As 2024 ends, I’m reflecting on the moments that shaped me—like finishing my memoir and attending a transformative writing retreat. This year reminded me that extraordinary doesn’t always look big; it’s found in small wins and facing challenges with courage. What are your reflections? What are you proud of? What have you let go of? As we look to 2025, I’m excited to flourish—hosting Spark events in Florence and launching Brave Middle Ground. Here's to closing the year with gratitude and stepping into a new one with purpose and joy!
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Shake it off: Speak up, stand out and face the noise
Taking a risk, speaking up, or trying something new can feel exhilarating and terrifying all at once. When the critics—strangers or loved ones—chime in, it's easy to feel deflated. But ask yourself: do their voices matter more than your own? The truth is, while haters are going to hate, the real challenge is choosing to stand firm in who you are. So, as the wise Ms. Swift reminds us, sometimes you’ve just got to shake it off—and keep moving forward.
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Turning Anger into Action: Finding Connection in a Divided Nation
In a time of extreme division and isolation, how can we turn anger into positive action? Join me in exploring ways to foster civil discourse, bridge divides, and build communities of empathy and connection.
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Feeling hopeless? Let’s Spark Hope together this Thursday
We have perhaps never been as isolated as we’ve become in these last number of years. Our politics, COVID, the environment, remote work, an inequitable economy and more is dividing us, and we’re lonely and lacking in connection. I woke early this morning, feeling a familiar sense of dread—a feeling I remember all too well from eight years ago. By 3:21, I gave in and checked my phone, only to find deepening confirmation of what I feared. Despite the heaviness, I made it to my 6am spin class, knowing that caring for myself is essential, especially in dark times. My first impulse was to vent, to add to the outrage…
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From waiting to leading: Sparking connection and purpose
Are you waiting for permission to make a move? I was, too, until I realized that the only approval I needed was my own. Last Friday night, I gathered an inspiring group of women in my mother’s living room in Eagan, MN—women from every corner of my life who have supported my journey and discovered their own Sparks. It reminded me that the path forward is often about taking the leap ourselves, gathering our community and creating the space we wish existed. The ripple effects of that night continue, and it’s just the beginning.
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Who’s bragging now?
We are often quick to point out where others have taken risks or been courageous, particularly those we love. But how often do we stop and acknowledge that for ourselves?
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What AI Showed Me About My Skills (and How It Can Help You Too)
How does someone with a non-traditional path showcase their skills, particularly if they aren't looking to do a conventional job search? That’s where AI came in.
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Embrace the essence of summer—(re)Discover Your Spark
Today, wake up and pay attention to where you are right this minute. Every season of life is short, and if your “next” feels unknown, join us for a virtual (re)Discover Your Spark retreat to guide you back to being present and purposeful.
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Wait, you love me, Mel Robbins?
"Radio Dayna" (think public radio not morning shock jock here) is the culmination of 13 years of working in the nonprofit sector where my real thoughts had to be masked about nearly everything (the 45th "inhabitant" of the White House, anyone?); working with too many coaches, great as they all have been, and falling into their styles; working toward my own coaching certification where the gold standard is to sit in silence for as long as it takes the client to have their own breakthrough (gaaaaaaaaaaah!).
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Reflections on Resilience: finding strength and joy on Maui’s shores
Go back and revisit your younger self. Marvel at your naïveté and optimism, tremble at what you know is coming and, most importantly, celebrate what you’ve overcome, what you are overcoming.
