Editor’s Note

Celebrating Courageous Women In our lives, courageous women shine brightly, embodying resilience and strength. They remind us that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the determination to forge ahead despite it. In this special edition of 5ive for Women, we honor those who inspire us to navigate life’s challenges with authenticity and grace. As I reflect on my own journey over the past three years, I am incredibly proud of how my family has navigated the challenges of divorce. It has been a time of growth, both for me and my fabulous five children, who have walked through …

If you want to change the world go home and love your family- Mother Theresa As I sit down to write this editorial for the June/July issue of 5ive for Women, I am filled with a mix of emotions. My daughter, Grace Theisen, has been a valuable contributor to our publication for many years, bringing her unique perspective on faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance to our readers. However, as she prepares to embark on a new chapter in her life as Grace Pulver, I am both sad to see her go but also excited for the journey that lies …

Embracing Mindfulness: A Journey towards Self-Rescue with a Dash of Humor Life can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. It’s been a journey for sure, and at times I’ve asked God if he was punking me. I have come to humbly realize that through it all, I had a power all along—the power of mindfulness and being present in my life. So, grab your sense of humor and join me on this journey as we explore how mindfulness can empower us in life’s challenges. Mindfulness is like …

The Fiery Spirit: A Woman’s Wisdom, Courage, and Ginger Hair In the depths of adversity, there exists a woman whose spirit burns bright with wisdom, courage, and a fiery mop of ginger hair. She has traversed the treacherous paths of hell yet emerged with a sense of humor that can light up the darkest of rooms. She embodies the resilience and strength that comes from facing life’s trials head-on, all while embracing her unique identity. With each step she takes, her ginger hair serves as a vibrant symbol of her individuality and strength. It is a crown of fiery determination, …

The brokenhearted are the bravest among us. They dared to love. –Brené Brown Hello, my sweet friends. I hope that you are enjoying this gorgeous summer that Central Wisconsin has served us. As I write this, I am still in the flannel I sported all weekend at Country Jam—enjoying a late-in-the-day coffee, as I just spent the last two hours looking for my readers (finally breaking down, running out to buy a new pair), only to find the glasses I was looking for on my head. That, my dear, is a bath of vulnerability, truth, and a splash of ADHD. …

You asked me If I ever stood up for anything. Yeah, I stood up for my life. –Tina Turner It sounds a bit cliché. Believe me, I know. When I started to think about this issue, I got all the quotes. You know the ones: So far, you have lived through 100 percent of your worst days. Position yourself to succeed by doing things that rejuvenate you. Do your best, and let the rest go. Be yourself, everyone else is taken (Oscar Wilde). Sound advice. However, it made me want to chuck the computer across the room. No offense to …

She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails. –Elizabeth Edwards My sweet, beautiful, brave friends, after much work and practice being vulnerable, I need to add resilience to the résumé. I am going to keep it 100 with all of you. Recently, as I was driving away after dropping Q off at school, I looked down and realized he had forgotten his lunch. My plan was to drop it off, but first I needed to grab a coffee and run home to change, since I was wearing silk pajama bottoms, …

If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present… gratefully. –Maya Angelou I share this Maya Angelou quote with my beautiful readers because her words have spilled over me when I have needed them most. Maya was an American poet, civil rights activist, and actor who is recognized as one of the most influential figures in American literature. Maya also experienced abuse and trauma and was able to find and share her voice and wisdom. Years ago, I printed and …

I am imperfect and vulnerable but I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging. –Brene Brown I am finally in a place where I can share some thoughts about my midlife shift. My friends, I reached a milestone birthday this past month. Well, it’s been a milestone year for a few years. I reflect on the past fifty years. The best, hardest, and most incredible thing I received was the opportunity to be a mother. I’d like to think I am always calm, cool, and collected. However, ask my children what it was like to have an Irish, …

Not everyone can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. –Martin Luther King, Jr. Ladies, mamas, my beautiful readers, we are all just trying to make it; the core of what really matters is that all of us are the same. Everyone wants to fulfill the highest expression of their selves. Whether a stay-at-home mom or a corporate executive, whether college educated or never finishing high school, we are all trying to make it. And none of us needs to …