I am creating this list as I approach a new decade, but I don’t believe seasons of becoming are tied to age. I’ve experienced seasons of becoming when faced with big challenges, major change, or even moments of self-awareness.

They show up when responsibility grows, when the work matters, when life feels full and fast-moving, and when clarity becomes more important than noise.

I am not slowing down. I am still leading, building, training, learning, parenting, partnering, and carrying real responsibility. What has changed is my level of intention. I’m clearer about what strengthens me, what sustains me, and what I’m choosing not to carry forward.

I created this list because I refuse to move through this season on autopilot.

This isn’t a reset or a reinvention. It’s a way of staying present while continuing to move forward. It’s about directing effort, not reducing it. It’s about awareness that supports momentum, not reflection that stalls it.

These are not goals to conquer or boxes to check. They are practices that help me stay grounded, aligned, strong in a season where life is full and responsibility is real.

50 Things to Notice in a Season of Becoming Download

(This list is meant to live alongside a full calendar, real responsibility, and an active life.)

1. Read the entire Bible, steadily and without rushing.
2. Write a letter to God about this season of your life.
3. Spend one full day intentionally alone, doing exactly what you want.
4. Spend 30 uninterrupted minutes in a quiet, beautiful place doing nothing but sitting.
5. Choose one Scripture passage to carry into your next season.
6. Write down what you believe now, honestly and without editing.
7. Read one book that genuinely changes how you think about life, people, or yourself.
8. Create a simple timeline of your life and mark five moments that clearly changed you.
9. Write a list of 50 specific things from your life you are grateful for.
10. Donate something meaningful you no longer need.
11. Re-read one book that shaped you earlier in life.
12. Write a one-page reflection on what leadership has taught you about yourself.
13. Write a list titled: Things I Once Chased That No Longer Matter to Me (and note what replaced them).
14. Write a short reflection on a moment that changed the direction of your life.
15. Learn the basics of something you’ve always been curious about.
16. Write down the questions you are still living into.
17. Keep a simple running list of moments this year that felt meaningful – no commentary.
18. Identify one expectation you’ve been carrying that you’re ready to loosen.
19. Train intentionally for your endurance challenge this year.
20. After one hard training day, write three sentences about what effort gives you that comfort never will.
21. Do something playful and unnecessary purely because it sounds fun.
22. Revisit old journals, emails, or notes and write down what surprises you about who you were then.
23. Choose a physical-care theme and lean into it.
24. Write about a season of your life that was unexpectedly good and why.
25. Take stock of your current health and document priorities for long-term strength.
26. Try one new recovery or longevity practice and decide if it stays.
27. Plan intentional one-on-one time with each of your children, on their terms.
28. Take a trip or extended time away with your immediate family.
29. Schedule intentional time with close friends, no agenda.
30. Host a small dinner focused on conversation.
31. Do something thoughtful for someone you love without announcing it.
32. Share a story from your past your children may not know.
33. Write a note to your partner about what you appreciate in this season.
34. Write a handwritten note to someone whose influence you still feel.
35. Write a clear statement of what meaningful work looks like to you now.
36. Identify the impact you are most proud of in your career so far.
37. Write a list titled: Things That Quietly Make My Life Better.
38. Mentor someone by listening more than speaking.
39. Say no to one professional obligation that no longer fits.
40. Say yes to work that aligns with your values, even if it’s quieter.
41. Do one act of generosity quietly and intentionally.
42. Share something you know well in a simple, informal way.
43. Write thank-you notes to people who helped shape your life.
44. Do something spontaneous with someone you love.
45. Choose one habit that makes your days feel rushed and intentionally slow it down.
46. Protect one evening or morning each week with consistency.
47. Write a clear account of the seasons of your life so far.
48. Identify what you want to carry forward and what you’re ready to leave behind.
49. Write a thoughtful letter to your future self.
50. Write a short statement titled: What I Know Now.

Why This Matters

For much of my life, progress meant acceleration. More responsibility. More challenge. More output. That instinct built a meaningful life and career, and it still serves me.

What I understand now is that momentum without attention eventually becomes unsustainable. Presence is not the opposite of ambition. It’s what allows ambition to last.

This list exists because I want to lead well for the long term. I want to stay physically strong, spiritually grounded, emotionally present, and clear about what deserves my energy. I don’t want to wait for life to slow down in order to live intentionally.

This is how I mark a season of becoming. Not by stepping back, but by paying attention while moving forward.

