You can't light the way if your own flame is flickering 🕯️

Who you're becoming matters as much as what you're building

Today’s post almost didn't get written.

The weight of the world feels especially heavy lately. There's so much noise, so much uncertainty, and it's easy to wonder: Am I doing enough? Is anyone listening? Am I even making a difference?

Saturday morning, I found myself tipping toward despair and questioning whether I had anything to say at all. Thankfully, encouragement came at just the right moment.

A dear friend called and reminded me why this work matters. She surprised me when she said how much she looks forward to this newsletter. And it was the nudge I needed. So here I am, showing up for you and for this conversation that’s been quietly stirring in my heart: What does it look like to become the healthiest, happiest, most whole version of yourself? 

As someone whose strength has always been "goal-oriented persistence," I've found myself in an unexpected season. Have you ever felt like the path forward isn't as clear as it once was? Like your goals are fuzzy, but your heart is calling you toward something bigger?

If you've been feeling that too, I’m right there with you.

The truth is, we're living through a moment that's testing all of us. It's testing our ability to stay grounded, to stay kind, to believe that what we're building can make an impact.

While we can't fix everything, we can choose how we show up.

If you are not quite sure what to pursue or how best to go about it, here’s a gentle suggestion. Simply focus on who you're becoming along the way. Not in a superficial sense, but rather in pursuing the version of yourself that feels whole, strong, and ready for whatever comes next. The version that still believes in possibility. The version that knows joy is not just possible, but necessary.

So maybe it’s not about chasing the next big goal right now. Maybe it’s not about following your passion or finding “the thing” that will fix it all. Maybe this is a pause—a chance to become the brightest version of you.

Tending to our inner light is far from selfish. It actually has to take priority. It makes you strong enough to hold up that lantern for others.

For me, that means daily walks under the Carolina blue sky. Stopping to appreciate the glossy green magnolia leaves. Finding delight in my son's newfound obsession with Bob Dylan. A recent mission to find a kitchen torch for homemade crème brûlée.

Your moments might look different, but they matter just as much.

When we're feeling untethered, connection becomes our anchor:

✨ Connection with ourselves: What makes you feel alive? What helps you feel rooted?

✨ Connection with others: Who lights your way? Who reminds you what's possible?

✨ Connection with the world: What's still good? What beauty can you pause to notice?

These aren't distractions from the work. They're what make the work possible.

When the time is right, the path will reveal itself. It always does. And when it does, you'll be ready—not just for the work ahead, but for the person you've grown into along the way.

For now, let yourself pause. Let yourself breathe. Let yourself become.

Keep tending your flame,

Laura

P.S. You don't have to figure it out alone. That's why communities like The Hive exist – to connect curious, kindhearted leaders who are all working to make our world a little bit better. To remind each other that while the path might not always be clear, we can light it together. Btw, the humans inside are incredible! There’s a spot waiting for you, and through Friday, I’ve opened the door to a free trial so that you can meet them.

That dear friend who called came to visit. Here we are yesterday with our new friend, Benny! (Photo credit: Benny's dad)

What's helping you keep your flame bright right now? I’d love to hear what’s lighting your path!

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