“Oh my gosh, Susan,” said Lisa, “I know it’s barely even fall but, seriously, can this year be over already?” “What’s going on?” I asked. Before sharing my friend’s story, there are a few things you should know about Lisa. She is one of the smartest, high-achieving, empathetic and optimistic leaders I know. This woman handles stress with a smile on her face and grace in her heart. There’s something magnetic about Lisa’s unique combination of wisdom, warmth and practical insig

We wandered down the winding streets of St Albans, just outside London, past centuries-old whitewashed cottages nestled together in charming disarray. I had been looking forward to this day, our one day in the country before Tim and I boarded a European cruise, and a chance to reconnect with friends whom we hadn’t seen in years. While Tim and Stan meandered ahead toward our destination, Helen and I strolled slowly together over cobblestones worn smooth by generations of foot

It was supposed to be the perfect start to a relaxing summer weekend. I left the grocery store Friday afternoon with a smile, anticipating a leisurely dinner with friends who were stopping by to visit with Tim and me on their annual trek from Chicago to the Delaware beaches. “Oh no!” I gasped, spotting my car in the parking lot. There, glistening in the sun, was my silver sedan — with an unfamiliar, smashed-in driver side corner, bumper hanging from its brackets. I ra