— Be Present

The post The Space Between Who I Was and Who I’m Becoming appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

This woman has been a force in my life for more than a decade. She’s been a champion, a challenger, a question-asker, and a truth-teller. She’s also become one of my dearest friends. We were originally paired through the College Leadership Florida program many years ago (which now feels like a lifetime ago), and somehow the universe got it exactly right. We’ve stayed connected ever since. She even stood by my side as a bridesmaid at my wedding—something I’m sure she didn’t see coming when she agreed to be my mentor for that “one-year commitment.”

Our visit today reminded me how powerful it is to have people in your corner. People who see you clearly, who help you stretch, and who hold space for you to grow into the next version of yourself.

Mentorship has been that for me—and more.

And I’ve realized that mentorship doesn’t have to follow a script. It doesn’t need to come with a title or a contract. It can look like a coffee with a friend, a trusted colleague who listens without judgment, or even someone you once considered a competitor who now pushes you to think bigger. Mentorship is really just an authentic, mutual relationship rooted in belief—belief in each other’s growth, purpose, and potential.

It’s not just about career moves or strategic advice (though there’s value in that). It’s about having someone who knows how to ask the right question when you’re stuck. Who reminds you who you are when you forget. Who helps you pause long enough to consider whether you’re chasing someone else’s goals—or your own.

One of the best gifts my mentor ever gave me was a simple but profound exercise: a matrix to help me align what I love with what I’m great at. That matrix is still part of my decision-making framework today. I’ve since shared it with countless others in coaching conversations, leadership development, and career talks. That’s the ripple effect of mentorship—it travels.

I’ve also had the privilege of being a mentor to some incredible young women. Watching them grow into their own power has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. And the truth is—I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me. That’s the beauty of it. We grow together.

Mentors open doors—not just professionally, but within us. They challenge our self-doubt. They broaden our perspective. They help us dream a little bigger and believe a little more.

In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, I wish more people embraced this kind of relationship. It doesn’t have to be formal. You don’t need an invitation. Just reach out. Listen deeply. Ask someone what they need. Or share what you’ve learned along the way.

Because whether you’re the mentor or the mentee—or, as is often the case, both—the relationship is transformational. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to do this life thing alone.

So, take a moment. Think about the people who’ve helped shape you. Who’s walked with you through the hard seasons? Who’s called out your strengths when you couldn’t see them yourself?

Text them. Call them. Thank them.

And then—be that person for someone else.

Because at the end of the day, mentorship is really about presence. It’s about showing up. And it’s one of the most powerful gifts we can give.

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It’s moments like these that remind me just how powerful conversation really is.

Now that my girls are older, our talks have evolved—there’s still laughter, but now there are questions about friendship, identity, purpose, pressure, and dreams. And what hasn’t changed is how meaningful it is to make space for these conversations, without distraction.

When our kids see us tuning in—not half-listening while answering emails or scrolling, but really listening—they light up. They feel seen, heard, and valued. That connection builds trust. And trust builds everything else.

When we engage in real conversations, we’re doing more than talking—we’re teaching. We’re modeling empathy, curiosity, communication. We’re giving them a safe place to explore their thoughts and build their voice. These everyday exchanges are shaping the people they are becoming.

And it’s not just about parenting—it’s about all of our relationships. When I think back to my first date with my husband, I remember every detail: the restaurant, the laughter, what we were wearing, the energy in the room. But most of all, I remember the conversation. We talked for hours. We went from dinner to coffee to dessert just to keep the conversation going. We were fully present with each other. And guess what wasn’t anywhere in sight? Cell phones, TV, or any of the distractions that so often pull us away from the moment.

How often do we allow that kind of uninterrupted connection anymore?

We live in a world of pings, alerts, and endless notifications. But the moments that shape our lives—the ones we hold on to—usually start with a conversation. A look across the table. A question asked. A story shared.

This is what being present is all about.
Letting go of the noise.
Making room for the people in front of you.
Choosing connection over convenience.

So how do we do it?
We ask questions.
We make eye contact.
We listen without rushing to respond.
We turn dinner into dialogue, car rides into connection, and ordinary moments into memories.

Because when we talk—really talk—we remind each other that we matter. And that’s something worth showing up for.

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But somewhere along the way, I realized I was missing the why.

And today, more than ever, I understand it:
The time is now… because this is our life. All of it.

