The Smallest Number That Could Change Your Life

As the sun's glorious and long-awaited rays warm the ground this spring, we'll be watching grasses, leaves, and flowers spring to life.

Even though these plants don't have a will or a physical brain as we do, they have an innate intelligence that tells them to grow and become all they possibly can. So in a way they are smarter than many of us.

May I suggest that you follow their lead... though not by rushing headlong into some ill-planned attempt at personal development.

What if you tried something simple, methodical, and dare I say... doable?

Something like getting just 1% better each day.

"So," you're saying, "1% is certainly doable. In fact, it sounds like such a pittance, it probably wouldn't amount to anything." You might conclude, "Why even bother?"

But here, my friend, is where it gets really interesting.

When I first pondered this idea some years ago, I said to myself, "Well, it's 1% per day and there are 365 days in a year. At the end of a year I should be 365% or about 4X better than I am right now." That math sounded pretty good to me, so I said, "Let's go for it!"

That is indeed an attractive number. But the actual math? Way better.

Through the magic of compounding, improving by 1% each day actually enables you to become 37X better than you are right now!

After your first year of growth is completed, keep it up. Year 2 brings 1,427X gains, and from there the levels of improvement become astronomical.

All from consistently improving by just 1% each day.

Here are just a few possibilities to get your imagination rolling:

➣ Move your body a bit more each day, whether it's walking, jogging, stretching, yoga, or other sports. Feel your energy and endurance rise as your body grows ever stronger.

➣ Invest one hour each day reading in your field, and within a few years you'll have real expertise and a competitive advantage in your niche.

➣ Surround yourself with positive, growth-minded people, spurring one another to greater heights. People with that kind of life force bring synergy and joy that are unmatched.

There is a sobering side to the magic of compounding which should stand as a warning: you could also get 1% worse each day.

The math here is haunting. Although you don't actually go into negative numbers, you wind down ever closer to 0. Like a plant struggling to grow in depleted soil, you're just barely hanging on. That's a fate I would never wish for you.

As the warming rays of the sun bring renewed hope and energy to us all, decide that you'll grow into all that's waiting for you. Set your intention this year to become better by 1%, each and every day.

The math starts today, either way.



Linda Thomas believes life's most beautiful moments happen when we stop chasing more and start choosing abundance. Through her 'I Choose Abundance' column and The Automated Entrepreneur community, she helps people thrive authentically. You can connect with her here:  Linda-Thomas.com

Writing Blooms with Spring Themes

"Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!"

~Sitting Bull

If you’ve had a cold, snowy winter as I did in my area, you’re probably rather happy to see temperatures rising and not worrying when the snowplows will make it down your street. Definitely, nature is a factor in reflecting spring. However, some of us also gauge the changing seasons using other signs.

I taught high school for many years. Spring meant teaching William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to 9th graders and research papers to 11th graders. The track team would run the halls after school in anticipation of outside track meets. Plans for prom and graduation took on more focus.

Tax time feels like spring. The options for fruits and vegetables in the grocery stores seem fresher and more colorful. Hardware stores have stacks of mulch bags outlining their properties like fortress walls.

From picture books for pre-readers to novels and nonfiction for adults, spring is a popular theme.

Scholastic Books lists Peppa Pig: Rainy Day by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc and Make Way for Butterfly by Ross Burach for young readers. Who doesn’t think of romance when it’s spring? Author Mary Kay Andrews’s Spring Fever and a fantasy by Nancy Scanlon, An Enchanted Spring, will be released soon.

Nonfiction from the Smithsonian includes Planting the Natural Garden by Piet Oudolf and Henk Gerritson and Handbook of Interesting Bird Nests and Eggs by Douglas GD Russell.

Poetry is another area of writing that blooms with spring themes. 

William Carlos Williams’s “Spring and All: III” begins:

The farmer in deep thought

is pacing through the rain

among his blank fields, with

hands in pockets,

in his head

the harvest already planted.

