Development Digest - March 2026
As we say goodbye to March and welcome springtime, we invite you to explore a different kind of celebration, one that is not reserved solely for big moments but is available in your everyday life. For us, celebration is the intentional practice of recognizing what is contributing to your well-being. Rooted in contentment, this practice asks us to first accept what is, then notice what supports us, and finally express appreciation where it is true. It is a grounded, honest approach and one that honors both the challenges we face and the goodness that exists alongside our struggles.
Celebration and Contentment
There is a quiet shift that happens when we begin living in alignment with ourselves. Life may not look dramatically different on the outside, but internally, something softens. We become less reactive, more aware, and more intentional with where we place our attention. And from that place, something beautiful begins to emerge: celebration.
When we hear the word celebration, it is easy to think of milestones, achievements, and special occasions. But in our work as personal development coaches, we define celebration differently:
Celebration is your expression when something or someone has positively contributed to your well-being. It is not reserved for extraordinary moments. It is available to you in your ordinary, everyday experiences.
This month, we want to bring celebration and contentment together.
Contentment is the ability to look at what is, with both gratitude and, most importantly, acceptance. It does not mean we approve of everything or that we stop growing. Rather, it means we stop resisting reality long enough to see it clearly. And when we see clearly, we are better able to recognize what is truly supporting us.
When we are able to come from the place of contentment, celebration becomes a natural expression, not something forced, but something genuine.
It is also important to acknowledge what celebration is not. We are not advocating that you celebrate everything. Doing so can quickly turn into what many refer to as “toxic positivity,” where difficult or painful experiences are dismissed or glossed over. That is not growth, and it is not honest.
Instead, we are inviting a more grounded and compassionate approach:
First, accept what is. This is contentment. It is the willingness to be with reality as it is, without immediately trying to change it, fix it, or judge it.
Second, discern what is supportive. This is self-understanding. As you become more aware, you begin to notice what genuinely contributes to your well-being and what does not.
Third, express appreciation where it is true. This is celebration! It is the intentional act of acknowledging the people, moments, and experiences that are adding value to your life.
When practiced together, these three steps create a powerful shift.
Life no longer feels like something that is happening to you, but something you are actively engaging with: something you can see, understand, and respond to with clarity.
Celebration, then, is not about pretending everything is good. It is about recognizing what is good, even in the midst of complexity. It is about honoring the contributions, both big and small, that support your well-being.
Trust us when we say that if you are willing to practice celebration and contentment, over time, this way of seeing will begin to change everything.
Deepening Our Experience
As we move into April on our Morning Intentions Podcast, we will continue our journey through Terri Cole’s book, Too Much, shifting our attention to Part 2 and bringing our newfound awareness to action. This section of the book is filled with effective tools and supportive practices that help us move out of high-functioning and into a more balanced, self-honoring way of living - something we truly celebrate!
When we explore these concepts together, we will connect them to our theme of celebration by recognizing and appreciating how these tools can positively contribute to our well-being.
Terri Cole’s work offers a grounded and compassionate path forward, and we are excited to continue focusing on her work with all of our listeners!
Ask Annette and Ada
Often, we decide on our newsletter theme because of a question from one of our clients. That is what happened this month! 😊
Q: I understand the idea of celebrating what supports my well-being, but I find myself concentrating more on what’s not working in my life. How do I begin to shift toward celebration without feeling like I’m ignoring real problems?
A: The goal is not to ignore what isn’t working. In fact, your awareness of those challenges is part of your growth. What we are inviting is a both/and approach. Often, we overemphasize our negative experiences, giving them a greater sense of “realness.” We want you to give equal weight to what supports you and to what doesn’t.
We begin with contentment, which means accepting what is. This includes the parts of life that feel difficult, frustrating, or unresolved. Acceptance does not mean approval; it simply allows you to see your reality clearly, without resistance clouding your perspective.
From there, we move into discernment. Even in seasons when things feel hard, there are still elements of your life that support you, such as relationships, routines, moments of peace, or even your own efforts to grow. Training your mind to notice these does not deny the hard things; it balances them.
Finally, we come to celebration. This is where you intentionally acknowledge what is contributing to your well-being. It might be as simple as recognizing that you set a boundary, asked for help, or made it through a challenging day.
Over time, this practice gently shifts your focus, not by ignoring reality, but by expanding your awareness of it.
Warmly,
Annette and Ada
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Do you have questions about personal development, navigating relationships, or creating a more balanced and fulfilling life? If you have a question, there’s a very good chance you are not alone, and now’s your chance to ask us directly! Each month, we’ll choose one or more questions to answer in our newsletter. Whether you’re seeking advice on setting boundaries, developing self-understanding, or simply finding peace in the midst of life’s challenges, we’re here to provide you with thoughtful, compassionate insights.
Your privacy is our priority. While we’ll share your questions and our answers, we’ll never share your name or identifying details. Feel free to ask any personal development question that’s on your heart or mind. This is your opportunity to gain clarity and guidance in a safe and supportive space.
To submit your question, visit the newsletter page of our website and click the big button that says “Submit Your Question for Ask Annette and Ada.”
Send us your questions today, and you might see your answer in our next edition of Development Digest.
March’s Recommendation:
Create a Win Journal
One simple and meaningful way to bring celebration into your daily life is through a Win Journal. A Win Journal is a place to intentionally record the wins of your day, helping you focus on what is working rather than what may feel like a loss.
These wins do not have to be big. In fact, some of the most meaningful ones are small. A win might be setting a boundary, following through on a commitment, choosing rest, or responding differently in a familiar situation. Each of these moments contributes to your well-being and is something to be celebrated. They are wins!
When you take the time to acknowledge your wins, you are actively celebrating what is supporting you. With consistent practice, you strengthen your ability to see your life more clearly, appreciate your efforts, and recognize that even in life’s difficult moments, there are definitely some wins.
Self-Care Tip of the Month:
Add Fitness Coaching to Your Sessions!
We are excited to share - and celebrate - that Ada has recently completed her Personal Trainer Certification to go along with her Health Coaching Certification!
As many of you know through our podcast and our sessions, personal development is not limited to our thoughts and emotions. It is also deeply connected to how we care for and feel in our bodies. The way we move, fuel, and support our physical health directly impacts our energy, mood, and overall well-being.
Although Ada will not offer specific personal training sessions, with this additional certification, she can incorporate fitness- and movement-based guidance into our coaching conversations. We are excited because we can now serve our clients more fully by offering sustainable ways to support their emotional, mental, and physical health.
This is a natural extension of our work together, so let us know if you would like to include exercise and fitness as part of your next session!
What We’re Cooking:
Black Bean Salad
This month’s recipe is one of Ada’s favorites. She’s loved this since the first time Annette made it for dinner 30 years ago! It isn’t springtime without it. This recipe is also most likely responsible for Ada beginning every single day of her childhood asking, “What’s for dinner?” 😊
Ingredients
2 cans black beans
1 – 16 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed
1/2 red pepper, chopped fine
1/2 yellow or green pepper, chopped fine
1 lime, juiced
1/2 red onion, chopped fine
1/2 bunch cilantro, leaves removed from stems and chopped
1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves removed from stems and chopped
1 1/2 T. olive oil
2 T. white vinegar
2 T. water
1/4 t. turmeric
1/2 t. oregano, or more if desired
1/4 t. garlic powder, or more if desired
1/8 t. cayenne powder
Instructions
Rinse and drain black beans well.
Mix beans with all remaining ingredients. Cover and chill. Serve over rice, in warm flour tortillas, as a dip for tortilla chips, or as an extra topping on your salads. It is delicious! 😋
