This morning, I sat down to write—and the lights went out. Not just my apartment, but the whole block, maybe half of downtown. Suddenly everyone was outside, blinking in the daylight, talking to each other like we’d just woken from a dream.
Greg went and got us a picnic lunch, and we made the best of it, but I could feel my rhythm tilt. My thoughts scattered. Hours later, I’m still trying to recalibrate—trying to come back to myself.
That’s the truth about reclamation: it’s not all forward motion. Sometimes it’s a pause, a reset, an abrupt intrusion that forces you to practice what you preach.
Here’s where grace becomes a tool, not a theory. Not every moment can be shiny and joyous—if it were, we’d all be floating around in pristine bliss by now. Contrast pops up when we least expect it, jolting us in every direction. What matters most is what we do next.
I decided to give myself a break—to let faith carry the day instead of forcing something wonderful. Power went out. That sucked. I came back to my desk, still disoriented. That sucked too. But I’m here, and I get to choose how I move forward. I never said it was easy, but it’s absolutely doable.
As I’ve been writing my guidebook about building self-trust, I’m reminded of the first lesson: remember that I am supported. Invisible support—yes, it’s real. It’s always accessible if I stop, sit, and do a two-minute breathing practice.
And I did. A few times. Until my system felt regulated again. And wouldn’t you know—it worked. Within an hour of that breathing practice, the idea for JoyLedger™ came through. Just like that. I jotted notes, sketches, and ideas on how to turn it into something useful for my ladies.
And then—because the universe likes to show off—a man who’d been out of the country all summer reached out. He had no idea I’d hung six pieces of art in his restaurant. Today, he saw them for the first time and told me he’s made a solemn promise to sell at least one by Sunday brunch.
Apparently, when the lights go out, they’re just making room for something brighter.
Today’s Reflection:
When life suddenly pulls the plug, what’s your first instinct—to panic or to pause?
Take two minutes. Breathe.
Then ask yourself: Where is the invisible support already showing up for me today?
Write it down. That’s you making a deposit of joy in your spirit. And ya know what, it does accrue interest. Each time you intentionally re-visit one of your joy deposits, its energy expands.
We’ll return to our next week of the 30-Day Reclamation on Sunday. For now, pause. Breathe. Notice what’s right.
If today’s story landed with you, you might love exploring two of my favorite daily anchors:
🌿 Building Trust with Yourself — my ongoing guidebook for women ready to stop doubting and start leading their own lives again.
💨 The Daily Breath Ritual — a simple two-minute practice to calm your system, reconnect to your center, and remind yourself you’re supported.