Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!
Don't put off your potential — try coaching and book a complimentary Coaching Session today! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning
💡Aha! Moment
You know that feeling when life seems like a giant, unsolved puzzle? You've got all these pieces—experiences, passions, ambitions—scattered in front of you, and you're just trying to figure out how they all fit together.
Today is National Puzzle Day, and it feels like the perfect metaphor for the journey I've been on since stepping out of the corporate world.
When I left my 9-to-5 (let's be honest, 7-to-7), I didn’t have a clear picture of what the “finished puzzle” of my life would look like. But I did know what my corner pieces were: helping others, creating unforgettable experiences, my love for travel, and making time with family. These were my anchors—the pieces I built around. And if you’ve ever stared at a thousand scattered puzzle pieces, you’ll know the relief of snapping those first few edges into place.
But here’s the thing about life—it’s not a straightforward picture. It’s more like one of those 1,000-piece puzzles where everything looks like sky. Some pieces clicked right away, others felt like they’d never fit, and some are still a mystery.
As 2025 unfolds, I’m seeing how these pieces are finally coming together into a vibrant, cohesive picture of my most authentic life—and I couldn’t be more excited to share what’s next.
What’s Coming in 2025?
- Expanding “Kickin’ It with Kristen”
What started as a personal outlet to hold me accountable for writing, learning, and staying on the lookout for those Aha! moments will be shifting slightly as we approach the end of February. While it’s not a big change, KIWK will evolve to align more closely with the work I’m doing now. We’ll keep the beloved Aha! moments, but this next chapter will bring in more of my passions—event planning, personal travel stories, and leadership coaching—all in one space. It’s a small but meaningful adjustment to reflect who I am and how I can serve you better.
- Growing My Coaching Business
This year, I’m introducing a new coaching program designed for flexibility—no rigid schedules, no waiting for next week’s session. Clients can connect with me in real-time, whether they’re stuck, inspired, or just need a moment of guidance. And to complement this, I’ll be hosting retreats in early 2026. These immersive, transformative experiences will combine coaching, event planning, and personal growth to help people reset, recharge, and realign with their goals. More to come in March 2025!
- My Book Is Coming… But I’m Not the Only Author in the Family!
Writing a book felt like taking on one of those puzzles with extra tiny pieces—it stretched me in ways I didn't expect. But now that it's done, I'm so excited to share it with you. This book isn't just about my journey; it's packed with insights and lessons for anyone looking to build a life they're proud of. And here's the best part—I'm not the only author in the family! My niece, Ellis, decided that if Aunt Kristen can write a book, so can she. Want to be the first to know when our books are launching? Sign up for the waitlist here to get exclusive early access, special pre-launch content, and updates straight to your inbox! Title reveals and pre-sales for both books are coming soon, and I can't wait for you to see what we've been working on!
- Continuing to Grow My Hotel Sourcing Business
As an independent licensee for HelmsBriscoe, I have the absolute honor of representing an incredible company and helping my clients place their meetings all over the world. From Toronto to London to Las Vegas, and even Norman, Oklahoma, I’ve had the privilege of taking work off my clients’ plates, getting them amazing deals, and all at no cost to them. It’s such a rewarding part of my work—helping others while building long-term relationships that make a global impact.
Why This Matters
What excites me most about these pieces is how they connect. The book will fuel the retreats. The coaching will bring more depth to “Kickin’ It with Kristen.” And my work with HelmsBriscoe continues to complement all of it by allowing me to build relationships and create value for my clients across the globe. Each piece is part of something bigger—a holistic approach to empowering others while staying true to my own journey.
At the end of the day, every single piece matters. Even the ones that don’t seem to make sense right away. So, if you’re staring at your own pile of life’s puzzle pieces right now, take heart. You’re not alone. Each moment, each decision, is bringing you closer to your authentic picture.
What’s one piece of your life puzzle you’ve snapped into place recently? I’d love to hear about it!
1️⃣One Thing I...
🏫 Learned - Here’s a fun fact I came across this week: to reach a lethal dose of caffeine through Diet Coke for someone my size, I’d need to drink over 300 cans. 😳 Don’t worry—I have no plans to test that theory! The recommended daily maximum is around 11 cans, which is still WAY more Diet Coke than I’d ever consider drinking in one day.
