Hole-y Caregivers!

As a caregiver, I've held many titles.

Wife, mother, daughter, friend, leader. 

But none have defined me as much as this one. 

Over the last decade, caregiving has been the most challenging role I've ever held. 

During my recent trip to Italy, I learned that only 30% of the Colosseum is still standing today, with the iron rods removed, leaving many holes in the structure. It was awe-inspiring to see even that 30% standing strong. 

Returning to my everyday life, I reflected on the things that have been depleted in my own journey as a caregiver - just like the iron from those walls. But God - my two favorite words gives me faith, along with the support of friends and family, to fortify me. 

Despite feeling weary, I am reminded of the resilient spirit of the Colosseum's walls. Like them, I will press on, move forward, and not grow weary in well-doing. 

To my fellow caregivers worldwide, remember that you are still standing. Find ways to rest, rejuvenate, and bless others along the way. Together, we can navigate the never-ending list of caregiving tasks with strength and grace. 

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The hand you are dealt

Playing at the game of life has its challenges but you should never have to gamble your physical - or mental - health for the sake of going all in.

So how do you go all in at work and not be all consumed to the point of exhaustion and burnout or worst yet the dreaded quiet quitting?

Working - and living - in a start-up (or start-up with legs) culture for most of my career, I have learned several things - most of them from my many trips to Vegas (my least favorite city BTW).

Go all in and play the game, give it your all, AND walk away a winner with your sanity mostly intact.

Every hand's a winner.

Why? Because we get to choose to look at life through the lens of positivity. Our mentality determines our reality. Our thoughts determine our actions and our actions determine our outcomes. So look at your cards, find a way to see the possibility and then play the hand you were dealt.

In your current role and situation, there may be significant challenges. So choose to see the positives including the lessons you are learning, and find a way to enjoy the journey. You will be happier and healthier.

Bet on yourself.

You have everything that you need at your fingertips to win at the game of life. There will be highs, there will be lows, but if you keep moving forward, do the right things and believe in what you can accomplish - you will win every single time because even a failure is just an opportunity to learn and get better the next time.

Advocate for yourself and ask the right questions. What does success look like? How do I get X resources to deliver Y results? And never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Work together with those at the table, beat the dealer, and everyone wins.

Teamwork is important. It may mean you won't always win at that moment, but if you work together, you can bend the will of the cards in favor of the table - causing the dealer to bust. The moment you think only of yourself, you put everyone at the mercy of the cards and the dealer. Stop always showing your poker face and be real with the people around you. Choose teamwork and help others win with you along the way.

Cash in your chips when you are ahead.

It's easy to keep chasing the high you get from the win. But how much sweeter is it to stop when you are ahead, put the chips in your pocket and walk away with more than you came with. Even if the "more" is wisdom from a failure, friendship from the team you were in, or watching someone you helped win at their game.

Think about the hand you have been dealt.

Will you see the good in it, choose to believe in yourself, work with those around you, and cash in when you are ahead? If you do then maybe, just maybe, you will not only survive, but thrive in this world.

I'm all in - how about you

Never give up

When all you can do is hold on by holding your breath 
When you cannot see yourself reaching the next moment let alone the next mountain top
When life seems to hard to even take one more single step toward your goals
Never give up.

When you cannot see the sun because the clouds are in your way 
When you cannot stop the tears from flowing down your soaked and tear stained face
And your fears keep you from even running out of that crazy place
Never give up.

The world around you is dying
They are looking at your life
They want to know the reason
You keep pushing right on by

They know that something's different
And you have something they need
They just can't understand
How you continue to just breathe

So hold your breath if needed
Reach for the mountain tops
Keep on taking all those steps
And never give it up

Look through the clouds to find the sun
Wipe the tears and never run

God's kisses fall each day you live
This life is full of goodness too
Just press into the One who loves
And keep your eyes on heaven's dew

Your life is filled with meaning
Even when the days seem dark
God's purpose is upon you
And you must never give up.