Venture Beyond

Every year, beginning in November, I naturally start turning inward. I go back through the months slowly—no rush, no pressure—and I review my life in every one of its dimensions: personal, professional, relational, emotional, physical. I take my time. I look at what grew, what challenged me, what surprised me, and what I want to carry forward.

And then, little by little, I start clearing space for the new year.I clean out my closet. I organize my home. I reach out to friends I may have unintentionally drifted from. I prune, I release, I make room.This has become my ritual—simple, grounding, intentional.

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with one of the coaches in our community, Ahtziry García, licensed psychologist and Chinese medicine Doctor, about New Year rituals—what they mean, where they come from, and why this moment of the year holds so much energy for reflection. She spoke about the…

It’s been a few weeks since I returned from Bhutan, and I still feel as if part of me is there—somewhere between the mountains, still breathing in the beauty of that sacred land.

Bhutan felt like stepping into another dimension, a place where time slows down and everything hums with peace. I went knowing it was a Buddhist country, that it held a deep spiritual culture, but I was not prepared for the energy that met me there. It was as if I’d entered a living meditation.

Everywhere I looked, the beauty was almost too much for me to take in—the mountains, the rivers cutting through deep ravines, the forests. Even the animals, the farms, the way the light moved across the landscape—it all carried a purity that words can’t quite hold and that I hadn't ever.

But as in every place, what truly defines Bhutan is its people. The…

The holidays have a way of pulling us back to what matters most—connection, belonging, and the people who feel like home.

For me, “tribe” doesn’t mean a huge circle or constant social activity. My tribe is small—my partner, my children, a handful of close friends. Some I’ve known for decades, others I’ve met more recently, but the bond is just as deep because we share values, beliefs, and a commitment to showing up for each other.

We’ve walked each other through joy, grief, change, and growth.

That, to me, is what tribe is about.

It’s not about quantity or popularity. It’s about quality. Depth. Feeling seen, valued, and understood. Knowing that when life gets heavy, you have people who will hold you—and when life is beautiful, they’ll be right there to celebrate with you.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated—borderline obsessed—with the concept of appreciation. Not just in my personal life, but in my professional work, in how I build relationships, lead teams, and move through the world.

Gratitude is beautiful. It softens us, opens our hearts, and helps us see what we have instead of what’s missing. But over the years, I’ve come to realize something: gratitude is not enough.

Appreciation takes us further.

Appreciation is active. It’s when we not only notice something good, but we take the time to name it, to express it, to let another person feel seen, valued, and acknowledged. It’s the difference between quietly feeling thankful for your friend and telling them, “You bring so much joy into my life. I love how you always know how to make me laugh.”

This book—Gratitude Is Not Enough, Appreciation Is the Way—has been on my…