Life by Design

03/08/2026

Today is International Women’s Day, and I find myself thinking about the women who quietly shaped the paths many of us now walk.

Women who spoke up when it wasn’t welcomed.
Women who showed up when they weren’t expected.
Women who led in rooms where leadership didn’t yet look like them.

Because of them, more doors exist today.

But the story doesn’t stop there.

Each of us is writing the next chapter — in our workplaces, our communities, our families, and our leadership.

✨ The question for today:
How will the way I show up make it easier for the next woman?

Here’s to women who lead with courage, grow with intention, and design lives that reflect who they truly are.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💛

12/04/2025

By the time I arrived at Day 10 of my November 21-day purification plan, my habits were putting up more of a fight than anything I’m actually eating.

It turns out old patterns don’t like being disrupted.
They get loud.
They get dramatic.
They suddenly become VERY committed to staying. 😂

But here’s the truth I keep bumping into:
Resistance doesn’t mean we’re failing — it means we’re changing.

Every time we try to break an old habit, a part of us is learning how to:
✨ choose differently
✨ think differently
✨ lead ourselves differently

It’s uncomfortable but it’s also evidence that growth is happening under the surface.

So if you’re wrestling with a habit right now — whether it’s a mindset, a response, a pattern, or a decision that keeps looping — please hear this:

You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just in the middle of becoming someone stronger. 💛

12/02/2025

In November, I was doing a 21-day purification plan and let me just say:
my mind is far more dramatic than my stomach. 😂

But here’s what I keep noticing — the same way our bodies need a reset, our mindsets do too.

Sometimes we need to step back and ask:
✨ What thoughts are weighing me down?
✨ What beliefs have expired?
✨ What “old stories” am I still carrying into new seasons?
✨ What fear-based thinking needs to be cleared out?

Leadership truth?
We can’t step into a new direction with yesterday’s mindset.
Old thoughts won’t build a new life.

Just like the purification plan, mindset work is about:
✔️ Removing what no longer serves us
✔️ Adding what nourishes us
✔️ Choosing with intention
✔️ Making space for clarity, courage, and growth

If you’re feeling the tug toward a mindset reset — you’re not alone.

Sometimes the next version of us is waiting right on the other side of releasing what’s outdated. 💛

05/23/2025

Every night, she tells me, “My mommy’s dead.”

Every morning, she asks, “Is my mommy alive today?”

My 4-year-old granddaughter is navigating a loss far too big for her age. And in her tender rhythm of naming pain at night and reaching for hope by morning, she’s teaching me something sacred: Grief isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with rituals or casseroles. Sometimes it looks like quietly missing what once was—and still hoping.

We grieve in little ways every day.
The dream that didn’t unfold.
The friendship that faded.
The self we thought we’d be by now.

What are you quietly hoping will come back to life in this season?

04/21/2025

I crave cookies, chocolate, and salty snacks. You know what I don’t crave? Accountability.

And yet… last week, I was assigned an accountability partner Greater Arlington Chamber Women's Alliance.

Why?

Because apparently, I said out loud that I had goals. 😬

And someone took me seriously.

Now every time I want to procrastinate, my phone buzzes with a friendly, “Sooo… how’s that thing coming along?”

(And suddenly I miss the days when I was only haunted by stale to-do lists and unopened gym memberships.)

But here's the truth:

Accountability doesn’t always feel good, but it often leads to something better than cookies—progress.

To the brave souls out there holding your people (and yourselves) accountable this week: You’re the unsung heroes of follow-through.

As for me… I guess I’ll keep showing up. (With snacks).

Here's a recap of the Women's Alliance Power Hour. https://lnkd.in/gkFDHzYi

Drop a selfie with your accountability partner.

11/26/2024

As we enter the season of gratitude, we’re often encouraged to pause and count our blessings. And while reflecting on the good things is undoubtedly valuable, there's a layer to gratitude that goes beyond simply being thankful for what’s good in our lives. What if, instead of just naming the things we’re grateful for, we explored the concept of gratitude for what we never planned, the moments that turned out unexpectedly well—or even, at first, unpleasant?

Life has a way of giving us experiences that feel uncomfortable, challenging, or even like missteps. And yet, these “unplanned gifts” are often the ones that lead us to growth, self-awareness, and resilience. This year, consider adding an extra layer to your gratitude practice by reflecting on the moments that threw you off course but ultimately brought you something valuable.

Gratitude isn’t just about what’s shiny and positive; it’s about finding purpose and meaning in the messiness too. So this season, I invite you to challenge yourself to embrace gratitude for the entire picture, for the planned and the unplanned alike. When we welcome the unexpected with gratitude, we shift our perspective and open ourselves up to the beautiful complexity of life.

Happy Thanksgiving—may it be filled with both expected joys and surprising gifts!

11/01/2024

"More than ever the world needs effective leaders. I'm excited to partner with you on your leadership journey." ~Michele Gooch

These coaching groups are designed for female leaders. Through practical strategies, personalized coaching, and peer collaboration, you'll gain the confidence, influence, and skills to lead effectively from the middle and advance your career.

09/04/2024

Stress is more than something we just cope with—it’s a tool we can use to build resilience!

Let’s flip the script on stress and see it as a chance to grow, connect, and align with what really matters. This article I wrote for Plaid For Womenshares some unconventional truths about stress resistance that you won’t hear every day. It’s time to stop fighting stress and start thriving with it! Who’s with me? 🙋‍♀️

Read more here: https://www.plaidforwomen.com/building-stress-resistance-the-unconventional-truths/

There’s more to true stress resistance than simply minimizing stressors or scheduling self-care. What really helps?

05/22/2024

I spent the weekend with my favorite 3 year old. On Saturday morning, she declared, "I want to go to school." Her Daddy's answer, "Today is not a school day." She made her declaration again, another calm reply from Daddy. After about 10 repeated declarations she got distracted and moved on.

Hours later, maybe even a day later, she says to me, "Mishma, I sorry I upset about school." Keep in mind she is only one month into being 3. School has never been mentioned again. She did not cry or throw a fit during the conversation about school, only persistently declared her desire. Of course, I responded, "It's okay. We all get upset sometimes." Then she turns to her daddy, "Daddy, I sorry I upset about school." He says, "It's okay. We are all sad at times."

WHAT just HAPPENED?!?!? Emotional intelligence in a barely 3 year old. She was able to state her concerns until she felt heard. Then she was able to come back to it and recognize her response was more passionate than the moment called for and own her need to regulate.

A recent study says leaders at top organizations have in common self-awareness. This awareness is what has made them phenomenal leaders.

Lead on my favorite 3 year old!

04/10/2024

The total solar eclipse was spectacular. I found it truly magical. Here's my perspective on the rare moment.

There are moments in life that seem to stand still, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane becomes magical. Experiencing a total solar eclipse is one such moment, a celestial ballet that reminds us of our place in the universe and the incredible beauty that nature bestows upon us....

04/08/2024

Let me just throw this out there -- What if you were calm, certain, sure and centered? What would this make possible?