Navigating Change from the Inside Out: How to Build Resilience, Awareness, and Intentional Self-Leadership

Why “Handling Change” Isn’t the Real Challenge

Change is inevitable. Yet, for many of us, it still feels like a disruption - an unwelcome detour we didn’t choose. But what if change itself isn’t the problem? What if the real challenge lies in how we relate to it?

As Blanche Roberts reminds us, “Change is a constant. To expect otherwise is to resist the nature of life itself.” This simple truth cuts through the noise: the only security we truly have is in our ability to adapt.

Blanche’s insights on the Thriving Changes podcast prompted me to reflect on moments when my world shifted unexpectedly. I remembered the time I moved across continents, leaving behind my support system and sense of familiarity. On the outside, it looked like a career opportunity. Inside, it felt like I was unraveling. It wasn’t the external change that overwhelmed me - it was the transition within.

And that’s the difference that matters.

Change vs. Transition: Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Understanding the Emotional Transition Behind Every Change

We often use the words “change” and “transition” interchangeably. But as Blanche explains, they are not the same:

• Change is external - it’s the event, the shift in circumstance.

• Transition is internal - it’s the emotional and psychological process we go through in response.

Most of us stay focused on what’s happening around us. But transformation begins when we tune inward. I had recently relocated to the US when we lost my dear cousin to cancer. I was flooded with grief and loneliness. Along with it, the anxiety of starting over. No one could see that from the outside. That was the transition - the part that required compassion, patience, and internal reorientation.

Practical Step:

When facing change, ask yourself: “What is changing externally and what is shifting within me because of it?”This reflection creates space for self-awareness, which is the foundation of intentional response.

The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Transition

Why Emotional Avoidance Undermines Resilience

Avoiding the emotional layers of change doesn’t make them go away. It buries them until they resurface as burnout, anxiety, or disengagement.

Blanche describes four non-linear phases of transition:

1. Denial – “This isn’t really happening.”

2. Resistance – “Why is this happening to me?”

3. Exploration – “What can I do with this?”

4. Commitment – “This is where I’m going next.”

What struck me most is how easily we get stuck in resistance. We blame the situation or others or ourselves. We distract, overwork, or spiral into “what ifs.”

I’ve been there. After a major professional setback, I spent months pretending it didn’t affect me. But my body knew otherwise. I was exhausted, irritable, and disconnected. Only when I paused to name what I was feeling did the fog begin to lift.

Here’s a blog that I wrote based on Josh Hatter’s first episode with ‘Thriving Changes’ titled, “The Power of Introspection with Josh Hatter” that talks about building resilience while navigating change.

Your Body Doesn’t Know It’s Just a Thought

Managing Fear: The Fight-or-Flight Trap of Imagined Threats

Our nervous system doesn’t distinguish between real danger and perceived threat. When you imagine the worst-case scenario - losing your job, disappointing your team, failing at your new role - your body reacts as if it’s happening right now.

This is why fear, whether imagined or real, triggers the same response: fight, flight, or freeze.

Blanche puts it plainly: “Fear is fear.” And unless we interrupt the cycle, we stay trapped in it.

One tool that’s helped me time and again is this question: “Is this thought true? Is it helpful?”

When fear rises, I practice replacing catastrophic thinking with grounding phrases like, “This is unfamiliar, not necessarily unsafe”. “I need to evaluate the situation before jumping to conclusions”. “I’ve handled hard things before - this is no different.”

The Self-Talk That Shapes Our Reality

Rewiring Your Inner Dialogue for Calm, Clarity, and Courage

Words have power!

And…the most influential ones are the ones we say to ourselves.

According to Blanche, the way we speak to ourselves matters. And I couldn’t agree more. Self-talk isn’t just fluffy affirmation - it’s neuroscience. The words we repeat shape our emotional tone, impact our stress response, and influence how we move through uncertainty.

Practical Step:

Try this 3-step “Intentional Self-Talk Reset”:

• Notice your inner dialogue in moments of stress.

• Name the belief behind it. (For example, “I can’t handle this”)

• Nurture a new response rooted in possibility. (“I’m learning to handle hard things with more grace”)

Over time, this becomes a powerful tool for shifting from reactivity to resilience.