“After the Winter” by Claude McKay, “More than Enough” by Marge Piercy, and a haiku by Kobayahi Issa, “the snow is melting,” are a mere trickle of titles. Read more at the Poetry Foundation https://www.poetryfoundation.org/

Here are a few prompts to consider using spring in your writing: 

• Write about someone obsessed with doing their taxes.
• Write about yourself or someone dealing with hay fever.
• Have houseplants play a key role in your story.
• Set your story in a meadow in bloom.
• Your character or someone you know joins an outdoor walking club.
• Write a poem or story involving a child’s treehouse. 

Sandy Kachurek is a staff writer for Freestyle Living Magazine. She is the director of Into the Springs Writers' Workshop. The 2025 details for the workshop are available at www.intothespringswritersworkshop.com

or connect with her on her Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/IntoTheSpringsWritersWorkshop/

Awakening to Possibility: A Clinical Perspective on Renewal and Spring Energy

Spring is not merely a season; it is a biological cue. As daylight lengthens and temperatures rise, human physiology shifts. Cortisol rhythms recalibrate. Serotonin production improves. Circadian alignment strengthens. From a clinical standpoint, spring represents an inflection point; a strategic opportunity to reset metabolic, cognitive, and emotional health.

In lifestyle, obesity, and functional medicine, we focus on root-cause drivers rather than symptom suppression. Spring embodies that philosophy. Just as the earth regenerates from dormancy, the human body has an inherent capacity for repair when given the right inputs: nutrient-dense food, restorative sleep, purposeful movement, stress modulation, and meaningful connection.

Emerging spring energy is not about dramatic reinvention. It is about recalibration.

During winter months, many individuals experience reduced physical activity, increased intake of processed carbohydrates, disrupted sleep patterns, and heightened inflammatory load. These shifts can exacerbate insulin resistance, adiposity, mood fluctuations, and fatigue. Spring provides a natural psychological and physiological “pattern interrupt.”

Awakening to possibility begins with awareness. Mindful living, a cornerstone of metabolic resilience, invites us to pause and ask: What inputs am I giving my body? What stressors am I tolerating? What habits are serving my long-term vitality?

From a functional medicine framework, small seasonal adjustments can yield significant clinical impact:

• Nutritional Renewal: Prioritize phytonutrient-rich spring vegetables, lean proteins, omega-3 fats, and adequate hydration to support detoxification pathways and mitochondrial function.
  
  
• Movement as Medicine: Increase outdoor walking, resistance training, and sunlight exposure to enhance insulin sensitivity and circadian rhythm alignment.
  
  
• Sleep Optimization: Align with natural light cycles to improve melatonin signaling and metabolic recovery.
  
  
• Stress Regulation: Incorporate breathwork, prayer, meditation, or journaling to reduce sympathetic overdrive and systemic inflammation.
  
  Obesity is not a failure of willpower; it is often the downstream effect of hormonal dysregulation, chronic stress, environmental exposures, and lifestyle patterns. Renewal requires compassion paired with strategy. Sustainable change occurs when biology and behavior align.

Spring reminds us that growth is gradual but inevitable when conditions are favorable. Seeds do not strain; they respond to light.

As you move into this season, consider what needs pruning, what requires nourishment, and what is ready to emerge. Health is not a destination but a dynamic state of adaptation. When we practice mindful living and address root causes, we create the internal environment necessary for transformation.

This spring, awaken not to pressure, but to possibility.

Rita Brewer is a Staff Writer for the Freestyle Living Magazine. She is a Physician Associate and Health Coach who is passionate about helping her clients reverse their type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related health conditions. Now Accepting Insurance!! Are you ready to get off the weight-loss rollercoaster and balance your sugars with ease? Comprehensive sustainable care for weight, metabolic health, and longevity. Rita Brewer Consulting, PLLC, Lifestyle, Obesity and Functional Medicine, 7930 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Suite 203, Raleigh, NC 27617.

