Penny Casselman | Blog for a Fully Charged Life

What If “Fine” Is the Problem?

Lately, I’ve been navigating a Red Marker Moment in real time—and I’ll be honest, it’s scary. It’s stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. But the vision I’m holding is brighter, bolder, and more beautiful than anything I thought possible just a few months ago.

That’s why this week, I want to talk about one of the sneakiest ways we hold ourselves back: the habit of settling for fine.

Because “fine” is a liar. It’s a polite, socially acceptable way to shut the door on deeper truth.
“How’s your job?” Fine.
“How’s your relationship?” Fine.
“How’s your life?” …Fine?

It may be quick and easy, but here’s the hard truth: “fine” is where dreams go to fizzle. It’s the path of least resistance—but also least joy, least growth, and least you.

If you’ve been responding with “fine” lately, I see you. I’ve been there too.
But we don’t have to stay there.

🔥 Fine Is a Four-Letter F Word

Let’s be honest—“fine” doesn’t light anyone up. It’s vague. It’s safe. It’s a holding pattern dressed up lik...

What If You’re Closer Than You Think?

There are moments in life when the path ahead feels anything but clear.

It’s like walking—or driving—through fog. You know, deep down, you're heading in the right direction… but you can't quite see the path forward.

Should I turn here? Keep going? Am I even on the right road?

I've been there numerous times. Divorce. Downsizing—not once, or twice, but three times. A cancer diagnosis. Each of those circumstances—those forks in the road of an extraordinarily average life—brought its version of fear, uncertainty, and yes, fog.

And yet, I kept going.

Not because I had all the answers, but because I made a choice. I picked up my red marker and circled a date on the calendar, and in that action, I declared it was time to put myself first—my needs, my growth, my life.

This post isn’t a checklist or a how-to. It’s a reminder that perspective—how you choose to see your situation—changes everything.

One of my favorite metaphors captures this beautifully:

“Just when the caterpillar th...

How to make your own luck

QUOTE

Luck is the residue of design.

~ Branch Rickey

OBSERVATIONS

Sláinte!

If you’re Irish, know someone who is, or simply a massive fan of St. Patrick’s Day, like me, you probably uttered that numerous times yesterday! If ever there was a year urging us to raise a glass and toast to health, 2021 is that year!

Yesterday I donned green socks, shamrock earrings, a novelty headband with a ‘#lucky’ motif across the top, and a t-shirt sporting a rainbow made of gold sequins featuring lettering that read, “I make my own luck.”

I was a walking mashup compiled from years of picking up finds from various discount stores. I looked hilarious. I felt fabulous!

Just like my outfit took some effort to create, so, too, does luck.

Nothing appears after just thinking about it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge believer in “thoughts become things,” but I know thoughts only bec

...

The most effective way to achieve success

QUOTE

Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.

~ Sam Levenson

OBSERVATIONS

I wanted to be on a podcast.

I had visions of laughing with the host, going back and forth while discussing interesting topics, and being introduced to new people who found a connection to my message.

BUT, if you asked me a year ago if I thought it was possible, I would have laughed.

I didn’t know anyone who had a podcast, wasn’t sure where to start and often felt it was just a dream.

Yet, here I am with two under my belt and more planned on the horizon!

Can I get a virtual high-five?

Tina Fey & Amy Poehler giving a high-five

I attribute my success to the following two things:

I kept going. Although I had massive doubts along the way - I kept moving forward, embracing the belief that my dream,

The real truth about love

QUOTE

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.

~ Oscar Wilde

OBSERVATIONS

In high school, I hated valentine’s day. Every year some group would sell roses as a fundraising event. When you purchased one, you got to include a private note for the recipient. Then, each period throughout the designated delivery day, a migrating band of cupids would show up and deliver roses to classmates. Blech.

I never received any roses.

If only I knew then, what I know now - although that would have been a tall order for a teenager to be so reflective and self-assured - there is no better person to fall in love with than the person staring back at you in the mirror!

Don’t get me wrong; I struggle with self-love from time to time—I am human, after all. (wink)

But I know when I’m in a full-on embrace of love for where I’m at, what I’m doing, and where I’m headed, that same...

