Many years ago, my younger sister Anne volunteered with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a French medical humanitarian organization – also known as Doctors Without Borders. Anne was not long out of medical school but wanted to heed a long-held desire to help...
Last week was an exciting week in our family. My oldest son Lachlan graduated university and my youngest son Matthew graduated high school. Matt’s graduation was all the more special given that of the four graduations in our family over the last 12 months (including...
My daughter Maddy rang me last night while I was at dinner. “I’ve missed out on another summer internship,” she said, her voice flat with disappointment. This was not her first “We regret to inform you” letterand chances are, it won’t be her last. Tens of...
The old adage that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is a nice sentiment. Yet it's been often proven false. Some people don't rise stronger from adversity. Many are left stuck in blame or self-pity, unable to move on they live under a cloud of fear, hurt,...
“Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.” This was a chapter title in my book Brave. It’s also a maxim I’ve had to remind myself of many times in recent years as my well laid plans have derailed and I’ve found myself in circumstances that were a far cry from...
“Don’t worry. Be happy.” It’s a catchy tune but it can be lousy advice. In the midst of a tough time, being told to ‘focus on the bright side’ can just make you feel worse. Sometimes life is difficult. Disappointing. Hard. Frightening....
Grit. The dictionary provides two definitions: Small loose particles of stone or sand.Courage and resolve, strength of character. Given how much our ‘courage and resolve’ is being tested right now, it’s fair to ask how we can cultivate more grit when every day feels...
In my work, I often get to meet some pretty extraordinary people. Some are well known, others less so. But a common thread that binds the people who inspire me most is the challenges they’ve had to overcome. Which brings me to my most recent guest interview on my...
Wired into our psychological DNA is the desire for security, safety and status - which can put us in a bind. Because once our basic needs are met, we have a deep human hunger for meaning and purpose which can only be fulfilled by embracing vulnerability, and risking...
Let's face it, at some point in our lives, most of us find ourselves on a path we no longer want to continue upon. Sometimes it can feel like we've got no other options. That's rarely the case. More often we just can't see the options from where we currently stand....
Firstly, thank you for your lovely notes in response to my recent article about visiting Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Of course, my message was about far more than how to help those who live there escape from the poverty they are born into. It was about the...
“Are you sitting down?” my husband asked down the phone line from across the world. As I braced myself, he delivered the news. His company needed/wanted/voluntold him to take up a role in Singapore. This was not our plan. Not even close. However, because my husband...
Let’s face it. If you’re looking for advice, you’ll find no shortage of it—on how to invest your money, raise your kids or navigate your next career move. I’ve been given copious amounts of advice over the years. “You should always wear red,” one branding expert told...
You are probably familiar with the words of my friend Marianne Williamson. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.” It’s a...
Two weeks ago, my family and I landed in the humid air of Singapore to begin another chapter (my husband Andrew has taken on a leadership role here in Asia). As exciting as it is to embark on a new adventure, it’s also been challenging. Starting new chapters and...
“It is important to learn how to take criticism seriously but not personally.” ― Hillary Clinton It’s great advice. Yet if you’ve ever been criticized (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), you’ll know that being told “not to take it personally” often does little to soften...
While I wish it were different, there will always be people who seek to lift themselves up by pulling others down. They aren’t necessarily bad people – more often they are operating out of a deep-seated fear of their own inadequacy. Making others feel inferior,...
What does it take to make God laugh? Tell him your plans. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying. Well let’s just say that God has been having a good old chuckle at me over the last week because guess what? I’m moving to Singapore. And guess what else? This was not in my...
Yes, “Fortune favors the bold." But that doesn't mean every risk we take will be immediately rewarded. Sometimes when we take a deep dive out of our comfort zone into the water below, we land flat on our face. The question is, what to do when your best and bravest...
Ever find yourself feeling resentful at people for what they do... or fail to do? Perhaps your boss just puts too much on your plate or doesn’t pay you what you're worth. Maybe a co-worker, friend or family member continually oversteps boundaries, or continually asks...