Adaptability is the New Stability

The Only Security Is Growth - Not Control

In a world where change is constant, trying to hold on to “how things were” is a losing battle. Blanche offers a refreshing alternative:

“Stability comes not from what we control, but how we grow.”

It’s not about having all the answers…it’s about having a support system and the tools to navigate the unknown.

This is where values-based leadership makes a difference. When you know what you stand for, your values, for example, people-first, relational, integrity, growth, compassion - you can move through uncertainty with alignment. Your values become your compass.

Here’s a great Forbes article on Human Connection that talks about feedback loops, intentional people practices, and robust training and development that can transform change from a strategic goal into sustainable reality.

Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness - It’s Wisdom

Why Support Is a Leadership Skill

One of the most moving reminders from this episode is that we all experience change differently. Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is say, “I don’t know what I need.”

We often believe that leaders should be strong, composed, and self-sufficient. But isolation is not strength…it’s a warning sign.

As Udo Graf says in his episode with 'Thriving Changes', “If it’s lonely at the top, then something’s wrong”.

Practical Step:

Create your “support map.” Who are three people, personal or professional, you can turn to for:

• Listening without fixing?

• Challenging your perspective with compassion?

• Reminding you of who you are when you forget?

This kind of connection doesn’t just help you survive change. It helps you grow through it.

Awareness is the Gateway, but…Action Builds the Bridge

From Insight to Impact: Turning Awareness into Movement

Awareness is where all transformation begins. But as I often say to my clients:

Awareness is not enough - transformation requires action.

Blanche reminds us that change is a process. And processes require movement, not perfection.

You don’t have to leap. But you do have to take a step.

Start here:

• Reflect on where you are in the transition cycle (denial, resistance, exploration, or commitment).

• Choose one area where you’re ready to explore instead of resist.

• Practice one new self-talk phrase that reinforces possibility.

• Reach out to one person who can walk with you through it.

You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to begin.

Closing Reflection

Navigating change is rarely neat or linear. It’s a spiral of emotions, realizations, and slow rebuilds. But it’s also an invitation - to meet ourselves with compassion, to lead with values, and to grow through what disrupts us.

This episode with Blanche Roberts isn’t just about change - it’s about reclaiming your agency within it. When you stop fighting the external and start nurturing the internal, you unlock the resilience, clarity, and courage already within you.

Much love,

Purpose, Mindset, and the Power of Daily Growth

There’s a quiet moment many of us face - a moment when the noise of our day fades, and we find ourselves asking: Is this really all I’m meant for?

I’ve lived that question…more than once! And that’s why my conversation with Ray Yenkana felt less like an interview and more like a masterclass in navigating change, building resilience, and creating a life of meaning.

Ray’s insights aren’t just theory - they’re practical wisdom. His words are a roadmap for anyone standing at the edge of growth, wondering how to take the next step.

Find Your Purpose First - Then Build the Right Mindset

“Once you identify your definite major purpose in life, everything begins with cultivating a positive mental attitude around it.” Ray Yenkana

For years, I waited to know my purpose as if it’ll strike like lightning. What I learned was that it’s often present in us quietly as a persistent nudge or as a deep knowing. We discover our purpose through curiosity about what excites us and build it through action.

When I finally aligned my work with what truly mattered to me most - helping leaders navigate challenges/change with clarity and integrity - everything shifted. My mindset began to serve my mission instead of sabotaging it.

Practical Step:

Write a one-line purpose statement. Then ask: What beliefs support this purpose? What beliefs sabotage it? Replace the latter with affirmations grounded in growth and courage.

Desire vs. Discipline: What It Really Takes to Grow

“Many want results but few commit to doing the work that results demand.” - Ray Yenkana

Desire might open the door, but only discipline walks you through it. I’ve seen this truth in every leader I coach and in myself. I once dreamed of giving keynote speeches. I had notes in a dozen journals, a folder on my laptop titled “Someday,” and a deep ache to live my purpose. But for years, nothing happened because dreaming isn’t the same as doing.

It wasn’t until I signed up for Maxwell Leadership where I received guidance to create my first speech and then ongoing support and feedback that gave me the confidence to deliver my first keynote. 

That’s the heart of personal growth - doing the hard, hidden work that no one claps for… yet.

