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It's National Good Neighbor Day today, September 28, and a great reminder to reach out to our neighbors. Studies show that having good relationships with those around us can boost our happiness, and that includes our neighbors! And it doesn't matter how long you have lived in the neighborhood as you will read below. Don't let time stop you from making a new connection. Back in 2011, when we were planning our move from Arizona to Orange County, I pictured sharing margaritas wi

I've watched the show Nashville (streaming on Netflix) all the way through more times than I can count — at least three full season rewatches over the years. It always felt so comforting to me. The friendship, music, creativity and yes, even the drama. It made me feel I wasn't alone in dealing with relationship challenges at times. But I've been thinking about it differently this week, since the show lost one of its own. Hayden Panettiere, who played Juliette Barnes across al

Having a weekly happy hour date has been a great way to relax and catch up with my husband and I - going strong after 30 years married.

This year marks my 30th wedding anniversary, and lately I can't stop thinking about the 90s. It started when Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette premiered on FX and Hulu this year, which took me back to 1996 again. I remember them getting married a few weeks before us. My husband and I had no idea what was ahead of us. It was before Amazon was a household name. Before texting was mainstream, and Netflix and Google existed. And way before smartphones — which di

Some of the most important communication we do has nothing to do with the words we choose. It's about how much of our actual, unpolished selves we're willing to let show. That's vulnerability. It might be the most underrated communication skill there is. One of my all-time favorite teachers on this topic is Dr. Brené Brown, researcher and author of the fantastic book Daring Greatly. She's spent more than a decade studying shame and vulnerability and how they shape our ability

By applying James Clear's Atomic Habits principles to social connection, you can make small, sustainable changes that add up to a healthier, more joy-packed life. Many of us are still carrying the lingering effects of years of disconnection. First from the pandemic, and now from a world where screens and notifications compete for every spare minute. We know human connection matters. It's just hard to prioritize amid busy lives. Enter Atomic Habits — James Clear's transformati

Forty years. That's how long it had been since I last saw my childhood friend Jan Kahlcke — since high school, before either of us had careers, spouses, or kids of our own. Through the years, friends may come and go, but sometimes you meet someone who leaves a big impression on you. Despite a strong connection, life gets in the way, and you lose touch. But the friend never fully leaves your thoughts or your heart. You often wonder what it would be like to reconnect after all

Just like our female counterparts, a man's life is filled with good times and tough times. From what I have observed as a man in his 60s, those who do well at life learn to ride the big emotional waves during the tough times, knowing eventually that the storm will pass and be replaced by calm seas. That is until another temporary storm hits again. That is life for everyone. No one gets smooth sailing all the time. Thinking back over the past decade, I still can’t believe that

It’s hard to believe that Apple is turning 50 this month. Looking back, what stands out most to me isn’t just the technology—it’s the feeling that from the very beginning, Apple was never just a company. It felt like a tribe. A gathering of creatives, tinkerers, and misfits who recognized each other by curiosity more than credentials. Wozniak and Jobs in the early years I grew up just a few streets away from where it all began in Los Altos, where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak,

We all know the feeling - you get that text, the call to go out, a DM from a friend on Facebook. And instead of leaning in, your instinct is to lean out. You're tired, unsure, or “not in the mood.” But what if this summer, which is right around the corner, you said yes anyway? That was me last summer. Summer has consistently been the busiest time workwise for me (and in the fall) and I never considered what I would be doing other than working and celebrating some birthdays an

As we get older, making new friends and forming meaningful connections can feel more challenging. But if there’s one thing the Golden Bachelor series can teach us, it's that social connections are not bound by age. This reality show, which centers on seniors seeking love and companionship, offers valuable insights on how we can cultivate both new friendships and lasting relationships in our later years. I remember listening to a podcast with author Mel Robbins, where she disc

This year marks the movie Bridesmaids 15th anniversary since its original release. I will never forget watching it with my best friend from Arizona on opening day in May 2011, just a week before I was about to move back to California. I was feeling sad about leaving her behind, and the movie served as a much-needed distraction. We both thought it was hilarious, but as you’ll read, it also offered some tender moments that impart a lesson about the power of kindness and human c

If you're a fan like I am, it's astonishing to realize that the movie Shawshank Redemption debuted over 30 years ago in 1994. While many view it as a somber prison film, I believe the contrary. For me, the film demonstrates that kindness and friendship can flourish even in the bleakest environments. Every time I see Shawshank Redemption pop up on television, I’m reminded of why it’s remained a classic and a beloved favorite for so many. Who would have thought a movie written

It's been six years since Kobe Bryant's untimely passing but his lessons and legacy lives on for all of us. For example, his Mamba Mentality, which he described as “just trying to get better every day”and putting in the work to achieve greatness. But it didn't just apply to basketball. It was also an effective approach to bettering our relationships. Read on for six lessons Bryant can teach us about prioritizing people in our lives. I will never forget the call I got from m

For decades, Ina Garten has taught us how to cook. But perhaps even more importantly, she has shown us the powerful role food plays in connecting with others. With her newest book, Simply Ina, coming out in the fall 2026, she will be sharing how to become a better and more relaxed hostess so you can spend more quality time with your guests. Last year I read Ina's latest book, a memoir entitled Be Ready When the Luck Happens, and it was a truly heartwarming read. Garten, the b

July 30th is International Day of Friendship, but I'd like to think that any day is a great day to celebrate our friendships! In a world that moves fast and feels increasingly digital, it is good on occasion to pause and honor one of life’s most nourishing connections—friendship. Friends remind us that we’re not alone. They share our joys, support us through difficulties, and bring laughter and perspective when needed. Research shows that meaningful friendships can reduce st

For those who live in homes on the smaller side, it's easy to feel like those in larger homes have it better off. This article shows that by embracing your home no matter the size, you can embrace all the joy and connection it provides. A love letter to my little house: As we celebrate our 15th anniversary of moving back to Southern California this year, I find myself reflecting on you — my humble home. You’ve been so much more than just a roof over our heads. You’ve been a v