So here I am, in the aftermath of the New Year's glitter and promises, trying to keep my head above water amidst a whirlwind of unexpected blows. Life threw me a curveball – setbacks, disappointments, and a heartbreaking tragedy that left me reeling. This isn't your typical "I'm not fine" moment; this is the raw, unfiltered truth. I kicked off with restlessness, graduated to insomnia-fueled couch marathons, and finally, landed in a state where every inch of my body aches – the kind of ache that makes you want to hibernate and shut the world out. And what did I do? I put on a brave face, told everyone around me, and even convinced myself that I was "fine." Let's be real. I AM NOT FINE! I'm hurting, I'm grappling with sadness, and honestly, I feel like shit. There, I said it. As I pour my thoughts onto the screen, my stomach churns with that familiar nervous pain that comes when you're about to lay bare your soul. It's ironic – my sister and co-author, Kelly, is diving into a well-being journey this year, and here I am, feeling like I've taken a wrong turn somewhere. My well-being is hanging by a thread, with my heart shattered by the unimaginable loss of my Aunt Ila, a friend's rejection, the chaotic political landscape, and my son, Julian, stuck in a seemingly purposeless rut. It's a lot to carry. So, what's the game plan? First off, I'm owning up to it – I need help, and I'm not afraid to admit it. Professional help is on the horizon, a compass to navigate the storm of emotions. Then there's the elusive concept of rest. Now, those who know me know I'm not exactly best friends with the idea, but my body is staging a rebellion, and it's time to listen. And last but not least, a spa session is on the cards for Monday – a therapeutic, "hurts so good" massage that promises a physical release matching the emotional weight on my shoulders. Three commitments. That's what I can handle right now. I want to be fine, but the first step in healing is acknowledging when you're not. So here I am, embracing the chaos and taking small but meaningful steps towards reclaiming my well-being. Stay tuned for the journey – it's bound to be a bumpy, honest ride. Love and Peace! Tune in to a recent Lucy Leadership Project Virtual Book Talk on Navigating Workplace Trauma with Dr. Christina Camp . This discussion led to my commitments to my healing. Click the image below to watch/listen.

The Bitter Taste of Rejection Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. Recently, I found myself facing a particularly bitter one. After investing time, effort, and enthusiasm into preparing a presentation, booking a flight, and arranging a session, I was blindsided by rejection. What stung the most was that the rejection came from someone I had known for years. Instead of working together to find a solution for a potential time conflict, my entire participation was canceled, leaving me angry and hurt. From Lemons to Lemonade: The Conventional Wisdom In times of adversity, we often hear the age-old adage, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." It's a call to turn challenges into opportunities, to find the positive amidst the sourness. Lemons, symbolizing difficulties, can be transformed into something positive and desirable through a can-do attitude and optimism. A Twist to the Tale: "Eat Them!" But why stop at making lemonade? I propose a twist to the conventional wisdom — "Eat them!" Lemons aren't just symbols of adversity; they are packed with nutritional benefits. High in vitamin C, lemons can aid in reducing heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and even cancer. As I reflect on the setbacks and disappointments, I realize the profound truth behind this phrase. The Power of Self-Belief Life's lemons often come in the form of challenges, setbacks, rejections, and disappointments. Instead of waiting for someone to bet on you, the real power lies in betting on yourself. It's a reminder that self-belief can be the most potent force in turning adversity into opportunity. In my recent devastating blow, I found the strength to overcome by placing my bet on the one person who knows my worth the best — myself. Stop Waiting, Start Doing Waiting for external validation can be a never-ending journey. The rejection that stings today might lead to unforeseen opportunities tomorrow. By betting on yourself, you take control of your narrative, turning setbacks into stepping stones. It's a call to action, a reminder that your journey is in your hands, and you have the power to make the most out of every lemon life throws your way. Embracing the Journey Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. The next time life hands you lemons, don't just make lemonade — savor them. Embrace the difficulties, learn from them, and use them as fuel to propel yourself forward. After all, the sweetest victories often arise from the most challenging battles. So, when life gives you lemons, eat them! Nourish yourself with the lessons, embrace the challenges, and bet on yourself. The power to transform adversity into triumph lies within you. To learn more about how I bet on myself, watch my interview with Rochelle Valsaint, Brand Consultant.

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.