KristiAndrus.com

22/05/2024

New blog post! It's my birthday, and I'll cry if I want to.

I'm sharing how I find balance amidst life's highs and lows. Discover simple practices that help me stay grounded from gratitude to forgiveness.

Check it out, and let's celebrate together!

https://kristiandrus.medium.com/whatever-you-call-it-work-life-balance-is-still-b-a-l-a-n-c-e-cbfd11ad676c?sk=b39957eb9e93a71dae552b354a36b043

🎂 (don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!) ✨

Balancing Act: Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Growth

30/04/2024

🌟 Let's Make This Summer Unforgettable! 🌟

Calling all moms and parents!

With Mother's Day, Graduation Season, and Summer Break just around the corner, it's the perfect time to prioritize self-care and intentional living.

Join me, Work/Life Balance Expert Kristi Andrus, for a transformative 3-part video training series:

🔍 Discover 5 powerful life lessons for happiness and success.
☀️ Design a summer to remember with my 5-Step Formula.
🧠 Pinpoint your mindset and bridge the gap for major momentum.

Ready to make it count? Click below for Your Golden Ticket to an Unforgettable Summer! 👇

Join Work/Life Balance Coach Kristi Andrus for a free 3-part video training to: Design a fulfilling, memorable, feel-good summer with the potential to change your life. Find clarity about what you want and create a plan to make it happen. Learn and apply the 5 powerful life lessons happy, successful...

22/04/2024

Thinking Beyond a Weeklong Vacation: Unlocking the True Potential of Summer (Five Steps to an Unforgettable Summer)

🌞 First, get outside more.

🌞 Second, set your intentions.

🌞 Third, create a plan.

🌞 Fourth, check in weekly.

🌞 Fifth, it's a team effort.

Are you a working parent conflicted about making the most of summer while working full-time?

During my time in Corporate America, with three young children and frequent business travel, summer represented a promise—a chance to slow down and cherish moments with my kids. But reality often fell short of expectations.

The funny thing was, I didn't have summers off. Nothing fundamentally changed for me at work except for one small concession: My company offered "Summer Fridays," which meant closing up shop two hours earlier than normal.

Yet, that was enough to start to shift my perspective about work/life balance. It was the permission I needed to see things differently and begin reprioritizing my life.

A decade later, I'm off during the summer every year, but it's the same old struggle for most working parents when their kids are out of school. The pull toward home is undeniable, yet work demands often overshadow the desire to make the most of these precious months.

Most families don't have the flexibility to take full advantage, so while summer feels seductive, in practicality, it's full of disruption, frustration, and guilt.

But there is a way to transform summer into the reset you dream of, and it's available to you now, even if you have a full-time job.

If you're eager to learn how to implement these strategies and make the most of your summer, join me at a live women's workshop next Saturday, 4/27, in the Greater Denver Metro area.

Hear from four experts, including me, about gaining practical strategies for improving communication and work-life balance. Your ticket includes food, giveaways, and connection with like-minded women. I look forward to meeting you in person and helping you create an unforgettable summer with your family!

01/03/2024

Remember the days of boredom? Yeah, they're a distant memory for me, too, but way back in the 80s, boredom was real.

Today, we're navigating a world brimming with endless possibilities, accessible right at our fingertips. 📱

So, if you've ever doubted your ability to pursue your dreams—starting a business, traveling the world, or embracing parenthood—think again. The world is yours for the taking.

And speaking of dreams, it's time for my Week 8 Status Report on my 50-for-50 journey. 📊✨

👉 Read it on LinkedIn​

or

👉 Read it on Medium

I'll post both links in the comments. 🤩🤩

29/01/2024

🐝 Our daughter made it to the district spelling bee! She was one of 34 kiddos representing 50,000 students in one of the top districts in the country. She’s an incredible kid, and I’m one proud mama. 🐝

By the way, this week is the third installment of my ​50-for-50 challenge​, a journey to success and fulfillment. I’m sharing some exciting highlights from this week’s progress in key areas:

🎯 Goals: Crushing some, struggling with others another week – another step closer to the vision!
✈️ Trips: Planning amazing adventures that inspire growth and create lasting memories. Where should I go next?
🍲 Recipes: Explored some new family-approved favorites. What’s your favorite go-to recipe for success?
📖 Books: Always investing in personal development and decadent escapes. Currently immersed in Paradiso, an Italian soap opera. Anyone else? What are you watching? Any recommendations for my next read?
🧠 Learning Streaks: Continuously expanding the knowledge base. What’s your favorite way to maintain momentum?
🤝 Networking: Engaged with inspiring minds. Let’s connect and elevate each other!

