Navigating Life's Twists

Of the top five most stressful life events, moving is more stressful than divorce, second only to death.

It's been a while since my last post, and I wanted to open up about a personal journey that's had me stepping away from writing lately: the roller coaster of moving.

Dave, the boys, and I have embarked on an audacious journey, bidding adieu to the bustling streets of the Washington D.C. area to find our solace amidst the enchanting landscapes of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nine years ago, Dave and I completed the move from Santa Fe to DC as newlyweds. Now, we have returned with two additions to our family—the tornadoes we also call Donovan (age 3) and Davidson (age 5).

We’ve all heard about how divorce tops the list of life's most stressful events, but let me introduce you to an unexpected contender, second only to death! As I've been in the eye of the storm of relocating my life to a place that couldn't be more different from what we've known (in a good way), I've come to appreciate the parallels between this change and the emotional voyage that accompanies a new health diagnosis. Beyond the logistical intricacies, the daunting task of uprooting from familiar surroundings and immersing oneself into the unknown can trigger a wave of emotions that rival the torrent of feelings that come with a fresh health prognosis.

You see, much like facing a new health condition, moving evokes a symphony of emotions. There's excitement, certainly, as you embrace the prospect of a new beginning. Yet, there's also the anxiety of navigating uncharted territory, of learning to acclimate to an unfamiliar environment, just like adjusting to the unfamiliar landscape of a changed health journey. The complex choreography of orchestrating the move and finding your bearings parallels the labyrinthine maze of medical appointments, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments that follow a diagnosis.

In the midst of this tumultuous transition, I've found myself drawing parallels between moving and my personal journey with a heart condition. Both demand an acknowledgment of the stress, seeking solace in the support of loved ones, and nurturing self-compassion. Just as moving has kept me from my writing desk, my heart condition has ushered in moments of introspection and resilience that I could have never anticipated.

TALK ABOUT ME POWER!

How will you: Embrace Your Barriers, Focus on Your Strengths, Speak for Your Life, Choose Your Guide(s), and Ritualize Your Reflection?

123 Days Left in 2023

So, why have I been absent? Well, I've been entwined in the intricate dance of transitioning my life and family to a new chapter, just as I've embraced a renewed chapter in managing my health. In between moving across the country, I finished recording the audiobook version of Me Power, and gave quite a few speaking talks about Me Power online and in person at the Creativity Conference, Los Alamos National Labs, and the Society for the Study of Social Problem’s Annual Conference.

I want to share with you what I learned while I was away. When I started the 3-31, I promised that it would be released three times a month, on the third day of that week, with one week off.

Starting next month, instead of releasing The 3-31 (Our) Me Power three times a month, I’ll release it on the Wednesday of the third week ONCE a month. Our schedule for the rest of the year will be September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 20.

As we tread through the remaining days of 2023, let's remember that life's transitions - be it a move, a health journey, or any other profound change - resonate with the human spirit's ability to adapt, persevere, and find strength in the midst of uncertainty.

I’m declaring that I will get every box unpacked before these next 123 days close out the year!

A poem from yours truly:

The move is officially over when

every thing is in its place

the last box has been unpacked, and the last bit of clutter has finally been folded away and

storied

you can't remember: what it was like to live somewhere else, to have a different routine, to go to sleep without thinking about what is new

you are so happy with where you are that you don't long for any other place in the world

every room

every thing

every feeling

has a purpose

So, until we meet again, let's tread gently on our shared path, cherishing the beauty of our collective journey, embracing life's ebbs and flows with grace, and finding solace in the unwavering human spirit that carries us through.

Three ⚡️ in 31 Seconds

⚡️I saw a post from my BlackLinkedIn is Thriving co-founder, Kesha Kent, who noted the importance of the words we speak. She implored folks to, in the three months left in 2023, “Write out your vision! Ask: What do I want?” How will you answer?

⚡️“It is crucial for us to engage in honest and difficult conversations in order to challenge the status quo. These uncomfortable conversations bring to mind a story I heard in my youth about eagles and how discomfort fosters growth. To construct their nests, eagles search for strong branches and sturdy twigs as the foundation. Then, they layer the nest with feathers, leaves, and other materials to ensure comfort. However, when the time comes for the chicks to learn to fly, the mother eagle gradually removes all the soft materials, making the nest uncomfortable. It is in this state of discomfort that the chicks are encouraged to leave the nest and soar. This same challenge confronts America.” - Kenneth Ward, Executive Director of College Bound

⚡️The first draft of Me Power on audio is available! Please reply if you’re interested in hearing it, and I’ll send you the link.