Stop Settling: Your Empty Plate is Trying to Tell You Something

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!  

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💡Aha! Moment

 I was on a call this morning with an amazing group of women talking about gratitude. During our conversation, Allie H. was sharing what she was grateful for, and in her share, she said this profound line: “You don’t have to stay at a table where you are starved.” It stopped us all in our tracks.

It brought me back to my own journey—one that I know many of you can relate to.

In my corporate career, I spent a decade feeling this way. Honestly, by year 20, I knew I was at a table where I was starved—starved of growth, fulfillment, and the spark that made me love what I did. But I stayed for another 10 years. Why? The reasons felt endless: “No one leaves.” “What would I do next?” “How could I walk away from the financial security?”

Sound familiar?

Looking back, I understand why I stayed, but I also wish I had given myself permission to leave sooner. Staying in a space where I wasn’t thriving wasn’t just draining—it was holding me back from discovering what truly nourished me. The day I finally decided to leave was terrifying, yes—but it was also liberating. I started to uncover new opportunities, strengths, and passions that had been waiting for me all along.

Here’s the AHA moment I want to share: gratitude doesn’t mean settling. Gratitude is about recognizing what feeds your soul and having the courage to step away from what doesn’t. You deserve to be at a table where you feel valued, fulfilled, and seen—not one where you stay out of fear, habit, or comfort.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a situation that no longer serves you—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or even a mindset—know this: walking away isn’t easy, but it’s the first step toward finding the life and work that truly align with who you are.

Today, I’m full of hope, love, and gratitude—both personally and professionally. Taking that leap wasn’t easy, but it opened doors I never imagined and brought me to a place where I feel truly nourished.

You don’t have to stay at a table where you’re starved. Find the one that feeds you. And when you do, you’ll realize that the leap was worth it.

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - This month, patience has been my greatest teacher. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but I’ve learned that unexpected changes can lead to unexpected rewards.

For example, I was recently working with a client on placing their event. Just as we were finalizing plans, a change forced us to restart the process. At first, I thought, “Oh no!” But then I realized this was an opportunity to explore a whole new city, spend more time with my client, and build a deeper connection.

That fresh start led us to an incredible property that not only exceeded their expectations but also impressed others in their organization. They referred the venue to colleagues, which brought me new business as well!

This experience was a powerful reminder that patience and positivity can turn setbacks into stepping stones—for my client, their new client, and me. Sometimes, the detour turns out to be the best part of the journey.

📖 Read - I recently read "The Layoff Cooties-It's Them, Not You: From Rejection to Redirection and Finding Your Ripple Effect Again" byLaura Krauss. It is a powerful book that dives into the emotional rollercoaster of experiencing a layoff. The author shares her personal journey with raw honesty, starting with the shock of losing her job and ultimately finding a renewed sense of purpose.

What inspired me most was her courage in reframing rejection as redirection. She describes a layoff as a potential “God whisper,” nudging us toward a new purpose. Her reflections on grief and the need to move through, rather than get over, the pain are poignant reminders that healing is a process.

This book is a guide for anyone looking to turn setbacks into opportunities. It’s a testament to the power of sharing our stories and the incredible ripple effects those stories can have—not just for ourselves but for everyone around us.

👀 Watched - I recently came across a heartwarming TED Talk by seven-year-old Molly Wright called "How Every Child Can Thrive by Five." Let me tell you, this young speaker had me absolutely captivated! With confidence and wisdom well beyond her years, Molly broke down the importance of play in early childhood development. She used something as simple as peek-a-boo to demonstrate how meaningful interactions between caregivers and children can shape their growth.

Her talk is a reminder of the impact mindful parenting and engagement can have on a child’s lifelong learning and well-being. Watching Molly reminded me to pause, be present, and embrace the power of play in connecting with and nurturing the next generation.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about the science of early development, this talk is worth a watch.

✔️ Accomplished - With the year winding down, I finally tackled something I’d been putting off: catching up on my expenses. Not the most glamorous task, I know, but getting it done felt like lifting a weight off my shoulders. Financial clarity is so important, and taking the time to get organized gave me a sense of control and readiness for the year ahead.

This accomplishment also sparked a new goal for next year: keeping up with expenses in real-time instead of letting them pile up. Small, consistent habits can make a world of difference, and I’m determined to apply this principle to other areas of my life too.

Sometimes the simplest tasks teach us the biggest lessons. This one reminded me that procrastination only makes things harder!

🤔Insight for the Week

 Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. ~ Tony Robins

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Kentucky!

Q: Kristen, what’s the best way to stay organized and motivated for both end-of-year hustle and new year planning?”

A: Great question! Balancing the end-of-year rush with setting up for a successful new year can feel like a juggling act, but with the right approach, it can be a seamless and rewarding process. Here are my go-to tips:

1. Reflect and Celebrate. Start by looking back on the year’s wins—big and small. What went well? Who helped you along the way? Taking a moment to celebrate accomplishments and express gratitude not only boosts morale but sets a positive tone for what’s next.
2. Mindful Planning. Organize your to-do list with intention. Break tasks into manageable steps and set clear deadlines. A planner, digital tool, or project management app can be a game-changer. Color-coding tasks (by priority, type, or deadline) is a simple way to get instant clarity and stay focused.
3. Vision Board Fun. Make planning creative! A vision board is a visual roadmap that blends personal and professional aspirations. Include your 2024 milestones, new skills to learn, travel plans, and even wellness goals—it’s a motivating daily reminder of what you’re working toward.
4. Prioritize Self-Care. Remember, you’re the key to everything you accomplish. Make sure to recharge by weaving self-care into your schedule. Whether it’s a morning walk, a short meditation, or simply stepping away from your desk, these moments fuel both creativity and productivity.
5. Connect and Collaborate. Start conversations about your goals. Reach out to a coach, accountability partner, or mastermind group to brainstorm ideas and gain fresh perspectives. There’s magic in collaboration—it brings clarity, sparks motivation, and provides a layer of accountability.
6. Declutter Your Space. A tidy workspace makes for a tidy mind! Set aside time to clear out old files, organize your desk, and even refresh your digital folders. A clean environment fosters focus and helps you feel ready to tackle what’s ahead.
7. Set SMART Goals. Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework keeps you from getting overwhelmed and ensures you’re working toward meaningful outcomes.
8. Build in Buffer Time. Don’t pack your schedule too tightly! Leave room for flexibility—unexpected challenges (or opportunities!) will inevitably pop up, and having a little breathing room reduces stress.

Your journey into 2025 can be as exciting and fulfilling as you make it! Whether it’s about staying organized, gaining clarity, or mapping out big dreams, I’m here to help. Drop me a line if you’re ready to dive into planning or need some coaching to kick off the new year strong!

I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, comment below or DM me!