Practical Step:

Choose one outcome you desire. Break it into weekly actions. Then ask: What structure will help me stay consistent? Who can keep me accountable even when motivation fades?

You Become Your Circle: Choose It with Intention

“You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”- Ray Yenkana

After relocating to the U.S., I found myself surrounded with people but deeply disconnected. I had colleagues but no community. I didn’t realize how much that isolation was dulling my vision and dimming my voice until I reconnected with people who reflected my growth back to me.

Leadership development mindset starts with surrounding yourself with people who challenge and uplift you.

Practical Step:

Audit your “influence circle.” Who fills your energy? Who drains it? Curate your circle with intention.

Growth Compounds: Small Habits Create Big Shifts

“Everything in life compounds - habits, growth, relationships.” - Ray Yenkana

We underestimate the power of tiny daily choices. I started a 5-minute journaling habit years ago. It felt insignificant. But over time, it became my most reliable tool for self-awareness and clarity. Growth doesn't always announce itself…it accumulates.

Practical Step:

Pick one small habit aligned with your purpose (journaling, meditation, reading). Track your consistency for 30 days. Notice what changes.

We Absorb More Than We Realize: The Power of Influence

“We’re deeply shaped by the people around us - their words, actions, and examples.”- Ray Yenkana

Some of the most impactful lessons I’ve ever learned were never explicitly taught. They were modeled. A mentor once taught me the power of presence simply by how she listened. Years later, her unspoken influence still lives in how I coach and facilitate.

That’s the thing about influence: some of our greatest lessons aren’t taught - they’re caught.

Practical Step:

Reflect: Who’s modeling the kind of leader, parent, or partner you want to be? What would you like to absorb from them? How does it show up in you today?

The Best Investment? Yourself.

“If I invest $10K in skill development, I become more productive for my family.” - Ray Yenkana

I used to feel guilty about investing in myself. Now I see it as an act of responsibility - not just for me, but for those I lead and love. Courses, coaching, retreats - they stretch my capacity and ripple out to every client, team, and family member I serve.

Self-investment for success isn’t indulgent - it’s foundational for sustainable impact.

Practical Step:

Create a personal growth budget. Allocate resources (time, money, energy) toward one area that will stretch you.

Learn from the Best to Accelerate Your Growth

“In any area you want to grow, seek out the best thinkers and immerse yourself in their ideas.” - Ray Yenkana

When I first became aware of applied neuroscience and its impact personal and professional growth, I was fascinated by how human beings are gifted with special abilities to adapt to challenging life experiences through mental, emotional and behavioral flexibility. Through books, articles and teaching platforms from some of the best minds in Applied Neuroscience, I learned that by making adjustment in our demanding lives - by clarifying and prioritizing our goals, we can adapt successfully to challenges and change. I wasn’t sure what I’d do with the knowledge, but I knew I needed to understand the brain behind behavior.

That curiosity built a foundation I now use every day in my coaching and teaching. Exposure precedes expansion.

Learning from the best is key to developing a leadership mindset grounded in both evidence and empathy.

Practical Step:

Pick a growth topic. Follow three experts. Read, watch, or listen to one piece of content a week. Let it challenge your current view.

Expand Your Lens by Stepping Outside Your Echo Chamber

“Growth begins when you expose yourself to ideas you haven’t yet considered.” - Ray Yenkana

One of the most powerful growth moments I’ve had was in a group of people who didn’t think like me. Their questions made me uncomfortable and that discomfort birthed insight. Curiosity is often the catalyst for transformation.

Practical Step:

Ask someone with a different worldview what they’re learning. Just listen. Let discomfort teach you something new.

The Heart of Coaching: Ask Better Questions

“A true coach doesn’t offer answers…they offer better questions.” - Ray Yenkana

Coaching is less about guiding and more about revealing. One question can shift an entire perspective. I’ve seen clients who have been stuck for years get unstuck through a single reflection.

For me that one question was, “How are you being less in what you were created for?”

Coaching for transformation isn’t about advice - it’s about access to deeper awareness.

Practical Step:

Next time you feel tempted to offer advice, pause. Ask a question instead. Watch what emerges.

Transformation is Mutual: The Coach Evolves Too

“Coaching doesn’t just change the client…it changes the coach as well.” - Ray Yenkana

Every client I work with teaches me something. Their courage becomes my reminder…their reflections become my mirror. That’s the beauty of this work, it’s a two-way transformation.

