Sometimes the deepest wisdom comes in the simplest form: I am third. When we place faith first, others second, and ourselves third, our relationships shift from self-focused to life-giving. It's not just advice—it’s a way to live.

Character isn’t proven in the spotlight—it’s revealed in the struggle. If you want to know who someone really is, don’t just watch how they succeed. Pay attention to how they respond when everything feels hard.

Intentional relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built through small, consistent choices that prioritize presence, purpose, and meaningful investment.

In 2026, strong relationships won’t be built by chance—they’ll be built on clarity, grace, and intentional connection. These small shifts can help restore trust and strengthen your most important relationships.

Some friends of ours recently made a quiet, but life-changing decision. They chose to invest in a life. The young teenage girl from another country has no home, no family, and a need for someone to love her.

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land,
Each personality creature had a plan well in hand.
The stockings were hung, every detail just right,
Each one preparing in their own unique light.

Avoiding hard conversations might keep the peace for a moment, but it erodes connection over time. Shifting your mindset—from winning to listening, from reacting to understanding—can turn a difficult conversation into a turning point.

Some relationships don’t break… they just freeze. When a relationship enters a “winter” season, it doesn’t have to be the end—it’s a signal that intentional care is needed. Small, consistent steps toward connection can help thaw what’s grown cold.

The holidays aren’t about doing it all—they’re about being fully present with the people who matter. Trade pressure for presence this season, and rediscover the joy that comes with real connection.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. With the right mindset—and a few practical shifts—you can trade stress for gratitude and make space for real connection.

There is a saying that describes what happens when we make assumptions (if you know, you know).  I have found the saying to be true, especially when it comes to relationships.

Veterans Day gives us a chance to pause and remember that leadership isn’t just a concept in a book or a principle we teach in workshops—it’s something lived out by the men and women who put on a uniform and chose service over self.

Sometimes the tool that gets the job done isn’t flashy—it’s consistent. The same is true for relationships. Keep showing up, keep trying, and don’t underestimate the power of steady effort.

The scariest threats to our relationships don’t wear masks or hide in shadows—they show up as fear, control, and unmet expectations. Let go of control, choose authenticity, and you’ll build trust that lasts.

Just like physical balance reflects strength and stability, emotional balance is key to healthy relationships. Regulating our responses builds the kind of connection that lasts.

Even our best traits have a shadow side. Without self-awareness, strengths like drive and ambition can lead to burnout and strain our relationships. Learning to regulate what we do well is where real growth begins.

Silence speaks, whether we mean for it to or not. If someone matters to you, let them know. Don’t ghost the people you care about… choose connection, even in the small things.

Trust grows in layers; from casual connection to deep, unshakable bonds. The people closest to your bullseye didn’t land there by accident… and staying there takes intentional effort.

A lot of things were going on in my life and my stress level was high. Instead of taking the opportunity to step back, I found myself reacting to all that was happening. 

We have recently experienced a national tragedy in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. There is no doubt that this was politically driven and that it was evil.