The last few weeks have been the busiest since I’ve come back from battling chronic illness. I’m not going to lie – it was really friggin hard.
Here’s what’s been going on…
- Started a new consulting client
- Hosted the biggest Texas Big Star Half & 5K yet…
- Unexpectedly had to get a new car
- Managed booth, expo, and meetings for FinTech start-up at their first conference.
And ironically, I learned that April is Chronic Stress Awareness Month. Who knew?
I’m trying to set and maintain boundaries while making sure I do what I say and follow through on my commitments. It’s been a lot of juggling!
In many ways, my situation right now is similar to the circumstances we encounter during a tough race. Adrenaline keeps us going, but we do eventually crash. We’re not robots or machines – we’re human beings with an innate need for rest and downtime.
I preach about slow living, but I realize first-hand how challenging it can be in daily practice. (Especially with the month I’ve just had!)
On that note, here are a few thoughts and ideas I want to share for the next time life gets hard and overwhelming…(because it will!)
1. Nothing Lasts Forever
There’s one thing we know for sure—everything in life eventually comes to an end. No matter how dark and chaotic, the sun will eventually rise again and shine brightly upon us.
But I get it. It’s frustrating and stressful when you don’t know when that new dawn will come, and the finish line can seem further and further away.
Yet, I promise you are progressing, and at some point, you’ll cross that line. Keep telling yourself that you’ll get through it. You’re stronger than you think….
Keep going.
2. Accept Your Situation
I can’t tell you how many times in the past month I have said, ‘If I could just change….xyz”
But it’s up to us to make the most of where we are—not to wish it away. This is the hand we’ve been dealt, and we have to play it. Crappy as it may be, folding is not an option.
Take stock of what’s happening around you. Try and understand what’s going on. This isn’t just about taking a backseat; it’s about gaining clarity.
When we take a step back, we can often see the bigger picture and discover paths forward we might not have noticed in the heat of the moment.
Don’t react yet. Just be aware for now.
When we pause, we give ourselves the opportunity to proceed with intention instead of haste.
Take this time to breathe, reflect, and prepare for the moves you’ll make next.
3. Control the Controllables
Back to the previous point: You can’t change the hand you’ve been dealt but you can decide how to play it.
We tend to make rash decisions when things are moving fast and it feels like everything is falling apart. Personally, when this happens, I’ll start to suffer from decision fatigue and spin, which makes me feel even more out of control!
But if we can keep our cool, shrug off what we can’t change, and take a deep breath, we can start to play the game.
Remember you control: your actions, your effort, and your attitude.
4. Adjust on the Fly
C’mon… how often do things go exactly as planned? Not very often.
So, what if Plan A falls apart? Time to start Plan B. Sometimes, it’s even better than the original.
The bottom line is that we have to learn to roll with the punches. When life gets crazy, we need to be more adaptable and flexible than ever.
I’m working on this myself… and would be the first to agree it’s not easy!
But the one thing I’ve learned is every time we adjust and make changes, we uncover new opportunities and perspectives.
Life is about embracing the unpredictable and finding joy in the unexpected.
Trust me, it’s an adventure that’s worth every bit of the effort.
5. Be a Good Friend
You know, everyone’s got their battles, big or small, but at the end of the day, we’re all in this thing called life together.
Sometimes, when life gets hard and messy, it’s easy for us to retreat and isolate—yet this is when we need a good friend and community the most.
Is there someone in your life who seems a bit lost or could use a boost, why not reach out? It could be as simple as sharing a smile, offering a listening ear, or lending a helping hand.
Be the friend you want to have.
The Wrap – Remember When Life Gets Hard…
It’s been one heck of a ride this month with new clients, big events, unexpected changes, and, let’s not forget, learning to juggle it all without dropping the ball (or losing my mind!)
Through the chaos, I’ve uncovered some new truths: nothing lasts forever, acceptance is key, control what you can, be ready to pivot, and, most importantly, be there for others.
Remember, every challenging season is just another chapter in our adventure, offering lessons and insights to make us into the person we’re meant to become
So, take a deep breath, Keep your spirits high and your heart open—
I’m cheering you on…
XO
jules
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