Sometimes You Have to Ugly Cry

Posted byQuackenbush Coaching LLCPosted inLeadership Coaching

It has been 2 years since I have seen my daughter face to face. Zoom is great, So is facetime. I actually talk to her every day either by phone, or text but that just does not cut it. It simply is not enough. Thanks, COVID. I am a professional leadership and life coach. I have spent this past year doing a great deal of listening and asking a lot of questions. We all have different challenges; however, underneath it, there is a common theme; loneliness. Brought on all in the name of staying safe and keeping family members safe. This combined with social unrest, a struggling economy, the bottom falling out of so many jobs, friends and family members literally on the brink of homelessness. The emotional tank is constantly running empty. Thanks, COVID

Then there are the deaths. Too many to count. The hospitalizations and I am not talking about the 500,000 or more who perished from this virus. I am speaking about those who I know personally that affected my family personally. My last count personally was 6 deceased, 10 sick. 5 hospitalized. I close my eyes, I take a deep breath, and then. Exhale. Then sometimes, you just need to ugly cry. That visceral cry from the pit of your stomach makes you shake when it bubbles up. When you really need to purge sadness, give it sound. We all carry so much. We have all been through so much. We need to give ourselves permission to let it out. It does not make us weak; there is no shame in it. In fact, it is the bravest thing we can do for ourselves. Afterward, take a breath—a deep one. Then exhale.

The love I have for the work I do sustains me. I enjoy helping and reminding people of their purpose, rediscover talents, and taking a new step into an encore career! Nothing makes me happier. I have a great support system, and this is how I reset myself. Mindset means everything these days. How we look at things and people. The way we interpret the words they say or the actions they make can make the difference between a furrowed brow and lost sleep to empathy and understanding.

So far, so good this 2021. Promise. Hope. A Vaccine.
I look forward to what will unfold. Who knows, I may even get an actual hug before the end of the year.

Published by Quackenbush Coaching LLC

With more than 20 years of experience across education, medicine, hospitality, finance, and the creative sector, I bring a depth of insight to clients from the C-suite to the studio, from the operating room to the classroom. I am Jewel Quackenbush, Master Certified Coach, specializing in leadership, executive coaching, career transitions, and life coaching. My methodology is rooted in cognitive behavioral principles and my signature WATCH framework: Words, Actions, Thoughts, Character, and Habits ,creating the foundation for real progress, confident decision-making, and sustainable growth. I work with people who feel stuck, leaders navigating new responsibilities, professionals moving into different careers, and organizations seeking stronger cultures. Whether the goal is to sharpen strategy, give authentic feedback, build resilience, or create a clear path forward, I equip my clients with practical tools, proven strategies, and a mindset for success. My approach is both professional and personal, empowering individuals and teams to move beyond barriers and thrive in any environment.

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