It's easy to get caught up in your head about all the things not going right in the heat of the moment or as a part of a sleepless night. I regularly pace the floor these days with any one of the following: "What if this goes on forever?" "There are 14 different steps in this workflow!" "What if this path is no longer available to me?" "How did this turn out like this?" "What if the worst things I think about me are true?" "Is it crazy to think about becoming a sewing/gardening/art/dog/business Podcast/YouTuber?" "I should just build that dang indoor dog park and franchise it already." "Maybe I should reskill." "Now is not the time to start a brick and mortar business." "I want the next role I have to be a 30 year one. I never want to do this job hunt thing again." "I have so much to give an organization, though. One role is pretty limiting for all the ways I can help." "He does like a project, though..." "What if it's like this for my husband when he gets out?" "What if it's not?" I mean, really, it's a jungle in here, especially when I'm short on sleep. I think we can all agree, it feels like a jungle out here some days too. I don't know what the answers are to all the problems out here. I know we're all just trying to figure it out the best we can. And lately, I find myself having to coach myself like I would my friends and family. "Are these thoughts useful? What can we do? How can we be of service to others?" Campbell Walker gives an amazing narrative of navigating mental health and wellbeing in an accessible way that anyone can relate to. If you haven't read James Clear's "Atomic Habits" I'd certainly call it out for his incredible story and his technique. Because of David Goggins, I know that there are 1,237,000 seconds in a week and you have to win them all to complete hell week in the Navy Seals. And that comes in handy when I remind myself that I need to endure 1,237,000 job application rejections. Molly Carmel, took 2 years to host a podcast showcasing the ins and outs of healing your body and mind so I show up with intention and will never give up on myself - even if it's taking me longer than I wished it did. Brene Brown says to live courageously and with vulnerability. But if all that isn't enough: This is my lane. This is my circus, these are my monkeys. This is my problem to solve. As an experienced public speaker and business professional well versed in a wide range of topics and interests who has done her work, A. LOT. OF. WORK. - I am resilient AF. And I am not about to get taken out by a job search or not having a formal role from someone else. I lead from the front as much as I do from the back. I use my confidence and my enthusiasm to connect with people authentically. To build deep and meaningful relationships that allow my life to be filled with joyful travel and learning. I desire to serve others to create positive impact that spreads with both breadth and depth, spanning countries and generations. And there's a role for me out there, exactly as I am, even if I can't see it right this second. And because I'm a business professional, I will continue to hone my frustration tolerance in such a way to support my personal growth and development through this unprecedented time. I will nourish my body with nutrition that supports my goals and lifestyle choices. I will reduce my amount of time doom scrolling on social media by practicing art in my sketchbook or ipad. I will not engage in discourse that undermines my efforts to protect my mental health and wellbeing. I will strive to be of service to others and remember to go kiss these dogs and my spouse for taking such good care of me. Now go highfive yourself in the mirror and go be awesome. I know you're doing your best. Me too.