When you think of someone “grieving,” you probably picture someone mourning after the death of a loved one. And this is certainly a challenging and heartbreaking experience. But have you ever thought about how much we all “grieve” on a regular basis? A somewhat silly example: earlier this year, my family and I went on a trip to Belize. We had a wonderful time, and on the last day, I was in full-on “sad girl” mode because I didn’t want to leave. I went for a solo walk and sat

A powerful part of communicating is to let other people know we really listened and care about what they are saying. Below are 3 types of listening along with tips to consider… they may be especially helpful to keep in mind during upcoming holiday gatherings! The first is subjective . Everyday listening is usually subjective, and usually occurs when whatever is said is heard through the experiences of the listener and/or as it relates to the listener, e.g. answering based on

In a world full of constant noise, advice, and endless streams of opinions, we often find ourselves looking outward for answers to life’s challenges. We seek validation from others, follow advice, and look for external solutions to problems that, deep down, we already know how to solve. The truth is, the answers we seek are often inside us, waiting to be uncovered. Trusting ourselves is not about ignoring others or isolating ourselves; it’s about quieting external noise long

At ithrive31, we understand that the recent election season may have brought forth a wide range of emotions and personal impacts. This period has often been challenging, with negativity surrounding us—whether through media, workplace conversations, or inner dialogues that may not always support our well-being. During this time, we want to remind you of ithrive31’s mission to bring positive energy to the world. Good energy includes giving yourself space to process your feeling

Leadership isn’t just about what you do for others; it’s also about managing your responsibilities. It’s a lot, and you’re not alone in feeling it! Supporting others starts with supporting yourself—but what if the work you are responsible for can’t be delegated? Consider Rachael, juggling an overflowing list of responsibilities that only she could manage, all while supporting a team that needed her guidance. She felt stuck, but she found a way through by taking a few key ste

Even if you’re not from the Midwest, you may be familiar with the term “Minnesota nice.” It’s a phrase that implies polite friendliness and an aversion to open confrontation. To be nice is about people pleasing in service of being liked.  So, what’s the difference between being nice and being kind? Being kind is behavior that’s thoughtful, caring, and considerate, but also strong, confident, and self-caring,” says Dr. Marcia Sirota, a psychiatrist and author of “Be Kind, Not

Self-care is often sold to us as something external: a bubble bath, a massage, or perhaps a pedicure. While these indulgences can bring temporary relief, true self-care digs much deeper than the surface. It’s about caring for yourself from the inside out, addressing your thoughts, boundaries, and overall well-being. At ithrive31, we believe in the power of intentional self-care based on our three Core principles: Principle #1: Be Intentional with Your Thoughts Your mindse

Recently, I found myself at a crossroads while attending a conference. Hurricane Helena was hitting the U.S., and travel disruptions were inevitable. I faced a tough choice: Should I stay for Day 2 and risk getting stranded at the airport, or forfeit my airline ticket and catch a ride home with a friend, Ann Wright, who was leaving early to avoid the storm? The decision wasn’t easy. I wanted to stay, and I didn’t want to lose the value of my airline ticket, but the thought of

Hi all, Coach Lauren here! We're just a few weeks away from November, and November and Thanksgiving bring some well-deserved attention to gratitude practices and today I wanted to share one of mine: thank you letters. I’m fortunate to have had great parents who taught me the value of writing thank you letters. After every birthday I had less than a week to get all my thank you’s written and mailed. Admittedly as a kid this felt like a chore, but in adulthood I can definitel