Living + Wellness

I used to think failure meant I wasn’t good enough. Then I bombed my first improv show – publicly, awkwardly, thoroughly (you can read about it in the article I did with Bold Journey)

And something funny happened: It didn’t turn me off from improv, it was actually why I kept going. It didn’t feel like a breakthrough at the time, but it rewired something. Now I see failure less as a stop sign and more as a feedback loop. Trying and missing is still movement. It’s information. It’s progress. Especially for leaders – we can’t innovate if we’re only chasing certainty.
– Erin Diehl, improve it!

You don’t have to be a passionate pickleballer to love PaddleSmash, a pickleball-style yard game that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels. The game comes with everything you need – four paddles, two balls and the PaddleSmash court that doubles as a portable carrying case. It sets up quickly and weighs just 16 pounds so is easily transportable from your backyard to anywhere you want to play.

If bad weather keeps you indoors, try the LACORSA Grand Prix Game. Up to six players can race their cars with the winner being determined by strategy, positioning and a bit of luck.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

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Summer temps are no joke – and neither is pet safety.

Keep furry friends chill with water, shady spots and frozen treats. Walk pups early or late to dodge hot pavement (their paws will thank you!) and limit outdoor play during peak heat hours.

Never leave pets in cars – temperatures can spike quickly. For cats, close sun-soaked blinds, set up fans and offer cool tile hangouts. Cooling mats and damp towels help too. Flat-faced breeds and older pets are especially at risk and need extra TLC.

When temps soar, think like a cat – nap in the AC and skip the sun.

– Laura Cubbage, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

Most days, having twins is a whirlwind, but it’s the cutest, funniest, most loving whirlwind I could’ve imagined.

When these guys were really little, there was a lot of parallel play but not a ton of interaction. Now they’re nearing three years old and they’re really starting to have fun together. We’ve got pretend dinosaurs roaming our kitchen and Buzz Lightyear and Woody saving the day regularly.

But what’s most precious? Seeing what I hope will be a deep, lifelong friendship blossom – one that will help them through all the ups and downs of life.

To infinity … and beyond.

– Kate Mendoza, Editor, The 100 Companies

One in seven children in Oklahoma County will experience abuse. This April, The CARE Center ‘s annual Paint the Town Blue campaign returns to raise awareness and promote prevention.

From blue-lit landmarks to themed treats at local restaurants, the campaign encourages Oklahomans to wear blue, support fundraising events and speak up for child abuse survivors. Participating businesses include Stella Nova, Hurts Donuts, The Jones Assembly, Café Kacao, Tiff’s Treats, Main Event and more. Oklahomans are invited to snap a photo in blue and tag @carecenterok to show support.

Learn more and view the full event calendar for April at carecenter-okc.org/paint-the-town-blue .

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

As devastating wildfires continue to impact California, many residents have been forced to evacuate, leaving behind homes and belongings. Communities nationwide are stepping up to provide relief, and you can help too. Donations to organizations such as the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund and Direct Relief provide essential aid, including shelter, food and medical supplies.

Local food banks and animal shelters are also in need of support, with displaced families and pets relying on their services. Your efforts, through monetary contributions, supply donations or volunteering, can bring hope and relief to those affected by this crisis.

– Abby Watkins, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

Late winter is the perfect time to begin preparing your garden for the upcoming growing season:

1. Begin by clearing away winter debris and dead plants.

2. Prune your trees and shrubs to promote strong, healthy growth.

3. Test your soil and enrich it with compost or organic fertilizers if necessary.

4. Early spring is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables like radishes, onions and potatoes, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers can be planted later.

5. Add a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

These simple tasks will help ensure your garden thrives during spring and summer.

– Rebecca Hastings, The 100 Companies

There is nothing like a trip to the emergency vet to spoil the festivities. Unfortunately, many holiday traditions can make home sweet home a danger zone for pets.

To ensure four-legged friends remain safe this season, follow these tips:

Decorate carefully with seasonal flowers and greenery, including poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and many varieties of lilies – these are toxic to cats and dogs.

Keep lights, wires, batteries and ornaments out of reach, and skip the tinsel altogether.

Trash cans should be secured, and plates and cocktail glasses kept away from pets. Many human foods, and alcohol, can make pets seriously sick.

– Laura Cubbage, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100