I watched Kelsea Ballerini earlier this week on TODAY. She was a cohost on “Jenna and Friends” with Jenna Bush Hager. But, before the fourth hour of the show, she had a short segment where she spoke with Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly. It’s a big month for Kelsea, as she’s two weeks into her first arena tour for her album, “Patterns” and her upcoming season of “The Voice.”

 

Kelsea landed another one of her dream jobs, and Savannah said NBC producers were talking to a lot of people for the coveted spot.

 

“I read that you looked across the table from them and said, ‘I know you’ve seen a lot of people, but I.Want.This.Job,” Savannah said.

 

Kelsea responded with, “I just…I feel like you have to bet on yourself.” She explained that the producers came to Nashville after Blake left the show, and she had dinner with them. Kelsea didn’t know who else they were talking to but told them she knew she was newer. “I’m sure you’re interviewing legends, but I really want this job and I promise I can do it.”

 

How often do we count ourselves out before we’ve had a chance to get our feet off the ground? That’s the kind of energy I want to take into the rest of the year. Going for it, even if it seems impossible. Asking the questions, having the hard conversations and reminding myself that I’m worth it. I’m worth the risk. There are plenty of people who aren’t going to believe in us, no matter what, so why wouldn’t we be the ones standing in our own corner?

 

So, maybe this will be the year that I write the book. Or send that email to ask for an opportunity that might not otherwise come. What happens after isn't for you to decide, but you have to, at least, give it a try. It will feel much better knowing you did what you could, then leaving God the rest. 

I turned 33, there were terrible fires in LA (now fully contained), our country is in another major time of transition with the new administration, trying to keep up with social media changes, planning and prepping for the semester with work…And who can forget keeping up with all the “It Ends with Us” drama? My friends and I actually have a group chat where we send each other TikTok clips and articles off and on all day, dissecting and analyzing every line and voice recording. And now we have a court date…Next March (2026). It's going to be a wild ride until then. 

But, there have been a lot of good books, TV watching, comfort coloring books with acrylic paint markers, reflecting, a couple friend visits. 

Over the last couple years, I feel like I've sat on the sidelines far too often. Now, it's time to get back in the game. Every baby step counts for something. 

Something to think about…💭📓

The new year always brings so many big questions, reflections and pages of journaling with hopes for the future. It's all a little overwhelming, to be honest. Why add more to your to-do list? Sometimes you just have to jump and let it splash! 

But, here are a few lighter questions as we move into February…