Nancy Rundle - Author

It’s been a busy stretch lately, and I realized my writing had slipped down the list. Time to change that.
Writing has always been my way to sort through thoughts and listen to my characters. Even if I never go back to those pages, the process helps me clear my head and find direction again.
What helps you reset when life gets hectic?

Journal Prompt:
What’s one small habit or activity that helps you feel centered again when life gets overwhelming?

As we move deeper into the last quarter of the year, that holiday feeling is starting to grow stronger. I love a cozy fall setup, but somehow the season always seems to pass in the blink of an eye. And really, who doesn’t love a good pumpkin moment?

For me, fall is the perfect reminder to slow down and take a breath. Summer is usually filled with travel, activities, and long sunny days, while winter brings family gatherings and holiday events. Fall sits quietly in between — a time to reset, reflect, and just be.

Do you feel the same way? What’s your favorite part of fall?

Sticking to your goals and routines isn’t always easy—but remembering your why can change everything.

When you’re clear on why you started your journey in the first place, motivation comes more naturally. That’s been true for me, and it might be true for you too.

If you could use a little reminder (or a fresh start), I’ve got just the thing for you: a free short book designed to help you reconnect with your motivation and discover your why.

Grab your FREE copy here: What Is My Why? - https://bookhip.com/QGPAFAQ

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge to get back on track. What’s your why right now?

Isn’t coffee a whole mood on its own?

Of all the drinks I enjoy, coffee is the one I keep coming back to. But here’s the truth—I don’t always have fancy, coffee-shop-level lattes. I save those for special occasions because I’ve learned that too much of a good thing can take away its magic.

It made me realize how quickly we get used to things—both the good, the bad and the ordinary. Sometimes, we need a little shake-up to see perspective or to move to the next level.

Constantly chasing the “next level” can feel like being stuck on a treadmill and is not sustainable. The actual key is mindfulness—knowing when to appreciate what you already have and when to push yourself forward.

How do you strike that balance in your own life?

Do you still feel the spark within you—or has the year been wearing you down?

Lately, life has given me a little breathing room (hopefully I’m not jinxing it), and I’m determined to make the most of it.

Here’s what I’ve realized: it’s just as important to pause as it is to push forward. Like athletes, true progress isn’t about going all out all the time. It’s about balance—training hard, yes, but also taking rest days, fueling with the right meals, and staying consistent over the long run.

The same is true for our goals. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. It’s what helps us come back stronger.

So, if you’ve lost a bit of that spark, maybe what you really need isn’t to push harder, but to give yourself space to recharge.

Do you find it harder to rest—or harder to stay disciplined?

How are you enjoying summer? I am taking my time and trying to enjoy the sun to the fullest before winter eventually arrives.

The four seasons make for a good reminder that everything has a time. While life is busy, there are some things we can only do during certain times. There are always a lot of tasks and to-dos to complete; the key is to find what's most important and suit the moment.

If you want to consider what you can work on during the summer, here is a read for you: https://bit.ly/Dotheworktobeabetteryou
# # # #

Lately, I’ve been working on a few chapters in my next book—and it’s taken a mix of research and soul-searching to get through them.

During a break, I caught myself searching for ways to make the process faster, more efficient… more streamlined. But as I explored different tools and tricks, a quiet thought surfaced: Maybe some things are meant to be hard.

We all naturally gravitate toward ease—it’s human. And I don’t believe in making things harder just for the sake of it. But sometimes, the challenge is the point. The process stretches us, deepens us, and leaves behind something more meaningful than just a finished product.

Because in the end, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about who we become along the way.

Have you felt that in your own journey lately?

I believe one of the most powerful things we can do as parents is lead by example.

I don’t go out of my way to create “teachable moments” just for the sake of it—but I do try to show my kids why I do what I do. Whether it’s making time to read, working on personal goals, or taking regular library runs—I let them see that learning and growing never really stop.

At the same time, I think it’s just as important to give kids room to explore on their own. No one wants to be lectured constantly or told what to do every time they try something new. Discovery is part of growth, too.

More than anything, it’s about creating a family vibe—one where curiosity is welcome, growth is celebrated, and everyone is open to learning something new.

How do you encourage growth and learning in your family?

Summer can get busy, but there’s always room for self-improvement and goal-setting—if you set your heart on it and make a simple plan.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about being realistic with your time and energy, and making the most of the moments you do have.

One thing that helps me? I keep a small list of quick, meaningful tasks I can do depending on how much time I have.
- Have 5 minutes? I’ll check my weekly budget.
- 10 minutes? I’ll read a few pages from the book I’ve downloaded on my phone.
- 15 minutes? A quick walk to reset my mind.

Little actions add up—and staying consistent, even in small ways, keeps me feeling aligned and motivated.

How do you make the most of your pockets of time?

If you want to consider what you can work on during the summer, here is a read for you: https://bit.ly/Dotheworktobeabetteryou

As we head into June, it feels like the year is roaring ahead—can you believe we're almost halfway through 2025?

Time flies, and it makes me pause and ask: Have I made the most of the year so far? Maybe you’re asking yourself the same.

Summer tends to bring full calendars and long to-do lists. That’s why this is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan with intention—so you can make meaningful progress on your goals and still soak in all that summer has to offer.

I used to be so focused on productivity that I missed out on moments I can’t get back. Now, I’ve learned to shape my days around what matters most—and to honor my energy, not just my schedule. That shift has made all the difference.

How about you? Are you adjusting your pace as summer rolls in? What matters most to you right now?

While summer isn’t officially here yet, I’m already getting into the spirit. It seems like everyone reaches for something bubbly when the sun’s out—and for me, anything lemony just tastes like summer.

I’m counting down the days until I can sit by the beach or visit those places that just feel like summer. And of course, reading outside is one of my favorite warm-weather rituals.

Summer always feels rejuvenating to me. It’s a season full of possibility—but also a time when I give myself permission to pause. Sometimes I step back from my goals for a bit, just to soak in the joy of the moment. There’s a time and place for everything… including doing absolutely nothing.

How about you? What does summer look like for you this year?

On my drive to work this morning, my mind was already racing through the to-do list waiting for me. From the moment I arrive to the moment I leave—there’s always something that needs doing... and then some.

In the busiest moments, I find myself reflecting on why I do what I do. Purpose matters. It’s what helps me push through the days when motivation runs low. Knowing my “why” doesn’t magically make things easy, but it does make them worthwhile.

If you’ve been thinking about your own purpose, check out this free book—it’s full of practical tips to help you discover or reconnect with your “why.”

https://bookhip.com/QGPAFAQ