While this little fact gave me a chuckle, it also reminded me of how important moderation is in everything we consume. I love my caffeine fix as much as anyone, but understanding limits helps me feel more intentional about my choices. It’s always good to know the science behind the things we enjoy, and this little tidbit reinforced my commitment to living a balanced, health-conscious life.
Check out the Caffeine Calculator and find out what your lethal dose is.
📖 Read - I recently dove into an article by Briana Bonfiglio titled "The Most Anticipated Hotel and Resort Openings of 2025." Let me tell you, it was a treat to read! The article walks you through a lineup of incredible properties set to open next year, from luxury safari lodges in Kenya to boutique hotels tucked into the heart of European cities. These new destinations promise everything from breathtaking lake views to immersive cultural experiences—and yes, it’s hard not to start mentally packing your bags while reading.
Out of all the jaw-dropping properties mentioned, three stood out as my personal favorites. First, the andBeyond Suyian Lodge in Kenya—it’s a dream for anyone who loves safaris and wants up-close-and-personal interactions with both local wildlife and tribes. Next, the Fairmont Golden Prague caught my eye with its mix of Brutalist architecture and curated fine art—Prague is one of my favorite cities, and this hotel seems like it’ll capture its charm beautifully. Finally, the Lake Como EDITION in Italy had me daydreaming about serene mornings overlooking the lake, surrounded by luxury and nature. These places hit all the notes I love: adventure, culture, and peaceful escapes.
👀 Watched - This week, I watched an absolutely adorable video where kids interviewed Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo about their roles in the upcoming Wicked movie. The kids didn’t hold back with their questions, and the combination of curiosity, humor, and genuine answers made it a great watch. Ariana and Cynthia handled the questions with so much charm, and the behind-the-scenes tidbits about their roles and the filming process were the icing on the cake for fans like me.
One standout moment? Cynthia Erivo casually showing off her whistling skills—and not just any whistling. It was one of those unexpected, wow-this-is-cool moments that added a playful energy to the whole interview. If you need a smile or a little feel-good moment, I highly recommend checking it out!
✔️ Accomplished - This week brought a big win: I successfully closed two event contracts! This milestone was particularly rewarding because the events industry is competitive, and there’s a lot of strategy, planning, and relationship-building that goes into every deal.
But for me, these contracts mean more than just business. They represent trust—clients trusting me to deliver, and me trusting in the collaborative process that makes events truly unforgettable. Plus, knowing the events ahead will bring people together to create amazing memories? That’s what makes all the hard work worth it. It’s moments like this that remind me why I love what I do and motivate me to keep reaching for that next milestone.
🤔Insight for the Week
If you can say it, you can see it. If you can see it, you can achieve it. ~ Unknown
❓Ask Kristen
Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Illinois!
Q: Lately, I just feel out of sorts at work…how do I go about figuring out what's going on?
A: First, take a deep breath—you’re not alone! Feeling out of sorts can feel unsettling, but it’s also a great opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters to you. Here are a few questions to help you get to the root of it:
- What has changed? Has something shifted in your personal values, workplace dynamics, or goals? Maybe your role has taken on unexpected responsibilities, or you’ve evolved in a way your work no longer aligns with.
- What’s draining you? Take stock of what leaves you feeling tired or unmotivated. Is it a specific task, your physical environment, or something deeper? Spotting the energy drainers is the first step to addressing them.
- What does your ideal workday look like? Picture yourself energized and excited—what would that day look like for you? Use that vision to pinpoint what adjustments you can make to move closer to your ideal.
- What would you do if fear wasn’t holding you back? Fear often stops us from making bold moves. Ask yourself: is fear the reason you’re staying where you are or avoiding a new challenge?
Reflecting on these questions can help you uncover what’s really going on and guide you toward meaningful action.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, I’d love to support you in your journey through coaching. Sign up for a free coaching session, and let’s work together to create a path forward that feels exciting, aligned, and authentic to you!
I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, just hit reply and let me know.
Forwarded this email? SIGN UP HERE. Follow me on LinkedIn.