Call 919-881-8295 or connect with her through her website: https://ritabrewer.com

Possibilities Grow Underground

Spring is seductive indeed. Temperatures warm, the light changes, and listings look more appealing at 7:00 p.m. than they have in months. Lawns start showing off, flowers begin to bloom, and buyers start popping up like weeds - thank you.

But this year, my awakening didn’t happen during the golden hour curb appeal. It happened in a dark, dirty, 100-year-old, neglected basement, staring at a structural support wall that someone compromised 70 years ago by punching holes to run ductwork. No thank you.

Spring tempts us toward bloom. But growth doesn’t begin with petals; it begins underground. Roots before roses. For me, that meant reinforcing what no one will ever compliment. Rebuilding support. Correcting past mistakes and tackling what had been deferred because it wasn’t urgent. Until it was.

While the world above ground was flirting with fresh mulch and gold-accented staging, I was repairing structures not meant to be seen. Foundations aren’t glamorous. No one is going to walk downstairs and say, “Wow, that’s a sexy load-bearing wall.” And yet, that’s the work that matters.

In nature, the visible bloom is simply evidence of months of unseen preparation. The same is true in our homes, our businesses, and our lives. If we want a season that feels expansive, resilient, and profitable, we have to strengthen what’s beneath the surface first. Those who truly thrive in this season aren’t just focused on what’s visible; they’ve been doing the dirty work down below.

Awakening to possibilities doesn’t start with painting or staging. It starts underground with seeds planted deep enough and roots growing strong enough to create foundations steady enough to carry whatever blooms next.

Spring drifts in on whispers warm and bright,
With longer days and softer evening light.
At seven p.m., the listings start to glow,
And hopeful buyers wander to and fro.

Green lawns awaken after winter’s rest,
Bright blooms and color proudly dress their best.
Fresh mulch and paint seduce the passing eye,
While dreams of growth and profit linger nearby.

Yet mine began where daylight seldom stays,
In dusty rooms forgotten through the days.
A basement dark for a hundred years,
Revealing hidden cracks and quiet fears.

A weary wall once wounded long ago,
Where careless hands had weakened strength below.
No one applauds the beams that must endure,
Yet quiet strength is what makes structures sure.

And so, it is with every life we grow,
The deepest work is done where none may know.
Before the bloom appears for all to see,
We strengthen the roots of who we’re meant to be.

In homes, in work, in hearts that long to rise,
True growth begins beneath the surface lies.
For those who flourish brightly in the sun,
Have done the work where healing first begun.

Kyle Brandon is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living Magazine and a Realtor® serving Central Ohio, where he primarily helps new home buyers confidently navigate the process of purchasing their first home. In addition to his real estate work, Kyle is the facilitator of the Happy House Hunters Facebook and Meetup communities, where he supports aspiring and new investors as they learn the fundamentals of real estate investing — finding, funding, fixing, flipping, filling properties, and ultimately discovering their personal freedom number through real estate.

Kyle Brandon can be reached through his website:
Kyle Brandon Realtor® (exprealty.com)
Kyle.Brandon@exprealty.com

Springtime Awakening

There are moments in life when the heart begins to stir again; when hope feels closer, healing feels possible, and the future no longer seems closed off. Springtime is often the beginning of a new season, one shaped by faith, renewal, and God’s gentle invitation forward.

This awakening does not always come through dramatic change. More often, it begins quietly: a shift in perspective, a renewed sense of purpose, or the realization that God is still working, even in places that once felt uncertain. Possibility is not simply wishful thinking. It is the spiritual awareness that with God, new beginnings are always within reach.

To awaken is to open our eyes to what God may be revealing. It is recognizing that His mercies truly are new every morning and that our lives are not defined by past limitations. When we begin to see with fresh eyes, we notice opportunities for growth, connection, and service that may have been hidden before.

Faith invites us to believe that transformation is possible, not because life is perfect, but because God is faithful.

