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,

We’re over halfway through the year already…life has a sneaky way of rushing past us, doesn’t it? As we juggle daily tasks and check off our to-do lists, we may miss the tiny miracles happening all around us. But here’s the thing – when we pause and stay present in the here and now, the most ordinary moments suddenly sparkle with possibility! Let’s start with ourselves. When we look inward, we might notice how our whole body breathes a sigh of relief when we finally sit down

As the weather gets warmer and we shed our winter layers, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to gather with family and friends (new and old). Communication fuels connection and community, and it’s helpful to keep in mind that communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening. 3 Types of Listening When we listen, we understand others’ perspectives, feelings, and needs. Active listening is the art of truly hearing what’s being shared. It allows us to engage th

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

When Jacque Hollingshead stepped into her role as Intensive Care Unit Nurse Manager at Mary Greeley Medical Center, she knew she wanted to lead differently. With a background in nursing, a passion for learning, and Coaching certifications from ATD and ithrive31, she brought a fresh mindset to a high-pressure environment. Rather than relying on authority, Jacque embraced the Coaching mindset—an approach rooted in curiosity, connection, and shared ownership. In this Q&A, she re

In addition to being a travel enthusiast, I’m a certified professional coach, educator, and military veteran. I’ve traveled to 32 countries and sailed on 12 cruises (so far), and my favorite destination is wherever I’m headed next! Being on travel reminds me of the importance of showing up. And we get to choose how we show up in the world every single day. It’s not just the big trips or major moments that matter. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that stay with us the most. S