Practical Step:

After each meaningful conversation, be it with a colleague or friend, journal: What did I learn about myself through their story?

Clarity in Crisis: Focus on What Matters Most

“When facing adversity, clarity comes from identifying your top priorities.” - Ray Yenkana

When life felt like it was falling apart, I was once asked, “What two things would make today feel successful?” That question grounded me. Even though it was slow, it helped me move forward. During times of struggle, simplicity is strength.

Practical Step:

Each morning, write down your top 1–2 priorities. Let everything else take a back seat.

Live Without Regret

“Don’t hesitate. You have one life. Don’t leave it filled with ‘what ifs’.” - Ray Yenkana

I’ve seen how hesitation turns into regret. In clients…in families…in my own life. We don’t get time back. And the cost of staying stuck is always greater than the risk of stepping forward.

The cost of hesitation is often invisible until it’s not.

Practical Step:

Write down one thing you’ve been hesitating on. Then ask: What’s the cost of not doing it?

Final Reflection: You Don’t Need a Giant Leap…Just the Next Right Step

Ray’s wisdom reminded me that transformation isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily decision. To show up…to stay curious…to grow on purpose.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.

Much love,

Reena Suri

It Shouldn’t Be Lonely at the Top: Lessons in Leadership, Connection, and Courage

A Thriving Changes Reflection Inspired by Udo Graf

There was a season in my life when I believed that strong leadership meant doing everything alone.

I had just stepped into a new role - one filled with possibility but also pressure. I was trying to prove myself, to stay ahead, to hold it all together. And though I was surrounded by people, I felt deeply isolated.

When I spoke with Udo Graf for the Thriving Changes podcast, his words hit like a wave of truth:

“It shouldn’t be lonely at the top.”

Something about that moment unraveled a quiet belief I had carried for years - that leadership was supposed to be heavy, that being strong meant carrying burdens in silence. Udo’s wisdom, however, told a different story - one rooted in clarity, connection, and choosing people over performance.

What follows isn’t just a recap of our conversation. It’s a collection of life lessons that rose to the surface as I listened to Udo’s voice, reflected on my own journey, and thought about all of you - leaders, changemakers, seekers - navigating your own paths through adversity.

1. Mentorship Matters: Learn, Then Lift

I still remember the words of my first real mentor, “You don’t have to know everything. You just need to stay curious and stay kind.”

That line saved me more than once.

Udo reminded me how much of who we become is shaped by those who pour into us. But more importantly, it’s not meant to stop with us. We’re here to pass it forward.

Try this: Schedule a “Mentorship Moment” each month. Support someone who reminds you of your younger self. You don’t need all the answers - just your presence and your lessons.

2. People First, Always

Years ago, I took on a contract that looked good on surface but something in my gut said no. I ignored it. I needed the income. I needed to keep moving.

But it cost me. I found myself surrounded by a team misaligned with the values I held dear. The work felt transactional. My energy drained.

Through that experience and others like it, my perspective began to shift. I learned the hard way that building a team isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about laying the foundation for something greater - a shared purpose, a culture, a rhythm that sustains the work and the people behind it.

Udo’s advice echoed what that season taught me: “Focus on building the right team. When you invest in people, the results follow - not the other way around.”

Try this: Start your next team meeting with one question: “What’s something you’re proud of this week?” Watch what happens when you make people feel seen.

3. Purpose-Driven Growth

One of my coaching clients once shared, “I feel like I’m performing at work, not contributing.”

That insight struck a deep chord with me - because I’ve been there.

When we’re not aligned with our purpose, our energy leaks. But when we operate from passion and ownership, we don’t just get more done - we feel more alive.

Udo put it beautifully: “Help individuals grow where they feel passion and ownership. That’s where lasting impact begins.”

Try this: Ask your team (or yourself): “What’s one part of your role that energizes you and one that drains you?” Then adjust where possible.

4. Clarity Over Consensus

I once rolled out a new program to a team I was leading. It was strategic. It was smart. And it completely flopped.

Not because the plan was bad but because I hadn’t explained the why. People were confused. Some were resentful. I had sought compliance instead of clarity.

