“Some days punch us in the gut so hard
It seems we can feel the whole universe
gasp with despair.”

― Curtis Tyrone Jones

It’s kind of like one of those movies or TV shows that start with something unexpected happening, and then there’s a black screen with white letters that says: “3 Months Later.”

I have not published a Tuesday blog for most of the summer. 3 months, to be exact. Did you notice? Were my quirky observations and curiosity about human systems missed? Or, did you enjoy the respite from just another email among the hundreds that pour into your inbox every day?

Yes. I took an unplanned vacation from writing. Have you ever taken a summer break from something that was an established habit or a task that was both a responsibility and part of how you function?

If so, how did it feel?

Last year, 2024 — the fifth year since the onset of the pandemic — there were big changes in the structure of our work lives; the retirement of a generation of leaders, managers, and contributors; an election; a fractious and polarizing political environment; big swings in our economy and climate; and so much more.

The start of last year was a season of unplanned interruption that I navigated with my dependable “Can do” attitude, finding a positive way through, fulfilling commitments, and maintaining relationships. With the challenges and hardships also came positive, unexpected experiences. So, it is strange to me that the malaise I have been feeling came this year and not last year.

I have to admit, the years since 2020 are somewhat of a blur for me. In some ways, everything now is different; in other ways, I am anchored in things familiar and unchanged.

Yet, 2025 was different. The cumulative weight of the previous year settled upon me. For the first time in my life, my vision of a path into the future was clouded and foggy. But, I did continue to “plow” my way through the winter with dedication and my sense of hyper-responsibility.

I had fewer commitments and more time to devote to my list of projects, but my sense of a ‘calling’ and my voice in the world had become quieter.

Am I alone in this feeling?

There are books for me to finish writing, different initiatives to undertake — podcasts, workshops, personal goals, etc. Yet, it is a sloth-like existence that has become my summer norm.

Rather than blame, shame, or explain myself…I am just sitting with the feeling.

I know I have been less productive than my preferred self. But, I have not neglected any responsibility (except to myself). I rise to the needs of my dog pack and friends, colleagues, and clients happily. I still feel a passion for my work and working relationships. But, I understand now to be different than before the pandemic.

Then, for the first time in too long, I felt the stirring of the desire to write and connect with you. I had stepped away from busyness. Now, I am stepping back into a more intentional, quieter way of wanting to remain connected to, contribute to, and navigate the world and work into all new realities.

What hasn’t changed are my core values, my way of being, and my need to learn, grow, and support others in a meaningful way.

I am curious to hear how you have fared this summer and in what direction your life is carrying you.

BTW, after that opening scene and the graphic that follows it, isn’t it always amazing how everything seems to turn out just fine? Oh, maybe they’re a little worse for wear, but the heroes always smile at

“The End.”