Ep. 28 - Working Through Loss

Welcome to episode 28, live from my corner of the world. This week, we're diving deep into the heart of loss and the journey I've been on, turning it into a stepping stone towards where I dream of being. Before anything else, let's settle into our moment of gratitude, a tradition here that's more than just a habit—it's my weekly ritual to anchor in the good amidst life's storms.

I want to share my immense gratitude for my daughter this week. Picking her up on Friday and spending an Easter weekend filled with movies, laughter, and just being together has recharged my spirit. For parents out there, you know the sheer magic of witnessing your child grow and learn—it's a relentless source of inspiration, especially on days when finding my purpose feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Her presence is a vivid reminder of what I'm striving for and what joy awaits. She's taught me more about life than I could ever teach her, making me endlessly thankful for her light in my life, especially now, as I navigate through some rough waters.

Let's shift gears to the essence of today's talk—embracing vulnerability. In my journey, both in the military and in life, I've learned that reaching out for help signifies strength, not weakness. Whether it's supporting my book to spread my message or engaging me for speaking gigs, it's all about mutual support and growth.

Now, down to business. Running a junk removal company is my day job, and lately, we've been hitting a snag in recruiting employees. But I refuse to buy into the narrative that the next generation lacks the drive to work. Instead, we're focused on moving forward, seeking young individuals in the greater Milwaukee area interested in the recycling industry. It's a call to action for anyone passionate about making a difference while being part of a team that's about more than just junk—it's about community and environmental stewardship.

Music always sets the tone for me, and today, my brother's song, "The Thinking Song," resonates deeply with our theme of loss. It speaks to the heart of turning anguish into something constructive, using language to bridge the gap between thought and expression. This got me thinking about reframing our approach to loss—not as something to 'deal with' but something to 'work with.' It's about transforming our perspective from dealing with challenges to collaborating with them to forge a path forward.

In writing my book, I challenged myself to rethink the language of loss, particularly the word 'miss.' Dwelling on what's gone can anchor us in the past, preventing us from living fully in the present and envisioning our future. It's about shifting from a mindset of missing to one of creating new memories and opportunities. This philosophy led me to recalling a family event to honor my grandmother's legacy, turning nostalgia into a moment of collective joy and anticipation.

The past few months have tested my resilience with the loss of key leaders in my business and facing competition from former employees. It was a moment of truth, pushing me to reevaluate my reactions and choose a path that reflects who I am and who I aspire to be. It reminded me that everything and everyone is replaceable, and it's my responsibility to direct my energy towards growth and renewal.

This journey has reinforced the importance of setting and respecting boundaries, in business and in life. It's about creating a space where optimism thrives and where each of us has the power to decide who and what we welcome into our lives. As my grandmother wisely said, "It all works out." It's a testament to the strength found in embracing the present and being open to the endless possibilities that life offers.

So, as we wrap up today, I want to express my gratitude to all of you for being part of this journey with me. Your presence and support challenge me to grow and explore the best version of myself. Let's commit to action—do the fucking thing, tell the fucking world, show the fuck up, and we'll see you next week.