It’s not just about the big moments or the things we can post about. It’s about the quiet ones—the conversations around the dinner table, the morning routines, the shared glances across a room, the hugs that linger. It’s about the people we love, the health we often take for granted, the time we think we have.

So why do we so often wait for a crisis, a diagnosis, a loss, or a breaking point to fully see what’s right in front of us?

The truth is, we don’t need to wait.

We don’t need to wait to say I love you.
We don’t need to wait to slow down.
We don’t need to wait to put our phones away and be in the moment.
We don’t need to wait to show up for the people we love or to live a life that reflects our values.

We can choose presence—right now.

That’s what The Be Present Project is all about: a commitment to stop rushing through our lives and start living them on purpose. Not perfectly. Just intentionally.

The time is now to appreciate what we have.
To love fiercely.
To forgive freely.
To express gratitude for the little things.
To build memories out of ordinary days.

Because the truth is—we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

So today, take a deep breath. Notice the sunlight coming through your window. Listen when your child tells you a story. Call your friend back. Smile at your partner. Say thank you. Say yes to now.

Because life isn’t out there waiting to begin.
It’s already happening.
And the time to live it fully… is now.

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Growing up, we didn’t have much in terms of material things—but we had plenty of responsibility. I learned how to take care of others, including a small zoo’s worth of animals. And I don’t mean just dogs and cats. I helped raise horses, goats, chickens, snakes, hedgehogs, rabbits, fish, African jungle cats, geese, and miniature horses. That life came with early mornings, late nights, and more chores than I could count.

Every day required effort—feeding, brushing, cleaning stalls, nursing sick animals, hauling feed. If I wanted to ride one of our horses, the “fun” had to be earned: grooming, saddling, cleaning hooves, and then cleaning everything again when the ride was done. It was real work, and at the time, I didn’t always appreciate it. But looking back? I realize now how much it shaped me.

It taught me persistence. It taught me self-reliance. It taught me that nothing truly meaningful comes without effort—and that’s a lesson I carry into every part of my life.

Now, as a parent in today’s convenience-driven, screen-saturated world, I find myself asking: How do we teach our kids the value of hard work when everything around them promotes ease, speed, and instant gratification?

We may not live on a farm, but I believe everyday life still offers us chances to plant these seeds.

One of those moments came recently when my daughter asked to make eggs—by herself. I hesitated. She was only seven, and I was torn between keeping her safe and letting her try. But I stepped back, and my husband stepped in to guide her. She cracked them, beat them, scrambled them, and served them with pride. For three mornings straight, I ate those eggs—and I could taste more than just breakfast. I could taste her pride, her independence, and the joy of doing something hard and doing it well.

That’s the heart of it.

We don’t need grand gestures or perfectly orchestrated “life lessons.” We need to recognize the small, everyday opportunities to show our kids that hard work isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to embrace. Cleaning rooms, helping cook, folding laundry, taking care of pets, saving for something they want—these are the building blocks.

Here’s what I want my daughters to know:

1. You are capable of more than you think.
2. Working hard for something makes it more meaningful.
3. Dreams are possible—but not without effort.

We may be starting small, but we are starting. And I believe that’s what matters most.

So I’ll ask you what I continue to ask myself: Are you creating space for your kids to work hard? Are you letting them struggle a little, push through, and discover the pride that comes with effort?

Because in the end, it’s not about the eggs—it’s about the grit that gets built along the way.

The post Teaching the Value of Hard Work in a Convenience-Driven World appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

That comment didn’t stop me—but it did shape me. Somewhere deep inside, it drew an invisible line. A subtle but powerful boundary that whispered: some things just aren’t for people like you.

I didn’t realize how much that moment stayed with me until recently, when my youngest daughter lit up while talking about gymnastics. “I want to go to the Olympics one day!” she said with total conviction and joy.

Was it a big dream? Absolutely. But in that moment, I didn’t calculate the odds. I didn’t offer a dose of reality. I just said: “You can do it. That’s awesome. Go for it. I believe in you.”

Because belief begins early. And often, it begins at home.

As a mom, I’ve learned that my words shape my daughters’ inner voices. They are building their dreams right now, and whether they’re chasing the Olympics, launching a business, or leading in their own way one day, I will never be the one to draw the line.

The world will try to dim their ambition soon enough. It will question their qualifications, challenge their confidence, and at times, try to convince them they’re too much or not enough. I won’t add to that noise. I’ll be the voice that reminds them they are capable, worthy, and powerful—even when they’re afraid or fall short.

