Shannon's Corner

  Most of us were taught how to make decisions. Very few of us were taught how to  discern . Deciding is often fast and external. What makes sense? What’s practical? What will keep others happy? Discernment is slower and deeper. It asks:   What is true for me? What is being invited? What aligns with who I am becoming? Decision-making is about options. Discernment is about alignment. A decision asks,  “What should I do?” Discernment asks,  “Who am I becoming — and what choice is faithful to that?” For those of us in seasons of transition—burnout, grief, change, or quiet longing—or those who are wired to care, serve, and show up for others, discernment can feel unfamiliar. We’re often trained to respond to needs, expectations, and urgency rather than to our own inner knowing. Over time, this pulls us out of ourselves. Discernment is how we learn to listen again. It is   the gentle, courageous practice of coming back home.

  We move through our days quickly. There’s always somewhere to be, something to respond to, someone who needs us. We check boxes, reply to messages, meet expectations, and press on. From the outside, it looks like a full life. But on the inside, many of us carry a quiet ache:  When was the last time I paused long enough to really hear myself?   Reflection is that pause.   It is the intentional choice to step out of reaction mode and into awareness. It’s the quiet work of turning toward your inner world with honesty, curiosity, and compassion — not to judge or fix, but simply to listen. Reflection is how we come home to ourselves.   Without reflection, life becomes something that happens  to  us. Days blur together. We feel busy but unanchored. We say yes out of habit. We react instead of choosing. We keep carrying stories, beliefs, and expectations that may no longer fit the person we are becoming. Reflection interrupts that autopilot.   What ref...

  For many of us, saying  no  doesn’t feel simple. It feels risky. Vulnerable. Uncomfortable. Maybe even unsafe. We worry: Will they be disappointed? Will I lose connection? Will I look selfish or unhelpful? Will this cost me an opportunity?   And underneath those fears is something deeply human: we all want to belong — without abandoning ourselves to do it. Learning how to say no is not about becoming rigid or distant. It’s about honoring your voice, power, and relationships — all at the same time. It’s about choosing  truth over approval  — while staying kind.   Here’s how to begin.   Step 1: Notice the Pause Before the Yes Most of us say yes automatically. The request comes in and our mouth moves faster than our internal check-in. Practice creating a  pause  — even a sentence like: “Let me think about that and get back to you.” “I need to look at my schedule first.” “I want to be thoughtful and/or pray before I commit.” ...