Otherwise known as "Episode Three of the Sunday Scaries."
I’ll admit, I was a bit surprised by how much feedback I’ve received from my recent posts on the “Sunday Scaries.” It’s been eye-opening. Based on what I’ve shared, you might think we’re not doing well. And while sometimes that’s true, I actually think it’s a sign of health to admit when we aren’t okay. It gives others the permission to do the same. It opens a door when you embrace your imperfections.
One of the outcomes of my last post was a message from an old friend - a long-time friend, really, though she’s younger than me. We haven’t spoken in quite a while, mostly keeping up through the usual social media scroll. But after reading my post, she reached out with a simple message, "Is everything ok?"
It took me a couple of moments to realize she was referring to the Sunday Scaries post. I assured her things were fine, that the post was just a way for me to reflect on the highs and lows. That message sparked a deeper conversation, and eventually, we scheduled a time to catch up “face to face” over a Google Meet. It was one of those refreshing conversations that started with lighthearted jokes - she said I hadn’t aged a bit (I have), and I insisted she hadn’t either (she hasn’t) - and then moved into more meaningful discussions.
We caught up on business, hers and mine, on family, on what our kids are up to these days. We swapped notes on health and wellness, something that has become increasingly important for her and her husband, and she had some great advice. At the end of it, I realized how good it felt to reconnect like that.
And if that was the only thing that came from my last post, it would have been worth it.
I’ve been thinking a lot about three things lately:
Being okay with not being okay. There’s something freeing about being able to say, "I’m not okay right now," and being comfortable with that. Sometimes, just acknowledging it is the first step toward feeling better. Often times, the reward for acknowledging it is giving someone else permission to do the same.
Having people around who care—and letting them. It’s not enough to surround yourself with caring people; you also have to be open to letting them help when you need it. My friend’s message was a reminder of that. She saw something in my post, reached out, and we reconnected. It’s a simple but powerful thing.
Self-care and small changes. Whether it’s going for a walk, staying hydrated, or stretching before bed, I’ve learned the importance of taking care of myself, even if it’s in small ways. These little behavior shifts are like stacking bricks - they build something strong over time.
My week started off challenging. As the days went on, things shifted and pivoted - or using my favorite term of 2024, they "shivoted." I saw a couple of projects move forward that will have an immediate impact - and I was part of a couple of set backs, where the conversations and potential outcomes didn't go anywhere close to what I expected. I also had to pull the plug on five years of work, because while the initiative was about to cross the finish line - I knew deep down that it wasn't moving us forward. However, to my surprise, I found support in my decision from unexpected directions. Sometimes I am here to make tough calls, sometimes I’m just here to support, coach, or block and tackle.
Moments of Joy
Last week, my daughter turned twenty. My wife went up to visit her and had the chance to spend time with her friends. They went to her favorite noodle spot, where the staff recognized her regular order - plain noodles, double portion - and threw in some extra goodies. It was a small but thoughtful gesture, and it lifted both my wife’s and daughter’s spirits.
Yesterday, my wife and I disrupted our typical Saturday with a trip to a different Farmer's Market - we remembered to take our knives to be sharpened, met some friendly vendors, we purchased the bruised tomatoes, tried a new coffee shop, and saw a simple yet wonderful activation that encourages the recognition and support of those with mental health challenges.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay Today, early on a Sunday morning - while I know the stress will return soon as I pivot to next week; the aftermath of our global leadership meetings, furthering our 2025 strategies, reworking a class lesson plan to keep up with discussions - I am sitting on our back porch listening to a new playlist mixed with the sounds of nature. I've just finished a morning walk, one I wish I could say is a regular habit, but one day, I am confident that it will be. I am about to dig into student discussion boards and grading, and make sure that I take some time out for me.
So right now, I’m okay. I hope you are too. But if you’re not, that’s okay. Sometimes, admitting we’re not okay is the healthiest thing we can do. Reach out - to a friend, a family member, or even someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. There’s always someone willing to listen, including me.
Enjoy your Sunday and don't let the "Scaries" get you down!
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