Because dreaming big is about more than outcomes—it’s about who you become along the way.

I see it in my daughters already. When they want something badly, they work for it. They don’t always win. But they learn, grow, and show up again. That’s the grit I want to nurture. Not perfect kids, but brave ones.

And no, I didn’t become President of the United States. But I did become the president of my college student body. Today, I lead one of Florida’s most impactful nonprofit organizations as CEO. I’ve pushed myself to take on roles that scared me, inspired me, and forced me to grow. I’ve built a life of purpose—and that’s a dream worth chasing.

So now, when my girls dream big—and they will—I won’t ask, “What are the odds?”

I’ll say: “I believe in you. Keep going.”

Because that’s how we raise the next generation of leaders:
By refusing to hand them the limitations we were given.
By erasing the invisible line.

The post Erase the Line: Raising Daughters Who Believe They Can appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

It got me thinking about what really makes a day special for me.

Years ago, my favorite day started with the soft whisper of, “Good morning, Mommy—I’m hungry,” and two tiny faces pressed close to mine, smiling before the sun was even up. That kind of day included snuggles in bed, breakfast made with love, and slow mornings without screens. It was all about being fully there for the sweet, fleeting magic of early childhood.

These days, my girls are older. They wake up on their own (well, mostly), they cook their own eggs now, and our mornings look a little different. But the heart of my favorite day hasn’t changed.

It still includes connection.
Still includes gratitude.
Still includes presence.

Now my favorite day might start with snuggling my husband before the rest of the world wakes up, followed by a good long walk, playful moments with the dogs, and some quiet time for morning reflections and reading. It includes a text to a friend just to say hello, a meaningful challenge to rise to, and the kind of work that fuels my purpose. And while it may not always be perfect, I try to carve out space for movement, intention, and being grounded in the day ahead.

At the end of my favorite day, I still look forward to the sound of “Mommy’s home!”—even if now it’s followed by updates about school, sports, or social plans instead of playground stories. I still love the comfort of cooking dinner together, catching up at the table, and ending the evening with hugs, laughter, and the peace of knowing we showed up for each other.

My favorite day isn’t flawless or even always easy. It’s full of highs and lows, small wins, and unexpected turns. It’s rarely predictable—but always meaningful.

Because my favorite day is simply this:
Any day I get to live with intention, love without holding back, and be fully present for the people and purpose that matter most.

And that’s a gift I never take for granted.

The post My Favorite Day, Then and Now appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

Specifically—our need to check them. Constantly.

If you’re like me, you probably remember a time when we didn’t live this way. I didn’t grow up with a smartphone in my hand. Texting wasn’t always a thing. There was a time—not even that long ago—when email wasn’t in my pocket, social media wasn’t buzzing, and I wasn’t tethered to a screen every waking moment. But things have changed. And like so many, I’ve found myself swept up in the habit of checking… again and again.

At some point, it became too much. I realized I was distracted—even in the moments that mattered most. I’d check a quick message, only to resurface ten minutes later, missing what was right in front of me.

And I’m not alone. Studies show that the average person checks their phone every 10 minutes. Another survey revealed that 84% of people say they couldn’t go a full day without their phone. Think about that. One day.

We’ve moved past convenience and into dependency. And while technology can be an amazing tool, it’s costing us more than we realize.
It’s costing us connection.
It’s deteriorating our relationships.
It’s robbing us of eye contact, spontaneous conversation, and the everyday magic that happens when we’re actually here.

So I made a change.
I started creating No Phone Zones in my life. Intentional spaces where my phone is put away—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Here are a few of mine:

• The car. No texts. No emails. No social scrolls. Nothing is more important than arriving safely.
• Dinner time. Whether we’re at home or out, it’s a moment to reconnect—not distract.
• Evenings with my girls. They deserve my attention. Fully.
• Bedtime. No doom-scrolling before sleep. I want calm, not chaos, as I end my day.
• Important conversations and events. Because memories are made through presence, not posts.

It hasn’t been easy—especially when work and life are managed through my device. But the freedom I feel when I step away? Worth it. Every time.

One of the most poignant reminders came from my daughter. Years ago, she made me a custom phone wrapper. It was covered in hearts, colors, and her handwriting. It was sweet—and sobering. Because the message behind the gift was clear: Mom, your phone is always with you. I want to be seen too.
So now, I keep that case close. It reminds me to pause. To put the phone down. To choose connection over convenience.

