As parents, we all want the best for our children. We strive to keep them safe and shield them from harm. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential dangers lurking offline, from accidents to the threat of stranger danger. While there is no doubt that protecting our children is important, the question arises whether we have become too overprotective in our efforts.

Having a personal code is one of the most powerful tools you can carry throughout your life. It serves as a compass, guiding you through the challenges and decisions that arise every day. When life gets complicated or the right path isn’t immediately clear, a personal code can help provide clarity and direction. Mine revolves around three central values: integrity, service, and striving for excellence.

Helping a child develop a love for reading starts with creating a positive, engaging environment. Surrounding them with books and making reading an enjoyable experience is key. Rather than focusing on the "work" of reading, encourage exploration of stories and information that pique their curiosity. Let them see reading as an activity full of adventure, mystery, and enjoyment, rather than a task to be completed.

In a future defined by demographic decline and the unraveling of globalization, Stop The Coming Chaos offers a thought-provoking exploration of a world reshaped by shifting power dynamics. As global birthrates plummet and nations retreat from interconnectedness, there is a question as to whether the United States will rise to lead a new world order. This compelling book highlights the social, economic, and political upheavals that accompany a world struggling to adapt to rapid demographic shifts.

Every day gives us a quiet opportunity to become a better version of ourselves, yet many of us move through our routines on autopilot. Bringing out the best in ourselves rarely comes from dramatic changes or sudden breakthroughs. Instead, it grows from small intentional choices that shape how we think, act, and respond to the world around us. When we learn to approach each day with awareness and purpose, personal growth becomes something steady and sustainable rather than overwhelming.

There is something almost magical about hearing a song from our younger years and instantly feeling transported back in time. A few opening notes can dissolve decades in seconds, replacing today’s responsibilities with the emotions and energy of who we once were. Music has a way of bypassing logic and speaking directly to memory, reconnecting us with moments that felt ordinary at the time but now feel deeply meaningful.

I’m excited to share a consolidated list of The Fairies of Oylara books I’ve written along with their descriptions. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect bedtime story or a fan of unique and adventurous tales, this post has everything you need to know. It’s been such a fun and creative journey crafting these stories, and I’m thrilled to share them with you all.

Sticking to our values sounds simple in theory but proves far more complicated in practice. Most of us can clearly describe what matters to us when life is calm and predictable. We talk about integrity, loyalty, discipline, faith, kindness, and responsibility as if they are permanent fixtures in our character. The true test, however, comes when living by those values costs us something.

Life inevitably presents moments when everything seems to go wrong. It can be a personal setback, a professional challenge, or an unexpected life event. In these tough times, it’s easy to lose focus and feel overwhelmed by the obstacles in front of you. However, how you respond to these challenges is what ultimately defines your ability to stay focused and keep moving forward.

Many of us move through our days wondering why we feel so tired even when we believe we slept enough. The frustration often comes from the belief that fatigue should only follow long hours or heavy physical work. In reality, daily exhaustion is usually the result of many small drains on our energy that stack up quietly over time. These drains are easy to overlook because they are woven into routines that feel normal.

As we continue through the colder months of winter in the northern hemisphere, one thing is changing for the better. The days are starting to get longer. Although the chill remains in the air, the increasing amount of daylight can have a profound effect on our energy levels and overall mood. After weeks of dark mornings and early evenings, the gradual return of sunlight feels like a breath of fresh air.

Grit is the quiet strength that keeps a person moving forward when progress feels slow and the outcome is uncertain. It is not about being the most talented or the fastest learner. It is about staying committed to a goal even when the path becomes frustrating or tiring. People with grit understand that meaningful growth rarely happens overnight and that steady effort often matters more than quick wins.

Are you searching for deeper meaning in your life? Finding Your Purpose to Uplift Your Spirit is your guide to reconnecting with what truly matters. In a world filled with distractions and demands, this empowering book offers a clear path to uncover your inner calling, align with your values, and live each day with intention and joy. Through science, soul, and practical steps, you'll discover how purpose boosts well-being, builds resilience, and brings clarity to your relationships, career, and spiritual life.

