I am the co-author of the internationally published book, Letters to Our Daughters(Beyond Words; Hyperion). Once upon a time our beautiful book was featured on the Oprah Show. It is a collection of 44 letters from women around the world, to their daughters. It illustrates the common threads that connect us as human beings in-spite of our differences.

My beloved co-author and best friend, Molly Davis and I are the owners of Matters That Matter LLC, www.themattersthatmatter.wordpress.com & www.mattersthatmatter.com. As facilitators, our programs seek to inspire people to consider the matters that matter to them, and in so doing, find new ways to live that are more reflective of who they are and what they value.  We have been BLESSED by the responses we have received from audiences across the country. They have encouraged and taught us more than we thought possible.

We strongly believe that our lives are best governed by our most deeply held values, beliefs and priorities. Yet there is much to distract and dilute even the best of intentions.  Rather than trust what we know to be true, we often succumb to demands and expectations other than our own.  As a result, contentment is often fleeting and our lives out of our control.

Matters That Matter programs provide the opportunity to consider present life and rediscover that which is truly important.  These insights can then be translated into meaningful actions

About Matters That Matter

Learning is a collaborative experience and therefore, all offerings are participatory and interactive.  Sessions are carefully designed to include teaching, real-life stories, dialogue, introspection and carefully guided writing exercises.

Molly Davis is a highly successful corporate trainer.  A gifted teacher, she combines practical strategies and real life stories with humor and heart.   She adores her family, worn blue jeans, horses and cowboy boots.

Kristine Van Raden is an accomplished artist & masterful storyteller.  Her artistic insight brings depth, compassion and creativity to their message.  Nothing makes her happier than time with her tribe and endless hours in her studio with a welding torch and a paint brush. 

www.mattersthatmatter.com

www.themattersthatmatter.wordpress.com

How did you get to where you are now?

One Step At A Time. There is no other way to navigate. I think that if we can determine what the light at the end of the tunnel is for each of us...then take one step at a time in that direction, we are apt to find and define the path that is best for us.

I didn't even know there was a tunnel, let alone a light at the end. I raised amazing children, served my community and slowly and steadily lost myself in the shoulds.

My family was in crisis and I needed to find some way to support us. One day, while sipping coffee with my best friend, the title Letters to Our Daughters popped into my head. We discussed what that could possibly be and how to go about following the idea. One year later this miraculous book was in book stores.

It is the women we interviewed for this project that have created the foundation for the work we do...Matters That Matter.

I love my work and the individuals that teach me every step of the way.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I am more sure of myself and my abilities. I understand the meaning finally of...'love yourself.' A younger women can't imagine taking the time or spending the effort on herself. I get it now.

I am more in love with my husband than I have ever been. I think because we have navigated absolute family hurricanes and come out the other end standing side by side, we understand what love is.

I am at peace with the contents of my life

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

More at peace with less contents of my life. Love the idea of down sizing to less stuff, less need, less to maintain.

Hopefully Molly and I will have our 2nd book published and still be traveling and speaking to women around the country.

I hope to be a grandmother and still waking up each morning with my beloved David.

www.mattersthatmatter.com

ALL women who conquer their fear in order to make a difference in the world. They inspire me to do the same...I love Molly Davis, Anna Baker Powell, Amy Ferris, Liz Gilbert, Anne Lamott, Kristi Zea, Melody George, Hollye Dexter, Karen Meredith...my daughters Sarah and Kate-they have taught me more than I could ever teach them.