Every morning, I take a few minutes and reflect on my gratitude. Then I write it down and add it to my gratitude jar. Some days it’s a list, and on others, just one word. I also say it out loud, and that’s when I feel something. Gratitude has a positive charge....

In 2000, I started my personal growth journey by going to therapy. In true overly optimistic Deb style, I thought I would be “fixed” within six month and on the road to my great new life. Little did I know that taking that first step would set me into a life-long...

Two months ago, I was invited to a local networking event. It seemed like a great idea at the time, and I’m always trying to learn new things and meet new people. Notice, I said “at the time…” but after an exhausting day of meetings, projects and deadlines I was ready...

My town sponsers a free concert series every Wednesday during the summer. In the spirit of "The Summer of Me,” I attended last week. It was a Chicago tribute band and being a girl of the ’70s, the music really spoke to me. As the first song started, I could feel...

There is a local dry cleaner in my town that posts inspirational quotes on their marquee. The quotes usually make me laugh and always make me smile, so whether I’m dropping off my laundry or just driving by, I always remember to read what they have posted. This week’s...

Forgiveness starts with self-forgiveness. Over the years I have forgiven many people but forgiving myself is always at the top of my list. It sounds kind of funny to forgive yourself, but it is definitely one of the things that has helped me the most in my life. Yes,...

Summer’s here! (Although it’s arrived to a wet and dreary day here in Chicago.) As a kid, I loved summer so much. It meant freedom: no homework, no tests, no classes … and no alarm clocks! But now, summers feel so busy and seem to go by way too fast. It's 89 days of...

Recently, I attended a conference in Detroit, Michigan. The theme was Authenticity. When I signed up, I didn’t really notice the theme. I was looking for the time, place, cost, and what to wear. You know, the "important" stuff. When I arrived, the conference was in...

I often tell others that today is the only day that matters and let peace be with you. I was reminded of this again regarding a recent health scare. Like so many others who have sat across from their doctor who said, “It’s probably nothing, but we should check it out...

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner! With each passing year, time seems to speed up. We all say it, right? “Wow, where did this year go?” “I need to find time to do [insert the thing you’ve been putting off here].” It’s only after you’ve...