Featured WIRL of the Moment

Reality – What It’s Really Like

Reality – What It’s Really Like

This post is part of a series titled, “A-B-Cs – What It’s Really Like”. Each week a new letter and its word will be revealed. Each word’s explanation will illustrate significant personal meaning, application and ultimately demonstrate, What It’s Really Like… Back in 1998 MTV debuted the reality TV s... Read More »

Previously Featured WIRLs

Preeclampsia | WIRL Project

Preeclampsia: What It’s Really Like

  Don’t you love when someone points out to a pregnant woman that she looks “terrible”? Who do they think they are telling you that you’re swollen, puffy, look tired, or even that you look “painful”. I think people who aren’t, especially those who have never been, pregnant say these things as if it’s somehow comforting for a second or third trimester pregnant lady to be reas... Read More »

What It's Really Like to Lose 100 Pounds | WIRL Project

What It’s Like to Lose 100 Pounds

Today I was at the post office. Handing my I.D. to the clerk, she examined it, looked at me, and looked at the photo again. “Wow, you look really different!” I get that response often so wasn’t too surprised. I’ve considered ordering a new driver’s license since I’m slightly worried I’ll get stopped at the airport for not being the actual Sara M. Borgstede... Read More »

Thank You Notes From Jimmy Fallon

Thank You Notes From Jimmy Fallon

Thank you, Jimmy, for being so entertaining! Here is your weekly dose of Thank You Notes from Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight show! If you’re a night owl and can stay up to watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on a regular basis, then you’ve been exposed to his very funny Thank you Notes segment that he routinely does on Friday nights. If your bedtime doesn’t typically make it past double digi... Read More »

Awkward BlogU15 | WIRL Project

BlogU: The Good, The Awkward, and The Bloody

For those of you not obsessively stalking me on social media (First, PSA – what are you thinking? You can savor little bits of me in small doses, and each social media outlet is like an adorable and ridiculous puzzle piece that fits into the grander scheme of me, people. Go forth and use those shiny social media buttons at the top of my page and love the shit out of me…), you may not k... Read More »

My Skin Won’t Stop Me

My Skin Won’t Stop Me

  My MOLE is only skin deep. My skin won’t stop me because it does not define me or who I am. As a child growing up, we all saw witches in the movies. They were old, ugly women with long hair and a GIANT MOLE, most of the time, on their nose or somewhere on their face. Or we all laughed seeing Austin Powers in Goldmemeber making fun of Fred Savage‘s character “the mole”... Read More »

Comedy of Cancer | WIRL Project

The Comedy of Cancer

(What’s it really like to hear you have cancer…a second time) Have you ever had that moment when your phone rings and a feeling rushes over you of “this can’t be good”? As I answered my phone in the midst of cooking a weekday dinner for my family, I heard my doctor’s voice and I just knew… there was no doubt what he was about to say was not good. I’d heard the words before and this time I ca... Read More »

Left Shy Self At Home | WIRL Project

How to Become Financially Independent

  Retirement is a concept that continues to experience transitions. Becoming financially independent is difficult, but it is also possible. Historically, only 5% of people are able to retire and maintain financial independence. Most have never created a financial plan. A plan is critical for achieving your financial goals. “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dar... Read More »