It's Sunday night. Many are watching the Super Bowl; many are getting ready for the week ahead. Some are being hit with that familiar feeling, the Sunday Scaries. It could be a moment to reflect on what’s coming and what we hoped to achieve but didn’t. It could be a heightened level of uncertainty, or it may not have anything to do with work or school. But the feeling resonates with more people than you might realize, no matter if you're heading to the office, working from home, or going to school.
Trust me.
I learned more about my challenges by watching my daughter work through hers. As she struggled with those feelings of doubt transitioning from weekend to weekday, I tried to empathize by sharing how I’d faced similar situations. It is a basic human instinct—to connect, to try to relate, to try and solve. More often than not, though well-intended, it can have the opposite impact.
As I have evolved as a dad, a leader, and a person, I’ve come to understand the importance of empathy but, at the same time, the importance of realizing that, oftentimes, you don’t understand what another person is going through. My instinct to connect by sharing similar experiences or saying, "I know how you feel" — the truth is, how can I? Over time, I’ve realized that each person’s experience is unique, and offering a listening ear and a supportive presence can be far more valuable.
Often, it’s the smallest gestures that make the most significant impact. The simple act of listening, the sympathetic ear, the extended kindness. During a rough stretch this past week, I came in one morning to find a little duck looking up at me, with a faintly written note of appreciation. It caught me off guard in the best way—a quiet reminder that someone had noticed and cared, even if I didn’t know who. That simple, thoughtful gesture lifted my spirits in a way that words alone could not. So faintly written that it remains anonymous. That small act of kindness, that tiny gesture of empathy, was a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about having the right words but simply being there and showing you care.
It made more of a difference than I can ever explain.
In these moments, we find a balance—understanding how much of a difference we can make by listening, by being present, even if we can’t solve. Supporting others while taking care of ourselves creates a mutual sense of healing and connection, reminding us that we’re never truly alone in our challenges. It’s a journey of continuous learning and growth, where we embrace the power of empathy and the strength of simply being present for one another.
And as we navigate these feelings, sometimes all we need to remember is to "just keep swimming." It’s the same perseverance that helps us listen, offer kindness, and create meaningful connections—even when we’re uncertain ourselves. It’s a simple yet profound reminder that pushing forward with perseverance—and a bit of humor—can make all the difference.
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