(Originally written on March 23, 2020… sharing on January 4, 2021 because it’s still very relevant nine months into the pandemic.)

Dear Self,

Do you remember this feeling? I think you will recall once you reflect.

Twelve [34] weeks ago, you knew what your job entailed, and you excelled at it. Your team, customers and trade partners all knew exactly what they could expect to move progress forward. It wasn’t hard to plan because we recognized the tasks, goals and schedules and we worked together and prepared accordingly.

Looking back at things days, months or years ago, you were a little lost. The time and focus you used to have somewhat morphed to accommodate for a change in your life. The pace seemed faster, you felt more tired and you longed for a sense of normalcy. Every day was mentally and physically exhausting. You had to learn a new schedule, reset personal & professional expectations and work harder to show you were still dedicated to both your career and your family. Do you remember sobbing on your commute home from work? …Or while you cradled your new baby in a dimly lit nursery late at night? The combination of having a new addition to your family and blindly trying to tackle back-to-work-life-management made you feel like you were absolutely drowning.

Gazing out that nursery window you watched the sunrise hoping a lifeboat would appear over the horizon. When one didn’t come, you decided you needed to get on. Buck up. Be okay. You found a mantra that helped you through each day. “It won’t always be this hard.” And? It wasn’t. You kept smiling and worked to figure it all out again. You persevered. Little by little, you found your way back to a place where you could be tenaciously effective. You found your mojo and you nearly mastered the balancing act you had originally set out to conquer.

Fast forward to today… March 23, 2020 [January 4,2021]. Can you remember the challenges you have overcome that have brought you to where you are today? … who you are today? Please try. It will help us to transform ourselves, our families and our businesses once again.

Lastly and most importantly, I remind you that it takes little thought or energy to provide encouragement and empathy to those around us when they are in need. That simple act we give so willingly to others is much harder to give to ourselves. If you’re having a tough day, (week, month, year) I urge you to find a place that allows you to reconnect with your own inner champion. She will remind you, “It won’t always be this hard.”

I shall remind you too. Be well.

Sincerely yours,

Me. (Caroline)