The links to this week’s status report and to sign up for the challenge are in the comments.

xo, Kristi

05/01/2024

🎉 Drumroll, please... I’ve officially kicked off my “50 for 50” list!

📜 It’s not your typical list – it’s a mix of 50 things I want to do at least 50 times (in the year before I turn 50) and one-time activities that will pay off 50 times over. I’m all in for a year of meaningful moments and making the most of it.

📚 I invite you to join me on this journey of living with intention, setting measurable goals, and celebrating every accomplishment. Read all about it below. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and maybe even get some ideas from you.🥂

08/12/2023

This might be my favorite photo of all time. It represents two dreams come true. The first dream come true is a happy family. We had a cancer scare, a congenital heart issue, and some fertility issues early on, so our dreams of a happy family were pretty improbable for a while.

Of course, there were happy family photos before and after the one I'm looking at, but I picked this one because it also captures another dream come true: visiting Prague.

Prague was a bucket-list destination for its architecture, history, and beauty. Prague is one of the best-preserved cities in Europe. It survived WW2 bombings throughout the continent, and much of its historic center looks the same as it did hundreds of years ago.

Prague is also rare in that it contains buildings from every major age in architecture: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo.

I love this photo because it's evidence of my dreams coming true, but also, the colors and the mood embody my aesthetic: The astronomical clock, the symbolism, the grittiness, the complexity — it feels like me.

One of the surprising strategies I recommend in my latest blog post is to look at a photo that represents one or more dreams come true. (It doesn't have to be the photo where you looked the best or one that marked a momentous occasion in your life.)

If you don't have one, envision it. Long before the Prague photo was taken, I imagined that day.

In my post, I open up about personal experiences and share insights beyond the usual goal-setting advice. You can read it on ​Medium: https://kristiandrus.medium.com/unconventional-wisdom-three-surprising-strategies-to-dreaming-big-and-achieving-the-impossible-93e6981a8203?sk=3a67ea095ea1818a70fd093909a93ed9

01/10/2023

When working on my To-Do List, I like to put on an audiobook or binge my favorite podcasts, but when I'm writing or doing creative work, I love YouTube Ambiance.

Some of my faves are:
📺 Cozy coffee shop
📺 Sunday morning jazz
📺 Flying over Italy
📺 Relaxing at Magic Kingdom
📺 Treehouse fireplace
📺 Paris cafe

The vibes are everything! Do you love them too?

28/09/2023

I just finished 🍍 Pineapple Street by 🍍 and recently discovered Coincidence? I think not.

are in right now (maybe they were never out), but are they better?

📣 New post alert ‼️

So fun: www.kristiandrus.com/blog ✍️

15/09/2023

Embrace Life's Transitions with Confidence!

Are you facing career changes, family planning, or major life events? Download my FREE CHECKLIST to navigate these transitions like a pro. Get it now! Link in comments.

30/08/2023

One year later, we did it again!

Epic :
1 bus
1 bike ride
1 cable car
1 photoshoot
2 weeks
2 days with 3 capitals in 1 day 🤩
2 grandparents
3 books
3 siblings
3 siblings-in-law
5 countries
5 trains
5 cousins
7 cities
14 family members
So much laughter
All the beer
4,000 (ish) photos
25,000 first editions at a 1,000-year-old library 📚
39,000 steps in one day
Almost 0 screen time

Last year was the reset I needed. This year was the connection I craved.

Discovering new favorite places with our children, seeing history up close and personal, reminding ourselves how beautiful the world is everything.

Feeling inspired and deep contentment. 💕

(Travel journal posts coming soon!)

27/08/2023

You are invited to try coaching for free. I’ve scheduled three upcoming 30-minute Zoom sessions. DM for links.

8/27/23 11:00 AM
8/29/23 5:00 PM
9/1/23 9:00 AM

24/08/2023

My mother-in-law smoked and drank while she played cards with the other moms in the neighborhood.

The women wandered in and out of each other's kitchens, and the kids wandered in and out of each other's backyards. Their lives overlapped, and the neighbors knew each other well because they weren't just neighbors; they were friends, confidants, babysitters, carpool sharers, and more.

Sure, it was a different time, and having a local network like that seems like a dream. How many failed attempts, group texts, and months out does it take to schedule a play date in your neighborhood?

But it wasn't all rainbows and cupcakes. My MIL didn't drive, have a bank account, or a career. That was up to her husband. And it was pretty normal back then. You were either a stay-at-home mom or worked outside the home and didn't have kids.

You didn't change your mind; you made the best of it.

There wasn't work-from-home or remote flexibility or internet-based business or hybrid offices.

We've come so far, yet if you're trying to do both successfully, it can feel like we have miles to go.