Regret is a natural part of life. It often emerges when we reflect on decisions we wish we had made differently or moments we wish we had seized. The weight of those feelings can grow as time passes, leaving us wondering how things might have turned out if only we had acted differently. In many cases, these regrets stem from missed opportunities, unspoken words, or risks not taken.

By the time February rolls around the energy of the new year often starts to fade. Gyms that were packed in early January suddenly feel quieter. The excitement of fresh goals gives way to the reality of sore muscles busy schedules and slower progress than expected. For many people this is the moment when weight loss goals begin to feel heavier than the weights they planned to lift.

Stress is a common part of life, and while everyone experiences it differently, there are certain causes that tend to affect most people. One of the primary sources of stress is financial pressure. Worrying about money—whether it’s paying bills, managing debt, or saving for the future—can create ongoing anxiety. Economic instability, job insecurity, and unexpected expenses add to the burden, making finances a leading cause of stress for individuals and families alike.

Reliability is one of those quiet qualities that often goes unnoticed until it is missing. It is not flashy or dramatic but it shapes how safe and secure we feel with the people in our lives. When someone is reliable we know we can count on their words and actions lining up over time. That consistency creates a sense of calm and trust that strengthens any relationship.

A tough weekend can spill into Monday morning before you even realize it. You wake up already feeling behind or drained, carrying frustration or disappointment into the start of the work week. While you cannot undo what happened, you can choose how you step into the days ahead. Starting the week with a more positive mental state is not about pretending everything is fine.

Holding ourselves accountable to our values matters because values are not just ideas we admire. They are promises we make about how we intend to live. When we fail to hold ourselves accountable those promises quietly lose their power. Over time values that are not practiced turn into empty words and that disconnect can create frustration and self doubt. Accountability is what keeps values alive in everyday choices rather than locked away in theory.

In our daily lives, the ability to connect and build positive relationships with others is essential, both personally and professionally. While everyone has unique qualities, certain traits consistently make individuals more likable and approachable. These characteristics not only attract people but also help create meaningful, lasting bonds. Understanding what makes a person likable can improve social interactions and foster deeper connections, making life more fulfilling and enjoyable.

The American Chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) once thrived across the eastern United States, forming dense forests and playing a crucial role in both the ecosystem and the economy. Its large, sweet nuts were a vital food source for wildlife and humans alike, and its timber was prized for its durability and resistance to rot. At its peak, the American Chestnut was a dominant species in the Appalachian forests and beyond.

Our emotions frequently override logic because they are deeply rooted in our survival instincts. Emotions like fear, anger, and joy have evolved to help us respond quickly to threats or opportunities in our environment. When faced with a sudden danger, for example, the brain prioritizes an emotional reaction—like fight, flight, or freeze—over careful reasoning to maximize the chances of survival. This emotional shortcut bypasses slower, logical thinking processes because immediate action is often more critical than thoughtful deliberation in life-or-death situations.

Generosity doesn’t always have to involve grand gestures or large sums of money. In fact, some of the most meaningful acts of generosity come from small, everyday actions. One simple way to be more generous is by giving others your time and attention. In our busy lives, listening with genuine interest to a friend, family member, or coworker can make a big difference.

After a much longer writing journey than I'd care to admit, I finally finished the next book in The Fairies of Oylara series. There were many starts and stops along the way and several side projects that took my attention, but the first of what I hope are several follow-on books to the original Fairies of Oylara children's books is available.

There is something deeply grounding about waking up each day knowing there is a reason behind what you do. A sense of purpose gives life direction. It turns ordinary routines into meaningful actions. Without it we often feel like we are just moving from one day to the next. With it even small tasks feel connected to something bigger. Purpose does not have to be grand or world changing.