Udo’s reminder landed like a bell: “People don’t have to agree with every decision, but they do need to understand the why.”

Try this: The next time you communicate a decision, take one extra step: share the reasoning. Not just the what, but the why.

5. Courage to Confront

I once avoided giving feedback to a collaborator because I didn’t want to “rock the boat.” She was well-respected and brilliant at what she did, but there was a clear misalignment in our strategy planning and working styles. It didn’t feel like a partnership - I felt dismissed, and the dynamic leaned more toward advice-giving than collaboration. 

I kept justifying it. She’s just passionate. Maybe it’s a phase. Who am I to call it out?

But silence has a cost.

Eventually, I stopped contributing. My performance took a hit – not because of her actions alone but also because I lacked the courage to speak up sooner.

Udo’s words are a vital reminder: “Don’t shy away from bad news. Address it head-on before frustration spreads.”

Try this: Open the door gently but honestly: “Can we talk about something that’s been weighing on me?”

It may feel uncomfortable, but discomfort now is better than disconnection later.

6. It Shouldn’t Be Lonely at the Top

When I launched my first group program, I poured everything into it - content, structure, onboarding, delivery. On paper, it was a success. Registrations came in, sessions ran smoothly, feedback was glowing.

But somewhere around week three, I realized something unexpected: I had no one to share the behind-the-scenes with.

The doubts.
The decision fatigue.
The late-night second-guessing.

Every challenge felt like mine to carry, and every win felt strangely muted. I was building it alone.

That season reminded me of something I now hold sacred: even leaders need a space to be held, not just hold space for others.

Udo’s words echoed that truth: “Leadership should be collaborative and connected. Isolation is a warning sign.”

We don’t need more lone heroes in leadership. We need more real conversations, safe containers, and people who remind us that we’re human first.

Try this: Create your “connection circle.” A few people in both spheres, personal and professional, you can turn to not for answers but for reflection, grounding, and realness. Leadership gets lighter when it’s shared.

7. Authentic Self-Marketing

There was a time when I tried to brand myself like everyone else - polished, buttoned-up, never too vulnerable. But it felt like wearing clothes that didn’t fit.

It wasn’t until I rooted my voice in my story, my purpose, lived experience, my healing that people really began to respond.

Udo captured this with depth: “Before you promote yourself, know your purpose, your passion, and your confidence. Then others will believe it too.”

Try this: Write a one-line purpose statement and include it in your bio, signature, or website. Let it speak for you before your resume does.

8. Success with Meaning

A couple years ago, I worked with a team going through a major transformation. The engagement was a big win - strategic visibility, generous compensation, measurable results. By every external measure, it was a milestone.

But the moment that stayed with me was a quiet conversation with one of the leaders I had coached during the process. As we wrapped up, he paused and said, “You didn’t just help me become a better leader - you helped me become a better father.”

I remember that moment vividly because that’s what success feels like when it has meaning -when the impact reaches beyond the workplace and into someone’s life.

Udo’s words echo that truth: “True fulfillment comes from the difference we make in others’ lives.”

Try this: Instead of asking yourself what you accomplished this week, ask: “Who did I help grow?” Let your legacy be measured in ripple effects, not just results.

9. Hard Times Create Strong Bonds

When I lost my cousin Dimpy to cancer, I was newly relocated and deeply alone. Grief amplified my loneliness. I was surrounded by people - neighbors, coworkers, friendly smiles but I felt utterly alone.

But something beautiful happened in the years that followed. I slowly reconnected with Dimpy’s daughter and now, share a beautiful bond with her six-year-old daughter.

Udo’s insight is real: “Even difficult moments can become treasured memories that build deep, family-like relationships.”

Try this: Reflect on a hard season. Who walked with you through it? Reach out. Thank them. Nurture that bond.

10. Set Yourself Up to Win

There have been roles where I felt like I was constantly swimming upstream. No matter how hard I tried, something felt off. Misaligned. Misplaced.

And then there were roles - like the one I’m in now - where work feels like an extension of who I am. Where success feels sustainable.

Udo said it best: “Choose environments where your strengths can shine.”

Try this: Ask yourself weekly: “What gave me energy this week? What drained me?” Use your answers to make micro-adjustments toward alignment.

