I’ve been sitting with this message for a while now, trying to find the right words to share.
The truth is, there are no perfect words—because life isn’t perfect.
As some of you may know, my family and I are walking through an incredibly difficult season right now after the loss of my brother.
To say this has been one of the hardest times in my life feels like an understatement.
Grief has a way of showing up when you least expect it, pulling the rug out from under you, and leaving you unsure of how to take the next step.
I’ll be honest: stepping back into work, standing on the sidelines, and putting on a brave face has felt like a mountain to climb.
There have been moments when I’ve questioned whether I could even do it.
But someone recently told me, “Getting back out there is a personal victory, even if no one else knows what you’re going through.” And that really stuck with me.
Sometimes, just showing up is enough. Sometimes, it’s OK not to have it all together.
If you’re walking through your own hard season, I want you to know you’re not alone.
Especially during the holidays, when the world around us seems so focused on joy and celebration, it’s easy to feel like we’re the only ones struggling. But that’s not true.
I don’t have all the answers, but I can promise this: I’ll continue to show up—raw, real, and authentically me - and share what I’m learning along the way.
And I’m grateful for a community like this where I feel free to do so.
Thank you for your grace and understanding. It means the world to me.
With love,
Lauren
|