A life of service flows from a heart that is alive with expectation. When we awaken to possibilities, we begin serving not out of obligation, but out of gratitude and trust. We respond to others with compassion, show up with renewed strength, and step into our calling with greater courage.

Service becomes more than action. It becomes aligned with what God is doing in and through us.

Awakening also requires response. God illuminates the path forward, but we must be willing to walk in the light He provides. Each step, no matter how small, becomes part of the unfolding story of renewal.

Possibility grows when we choose obedience over fear, trust over doubt, and faith over hesitation.

The newness of springtime is a reminder that God is always able to restore, renew, and redirect. It is the sacred understanding that joy can return, purpose can deepen, and life can begin again in unexpected ways.



As this season unfolds, may you awaken to the truth that God is making all things new. And may your life of service reflect His grace, His strength, and the beautiful possibilities ahead.

The Service of Honeybees

When springtime stirs the silent land,
The honeybees rise at God’s command.
From bloom to bloom their wings will roam,
Not for themselves, but for the home.

In quiet service day by day,
They gather sweetness on their way.
Each tiny task, though small it seems,
Becomes the honey of God’s dreams.

So may our lives, like bees in spring,
Serve others well in everything.

Carmella Banks is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living Magazine and is a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils.

You can connect with Carmella through her linked-in profile at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmella-banks-1781a370/

Or on her Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/822573918497806

Awakening to Possibility: The Power of Mindful Living in a New Season

Spring has always been a season of renewal. Buds open. Light lingers longer. The air feels like permission, permission to begin again. And perhaps that is what “Awakening to Possibility” truly means: not adding more to our lives but becoming more intentional about what we allow into them.

Mindful living is not about perfection. It is about awareness. It is choosing to move through life with clarity instead of chaos, purpose instead of pressure.

In our health, mindful living might mean listening more closely to our bodies. In our homes, it could mean clearing clutter, not just from closets, but from our calendars. In relationships, it may look like setting healthier boundaries. And financially, it often begins with something surprisingly simple: preparation.

Many people think mindfulness is meditation cushions and morning rituals. But mindfulness is also protection. It’s asking: What would happen if the unexpected occurred? Would my family know what to do? Would my business be protected? Would my identity be secure in an increasingly digital world?

Living freely requires more than optimism; it requires readiness.

Readiness is love in action. It is taking the time to create a will or establish a trust so your loved ones are not left navigating confusion during an already emotional season. It is organizing important documents so your wishes are clear. It is making thoughtful decisions now that spare your family unnecessary stress later.

There is profound peace of mind that comes from knowing you have put measures in place for your family’s future. That peace doesn’t just benefit “someday.” It benefits today. It allows you to exhale. To focus on living fully instead of quietly worrying about what hasn’t been handled.

When we put foundational protections in place, whether that means estate planning, reviewing business agreements, or safeguarding our identity, we remove background noise from our lives. We reduce uncertainty. We create space.

And in that space, creativity grows. Confidence grows. Possibility grows.

Spring invites us to plant seeds. Some seeds bloom into healthier habits. Others grow into wiser financial decisions. And sometimes, awakening to possibility means recognizing that creating peace of mind is not a burden, it is a gift we give to ourselves and to those we love.

Free Style Living is about designing a life that feels expansive, not restrictive. When we address the “what ifs” with intention and preparation, we free ourselves to pursue the “what’s next” with courage.

This season, ask yourself:

• Where am I operating on autopilot?
• What quiet worry have I postponed dealing with?
• What one action would bring me deeper peace of mind?

Spring is not demanding that you overhaul your life. It’s gently inviting you to wake up, to live thoughtfully, protect intentionally, and move forward knowing you have cared for both today and tomorrow.

Because mindful living isn’t just about slowing down.
It’s about standing confidently in the life you’re building and protecting the people who matter most along the way.

Estella Blake is a staff writer for Freestyle Living magazine. She is an HR Professional with an MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Credentials. As a Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (LegalShield/IDShield) Associate, she offers legal and identity theft plans to individuals, small business owners, and employees while actively expanding her team of associates.

