One Saved Penny

HAPPINESS IS: My baby girl having a baby.

I will say though, there’s something no one really prepares you for when your daughter becomes a mother.

Of course, I'm bursting with love, pride, and joy, but I wasn't expecting the rush of all the other emotions.

I'm feeling things shift. The world is so different now. So much information lives right in the palm of her hand. Her husband gets paternity leave. That was unheard of when I was having my babies. There’s a strange feeling of grief in the realization that she won't need me the way I needed my mom.

I SO wish my mom could be here to witness this moment. To see how far my daughter has come since those days spent at grandma's kitchen table. To see her great-grandson. But I also know this sweet boy already carries a piece of her with him.

This last week has been quietly changing and challenging me. It’s reminding me that growth doesn’t always look like adding more or doing more, it can actually mean doing less. Just being present, available, and allowing myself to grow into this new season.

If I'm lucky, when I'm gone, my kids, grands and great grands will be wishing I was still here to witness their miracles too.

2025 has taught me more about myself, my business, my support system, and my priorities more than any book or business plan ever could.

I learned what really matters when life interrupts your routines. And I learned how valuable it is to build a life and a business that can be flexible without breaking.

I will be moving forward into 2026 with more intention, more clarity, and a deeper respect for what’s sustainable for my health, my work, and my relationships.

I don’t feel rushed and I don’t feel behind.

I feel grounded, and I’m choosing to build from that place.

I’m grateful for the people who walked with me through it, and for what’s unfolding next. I’m still here, and this community still matters to me, more than ever.

💕 Are you treating yourself like someone you truly love? 💕

Think about how you care for the people you love: encouraging them, supporting them, showing them kindness. Do you do the same for yourself? If not, today is the perfect day to start. 💖

In honor of Valentine's Day, what’s one small way you can show yourself love and care this week?

Look what I found in my desk drawer today!

Almost one year ago, I decided that it was time to upgrade my Ideal Protein with Penny/One Saved Penny office space. We were bursting at the seams, and I knew that in order to continue growing, it would require a move.

As with all things, I put my wish list in writing.

Do you want to guess how many of these items I was able to cross off my list when we found our new home just a few months later? If you guessed 100%, you would be correct.

There was a point where I thought I wanted a different building, and when it fell through, I was really upset. When I look back at this list today, I can see why it didn't work out. The parking was always full from the medical clinic next door. The reception area was very small, and would have been set apart from the retail area. The layout was wonky, and didn't flow well. Plus, it would have added an extra 10-15 minute commute both to and from work. At the time, I couldn't see any of that. Now that my list has reappeared, it is crystal clear.

Here's another fun fact about our space. I found it, not our broker. It wasn't even listed properly.

I know you all probably get tired of hearing me preach this, but let me say it again: YOU MUST WRITE OUT YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS! And then watch what happens next.

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I would love to hear from others who have used their own "magic pencil" or vision boards! Please share in the comments, or send me a private message.