NEWSLETTER ​July 2025

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I'm really not the best with social media. Sometimes friends will send me funny reels to watch and I always laugh. But, as far as posting in any consistent fashion, I'm kind of awful at it.

For three weeks, I consistently posted twice a week. Just a quote or some thoughts. And I really enjoyed it because I had people I hadn't talked to in a while sending me messages. It's hard to stay in touch with everyone and that is one of the lovely benefits of social media. And then I fell off the bandwagon -- oh well!

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But one of the videos I posted was about not knowing what you want to be when you grow up. That it’s OK to not know. It’s never too late to pivot or start something new. Never.

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In the video I say, "You haven’t wasted any time. Everything you’ve done until this point has been collecting data –- intel -– on what you like, what you want more of, what you definitely don’t want. You’ve been getting closer and closer to figuring it all out. And it’s not too late -– it’s only too late when you’re dead."

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Something like that -– because I was just talking to a camera and I didn’t write down what I said. But that’s the gist of it. I posted it on social media with captions -– which I’m actually very proud I figured out. And then went on with my day. And a very funny thing happened. So many people responded to me. Wrote to me and said I was speaking to them. One message was about how much better the writer felt after having watched the video – because she’s had a history of jumping from thing to thing. And rather than see that as a flaw -– it’s such a relief to see it as ‘collecting data.’ Getting closer to what it is she really wants to do.

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Multiple messages like this one.

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So, why am I writing all of this? Well, first because I firmly believe life is easier and way more fun if we adopt an attitude of curiosity. Don't feel bad about still searching for the one thing that makes your heart sing (and it may never be just one thing). Second, if you are still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up, you are in very, very good company. As evident from the sheer number of messages I got in response to my video, most folks are still searching too.

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Don’t feel bad if you wait, procrastinate, change your mind.

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I think we are all a bit scared. That we won’t figure it out. About what other people will think if we pivot and try something new -- one, two, even 20 times? I know –- I sometimes feel that way too.

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We all need to let that go. Do you really think people are watching, keeping tabs, making note of how many things you start and then move on from? So few people are watching -- they are too busy starting their own new things. And if they are, most just want to be your cheerleader. And the 0.00005% who are watching with a critical eye, does it really matter what they think?

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Life isn't a competition for who figures it all out the fastest. There is no prize for deciding early on what you want to be when you grow up and sticking to it! Years ago when I was stressed about taking the SAT, my dad said to me, "You know Melissa, it's not like when you die and you get to the pearly gates, St. Peter is going to ask you: So, what did you get on your SATs?" Of course he was right, and I always laugh when thinking about my Jewish dad using St. Peter and the pearly gates to assuage my fears.

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There is no judgment for how many times you've tried something new, pivoted, changed your mind. St. Peter will not be a the pearly gates waiting to ask you how many new projects or ventures you started and didn't complete (nor will he ask about your SAT scores!).

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Be open, curious, and gentle with yourself. Be your own cheerleader. And if you need another one, email me. I'm cheering for you, too!💗

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Here's a photo of Alexander, one of my twins, right before he left for a week of Boy Scout camp. ​ When Alexander was planning on attending this week-long camp, packing, meticulously going though the two-page itemized list the Boy Scouts sent, I was thinking how I would hate to be going on this trip. OK, I won't use the word hate. I strongly dislike following rules and having people tell me what to do. I was never a very cooperative (or happy) camper! ​ Then when we found out the weather would be unbearably hot -– 100 degrees three of the camp days. I thought to myself, 'you could not pay me enough to go on this trip.'

​ I caught myself saying to Alexander, "Are you OK with this trip?" Not What are you most excited about? I think I even said something like "If it’s really rough, tell one of the adults and they will contact us to come get you." ​ Ummm, basically worst parent ever! ​ And then I checked myself. These were my own feelings about camp, rule-following, and hot weather creeping in. Why throw all of that on a boy who's super excited about this trip?? ​ My boys’ experiences and perceptions are not mine. How I would feel in their shoes is irrelevant because they are not me. I need to let them just experience the thing without my commentary. ​ A good lesson. One that I will try to remember. ​ I'll probably forget and put my foot in my mouth. Because I'm human and an over-protective mama bear. But I will try!🤍

A Business I LOVE: Melanie Sanders and Wishdrawals Travel

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My friend Melanie Sanders LOVES Disney. And, really, that is an understatement. Recently I was chatting with Melanie about Disney (as the five of us are headed to Japan and are making a one-day visit to Disney by the Sea in Tokyo), her work planning Disney vacations, even the best place to see Disney fireworks if you aren't in the park (yes, she had a ready answer!) and she shared some of her Disney backstory:

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"I’ve loved all things Disney since I was a little girl. My first memory was watching Mickey and Goofy dance on a stage. I’ve visited the parks many times. Disney is my happy place. Let's not even talk about how many times I’ve cried watching the fireworks.

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My mother was a lover of all things Disney as well. She showered us with movies, TV shows, and cartoons, and reminded us to never forget magic and fun, wishes and dreams. My love for it is my connection to her now that she is gone. She found joy in it, and it's that joy I want to share

with others."

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We talked, too, about the stress of planning vacations, especially Disney vacations -- how overwhelming it can be to think through all of the details, the best place to stay, how to handle crowds, what's worth it to spend extra money on and what's not. To have someone who is an expert help you just makes so much sense!

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Melanie shared: "This is where I come in. Reaching out to a travel planner is the best and easiest thing you can do. It doesn’t cost any extra and we do the hard work. We do the research, compare prices, and work within your budget. We’ll book your resorts, dining reservations, tickets, and any extras you desire. If any questions or problems arise, we are there to take care of it. We literally take the stress out of it."

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After many years of wanting to take the plunge and just do it, Melanie partnered with a well-established Disney travel agency, Withdrawls Travel, last year. She operates as a fully independent consultant but has access to their entire Disney network to help her clients find the best Disney trip for their budget.

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If you are considering a trip to Disney -- theme parks, cruises, resorts, etc. definitely give Melanie a ring. She is thoughtful, patient, and such a Disney enthusiast, you can't help but feel excited. And if you do, please say 'hi' from me!

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You can contact Melanie by phone or email:

Email: melanie.sanders@wishdrawals.com

Mobile: 636-875-3211

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*Each month I share a business that I love. There is no reciprocal gain that I receive from sharing these businesses. I do so because I want to support other small businesses doing wonderful things!

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Is it time for a fresh, new lens?

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