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A chance encounter at an animal shelter forever changed my family's life when an elegant stranger—like someone from a Gene Kelly movie—decided to adopt a dog for us. Despite all my explanations of why we couldn't take a dog home, this mysterious "fairy dogmother" completed the adoption process and even offered to pay for a year of insurance. My son cried with joy while I remained in shock.

What began as a "sleepover" for this unexpected pet gradually revealed itself as something more profound. The "coincidences" kept mounting: the dog shared my birthday, had only been in the shelter for a day after his elderly owner had to move to senior living, and seemed to fit perfectly into our lives despite my hesitation.

After 30 days of what we called "fostering," our family made the decision to keep him permanently. This journey through pet loss, grief, and unexpected joy reminded me of the verse that's carried me through many seasons: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Sometimes blessings arrive in the most unexpected packages, and when life feels surreal, remember there are no accidents in God's plans.

Whatever challenges you're facing—loss, fear, change, uncertainty—remain open to the possibility that something beautiful may be waiting just around the corner. Have you experienced a "God thing" that changed your life? I'd love to hear your story! Connect with me on Facebook at Holly's Highlights or Instagram at Holly Curby and share your unexpected blessings.

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Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.

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What script are you telling as a leader? Drawing from years of theater experience—from acting to directing community productions—Holly Curby reveals how leadership resembles directing a play in this illuminating episode. Just as directors set the stage, communicate vision, and develop their cast, great leaders create environments where team members understand their roles and feel empowered to excel.

Discover how to "set the stage" properly in your leadership context. Are new team members greeted warmly? Is your physical space welcoming and intuitive? Do family members have what they need when they arrive home? These seemingly small details create powerful first impressions that either invite engagement or prompt retreat. As Holly explains through vivid examples from both business and family settings, intentional stage-setting allows you to craft the experiences you want others to have.

Beyond creating environments, leadership requires providing the right "props"—tools and resources that enable success—and developing your team through clarity, empowerment, and courageous conversations. Through personal stories (including a lead actor abandoning a production three days before opening!), Holly demonstrates that leadership isn't about avoiding mistakes but learning from them. Perhaps most powerfully, she introduces her concept of "experiencing the experience"—intentionally observing how others interact with your systems to continuously improve them. Remember: every person in your sphere has a story you don't know, and your leadership script has the power to enhance that story. Subscribe now and learn how to craft a leadership narrative worth following!

Support the show

Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.

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Discover practical tips for simplifying your life and reducing daily stress. We share actionable strategies that enhance your routine and pave the way for more joy and presence in your everyday life.

• Email management through unsubscribing instead of deleting
• Labeling leftovers to eliminate guesswork in the kitchen
• The benefits of automating bill payments and grocery shopping
• Simplifying your wardrobe to ease decision fatigue
• Setting limits on social media usage for a more focused life
• The two-minute rule for efficient task management

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts on simplifying your life, so feel free to share with me what tips work for you. Drop a comment or send me a message on social media!

Todays spotlight:

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Happy traveling!

Support the show

Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.