For the past six years, I lived in a cave. It was a warm, comfy cave with my husband, sons, and dog huddled around the fire. I loved it in there. It was safe. A few times, I’d try to step foot outside of the cave but it was dark and ashy with a few embers still burning. The fire and destruction was fresh.
My dad died when I was 10 weeks pregnant with my first son. The relationship with my mom changed. I experienced the existential crisis that comes after the birth of your first child. I went back to work to a new position. COVID hit. The California fires dropped layers of ash into our backyard. We moved to a new state while I was pregnant with our second baby. Our almost 14 year old dog died.
I was in straight survival mode.
As I emerge from my cave now, I see sunlight and fertile soil. I’ve planted the seed of my executive coaching practice and as I start to water and nurture it, I can’t help but reflect on what advice my dad would give me as I embark on this journey.
- How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time
- Embrace (and enjoy) the suck – You never know what diamonds are being formed under the pressure
- Take time off – Attend all your kids’ appointments and events
- Prioritize rest – Take daily naps
I’ve wanted to get out of the valley and start climbing the mountain for so long, I didn’t realize how emotional I’d be when it happened. My dad was my anchor. He always pushed me to live a full life and shoot for opportunities that seemed impossible. Ever since my high school graduation, he’d remind me of the LeAnn Rimes lyric, “If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
So here I am on the dance floor.
This one’s for you, Dad. You’re the best and you know the rest.
Luv ya mucho,
Tanya