Final Words: Let Leadership Be a Shared Journey

What I took from Udo’s voice and my own story is this:

You are allowed to be human in your leadership.
You are allowed to need support.
You are allowed to redefine success.

Thriving doesn’t come from climbing alone. It comes from building bridges, taking aligned action, and remembering that your story - messy, beautiful, unfinished is your greatest strength.

Much love,

Life After Loss: The Sacred Work of Healing Without Rushing

A Thriving Changes Reflection Inspired by Rachael Stewart

When my cousin Dimpy passed away from cancer, something in me cracked open.

We had recently relocated to the US, and I hadn’t yet found my footing, let alone a community. The grief of losing her collided with a deep sense of isolation. I was far from everything familiar - my friends, extended family, the cultural rhythms that used to anchor me. And now, without her, I felt untethered.

It’s strange how grief can amplify loneliness. I was surrounded by people - neighbors, coworkers, friendly smiles but I felt utterly alone. Like I was carrying something invisible that no one could see.

When I spoke with Rachael Stewart on a recent episode of Thriving Changes, her words stirred something familiar in me - not a wound, but a scar. A healed place. A space I once had to fight to reclaim.

“Life still holds meaning, value, and impact, even when we choose not to push ourselves past our limits,” she said.

And I knew exactly what she meant.

You Don’t Have to Push to Prove You Matter

In those early days of grief, I kept trying to stay busy. I filled my days with to-do lists and distractions, telling myself that staying productive would help me move on. But underneath it all, I was unraveling.

Eventually, I stopped running. I gave myself permission to grieve. I let myself cry when I needed to, even if it was in the middle of folding laundry. I started to understand that grief isn’t something you conquer - it’s something you learn to carry.

You don’t have to perform strength to be strong.
You don’t have to push past your limits to be valuable.

Looking back, I’m grateful I chose to pause. I gave myself permission to slow down. I let go of expectations. And somehow, I found myself again - not in the hustle, but in the quiet.

Try this: Redefine what success looks like in your current season. Let “rest,” “healing,” or “presence” count as worthy outcomes. Because they are.

Let Grief Shape You - Not Define You

“Loss is a part of life. It shapes us… but it doesn’t mean life can’t still be good.” – Rachael Stewart

Dimpy was more than a cousin to me - she was family, a sister, a friend, a confidant, a source of warmth and laughter. Losing her left a space nothing else could fill.

But over time, something surprising happened. The sadness stopped being so sharp. The memories became softer. I started noticing how her presence lived on in me - in the way I encouraged others, in the way I showed up for people in pain, in the way I started to live more fully because she no longer could.

And now, years later, something beautiful is unfolding: I’m deepening my bond with her daughter and granddaughter. Spending time with them has brought a sense of full-circle healing. Sometimes we share stories about Dimpy. Other times, we simply play, laugh, or sit in quiet connection. In those moments, I feel her legacy - not just in memory, but alive in relationship.

Try this: If you’re navigating change or loss, start a reflection journal. Use prompts like:

• What have I learned about what truly matters to me?

• How am I different and what do I want to do with that difference?

• What part of me is asking to be seen now?

Faith Carries You When Fear Tries to Lead

“Choose to walk with faith.”

There were days after Dimpy’s death when I felt unmoored - like I was drifting through a fog I couldn’t name. Faith, in those moments, didn’t look like certainty. It looked like the quiet decision to believe that healing was possible, even when I couldn’t feel it yet.

Over time, I found that faith wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about trusting that I didn’t have to walk alone. That something bigger - God, purpose, love - was still holding me.

Try this: Practice a grounding breath prayer. Breathe in, “I am held,” and breathe out, “even when I don’t see the way.” Repeat for a few minutes whenever fear begins to rise. Faith doesn’t always need words - it sometimes just needs stillness.

Let Yourself Be Supported - Even After the Storm

“Grief deceives us into thinking we must bear it alone.”

For most of my young adult years, I was doing life in isolation. Life experiences made me realize that it wasn’t a healthy choice. We are wired for connection, necessary for our well-being and even survival. I didn’t want to do this alone. Having support during difficult time aids in the process of healing and adapting to loss. Support can come in different forms…sometimes, it’s a warm meal delivered to your doorstep, a friend who sits with you in silence, or a group of people who’ve walked a similar road and simply nod when you speak. 

