Each day in my life, I wear many hats – mom, author, speaker, and CEO just to name a few – but today, I’m donning my storyteller hat. I want to share why I’m so passionate about the power of fearless talks in both our personal and professional lives and how having them can have a domino effect on the world around you whether it’s personal or professional.
My realization that courageous conversations were the catalyst to serious change came at a very important crossroads in my life as I was given the unexpected news that my first-grade son, Harrison, has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It’s one of those moments that freeze time. A medical pro looks me in the eye and says, “Welcome to hell.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. But little did I know, that was just the start of a journey that would teach me some of life’s most valuable lessons. Lessons that I needed to apply again less than a year later when my son Michael was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and that I now apply every day to every facet of my life. I want to share them with you so you can apply these lessons as well.
Lesson Number One: Curiosity Is Your Compass
In the face of this life-altering news, I could’ve easily let fear take the reins. But instead, curiosity became my guiding light. I wanted to understand why that medical pro had said what she did. What was her story? That’s when it hit me – curiosity is more than just a fleeting thought; it’s a bridge that connects us. It’s what helped me step into her shoes and see the world from her perspective.
Lesson Number Two: Courageous Conversations
Ever had a chat that made your heart race? I sure have. After diving into the why behind that chilling “welcome to hell,” I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I needed to speak up – not just for my family, but for others too. So, I had some tough talks with both that medical pro and the hospital brass. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Those conversations sparked change, turning my fear into fuel for action.
Lesson Number Three: The Beauty of Challenges
And speaking of action, that brings us to lesson number three: the beauty of challenges. When life throws us a curveball, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of frustration. But guess what? Challenges can be our catalysts for growth. Take type 1 diabetes – it disrupted our lives, no doubt. But instead of letting it break us, my family leaned on our strengths. We transformed anger into gratitude, crafting a new, resilient normal.
Now, here’s the clincher – these lessons aren’t just for me; they’re for all of us. Whether you’re steering a team at work or guiding your family at home, curiosity, courageous conversations, and embracing challenges are the tools that’ll steer you toward success. I’m living proof of that. And guess what? You can be too.
So, next time life pulls a fast one on you, remember the lessons I’ve shared. Get curious, speak up, and embrace those challenges like stepping stones to growth. And always remember, it’s not about the challenges themselves – it’s about how we face them that defines us. Here’s to navigating life’s twists with courage, curiosity, and a whole lot of empathy.