If this resonates with you, try it. Pick one no phone zone. Start there.

You don’t need to be connected all the time to be effective, successful, or responsive. In fact, some of your most important moments will happen in the spaces where your phone isn’t.

So here’s your invitation:
Create your own No Phone Zones.
Not as a punishment. But as a gift.
To yourself. To your people. To the life that’s happening right in front of you.

You won’t regret it.

The post No Phone Zones: Reclaiming Presence in a Connected World appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

Time is one of our most precious, non-renewable resources—and yet it’s so easy to spend it without even realizing where it’s gone. If you find yourself wondering where the hours went, or feeling like your time isn’t going toward the things that matter most, you’re not alone.

We all get hit with curveballs: meetings that run long, unexpected responsibilities, plans that fall through, or time that feels “wasted” in ways we didn’t choose. I’ve certainly had those days. But over time, I’ve noticed something: the more intentional I am about how I spend my time—and who I spend it with—the more grounded and fulfilled I feel, even when life is chaotic.

That shift didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of being more present. More deliberate. More tuned in.

Years ago, especially in those early seasons of motherhood, I felt a constant tug-of-war. I was working full-time, raising babies, trying to be everything to everyone. Some days I felt like I had struck the balance; others, I was sure I was failing someone—either at work or at home. That emotional rollercoaster was real.

But something changed when I started focusing less on how much time I was giving and more on how I was showing up in that time. I started recognizing that presence—real, undistracted presence—is what makes time meaningful. That’s where the value lives.

One of the clearest reminders of that came not during a vacation or a planned family outing, but on a regular afternoon when we broke from routine. I spent six uninterrupted hours outside with my girls. No schedule. No screens. Just sunlight, curiosity, and laughter. They built toys out of sticks. We watched the clouds and caught lizards. At one point, my youngest found a branch and asked, very seriously, if she could give me a back scratch with it. I couldn’t stop laughing.

That day is etched in my memory—not because it was grand, but because it was real. We were all in it together.

Here’s what I’ve learned: time well spent doesn’t mean having a perfectly balanced schedule. It means showing up fully for the moments that matter most to you—and those moments might look different each season.

It might be focused time at work, uninterrupted and productive.
It might be a long conversation with someone you love.
It might be a walk outside, or five minutes of silence before your day begins.
It might be choosing connection over multitasking.
It might be saying no to something that doesn’t serve your values.

This is what the Be Present Project is all about—building a life that feels aligned, not just busy. A life where time isn’t slipping by, but lived with intention.

So I’ll leave you with this question:
What does time well spent look like for you—right now?
And more importantly: Are you giving yourself permission to live that way?

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And that starts with you.

The post What Does Time Well Spent Mean to You—Today? appeared first on The Be Present Project NEW.

I smile a lot. It’s something I’ve always done naturally, but as I’ve become more intentional about being present, I’ve realized just how important it really is. When I smile at my daughters, even now as they’re getting older, I still get that beautiful, familiar smile in return. It’s a silent exchange that reminds me we’re connected—even when life is moving fast.

I smile at strangers in the grocery store, at coworkers in meetings, at the barista handing me my coffee, and even to myself in the car when no one’s watching. And you know what? Most of the time, people smile back. Not because everything is perfect, but because a smile creates space for joy—and sometimes, that’s exactly what someone needs to keep going.

There’s science behind this too. Smiling releases endorphins, lowers stress, and boosts your immune system. In one of my favorite quick TED Talks, Ron Gutman shares that smiling can be as stimulating to your brain as eating 2,000 bars of chocolate. (Yes, really.) Even more incredible? People who smile more tend to live longer. Apparently, joy leaves a mark not just on our mood—but on our health.

What I love most about a smile is how present it is. You can’t fake a real one. It happens in a moment that matters—when something makes you pause, laugh, connect, or feel seen. Smiling grounds us in right now.

I’m reminded of this in the simplest ways—like when I catch a wide, nose-crinkling grin from one of my daughters, or we burst into laughter over something silly. These are the moments I cherish. These are the moments I want more of.

So here’s my gentle nudge to you: Smile more.
At yourself. At your people. At the everyday.

Let it be your cue to pause, take a breath, and remember that there is still joy—even on the hardest days. Smiling doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It just means you’re choosing to be present in a way that invites connection, kindness, and light.

And that’s something the world could always use more of.

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