As an oldest child, leadership was just part of the job. In my ten-year-old mind, it meant getting to boss my sister around. It wasn’t until I was older when I really started to question what leadership is and how I could succeed at it. My sixteen-year-old mind swirled with questions on leadership: What would make me the best leader? How can I be a better leader? How do you avoid mistakes as a leader? What skills do I need to be a good leader? I thought being a good leader meant always succeeding and always being liked. However, over the last twelve years, my failures, not my successes, have helped me lead. So no, unfortunately, I do not have definite answers to any of the above questions, but if you stick with me awhile, hopefully I can shine some light on how to turn failures into opportunities for growth.

This isn’t a Cinderella story. I didn’t have a tough upbringing or huge hurdles to overcome, just the everyday ones: missed deadlines, miscommunications, injuries, sicknesses, failed relationships, and all the little disappointments filling our days. I am not an overly pessimistic person, and I do not want to give the false impression I sit around all day thinking about these failures. However, my bumps in the road ultimately helped me to start looking at others. And while everyone’s story is unique, those I started looking at were all experiencing the same things. It became apparent the most important things is how we deal with the minor setbacks. One hundred percent of the time showing up for my friends, my teammates, and myself was always the best decision - even if it was hard, even if I was tired or didn’t want to - I started figuring out all those little failures didn’t really matter.

Cataloging or dwelling on your failures isn’t the answer. While it is important to recognize them for what they are, you won’t get anywhere by letting them consume you. Instead, push through those failures. Acknowledge them but move on. Don’t let them paralyze you or keep you from trying. And especially don’t think because you failed, you won’t succeed. You will succeed because of them, despite them; those failures will make you better.

One experience stands out in my mind as a pivotal moment in my leadership journey. At Hillsdale, I ran cross-country and track. I battled a few serious injuries and only had two good seasons. However, I learned the most while on the sidelines cheering on my teammates, at dinner talking with other girls who had experienced their first injuries, and at practice getting water and taking times. It was difficult not to run, but after a while I came to love it. At one meet I was on the sidelines (again) helping my coach and starting to feel sorry for myself. He turned to me with words of encouragement, “This is servant “I started to understand leadership as a giving of oneself and an understanding of others.” leadership,” he said. My perspective shifted that day, and I started to understand leadership as a giving of oneself and an understanding of others.

I’ve had a variety of leadership roles in my life: sister, captain, coach, friend, director, and now mother. Although they are all vastly different, they are also all uniquely the same. Each one has taught me that guiding with compassion and empathy gets me much farther than just the title. Each role has proven that failure does not stop when you get to the “top.” It actually increases. Most importantly, each role reminds me daily that showing up for those you are leading in the face of your own mistakes, swallowing your pride, and listening despite your own desires, is the leadership we all truly hope to emulate.

Wooo, health! As we’re springing past winter and the sun starts peeking out, it’s becoming a little easier to get outside, get moving and stay healthy. This month I took on a daunting challenge: the popular Whole30 diet, and WOW, did I learn a ton. Turns out checking every single label can not only slow you down in the grocery store, but also make you feel like energy is jolting through you as you near the 3 p.m. mark on Wednesday afternoon! The Whole30 plan is known to be a hard reset; it consists of cutting out gluten, grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and alcohol. Additionally, it advises participants to stay away from treats and snacks with approved ingredients. The goal is not weight loss; the goal is to break unhealthy habits and form new ones. Your only job is to make good food choices.

My thoughts beforehand, “It’s only 30 days. I can do anything for 30 days. Besides, I love blueberries and almond butter.”

My thoughts on day 16, “Okay, I kind of miss granola, but DANG, I feel good. Also, do you think I’m eating too much almond butter?”

My thoughts on day 30, “Wow, okay, life-changing. Now I have to check every single label until the day I die. Also, almond butter is nectar of the gods.”

False, I don’t have to check every single label until the day I die. However, I did learn a thing or two. I learned to consciously and mindfully eat food. Going forward, I won’t delete the joy of biting into a cupcake from my life (because, wow, why would you?). I will, however, ask myself “Do I need this?” Sometimes, the answer might be yes! Oftentimes, the answer is no. Food was not only intentional and enjoyable, but incredibly energizing. Plus, there’s something about knowing exactly what’s going into your body that makes you feel pretty good about yourself.  

All this Whole30 talk is making me hungry. So, let’s get to the food talk now. Technically, like I said, ‘imitation treats’ with Whole30 compliant items are banned during the 30 day plan. However, now that the strict month has passed, I’ll be sharing a healthy twist on one of my favorite foods.

Craving something sweet, but want to skip the sugar crash? Opt for some easy three ingredient Paleo Pancakes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serving: One – 6 small pancakes

1 large banana
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional – ¼ c. almond flour
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for the pan)
Topping Options: fresh berries, coconut flakes, almond butter, 100% cacao nibs

1. Preheat skillet over medium heat.

2. Blend or mash banana, eggs, cinnamon & optional almond flour.

3. Melt the coconut oil & pour 2 tablespoons for each pancake. Cook for about 1-2 min & flip to do the same on the other side.

4. Top to your heart’s desire and enjoy!