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

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

I’ve never considered myself a risk taker. I like the familiar, the routine, the things I can count on. I tend to stay close to what I know—where it’s comfortable and predictable. For a long time, my walks followed the same paved paths near my home. They became my ritual, quiet time to clear my head, soak in the sunshine, and reconnect with myself and with God. There’s something grounding about being among the trees. I often look up and feel a deep sense of calm and perspec

Recently, we took a vacation to Colorado. Now, it’s not the first time we’ve been there—our son and daughter-in-law live in Colorado, so we spend a fair amount of time visiting. But we don’t always make it up to the mountains. This time, we did. We spent a few days in Glenwood Springs, tucked away in the canyon area, and it was breathtaking. It's a small, quaint community that follows the Colorado River, past the busyness of the popular mountain towns of Breckenridge, Dillon,