Colleen Cook, Thrive Correspondent

I’ve been ready to replace my living room furniture for several years. I purchased my couch shortly after graduating from college in 2007, and while it has survived kittens, multiple moves and three children, it was pretty battered.  A month or two ago, a small tear in one of the cushions had expanded into a […]

Several years ago, there was a viral video going around the internet based on a TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson about the way that our society approaches education. The argument was made that the public education system was established to prepare workers for an industrialist society, not one that relies on creativity and innovation […]

A few months ago, I began to notice a pattern. Each morning of the week, I’d wake up to my alarm on my cell phone, begrudgingly pull myself out of bed and, after taking care of a couple basic needs, would begin to wake and ready my kids for school and childcare.  From that point […]

My career path has been more of a winding road than a straight line. I got my bachelor’s degree in music education and taught for a few years, before some unanticipated changes put me on the path to non-profit administration, which ultimately led to a career in which I lead a digital marketing agency.  When […]

Did you know that every seven years, every cell in your body regenerates? Essentially, you become a totally new person over the course of every seven years. We’re in a constant state of death and new life. When I think back on my life seven years ago, very little looks the same. The same is […]

Dear Coco, I’m applying for a new job at a different company, and I’d like to list my current manager as a reference, but I don’t want to damage my relationship with her or put my current job in jeopardy in case the new job doesn’t pan out. What’s the best way to approach this? […]

Every Sunday, I get a notification on my phone that tells me about my screen time for the past week. It analyzes the quantity of time I use my phone, the frequency that I pick up my phone, the notifications I get and where I’m spending my time on my phone.  It doesn’t take into […]

For this week’s “Ask Coco,” two questions came in that were destined to be coupled:  Dear Coco, I’m widowed. I’m not too old to start over with someone, but it’s been many years since I have been on a date. I’m afraid to ask a friend or someone at work or church because those can […]

I’m fairly certain that I’m lactose intolerant, or at the very least sensitive to dairy. Yet, over the past month or two, I’ve found myself with a bowl of ice cream or a pizza more times than I care to admit.  In spite of knowing that something doesn’t agree with me, enjoying the pleasure of […]

Dear Coco, My husband and I are newly pregnant with our first child. What are some things you’d wish you’d known about pregnancy, but didn’t? – Great Expectations   Dear Great Expectations, Congratulations on your new pregnancy – what a special moment you’re living in! I was lucky to have three healthy pregnancies and gave […]