Failed resolutions?

QUOTE

To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.

~ Alan Watts

OBSERVATIONS

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read this quote. I love the visual; relax and float.

Close your eyes and envision that quote. Feel the water holding you up, feel your muscles relaxing, see a blue sky with fluffy white clouds drifting over you, and at this moment, feel the absence of any worries.

Nirvana.

I like the idea of New Year’s resolutions, but I never make ‘em. Up to this point, I’ve always told myself that the end of the year is so hectic with a myriad of activities like decorating, shopping for presents, and wrapping said presents that I’ve got no time to slow down.

Then there’s managing the mental aspects of changing your wardrobe for colder temps, shorter day

...

The best time to start? Now!

QUOTE

The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.

~ Eminem

OBSERVATIONS

On the weekend of January 16th, just nine days ago, I celebrated Christmas with my brother and his family. Wrapping paper was flying, gratitude was flowing, and desserts were consumed. It was glorious!

Monday, January 18th, I received the news my grandma had passed away due to complications from COVID.

Wednesday, January 20th, our country swore in our 46th President.

Thursday, January 21st, I was back at my brother’s house to attend my grandma’s funeral the next morning.

Friday, January 22nd, I was back in Cleveland.

This past weekend, I rested, took down my Christmas tree, and did a lot of nothing.

Today, Monday, January 25th, I’m filled with reflection, hope, and gratitude. Because I know every event we experience is an opportunity...

When does your future start?

QUOTE

Even though the future seems far away, it is actually beginning right now.

~ Mattie Stepanek

OBSERVATIONS

If you didn't already know, I’m a sucker for quotes, all kinds; amusing, reflective, and inspirational. The quote above struck a chord with me, especially as I stand looking ahead at a year filled with hope, optimism, and a chance to start again.

2021 is my year to serve, give back, make a positive impact in the world, and help inspire you to be your best, brightest, and boldest self ever! YES!

To this end, I’ve revamped my weekly emails (If you're not already subscribed-oh, my- click here and get yourself on the list ASAP!). I want to ensure mine is one you look forward to, learn from, and want to share with others!

Here’s what you can expect.

a quote
some observations
a question for you
a call to action
and, finally, my TLDR snippet

What’s a TLDR? Too Lo...

Hit with unexpected change? Ask yourself these three questions.

Unexpected change. We've all experienced it.

I'm talking about the kind where you wake up at 6 am, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to conquer your day. You hit every green light, get a front row parking spot, and there's still hot coffee in the pot when you arrive to work.

And then, it's suddenly 10 am, and you're at home again, sitting on your sofa, staring blankly at a rerun of Criminal Minds, wondering exactly how you apply for unemployment.

We're all hit with unexpected changes in ways we can't fathom - and shouldn't even attempt to ponder. So what does one do to prepare for the unexpected - without making yourself crazy in the process? Find a mechanism you can rely on to help you successfully navigate your new landscape.

Change is always right around the corner - just like girls scouts at the grocery store during cookie season.

Change can happen in an instant - just like losing an hour of your day at 2 am during daylight savings time.

To build up your "...

Struggle with choices? Embrace this one truth.

When faced with any choice, you've got two options.

Find-a-Way or Find-an-Excuse.

That's it. Easy peasy, right?

Don't you feel better already? I just distilled down every choice you'll face into something so black & white you'll wonder what to do with all your free time. You're welcome.

Before I go further - I recently had to embrace this concept myself. I'm in the process of writing a book. My target date for publication was February 2020 - a self-imposed deadline, but one I was confident I could deliver. The last six months, however, proved me wrong. I would find any reason not to write. Here are just a few I'm most proud of:

It's almost Thanksgiving.
I have to go Christmas shopping.
I've got New Year's Plans.
I need to work on my website design.
I'm not feeling it today.

And it's not as if I lacked content. I'm writing a memoir - everything I need is already inside my head.

Suddenly I felt like a student in Charlie Brown's class - all I heard com...

🔥 Fine Is a Four-Letter F Word

Two Step