The year 2020 will go down in the books as a year of change. A year of unveiling, unburying, unburdening. It will be known as the year of the pandemic. The year of #blacklivesmatter and a push for social change. The year 2020 is the year Think Tank lost a third and gained a third.
The holiday season is kicking off and we at the Think Tank are watching the end of this year with great anticipation. Needless to say, 2020 has been a whirlwind, crazy, and chaotic year filled with lessons, struggles, and successes.
As we reflect on where we are and where we’ve been, we want to take
“I’m not asking much, just a token really, a trifle! What I want from you is – your voice.” -Ursula the Sea Witch
Do you remember watching the classic Disney movie The Little Mermaid and seeing Princess Ariel give up her voice to become human? While it may have seemed like a good trade at the time, she quickly realized she gave up a precious part of not just communication, but her soul. Watching her flounder to express herself, go on a first date, and let the man she loves know he’s been brainwashed by a monster was frustrating for the viewers.
While we may not be squaring off for a battle with a sea witch (unless your mother-in-law is coming to town), 2020 has absolutely been dramatic and difficult. So in a year that feels like the fight between good and evil, how can you win at the most important thing: your voice?
Continue Reading The Value Of Finding Your Voice and Being Authentic
A man I love once told me that I am what’s wrong with the world.
“You,” he had exclaimed in frustration. “You are the problem!”
I was in my early 30s and working as an Executive Producer in a TV newsroom. My sixth newsroom in four states, which to me symbolizes the sacrifice and hard work I had put in to build a successful career and advance in an industry that I can only describe as a 24/7 pressure-cooker.
I was having dinner with my parents when my dad, clearly exasperated and not intending to hurt my feelings, declared that as a member of the media, I was the problem.
Continue Reading How To Pray For The Media. Hint: It’s Not How You Might Think
Mic check 123… Is this thing on?
Oh, it’s on. We’re back. And it’s time for something new for Think Tank of Three. Get ready, our brand new chapter starts now with our exciting new co-host!
Continue Reading New Season, New Host, New Think Tank of Three – Episode #35
Guest Blog by Stephanie Barnhill, Operations Consultant at mConnexionsI am a near 38-year-old woman, happily married for almost 11 years now, living in Michigan with three adorable dogs. No picket fence because our HOA won’t allow it. And no kids either because we’re childfree.
“Childfree” is a word you may not have heard before – I only learned it in the last few years. It’s used in place of the word “childless”, meaning a life without children isn’t negative for us as nothing is “missing”. A life sans children is what we chose. Perhaps the terms feels a bit tedious, but I think it’s an important distinction for some people, like myself. We are without children on purpose, because we do not desire to be parents.
But let’s rewind a bit.
Continue Reading Being Childfree: Our Path To Discovering We Don’t Want Kids
First comes love, then comes marriage. But wait! What about the parents who skip having the baby in the baby carriage?
Is it true what they say, that you don’t know ‘love’ until you’re a parent?
Are you selfish if you choose not to have children?
What about men and women who want to conceive a child, but are unable to do so naturally?
Or the women and men who want to have children, but haven’t yet found love?
There are many paths to choose from — and some paths are even chosen for us. In this episode, the Think Tank of Three talks with a guest who shares about her choice to be ‘childfree’.
Guest Blog by Beth Peck, Executive Director of Project KoruRight this moment I am staring out the window of a little 63’ Franklin travel trailer, listening to the quiet morning waves of Lake Superior. Mornings are always my favorite time; it’s quiet, all I can hear is the light breathing of my three kids as they catch up on sleep from the previous day’s adventure mixed with the rustle of the biggest evergreens in the great state of Michigan.
Sitting in my little twin bed drinking freshly made camp coffee, I always have a happy heart when I’m working in the morning from Lil’ Frankie, the name we gave our travel trailer. She’s 150 sq ft of vintage charm that I worked all spring to restore. Every nook and cranny has a purpose and every time I’m in here my soul explodes with happiness. She is mine, and I made her. I made this life.
Continue Reading A Mom, A Travel Trailer, & A Reminder to Take The Jump!
Do you dream of earning the corner office? Of buying the biggest house in the best neighborhood? Of providing for your family — of having it all?
Until one day, you realize that dream has changed. Or, it wasn’t really your dream at all! Whether you feel pulled in a new direction, or you’re faced with a life-altering diagnosis like our podcast guest, life is full of transitions. Sometimes the path to finding our true joy is an unexpected one.
At 32 years old, as a newly divorced single mom of two, Beth Peck received a devastating diagnosis. Cancer. The battle was on… and spoiler alert… Beth (or shall we call her Vi!) not only fought back, she is now leading the fight at a nonprofit that helps young adults facing cancer. And that’s just the first few minutes of this episode!
Continue Reading The Unexpected Path to Finding Joy with Beth Peck – Episode #33
Guest Blog by Nora Luke, Founder of Corporate to CallingYou won’t find it in the dictionary, but it’s a real thing.
It’s the feeling we have when we seek out something different and our mind tells us to be happy with what we have. It’s your subconscious trying to protect you and it grows stronger by the stories we tell ourselves and the stories others tell us.
Continue Reading Overcoming ‘Change Guilt’