It would help to have a role model, a community who gets it, and like-minded women to share stories, swap secrets, and be there for you, personally and professionally.

If the idea of having a village appeals to you, reply with "village," and I'll send you a special link!

28/07/2023

Flashback to these little adventurers.

Best advice we were ever given:
Take them everywhere and start young.

It’s a recipe for a good life!

17/07/2023

At the pool with the kids

And I was thinking about

Work/Life Balance...

I've heard it described in a lot of ways, hated on, held up as a goal, and eye-rolled.

Here's my take:

Work/Life Balance is the time, money, energy, resources, and support to pursue meaningful personal and professional goals.

Thoughts?

01/06/2023

Join me in counting down 48 life lessons over 48 years. Here we go!🎉

35. Gamble in Las Vegas

🎲 So, it's a story for another time, but my hubby used to live and work in a casino with his buddies. In their 20s. And they had a per diem. Can you imagine? 🎲

When we were dating and before kids, we spent a lot of time there. And we had a blast.

Gambling addiction is no joke, but there is something to be said for going to a place to soak up the sun, party with your friends, roll the dice, and be a little wild occasionally.

01/06/2023

Join me in counting down 48 life lessons over 48 years. Here we go!🎉

36. Choose Yourself

I don't know you, so I can't say for sure that you're putting everyone else first, but it happens. In part, it's because you love your people, and caring, nurturing, and supporting them is personally rewarding.

It also unintentionally happens, as a boss, teacher, leader, or parent, when you become responsible for more people.

But sometimes, you might not notice how far you've gotten away from yourself, from who you are, your needs, your goals, and your dreams. And then, one day, you don't recognize your life.

It's not a disaster, per se, but it's not as good as it could be, either.

So, rather than striving, aspiring, postponing, or deprioritizing yourself, try taking 5 minutes each day.

Try choosing selfishly at least once a week. Try putting your priorities at the top of the list occasionally.

Fill your cup first.

01/06/2023

Join me in counting down 48 life lessons over 48 years. Here we go!🎉

37. Create Community

Notice, I intentionally didn't say find your tribe or contribute to your community; I think it's more proactive than that. The world needs more community creators.

Whether that's Girl Scouts or PTCO, a writers or walking group, a book club, a networking community (or anything really), join, contribute, collaborate, and create communities.

Take a cue from your kiddos. You know how when you go to the playground or the pool, by when it's time to go home, they first have to introduce you to their new friend?

They don't have to know everything there is to know about someone to make friends. They find a common interest or game and organize around that.

Try it! Making friends when you're older is more complicated, but going first can make it easier.

If you like someone or they have good energy, invite them to do something together.

It's good to know people, but it's also good to know there are good people out there.

01/06/2023

Join me in counting down 48 life lessons over 48 years. Here we go!🎉

38. Buy a Home

Buying a house is an essential life skill. There's an art and science to it that stretches you financially to prioritize your life without getting in over your head.

And while that much responsibility can be daunting, what else shelters you, provides equity, and grows in value virtually guaranteed?

And, like wishing you planted a tree 20 years ago, homes are as affordable as they'll ever be when you buy.

01/06/2023

Join me in counting down 48 life lessons over 48 years. Here we go!🎉

39. Exhibit Leading Lady Energy

⭐️ We hear a lot about role players, and it's true for families, teams, and careers; your role might be well-defined and essential, and not everyone can be (or wants to be) in charge or leading. But there's one place to always be comfortable in the spotlight: your own life. You are the star of the show!

It's a hero's journey, and you are on an epic quest to make the most of your life. It's intensified by knowing you only get one chance, so you must step up, show out, and own it.
Be magnetic, irresistible, compelling, a force of nature. Not all the time, but certainly when it counts. ⭐️

30/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

40. Start a Business

I read this story once about how a woman wanted to quit her job to start a business, and she was telling someone her plans.

The other person asked, what will happen if it doesn't work? What's your worst-case scenario?

She said I guess I'll go back to my job.

The other person said so you can start a business or live your worst-case scenario - your call.

And before you convince yourself that you have to know what business you want to start or feel a passion or calling, accept that there are other ways to earn money that allow you to call the shots. Pretty cool, right?

Once you're excited about that, the next steps will fall into place.

30/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

41. Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Unless you love hair, makeup, clothes, skincare, and style, or it's part of your job, you've got to know what works for you and be able to go from hot mess to ready for anything in 15 minutes or less.

30/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

42. Negotiate a Win-Win

Step One: Know your Negotiables, Non-Negotiables, and Easy Gives.

Step Two: Separate the people, emotions, and the outcome.

Step Three: Be cool.

Step Four: Let the other side do the talking.

