NEXT STEP CONNECT

This past week, I went on a writing retreat—my second year attending—and I realized how much time I’ve spent being “humble” in the wrong way. I’ve played small. I’ve waited until I felt “ready” or “worthy” to share my voice and my work. But worthiness isn’t something we earn—it’s something we uncover.

When we try to create change within the fire service, we’re often met with resistance—not because departments don’t care, but because they don’t have time. Their focus is on calls, staffing, and safety. The fire service never truly stops.

Yes, the fire service brings stress, missed moments, and plenty of frustration. I hear spouses talk about it all the time—and they’re not wrong. But here’s what we often overlook: we are already doing so much right.

Mindfulness can change how we impact our connections and set the stage for tremendous growth or meaningful connections to occur.

Mental toughness is an interesting beast. Some people train it daily—using it to endure more than they ever thought possible. Others don’t fully understand what it is or how much it can support us in everyday life.

Becoming self-aware is a process—a gradual shift in how we live and present ourselves. It’s not a means to an end or a destination. It’s a state of being. Once we begin to understand that, we realize awareness isn’t something we arrive at; it’s something we practice every day. It’s about maximizing our experience, potential, and presence in every moment.

After making a major shift in my professional life, I realized something significant: when one part of your life changes, everything changes. The way you see yourself, your priorities, even your sense of purpose.

Building relationships is as much about listening to and supporting ourselves as it is about connecting with other people.

We only get one life. No replays. No do-overs. And if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that our health and wellness—not just physical but mental, emotional, and spiritual—determine how fully we get to live it.

Building trust takes time. It takes effort and intention. However, we also need to establish connections to create opportunities that foster deeper trust.

What does it say about our character, as women, if we jump to competition first instead of connection?

I realized I needed a nighttime routine that wasn’t about the clock—it was about supporting my body and mind so I could actually get a good rest. And let me tell you… It’s been a game-changer.

Today, I want to share my post-workout arsenal—the Arbonne products I rely on to fuel recovery, support my health, and boost my energy.

In reality, most of us continue to be stuck in our hamster wheel, unsure how to get unstuck, or are in the mindset that we are who we are.

It’s my reminder. My daily visual check-in. When I look in the bathroom mirror and see her—me, frozen in that moment—I remember exactly who I was when I chose to do it.

Building connections necessitates clarity and an understanding of the factors that influence our lives and what we desire them to become.

When a spouse develops clarity and awareness about life in the fire service, the ripple effect can transform not only a marriage but the entire foundation of the profession.

Where does the intersection of the identities create a connection? How do our social needs impact our identity? How does our identity impact our social circles? Or does it?

I was constantly trying to figure out who I was within my group. What my role was and who I was supposed to be to fulfill my role.

When we think of our emotions as feedback on what might be happening, or an area we might need more nourishment. We can create curiosity around the root cause of our upset.