Going through change? Make it a transition! Subtle, but important difference. Change happens to us. Transition is when we adapt to, and accept the change. A great conversation with our 5Star Life Insurance team in Lincoln Nebraska, a company I am honored to be part of. 5StarLife offers affordable insurance, geared toward the needs of our US Soldiers, National Guard and first responders. Our motto is, "We serve those who serve our nation."

Roxie and her “knock-knock” joke. Thank you, Roxie—you got me!

Someday, you’ll realize that it wasn’t all falling apart—it was all coming together. And then, there will be a rainbow.

Someday, you’ll realize that it wasn’t all falling apart—it was all coming together. And then, there will be a rainbow.

Here’s to taking time for reflection, at this beautiful Reflecting Pool and throughout life. #lincolnmemorialrefrectingpool #reflectingpool

“‘Come in,’ she said, ‘I’ll give you shelter from the storm.’”

Never watched a soccer game in my life, but today’s walk in DC became a lot about soccer. I met Michele, who works for a media group. She was lost and unable to find the event she was covering. Together, we found the location—a large area on the National Mall that had been closed off to the public. I asked Kristen, one of the event coordinators, what the event was about. She told me it was a watch party for the FIFA Soccer World Cup. I then showed them the selfie I had taken in the elevator at my hotel that morning with Marco Pasalic, a player on the Orlando City team. I took the photo so I could show my grandchildren, Lia and Joey, who both love soccer. The team has been staying at the same hotel. It has been wonderful watching the excited fans lined up down the block and seeing these young players be so gracious—signing autographs, posing for photos, and spending time with them. But my favorite part? Working out in the gym alongside the entire team. It was inspiring to see these young men, at the top of their game, who have already accomplished so much. #fifaworldcup #worldcup #SoccerFans

It’s not only people who wear uniforms who help keep us safe. One gift of my visit to Washington, DC, this week was the opportunity to spend time with a longtime friend, Elizabeth Daitz. Liz has extensive experience as a senior counsel in the New York City Law Department and the NYPD Legal Bureau. Her talents were quickly recognized, and in 2014 she took on several critical roles serving the Police Commissioner. For the past four years, Liz has served as Assistant Police Commissioner for the Suffolk County Police Department and is now about to be appointed as a Senior Advisor at the DEA in Washington, DC. She also served as a White House Fellow and now serves as Vice President of the White House Fellows Foundation and Alumni Association. Her credentials are remarkable, and her future is promising and boundless. Yet what I value most about Liz is how deeply she cares about an organization’s culture and the people within it. That is her most important credential—and the one that makes all the others possible. Most of all, thank you, Liz, for your friendship. More to come!

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC Reflection is a work in progress in life. It doesn’t just happen here. #reflectingpool #lincolnmemorialreflectingpool

A Walk Through Alexandria National Cemetery This historic cemetery, established during the Civil War, before Arlington National Cemetery, is the resting place of thousands who served our nation, including four firefighters who gave their lives in the search for John Wilkes Booth. Standing among these graves, I reflected on the toll that conflict, violence, and war have taken on humanity. As I walked back to my hotel, I found myself dreaming of something better for us all.

Old Town Alexandria, on my way to catch the train into Washington, DC. Know what makes this photo in a front lawn I passed special to me? Not the flower—the doorknob!

Visit to Arlington National Cemetery: A reminder of sacrifice.
A reminder of gratitude.
A reminder to live a life worthy of the opportunities we have been given.

Elephant joke!

A walk through Old Town Alexandria. Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and deep connections to early American history. Every corner seems to tell a story, making it easy to understand why this remains one of the most beloved historic districts in the country. Places like this help connect us not only to the past, but to one another as well.

If I had no calendar, I would still know that another September 11th anniversary is approaching. The number of people who begin visiting and gathering at the Rockaway 9/11 Tribute Park is all the reminder I need.

It’s not just the beach I enjoy—I also love watching other people enjoy it. It truly is a shared experience on this peninsula, and on days like this, it becomes quite festive.

“I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” — The Little Prince None of us is perfect. If we can accept the imperfections in the people we love, we can focus more on the things we love about them. In turn, they may show us even more of those qualities, and we can love them more. If we can accept our own imperfections, we can love ourselves more as well.