I was experiencing a mirage of emotions - angry, shock, sadness, desperation, confused, disbelief and at times, numbness. Looking back, I’m glad I sought therapy in the early stages. Therapy helped me process her loss and finally brought me to a place of acceptance. It helped me find meaning surrounding her loss, the ‘why’ to every stage. ‘Finding meaning’ is deeply personal. Each of us has a unique lens to the loss. It is shaped by our experiences, perspectives, and worldview. It helped me forgive, accept what is, move forward in my grief and become unstuck. 

Even after grief passes, community remains essential. We’re wired for connection, for shared experience, for care that continues even when the crisis is over.

Try this:

• Make a list of your people - those you can lean on when life gets heavy again.

• Reach out, not just in pain, but in joy too. Let support be a rhythm, not a rescue.

Let others into your healing process. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Rediscover What Lights You Up

For a long time after Dimpy passed, everything felt muted. The things I used to enjoy - music, cooking, long walks just didn’t spark the same joy. But little by little, I began to follow my curiosity again.

I signed up for an art class. I went for long walks in our local forest preserve with headphones blaring my favorite songs. I started laughing again - really laughing - with my son, with new friends, even alone in the kitchen. Those small sparks…they were proof that life could still be good.

Taking the time to explore different experiences helps us rediscover what lights our fire. 

And now, I don’t wait for permission to pursue curiosity. I follow it.

Challenge: For the next 30 days, try one new thing each week.
You might:

• Take a class you’ve always wanted to take

• Rediscover an old hobby or sport you enjoyed playing

• Visit a new café alone and bring a journal

• Sign up for a course that scares you just a little

Joy doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be yours.

Closing Thoughts: You Are the Proof

Rachael’s words reminded me of what I now know to be true:

That life can still hold beauty - even after loss.
That healing is not about returning to who you were but becoming who you’re meant to be.
That community, curiosity and faith can slowly piece you back together - if you let them.

Watching Dimpy’s granddaughter giggle as she runs into my arms, or seeing her daughter open up over a cup of chai, I’m reminded that loss doesn’t always lead to emptiness. Sometimes, it makes space for new, sacred connections.

You don’t have to be in crisis to reflect.
You don’t have to be fully healed to move forward.

Wherever you are in your journey - whether you’re just beginning to breathe again or learning to laugh out loud - you’re not behind. You’re not broken.

And you’re certainly not done becoming.

Much love,

Rooted in Change: What Business (and Life) Have Taught Me About Growth, Grace, and Getting Clear

I remember sitting at my study, papers strewn across the surface, desktop blinking with unanswered emails, and a calendar that looked more like a battlefield than a plan. I had just taken on a client I knew wasn’t the right fit—my gut told me so from the start. But I said yes anyway. I told myself, “It’s temporary. It’s money. It’s just this once.”

It wasn’t just once.

And it came at a cost—not just time, but energy, alignment, and joy.

When Kristin Golliher and I met virtually to record her episode for Thriving Changes, her words hit home. Not just because she’s built a successful business, but because her wisdom is rooted in real experience. And she, like many of us, has learned that staying true to your mission isn’t just good business—it’s good for the soul.

Here are the lessons that stuck with me long after the interview ended—along with the stories they stirred up from my own journey.

“Change is constant—build strong foundations from the start.”

Kristin’s words took me back to my first attempt at launching a group program. I had passion, I had people, I had purpose—but I didn’t have a system. Emails went out late. Zoom links were wrong. Payment tracking? A mess.

I learned quickly: enthusiasm is not a substitute for infrastructure.

Strong foundations don’t just make things smoother—they help you show up fully for what matters most. They allow you to lead, not just scramble. Whether it’s a business or a personal goal, structure creates space for creativity to thrive.

Try this: Pick one area of your life or work that feels messy. What small system could support it? Maybe it’s a calendar routine, a shared folder, or a weekly planning session. Start small. Start now.

“Invest in the right systems and people—it pays off.”

I used to think delegation was for the ultra-successful. “I’ll bring in support when I make it,” I’d tell myself.

But the truth is, I didn’t make it until I brought in support.

When I finally hired a virtual assistant to help manage podcast editing, social media and scheduling, I got back hours each week—and more importantly, I got back mental clarity. I wasn’t just doing more; I was doing better.

