As many women do, I found myself recently in one of those cocktail party conversations that I didn’t realize until later that I could have ended much sooner.

I was working to maintain a comfortable distance from my conversation partner, who had apparently been drinking heavily. Unconsciously, he closed the distance every time until he had backed me directly into a tree.

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Listening to Dave Ramsey’s radio show, I got to the point that I could recite by heart all of his “baby steps” for getting out of debt and building wealth.

I could answer listener questions right along with him, and I rolled my eyes impatiently when someone talked about how they wanted to continue to use credit cards due to the points.

I wholeheartedly believed Dave’s message. I understood that if I followed his instructions exactly, I could get the promised results.

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Catching up with TikTok friends on a Sunday morning, I was intrigued by a tag on a new acquaintance’s post: #skoolie.

Clicking on it, I found myself in a world of people who are taking #vanlife to the next level by converting old school buses into tiny homes and using them to explore the country.

I don’t think I’ll ever be one of them — driving is one of my least favorite activities. But I watched several videos and enjoyed them for a number of reasons.

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“Oh, so sad,” I said to my little nephew. “I guess you just don’t know how to brush your teeth.”

It was a risk, but it paid off. He got that steely-eyed look in his eye and proceeded to brush his teeth and put his pajamas on.

He did need a little help — he doesn’t actually know how to brush his teeth — but he was determined.

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I listen to a lot of podcasts. While doing the dishes, folding the laundry, mowing the lawn, walking or driving, podcasts are my go-to for education, entertainment, and connection when I’m alone.

I also read books, watch videos, and take courses. I enjoy these experiences until, just like the tail end of a meal, I am done. I don’t want any more.

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