Step Five: Walk away if you have too much to lose or the compromise is too compromising.

29/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

43. Bargain Shop like a Pro

The world is an enormous treasure trove of everything you need x 100.

Because there's an excess, there's no need to pay retail for anything.

If you don't "know a guy, who knows a guy" (or woman, of course), ask for a referral or recommendation, wait until it's on sale or until the interest rates drop, negotiate, or choose a more affordable alternative.

I'm generally for making the most of life and capitalizing on the moment. So, if it's an unprecedented opportunity, an experience, or an event, take full advantage, even if it means occasionally paying retail.

But if it's stuff, wait for the deal, especially if it's online stuff.

The exception to bargain shopping is limited-time opportunities — not scarcity or marketing messages — but true; it can only happen now for various reasons (your health, your kids are only young for a little while, you and your husband are flush with cash for some reason, you have a month off, etc.)

For everything else, there's opportunity cost. For example, negotiating a home price of $50,000 less saves you more than $70,000 over the life of the loan. That's $70k you can use for epic trips or investments—opportunity cost.

29/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

44. Plan an EPIC Vacation
If you know me, you know I'm OBSESSED with going EVERYWHERE. You should be too. I will never stop traveling, writing about, coaching, or planning trips because it's the most effective way to love life and make discoveries about yourself and others. Not to mention deepen your understanding of cultures, communities, and history, and did I say endlessly inspiring?

The 🌎 is enormous, and you can't see everything, but each place unlocks a new level of appreciation.

No worries if you haven't yet started or haven't experienced travel like that. You can start today and don't have to go everywhere or far (at first). Let your comfort and anticipation build.

Start with a day trip, road trip, staycation, or destination that changes your perspective.

I'll give you an example in the comments. ⬇️

29/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

45. Apologize With Grace

It is shocking how many people don't, won't, or fumble apologies.

Practice. Look someone right in the eye. Hold their gaze and deliver your heartfelt apology succinctly and with conviction.

Don't wait too long after the offense. And never say, "I'm sorry you feel…". It's the worst kind of passive-aggressive abdication of responsibility anti-apology possible.

29/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let's count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

46. Start a Garden

Gardening is like golf. It takes strategy and patience. You can improve throughout your life. And, it takes different muscles than you use in daily living.

Start by planting a tree, then container or porch gardening, first flowers, then vegetables. That should be enough to get you hooked.

You'll enjoy its zen qualities and the feeling of accomplishment. You kids will learn life skills, and if you're lucky, you'll literally get to eat the fruits of your labor!

26/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let’s count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

47. Learn Your Natural Schedule

You know, as a coach, I love the ideal day exercise. It’s so informative! And inspiring. But there’s a powerful life hack you can implement way before your ideal days come true: using your natural schedule to your advantage.

It might sound like the same thing, but it’s more like a prerequisite. Think of it this way: your brain and body prefer the conditions under which they work best.

Complex problem-solving or creative writing might be easier in the morning. Working out may work better in the afternoon. Generally speaking, men have 24-hour cycles, women have 28-day cycles, and energy, attention, focus, confidence, and moods fluctuate accordingly.

Self-awareness is paramount. Knowing when something comes easily for you and when you can focus most intently to do your best work vs. when you struggle and when it’s hard to produce anything of value will make you 10,000 times more productive than any productivity hack.

Learn your schedule, know your body, train your brain, and life becomes exponentially simpler. This advantage will give you an edge.

25/05/2023

Are you forty-something?
Me too!
Have you learned a few things along the way?
Me too!
Are you giving yourself a second-half pep talk?
Me too!

Let’s count down 48 life lessons together. Here we go!🎉

48. Give a Memorable Compliment

Like apologies, there's a right way to show appreciation. If all of your acknowledgments are about what someone is wearing or looks like (cute hair, love the outfit, where'd you get the shoes, fun nails, gorgeous tan), try mixing it up by complimenting what someone did, does or can do  — something inherent to who they are (you have the best laugh, I see how good you are with kids, you are a patient teacher, you lead so effortlessly, your journey is inspiring, your perspective is refreshing, your kindness lights up this building, your habits motivate me to change, your art moves me, your enthusiasm makes us feel brave).

17/05/2023

I found this tool today.
One, the name is perfect. It's called the Better Life Index.

There is more to life than GDP and the economy – It allows you to compare well-being across countries based on 11 essential quality of life topics.

Two, I sorted by work/life balance rankings (obviously) because that's what I write about (and champion) weekly in my Linkedin newsletter.

🙋🏻‍♀️ What topics matter to you?
🙋🏻‍♀️ Any surprises regarding the rankings?

Here's the link to the tool: https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/ and my newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/work-life-balance

Enjoy!