, we’re invited to let in more light, both literally and metaphorically. Embrace the shift, breathe in fresh energy, release what no longer serves you, and welcome brighter days ahead.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it builds quietly until exhaustion feels normal. This March, instead of pushing harder, take a step back and look honestly at where your energy is going.

Written by: Coach Allyson There is a park near my house, lively in the summer with concerts, festivals and family gatherings. Until recently, I thought of the park solely as a place for events. When I decided in January to increase my walks to include the park’s lake, my perspective changed. The shift was slow at first, I was so focused on how many steps I was clocking in. The lake only came to life when I started to bring my 35mm camera. Taking pictures expanded my view

Written by: Coach Dorene What does self-love have to do with leadership and the workplace? Absolutely everything. Self-love is the origin point of how you live, lead, and influence the world around you. When you love yourself, you lead with intention, clarity, and strength. Remember: Who you are is not the same as what you do—though meaningful work matters. Your worth is not earned through performance, title, or achievement. No role, relationship, or circumstance defines you.

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.

The return to work after the holidays can feel abrupt. One day, you’re spending time with loved ones, travelling, or simply resting. Then, the clock strikes 12:01 am, and you are expected to be entirely focused, productive, and “back to normal.” If your energy feels off just thinking about these abrupt shifts, you’re not alone.

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.

As we step into the new year, setting goals is a common and powerful way to create focus and momentum. In our January ithrive31 newsletter, we shared our 31-day approach to goal setting. This method encourages you to dream big while breaking down your aspirations into manageable actions that drive progress over the next 31 days.

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.

The other day, I was coaching a senior leader who described herself as a perfectionist, and I could sense the weight of that word. It carried frustration, pressure, and self-criticism. So, I invited her to pause and explore: How is this trait impacting you? Without hesitation, she said, “It’s not serving me very well.” Then I asked a different question: How has it helped you? At first, she resisted. But as she reflected, she began to uncover small ways this drive had shape

In many organizations, gratitude season can look like a flurry of thank you notes, appreciation lunches, or end of year awards. Those gestures matter, but sustainable gratitude, the kind that fuels energy and trust year round, goes deeper. At ithrive31, we see gratitude not as a moment, but as a mindset. Real gratitude lives in action — in how we listen, how we coach, and how we show up. It’s the daily discipline of seeing people, hearing them, and recognizing their impact —

At ithrive31, we have the privilege of walking alongside leaders and employees in organizations of all sizes. And one theme we hear again and again this time of year is this: “Everything feels heavier in Q4.” Deadlines stack up. Year-end numbers loom. Strategic plans for the new year are due while current projects still need to be wrapped. Add in performance reviews, budget conversations, and shifting priorities—and suddenly leaders and employees alike are running on fumes. (

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

Recently, our son ran a 100-mile ultramarathon in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This was no ordinary race; it meant pushing through steep elevations, terrible weather, and 33 hours of nonstop running. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, it was a grueling test. We were his pit crew—meeting him at designated stops, refueling him, swapping out pacers, and giving him what he needed to keep moving forward. These moments were short, 10-minute intervals at most, but they made all

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