Challenging Times
We Can Do Hard Things (And We Don’t Have to Do Them Alone)
I haven’t written in two months—and it’s been a season.
My daughter had double jaw surgery, followed by an emergency procedure for a rare infection. My partner had heart surgery. In between: a sick dog, a broken tooth, failing appliances, major car repairs, and the discovery of mold and termites in our downstairs room.
And still—here I am, back at my desk, showing up to my work.
What I’ve learned is still unfolding, but I want to share what’s clear—especially for anyone navigating their own version of overwhelm, uncertainty, or burnout in work or life.
Because these lessons—about capacity, intuition, and receiving support—aren’t just personal.
They are deeply professional.
💪 We Can Do Hard Things
As Glennon Doyle says, “We can do hard things.” Yes, we can.
I cared for someone I love who couldn’t talk, eat, or sleep. We were both exhausted. And yet, even in the fatigue, I found inspiration to help her heal. I made a new favorite: seedless berry purée with honey—soft, sweet, and nurturing.
That same energy—the willingness to show up, create, care—is what I bring to my work.
Leadership doesn’t always feel strong. But it can still be steady.
🤝 We Need Each Other
As my dear friend Summer MacCool reminded me: “We need each other.”
Family and friends brought food, flowers, and so much kindness. My partner cared for our dog and supported me. My son lifted his sister’s spirits. A friend introduced me to someone who helped solve our mold issue.
It reminded me: we’re not meant to do it all alone—especially not in our work.
True resilience includes knowing when to ask for help.
🧭 Trust Your Intuition at Work
When the doctors told me my daughter’s swelling was normal, something in me said otherwise. Later that day, I felt a quiet, urgent nudge: Go to the ER.
I listened. And she got the emergency care she needed.
That moment reminded me: intuition belongs at the table.
In our careers, decisions, relationships—it matters.
Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from logic. It comes from listening.
🌱 Life (and Work) Happen For Us
Recently, I felt a wave of frustration with my partner. Nothing dramatic, but tension was building—tight chest, short tone, old patterns rising.
I paused. Got quiet. Asked myself, What am I really feeling?
I realized I was overwhelmed. I named it—first to myself, then to him. I made a clear, kind request for what I needed.
And just like that, the tension evaporated. The air cleared. We were back in connection.
This is the work I do every day—with myself, my loved ones, and my clients.
Staying attuned. Telling the truth. Letting energy move.
💬 A Line That Guides Me
“I am resilient. I trust the movement.
I negate the chaos, uplift the negative.”
— Rising Appalachia, Resilient
🎧 One More Thing: Your Soulful Soundtrack
After everything, sometimes what we need most is a rhythm to move with.
Here’s a song that holds the spirit of this post—strength, grace, and the quiet power of rising again.
🎵 Resilient by Rising Appalachia – Listen on Spotify
Put on your headphones. Let the words settle in. Let the beat remind you:
You’re still here. You’re still rising. And you’re not alone.
✨ Invitation
If you're in a career shift, feeling overwhelmed in leadership, or quietly asking “What’s next?”—you don’t have to hold it alone.
Let’s connect. I help people find grounded clarity, resilience, and next steps that feel true.
👉 Schedule a complimentary session here
