Paper Doll Communication

When you get Mommy all to yourself & have zero sense of personal space.

Happy Saturday!

❤️

I ran into some YMSL moms the other night and we were catching up on how the kids were doing in college and lamenting and laughing about the lack of communication from our sons.

How’s class?
Good.

How are you doing?
Fine.

🤣

Sometimes being a boy mom feels harder when you don’t get the frequent texts, FaceTime and DETAILS that so many of the girls seem to give their mothers. I have learned to trust that my son will communicate with us when it most counts and enjoy the moments when we can connect quickly just sharing silly memes as much as those times when he wants to hang out and talk for hours.

Some great tips in this article.

10 things that moms of teen boys do to stay close. 1. Don’t mistake independence for disconnection. Pulling away is part of growing up, but it doesn’t mean he’s stopped needing your love or presence. 2. Stay present, even when he pulls away. Keep showing up in the car rides, late-night snacks, and quiet moments. He notices more than he says. 3. Support his friendships and relationships, not compete with them. The people he cares about help him grow. Your role is to guide, not to control. 4. Listen without judgment or giving advice unless he asks. Sometimes he just wants to feel understood, not fixed. 5. Ask his opinion and trust his instincts. It teaches him you believe in his judgment and helps him build confidence in his own voice. 6. Be a guide, coach, and mentor, not a manager. Offer perspective, not pressure. He needs your wisdom, not your control. 7. Don’t force your goals or expectations on him. Help him discover who he is, not who you hoped he would be. 8. Push back against stereotypes that tell boys to hide emotion or be tough. Let him know that real strength includes empathy, , and asking for help. 9. Remember boys struggle with body image and self-worth too. Compliment his kindness, humor, and perseverance, not just his achievements. 10. Watch your reactions and talk about hard things head on. Many boys say they stay silent to avoid upsetting their mom. Show him it’s safe to tell you the truth. #ParentingTeens #BoyMomLife #RaisingGoodMen #ParentingWithEmpathy #ChildPsychiatrist

It’s a rough job market for those just starting out.

Lindsay Ellis reports in The Wall Street Journal that a survey of employers predicts that 2026 will be the worst college-grad job market in five years. And an August survey by the early-career job-search platform Handshake found that postings for full-time jobs declined more than 16% year-over-year, and each job has an average of 26% more applications. Factors include economic uncertainty, tariffs and, of course, AI.

A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that 57% of adults say the rise of AI is a significant source of stress. The number for students: 78%, nearly double the 45% from last year.

It’s clear that AI needs a bigger narrative. CEOs and leaders are all very excited. But they need to recognize that not everybody shares the enthusiasm. AI is reshaping every part of life, in some ways that are good and some that are not.

To maximize the benefit of AI requires collective buy-in and a narrative of why AI is going to add value to people’s lives.

Put it on paper, doll!

I had a few beautiful days facilitating a leadership training at Hill AF base. Stunning views, fresh clean air, gorgeous weather with the first hints of Fall. 🏔️🍂🍁

So much fun with these two! Our OG OC peeps. Almost 25 years of friendship. Cheers to that! 🥂

It’s always so nice to pick right back up without missing a beat. 🧡

Trust yourself and keep pushing if you are struggling for answers and support. This is like my diagnostic hit parade LOL. I’ve had great doctors and bad ones and having your symptoms minimized or to have it suggested they aren’t real is exhausting and can be really painful. There’s a huge emotional cost to navigating chronic illness. You are not alone and you are not imaging how you feel.

@RuthAnne you are a queen for delivering this anthem. TEDxUVA talk coming this weekend in honor of every single person who has ever related to this song. #littlemissdiagnosed #endometriosis #pots #fibromyalgia #mcas #lupus #hashimoto #chronicillness #chronicfatigue

Join us THIS TUESDAY night from 6-8pm at Little Joy Coffee for Books & Conversation. It's okay to come if you haven't read the book but are curious about the topic or just want to connect. We'd love to see you!

BYOB!

This book is full of practical information and really gets you thinking about how you show up and interact with others. How we converse can have a big impact on our relationships and our professional success. Can't wait to dig in and discuss!

Synopsis provided complete with Powerful Question Prompts to help you process the topic and reflect, and, of course, Positive Affirmations to support your growth and confidence.

See you Tuesday!

Please RSVP to give us a good headcount:
https://airtable.com/appB9DfdcWNlJkBte/shr9ToAwbPxAShGDf
joy.coffee

Just do it, doll!

"If you didn’t do it at forty, then do it at sixty. The only thing that matters—is that you do it!"

My grandmother, who lived to be 97, always told me that life only gets better with time. And now? I finally understand what she meant.

Age is a funny thing. We live in a world obsessed with timelines—marry by this age, succeed by that age, retire by another. Miss a milestone? Society tells you the moment is gone forever.

But here’s the truth: that’s a lie.

If your twenties were full of doubts, make your forties wild.
If your forties were consumed by responsibilities, dance through your sixties.
If you didn’t burn brightly back then—ignite now.

There’s no deadline on joy. No expiration date on reinvention. No too-late for dreams.

So wear the bold colors. Book the ticket. Learn the language. Start over.

Because late? Is always better than never.

✨
— Tilda Swinton

🖤