And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do

It's a bonus Thursday – the 5th of the month – which means we have a Subscriber Spotlight, where we get to showcase one of the incredible people who make up the Modus Medley community. This quarter, we’re excited to highlight someone who truly embodies the balance, while spreading joy and fulfillment along the way.

1. How do you spend your time on a typical day?

   • My typical day is structured with lots of room for margin! I’ve realized I’m someone who needs a lot of flexibility in my day, with four children 8 and under, so that we can pivot when we need to. I wake up at 5 (one of those oddball, naturally early risers!) and read the Bible and nonfiction before my kids get up. Once they’re up, it’s breakfast, school, gym, outdoor play/library, lunch, rest time, afternoon play, dinner, family time, bedtime! Most days it feels like a blitz, and our house is very loud, but we’ve found a groove that works for us.

2. What's a recent accomplishment you're proud of?

   • I joined a local gym a little over a year ago, and I love it. It’s the best community of all ages that I didn’t know I needed! My kids beg to go, too, for the childcare, so it’s been a huge blessing. My recent accomplishment is that I’ve increased my lifting abilities/weight in my Monday lifting class. My arm muscles have become very defined and I can keep up with all the lifting demands of having four littles! It’s been one of the best things I’ve done for my physical and mental health— and I’ve never been someone who loves exercise.

3. What's a productivity tip or tool you swear by?

   • A productivity tip/tool I swear by is to always begin a new book within 24 hours of finishing one. It prevents slumps and keeps you learning. Finished a book at bedtime? Great! Start another one in the morning or the following evening. Don’t let a slump creep in.

4. What’s a quote that resonates with you?

   • A quote that resonates with me is, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” by George Eliot. I have changed so much since I had children that I am drawn to the idea of constant growth as a person. I don’t buy the lie that “people never change”. We can always be striving for personal growth! And for me, personally, I believe the Lord helps us grow. I’ve seen much evidence of it.

5. What's a book, podcast, album, show, or movie you're currently enjoying and would recommend?

   • Currently, I’m hooked on the Raising Boys and Girls podcast series about birth order and personality. It’s fascinating! I can’t stop listening to Noah Kahan (because it’s fall). I’m reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and loving them! They’re the quickest, coziest little scoops of old English society and nuance. I’m watching this season of the Great British Bakeoff (because— happiness & yumminess on a screen!).

6. What's your go-to recharging activity?

   • My go-to recharging activity is a good power walk with music or reading a fun book. If I’m feeling led, you may even catch me scribbling some poems, when the moment strikes.

7. Who makes up your community?

   • Our community in Bowling Green is something special. It’s filled with our church family (shoutout to CFC Bowling Green!), my BAC gym family, sweet neighbors, students at WKU who are always welcome in our home, and of course our families— even though they all live a few hours away. We are richly blessed!

Thanks for taking the time to learn about me, and feel free to follow along at @collectedleigh for book recs, poetry, humor and a good time!