Two Minutes Du Jour

I thrive on conversations, and over coffees, lunches, texts, emails, and gatherings this past month, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: people are navigating so much. It’s not just the holidays; it’s real life.

In no particular order, there’s been:

• Job loss
• New job stress
• Physical illness and health issues
• Mental health challenges
• Addiction
• Recovery
• Family dysfunction
• Financial woes
• Loneliness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Care giving
• The passing of a family member or friend

The list goes on. And these are things we can all relate to, either through our own experiences or through the struggles of those we know and love. Listening and sharing are two of the best tonics for navigating life, particularly when the waters are choppy.

Life’s challenges often feel overwhelming, but sitting with hard moments is OK, and even necessary. Resilience doesn’t come from rushing through pain; it means navigating it with patience and grace, using our strength in the moment. Sometimes, clarity emerges slowly, and day by day, we find our way forward.

The role models we look to can provide powerful and practical perspectives during these times.

Last week, I caught up with my WPO mentor, Myrna Marofsky, whose approach to mindset reminds us to face challenges with courage and resilience. When her husband Larry had Alzheimer’s she discovered the idea of care-living vs care giving. She captured the idea in her book: To the Last Dance, A Partner’s Story of Living and Loving Through Dementia.

Similarly, Living in the Wake of Addiction, Gloria Englund offers lessons in caregiving and self-compassion that are universally applicable, no matter the specific struggle. Gloria turns her family’s personal tragedy into a very public lesson of hope, help, and healing for anyone who knows firsthand the struggle of addiction.

Both of these women teach us the value of moving forward thoughtfully, with purpose and care.

Connection also plays a critical role in navigating challenges. When we truly listen, it doesn’t just help the person sharing—it heals us, too. Listening fosters understanding, perspective, and a sense of shared humanity. Compassion and grace pave the way for deeper, more meaningful relationships.

As my mom always said, “This too shall pass.” With time, we often find that through chaos comes clarity—and often, some of the dearest new relationships or unexpected gifts. Challenges are not just hurdles; they’re opportunities for exploration, discovery, and growth.

So, as you move through your own struggles or support others, remember: it’s okay to pause and reflect. Take care of yourself so you can better care for others. And most importantly, connect with those around you. You never know who might need a kind word—or who might have one for you.

Two Links Du Jour:

Living in the Wake of Addiction: Lessons for Courageous Caregiving by Gloria Englund

To the Last Dance, A Partner’s Story of Living and Loving Through Dementia by Myrna Marofsky