Contact Estella for more information at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estellablake

https://eblake.legalshieldassociate.com

Possibility Begins with Perception | Clarity Changes the Path

Why the deals you miss are perception problems, not market problems.

Most entrepreneurs do not lack opportunity. They lack clarity.

Two investors can walk the same property. One sees risk. The other sees leverage. Same house. Same numbers. Same market. Different perception.

When you are stressed, overextended, or trying to force a result, your thinking narrows. The brain scans for threat. It exaggerates loss. In that state, opportunity often looks dangerous.

Protection mode is expensive.

The deals you miss rarely announce themselves. They hide inside inconvenience. They sit behind renovation. They require patience. If your system is operating from urgency, you will not see them clearly.



High impact leaders train discernment. They pause long enough to ask:

• Is this a real risk or a familiar fear?
• Is this market noise or a meaningful shift?
• Am I reacting to discomfort or responding to data?

Most bad decisions come from urgency. Most missed opportunities come from overprotection.

You cannot scale what you misinterpret.

Markets will fluctuate. Rates will rise and fall. Inventory will tighten and expand. Perception, however, is within your stewardship.

Possibility does not begin with capital. It begins with clarity.

In the words of my coach, Eileen Wilder, “Divorce yourself from the outcome. Lean out, not in.”

When you stop gripping the result, you start seeing the leverage.

And the woman who is not chasing the deal is the one who finally recognizes the right one.

Clarity Changes the Path!

Cheri Dotterer is a Staff Writer for Freestyle Living Magazine and is an IMPACT Success Blueprint Collaboration Coach. Author of "Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect" and contributor to seminal works, she’s set to release "Math DYS-connected," co-authored with Jonily Zupancic. She owns Dotterer Educational Consulting and The Writing Glitch Podcast. You can connect with Cheri through her website at: cheridotterer.com/contact

Roses Are Not Always Red

If my life were a book, the title would be simple: Roses Are Not Always Red.

As children, we are taught that life will be tidy and sweet, much like the familiar rhyme that promises predictability and ease. It suggests that everything has its place, that sweetness is guaranteed, and that life unfolds gently. But life does not follow nursery rhymes.

• Roses are red,
• Violets are blue,
• Sugar is sweet,
• And so are you.

Roses are not always red. Sometimes they are soft and hopeful, and sometimes they carry thorns sharp enough to leave a mark. My life has held both. I have experienced joy, love, and the deep fulfillment of being a mother, a grandmother, an entrepreneur, and an author. I have built businesses, pursued purpose, and witnessed growth in ways I once only imagined.

But there have also been seasons of hardship. Financial strain, emotional challenges, and moments of exhaustion have all been part of my journey. There were times I had to rise not because I felt strong, but because there was no other choice. Those were the seasons that shaped me just as much as the beautiful ones.

We often feel pressure to present a polished version of our lives, but growth rarely comes from perfection. It comes from resilience, from facing difficulty, and from choosing to continue forward.

Life is layered, both beautiful and bruising. The contrast gives it depth, and the struggle reveals its meaning. And like spring after a long winter, there comes a quiet awakening—a chance to grow, to soften, and to become better than we were before.

Roses are not always red, and life is not always sweet, but it is in that awakening that we find the courage to evolve, to serve, and to leave something meaningful behind.

Kathy Binner is an Amazon #1 best-selling author, Executive Contributor, and CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Freestyle Living Magazine. She is deeply committed to empowering others through education, wellness, and financial freedom, while also giving back through scholarships and community-focused initiatives that support individuals and families locally and globally. Kathy offers her signature Simply Start courses to help clients create healthier, more abundant lives. She also hosts the Freestyle Living Podcast and curates content through the Freestyle Living Blog. In her free time, she enjoys writing, hiking, cycling, and ballroom dancing. Learn more and connect at www.kathybinner.com.