Kristin’s reminder is powerful: the right systems and people aren’t expenses—they’re investments. They give you the capacity to grow into your vision.

Reflection: Who in your life makes you better? Who fills in your gaps? How can you invest more deeply in those relationships?

“If your business isn’t profitable, why are you in business?”

It sounds blunt—but it’s a wake-up call.

There was a season where I was giving everything away. Discounted rates. Free workshops. Countless hours of “just one quick call” with clients. I told myself I was being generous. But in truth? I was undervaluing my work.

I once had a mentor say, “People value what they pay for—and they commit more deeply when they invest in themselves.”

That changed everything.

Practical step: Know your numbers. Create a simple profit/loss tracker. Even if you’re not running a business, track how your time and energy are spent. What’s draining you? What’s feeding you?

Profit isn’t just financial—it’s how your efforts return joy, meaning, and momentum.

“Delegate what you can but always understand how things work.”

In my initial days as a Leadership Strategist and Facilitator, I hired someone to design my website without really understanding my own brand voice. It felt clunky. Off. Inauthentic. I had skipped the step of owning my message—and it showed.

Delegation only works when it’s rooted in clarity. You don’t have to do everything, but you do need to understand the essentials. Kristin’s reminder here is golden: outsource with intention, not abdication.

Takeaway: Before you delegate something, ask yourself: “Could I explain this clearly to someone else?” If not, get clear first. Then, hand it off with confidence.

“Map it out: Who are we? Where are we going?”

Every year now, I block off two days for what I call my Vision Reset. No calls. No emails. Just me, a notebook, and the big questions.

Who am I serving? What do I want this to look like in a year? What’s working—and what’s not?

The first time I did this, it felt indulgent. Now, it feels non-negotiable.

Kristin’s advice to check in yearly isn’t just good business practice—it’s a radical act of alignment. It keeps you from drifting. It helps you stay intentional in a world that pulls you in a thousand directions.

Try this: Schedule your own Vision Reset. Doesn’t have to be fancy—just quiet. Bring coffee, your journal, and your honesty. You’ll be amazed what clarity shows up.

“Clients are like dating—it’s a two-way street.”

There was a time I treated every inquiry like a test I had to pass. I wanted to be chosen. I forgot that I also had a choice.

The most draining clients I’ve ever had weren’t “bad people”—they were just mismatched. The more I’ve aligned with my own values, the more those mismatches have fallen away. And the more energizing and fulfilling my work has become.

Kristin’s brilliance: Not every opportunity is worthwhile. You get to choose. You must choose—if you want to build something that lasts.

“Sometimes you have to say no—to stay true to your mission.”

The first time I said no to a client offer that didn’t align, I was terrified. But something strange happened. I felt… powerful.

Kristin’s right: It’s hard to say no in a service-based world. But saying no doesn’t mean rejection—it means direction. It means standing for something.

Script to try: “Thank you so much for thinking of me. This isn’t the right fit, but I’d be happy to recommend someone who might be.” Grace + clarity = a boundary that builds trust.

“Have faith in all things. Everything works out the way it’s meant to.”

I’ve held this close more times than I can count.

Faith isn’t about certainty. It’s about presence. It’s about trusting that even when the path isn’t clear, the next step will be.

And sometimes, the hardest seasons are the ones that prepare us for the greatest growth.

When things fall apart, when plans fail, when clients leave, when launches flop—what remains is who we are. And often, that’s more than enough.

My practice: In the chaos, I come back to breath. To silence. To the belief that I am being shaped, not punished. That change is not the end—it’s the beginning.

What Thriving Through Change Really Means

At the heart of this conversation—Kristin’s and mine—is a shared belief: that change is the soil in which something extraordinary can grow.

But only if we’re willing to pause, get honest, and choose intentionally.

So, here’s your invitation:

• Build your foundation. Even if it’s imperfect.

• Get clear on your values. Even if it takes time.

• Choose aligned people. Even if it means fewer clients.

• Say no with love. Say yes with purpose.

• Trust that the right things will meet you when you show up with integrity.

Your life—your business—isn’t just happening to you. You are co-creating it. Every step. Every pivot. Every pause.

And that, my friend, is where true resilience begins.

With love,