Less Pressure, More Joy

Dear MOTIVATION: The holidays always bring me stress because I feel an overwhelming pressure for everything to be perfect. I create a long list of tasks and expectations, but there never seems to be enough time to accomplish them all. I want to enjoy the season, but I end up feeling rushed, exhausted and disappointed. […]
Joyful Remembrance During the Holidays

Dear MOTIVATION: As Christmas Eve and Day approaches, I feel an overwhelming desire to honor my late husband during our family dinner. I want his spirit to be part of our celebration, but I also want to maintain a joyful atmosphere. What are some heartwarming ways to acknowledge his memory without dampening the holiday spirit? […]
Gifts from the Heart, Not Wallet

Dear MOTIVATION: I feel overburdened by the pressure to give elaborate gifts this holiday season, but my budget is tighter than ever after losing my job in October. I want to show my loved ones how much they mean to me, but I worry that my limited finances will prevent me from doing so. How […]
Embracing the Holiday Spirit Again

Dear MOTIVATION: I was thrilled for the holidays last week, but now I feel overwhelmed by the endless obligations and expectations. Between gift shopping, parties, and family gatherings, I’ve lost the joy I once had. Every task feels like a chore, and I worry I will not enjoy the season at all. How can I […]
Navigate the Holiday Party Like a Pro

Dear MOTIVATION: I cringe at the thought of the office holiday party. Every year, I feel my anxiety increase more and more as the date approaches. Small talk is not my strength, and I often feel out of place among my co-workers, who seem to connect with and welcome one another effortlessly. I want to […]
Great Leaders Earn Expressions of Gratitude

Dear MOTIVATION: I wanted to take a moment to express how incredibly grateful I am for my manager. She inspires and motivates our team daily with her positive attitude and unwavering support and empowerment. Her encouragement has made a significant difference in our work environment, and I often find myself wondering how I can show […]
Finding Light After Loss

Dear MOTIVATION: I recently lost a loved one, and I feel completely lost. The days blur together, and the weight of sadness is heavy on my heart. I often find myself reminiscing about the happy times, but instead of comfort, it just deepens my sorrow. I know I must find a way to process this […]
Igniting Sustainable Fitness Motivation

Dear MOTIVATION: I find myself struggling to stay motivated and committed to my fitness goals. Every time I begin a new routine, enthusiasm quickly fades, and I feel stuck in a cycle of starts and stops. I want to improve my health and feel energized but often resort to old habits. I’ve tried group classes, […]
Holiday Blues in a New City

Dear MOTIVATION: I recently moved to a new city (Chicago) for work, and with the holidays approaching, I cannot shake the feeling of loneliness. I do not know anyone here, and all the holiday festivities seem to highlight my isolation. How can I find community and connection during this season? I’ve considered volunteering or attending […]
Finding Common Ground In Thankfulness

Dear MOTIVATION: Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I’m already dreading the family gathering. Our family has become increasingly divided over political issues, and I worry that this year’s dinner will ignite heated debates. I want to enjoy the holiday, but how can I gently steer conversations away from divisive topics without causing tension? […]
