Have you ever paused to reflect on the moment when everything changed in your life? If not, take a minute or two to see what pops into your mind.
I have done this “exercise” a few times and it brings up many ups and downs that help inform how I’ve changed and why. It’s a fascinating discovery to consider. What pops into my mind: Ages and Stages of course. Age 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 26, 29 … I think you get the picture.
Recently (on September 24th) I had the opportunity to answer this question on-stage with seven other individuals, a community of changemakers. Each person selected a pivotal moment (out of many pivotal moments) and told a story that led them to a new path forward.
In my story, I explored two significant moments in my ‘adult life.’ It’s an interesting exploration to review the past, from the lens of our ‘wiser, elder self’. In this time, I’ve developed frameworks to work through challenges in the work world and in life. During my talk, I highlighted a mindset shift that helps me with small and large changes in life and in business. I call this the A4 Mindset: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Acceptance, and Action. It opens the door to growth, productivity, and impact.
Do You Remember?
As soon as I ask the question (Do You Remember?) … does the song ‘September ‘by Earth, Wind, and Fire come to mind?
“Do you remember the 21st night of September?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders while chasing the clouds away.”
September, the ninth month of the year, reminds me of birth, rebirth, and renewal. Nine is part of the human life cycle, and is also associated with new beginnings for children, seasons, and businesses.
Children start school and begin a new chapter of their lives. Every community member is impacted by the shift of energy that occurs when “young ones” start something new. From buses driving through our neighborhoods again, to sporting events and art activities, the flurry of activity can be felt across the town.
September also ushers in Autumn (or do you call it Fall?). The changing of the seasons reminds us that nothing stays the same. Growth for the following year requires a pause to regroup and nourish the soil.
In the business world, September is a time to strategize for how to end the year strong (identify the gaps and reprioritize resources) and how to plan for conferences and the upcoming year. Doing this well requires clarity and objectivity. I run personalized team workshops on how to prepare for change utilizing my SHAPE A4 Framework.
“There’s a hidden, inner strength that you cannot find unless you push yourself through adversity.” – Phil Stutz
EVENTS
Here’s a glimpse of where I’ve been in September, and what’s ahead this fall:
September Events – See the full September recap, including photos and videos, here.
Supported women’s health and values initiatives in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and online.
9/6/25: Operation Breast Density Gala in Shelby Township, MI
9/10 – 9/12/25: Festival of Compassion (online)
9/14/25: My Density Matters Team Outing in Chicago, IL
9/17/25: Developing the Leader Within Podcast (online)
9/18/25: 2Flo Ventures Health Equity Investing Symposium: Women’s Health Edition in Chicago, IL
9/24/25: WHEN Stories Presentation in Madison, WI
October Events – Information and registration links here.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness (ACTION) Month and World Values Day. Join me at one or more of the following:
10/2/25: Women’s Health Advocates (WHA) – Kick-off Breakfast in Chicago, IL
10/5/25: Paint the Lake Pink Walk to support My Density Matters in Lake Zurich, IL
10/9/25: Community Pulse – CAN-TV Taping in Chicago, IL
10/10/25: Storytelling at the Barrington White House in Barrington, IL
10/16/25: World Values Day – “Room to Bloom – Bring Your Vision to Life” Workshop (online)
10/18/25: American Cancer Society Walk in Chicago, IL
November is Compassion Month – Tools & Events can be found here.
This November, together with our partners, we’re inviting individuals and organizations to bring compassion to life.
POETRY
My latest poem can be found here: The Veins of Our Existence
CLOSING
In my last newsletter It’s Up to You to Lead Where You Are I shared reflections on leading where you are, trusting the process, and asking the powerful question: What can I do?
As I continue reflecting, that question still echoes:
What can I do?
Let’s see what we can do together
