In moments like these, many of us tend to respond as if our lives were somehow being threatened by an angry raccoon. We go into full-blown survival mode, brandishing the emotional equivalent of a broom, and swinging wildly. But if we want to change our habits, maybe we could pause long enough to realize we’re not actually being hunted by small woodland creatures. There might be a more graceful response than “Run!” or “Panic!”—perhaps even something like “Take a deep breath.”

Someone stole a magnet off the back of my car last week. Now, before you get all judgy and say that I left myself open to that by having a magnet on the back of my car in the first place, let me explain to you why I like to have magnets and stickers and things on the back of my car. How did I become one of “those people?”

When do we give up on our dreams? Is it when we realize that someone else already invented that life-changing automatic cat door opener? Or when we decided that our sister was a much better artist than we would ever be? Does it begin the moment when Uncle Al in all his wisdom declares that our chosen career path is as profitable as selling ice in Antarctica? Or is it when we fall head over heels, get hitched, and suddenly our partner's dreams take the front seat, while ours get crammed into the glove compartment along with the expired registration papers that we neglected to throw away? Maybe it happens when we have children and we put their wants and needs above all else for two decades. Or maybe it happens when we become the default caretaker for an ailing parent or family member, our lives sidelined like a sitcom on a cable channel that nobody watches anymore. Or that simple moment when something that used to be fun just isn’t fun anymore.

One of the more recent bouts of joy of rediscovery that I've experienced came from watching my nine-going-on-ten daughter as she witnessed the chocolate-factory episode of I Love Lucy.

The importance of human connection cannot be overstated, especially in today's increasingly virtual world. As we spend more time online, it can be a real struggle to maintain those meaningful connections we all crave. So if you're feeling disconnected, know that you're not alone.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be seen by others and the difference between fitting in versus belonging.

I've been helping some folks lately who have been dipping their toes into personal branding, some who are still wary of putting themselves out there so publicly. With that in mind, I thought I’d share some tips and insights from my own personal brand journey as well as working with others in the past who built their brand presence online.

It’s amazing how music can bring you back such vivid feelings and memories.

Resilience - where does it come from? Why are some people wired for it and others aren’t? Can it be taught?

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again - Jon Stewart is my hero. Not because he’s funny (although it doesn’t hurt), or because I always agree with him (because sometimes I don’t), but because he uses his voice for good.