Nicole Bensen

the Tea Time blog

Welcome to

If the world feels overwhelming right now, you’re not alone. I’ve rounded up some simple ways to protect your peace, so you don’t burn out. Here are 3 articles from the Greater Good Science Center: And here are 5 simple ideas, even if you only have 20 minutes: I took this pic in Barnes and […]

We were all huddled around Phyllis’ desk—analysts, admins, and loan officers—leaning in as she described her opulent dinner at a fine dining restaurant called The French Laundry. I’d never heard of it. Another thing I’d never heard of? Sweetbreads. But the way she talked about it made it very clear they were neither sweet nor bread. […]

My kids are all home this morning on a 2-hour school delay due to icy roads, so I just recorded a 1-minute video (no time for polished transitions and edits!) to share this week’s resource: a Valentine’s edition of a Life Bingo card. (Not sure how to use a Life Bingo card? Read the blog post […]

Today’s my birthday! I’m one of those people who turns a birthDAY into a celebration WEEK, and I kicked off this year’s festivities with a girls’ weekend at the lovely, lakeside Woodmark Hotel and Spa. Two friends flew in from California, and we had pasta and cocktails, spa time, and chats next to the fire pit […]

30 Thursdays: Share your feedback on implementing growth strategies, building better habits, and dedicating time to self-improvement.

Get your Free Bingo Card Template to turn goals into fun, actionable steps. Plan your best year yet with this creative and easy tool!

As we kick off 2025, you’re probably seeing a lot of “New Year, New You” hype. Maybe you’re setting resolutions, choosing a word of the year, or maybe even creating a vision board. You know I’m a big fan of vision boards, right?! This is me leading a vision board workshop last week: But have […]

As we enter 2025, ask not “What more can I do?” but “What can I let go of?” Release the burdens of others’ expectations, constant availability, and comparison. Growth begins with the courage to let go. Here’s to less pressure and more you.

You might be celebrating Christmas Eve, Hanukkah Eve, or maybe just a quiet inbox because your colleagues are OOO.

Do you ever feel this way in life? We might chase the shiny, the different, the “latest thing our favorite influencer recommended,” only to realize it’s not what WE want at all.