The last two weeks have brought some emotional challenges. College drop off for our oldest daughter, who started school in the Midwest. She was not one for sleepaway camp, so we had her company all summer every summer, saw her every day, until that goodbye. It hit me hard. And then some unusual work stress followed. Although white collar defense work is inherently stressful, the back-to-back personal and professional stress was a tough end to summer.

It would have been so easy to drink. Some friends even suggested I “give [myself] a pass and hit the sauce.” No one would have known. But I didn’t. And I feel stronger.

I’m reminded that that’s how you build your resilience muscle, by just letting the feelings hit and moving through them until it gets easier. Once you’re through, you’re more confident than ever.

If you’re going through it, summon all your tools and your strength. Reach out to friends or to me, journal, breathe, get outside, meditate, exercise, do all the things that make you better even in your darkest hour.

The newsletter will be shifting to every other week but stay in touch in the meantime.