Day of Hope #119
Sunday November 13 – Day of Hope #119
Goal: Reflect on how far I've come and prepare for what's ahead
Quote: “Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” – Richard Carlson
Today's Day of Hope was a gift to my future by taking a moment to appreciate my past.
I spent the day in my home office with stacks of journals surrounding me, reading through entries that began back in November 2012, just before my very first Day of Hope.
What a journey.
As I turned each page, I laughed, smiled, cried, and occasionally shook my head at the woman I used to be. Those journals held every version of me—the fearful one, the hopeful one, the determined one, the broken one, and eventually, the woman who began believing she was capable of building a life she truly loved. I wasn't just reminiscing; I was gathering treasures. Little nuggets of wisdom and moments I'd forgotten. Stories that deserved a place in my book.
It felt like traveling through time, watching my own transformation unfold page by page. Reading those journals reminded me just how much can change when you intentionally invest in yourself, one day at a time.
And while I found myself appreciating how far I've come, I felt even more excited about where I'm going. The best chapters are still ahead.
This Day of Hope also capped off one of my favorite birthday weekends.
On Friday, my dear friend Frankie and I celebrated together. We've shared birthdays for years, and spending the day with her has become one of my favorite traditions.
We started with breakfast at The Griddle in Eagle before heading to Eagle Day Spa for a full day of pampering. Our spa day included red light therapy, hour-long massages, luxurious facials, and relaxing pedicures.
One funny surprise happened during our massages. Instead of separate rooms, we were placed together in a couples massage room. It made us laugh. What made it even more meaningful was realizing later that I actually had a picture of a couple’s massage on my vision board. I had always imagined it would be with my boyfriend, but instead, it became a beautiful experience shared with one of my lifelong friends.
Sometimes the universe answers our visions in ways we never expect.
As our spa day came to an end, I quietly surprised Frankie by paying for all of her services. Years ago, when I was a struggling single mom, Frankie had taken me on trips, covered expenses, and shown me incredible generosity when I needed it most. This was my chance to give a little of that love back.
When I told her why I wanted to do it, she became emotional and so did I. It reminded me that kindness always comes full circle.
After arriving home that evening, I settled in to watch the Michigan State vs. Gonzaga basketball game. The game itself was unique. It was played aboard an actual battleship in San Diego. What an incredible setting for a basketball game.
The next evening, my family gathered with Frankie and her husband for another birthday celebration at Land Ocean. We reserved a private room, enjoyed an amazing dinner, shared lots of laughter, and celebrated another year of life together.
There truly is no better gift than time spent with the people you love.
Today, on my actual Day of Hope, I curled up on my favorite couch, journal in hand, reflecting on everything this past year had brought into my life. And then...I smiled. Because next week held another exciting adventure.
Bonus – Learning from One of the Best
Later this month, my friend Donna and I flew to Arizona for a three-day coaching seminar led by Brooke Castillo, founder of The Life Coach School.
Months earlier, Donna had introduced me to Brooke's work, and I immediately became hooked on her podcasts. Before the seminar even began, I had listened to hundreds of episodes and completed several of her online programs. Now I was finally going to learn from her in person.
The seminar ran from morning until evening for three straight days. I knew it would stretch me. I knew it would challenge me. And I knew I wanted to show up exactly as I was, completely open, vulnerable, and ready to continue growing.
Sometimes the greatest investment we can make isn't in our business, It's in ourselves. Because the stronger we become...The more people we're able to serve.
My Lesson of Hope: Reflection isn't about living in the past. It's about recognizing how far you've come so you can confidently step into the future. Celebrate your growth, invest in yourself, and never stop becoming the person your younger self was hoping you'd one day be.
