The Pulse: Reflections on and Evolution of the "Yes-Year"

As my "Yes-Year" officially comes to a close, I’ve realized it isn’t necessarily the end of the mentality—just a massive evolution of it. Since the start of 2025, I’ve challenged myself to say "yes" to everything. Looking back, I think I was running on a high fueled by the stress of life; that cortisol spike made it possible to juggle five activities a day on five hours of sleep.

Early on, saying "yes" was easy. But as I’ve neared this milestone, it has become a challenge of a different kind. The purpose of opening myself to new experiences has morphed into a meaningful "yes"—one that protects my mind and body. Entering 40, feeling strong and happy is a state I need to protect at all costs. It isn’t for a lack of desire, but a mastery of time management.

Balance has become the integral part of my growth. It’s about saying "yes" to the things that fully fill my cup, to the people I truly want to spend time with, and still checking off that never-ending to-do list (even when it feels like no progress has been made). This year has stretched me out of my comfort zone in the best ways:

• Salsa dancing with a chin-spinning partner.

• Trialing new roles in my fitness journey and professional certifications.

• Solo travel and the self-reliance that comes with it.

• Radical hospitality, welcoming people into my home exactly as it is—accepting "real life" over perfection.

Riding the Roller Coaster

Lately, the weeks have felt like a roller coaster: action-packed, adrenaline-producing, energy-sucking thrill rides, followed by that slow lull as you coast back into the station. Last week was a cortisol-heavy climb, but it started with a much-needed win: coffee with a sweet friend where the timing between clients aligned perfectly.

Tuesday was a bit more... "hairy." After N and I spent Monday night reattaching the irrigation backflow, we thought we were in the clear. I woke up Tuesday morning to the sound of rushing water—turns out the system had been running all night due to curious hands turning it back on! Once I collected myself (and cooled off with a few clients), we pivoted to a day at Dollywood. Thanks to some free passes, we had the perfect day of no lines and great weather; even the boys braved the rides! I topped it off with a Cinco de Mayo Taco Tuesday. The rest of the week was a blur of birthday surprise cooking classes, the boys' baseball games, a YMCA trainer party at the Cove, and a Mother’s Day win for the Smokies. Action-packed? Definitely.

The 40th Birthday Freebie Map

Birthday rewards might not be at an all-time high, but if you map your route correctly, you can still snag a serious haul. I’ve spent the day maximizing the loyalty clubs. While the free subs of the past are getting rarer, the inbox is still delivering!

The Birthday "Yes" List:

• Starbucks: Free handcrafted drink (Today only—go big!).

• Crumbl: Free cookie.

• Jimmy John's: Free regular Original sub.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes: A free Bundtlet.

• CVS: ExtraCare Bucks (free money!).

• Krispy Kreme: 3-count Original Glazed.

• Publix: Container of ice cream or a bakery bar cake.

• Baskin Robbins: 4 oz. scoop.

• Sonic: Free milkshake or corn dog.

• Zaxby’s: Chocolate chip cookies or fried cheesecake bites.

• Panera: A bakery treat.

• Retail Wins: $10 at Kohl’s, $5 at DSW, 20% off at Kirkland’s, and 10% at Nike.

What’s on the Table: The "Scraping By" Week

With school closing out, baseball season ending, and road trip prep beginning, meal planning took a backseat to Mother’s Day. We’re in "clear out the fridge" mode.

• For Me: Continuing my streak of white bean, tomato, and avocado salad with burrata; "tackle box" snacking with hard-boiled eggs, wasabi peas, string cheese and the like; and salmon with rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and spicy miso sauce.

• For the Boys: French toast night, French onion chicken sliders, sheet pan sausage and peppers, and a Friday night movie pizza. Lunches are a hodge-podge of "fixings" and homemade Uncrustables.

Tonight’s Ride: A special 2000s Throwback requested by some incredible ladies joining for their very first spin class! There will definitely be dancing on the bikes tonight.