02/19/2026
Two years ago, I came home from work—unaware my world was about to turn upside down. Within hours, I went from walking to barely standing...even my own weight was suddenly too much to carry. It took a year and a half, doctor after doctor, before anyone found the answer.
Isolated. Trapped. Rapunzel in her tower—except nobody tells you the loneliness comes with a side of self-doubt and frustration. Sometimes, all I could do was look out at the world and wonder if I'd ever truly be part of it again.
When I finally began to heal, I was so desperate to rejoin life that I pushed and pushed...until another fall, another injury, and instead of a fairytale ending, I landed back in that tower. Two surgeries, more procedures, and another round of forced rest.
Truth? When the pain is high, positivity feels out of reach. Momentum disappears. Even the smallest action can feel like climbing Everest. I almost let myself slip away, almost gave in to the comfort of "just wait and see."
But then—something shifted. Instead of rescheduling my podcast again, I made the decision to SHOW UP, battered toe and all. We talked about "cheating your potential" and how easy it is to withdraw from yourself, day by day.
Not today, and not this year. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse—a time for bold energy, transformation, and (yes) a little stubborn courage.
So I’m banking self-respect, not making withdrawals. I’m using the wild energy of this Chinese New Year, the upcoming eclipse, and all the cosmic fuel swirling around us as my fire, not my excuse. Every step forward—even a wobbly one—counts.
If you’re reading this from your own version of a tower—injury, setback, heartbreak, or just plain stuck—KNOW THIS:
You are not alone. It’s okay to pause, but don’t give up. Bank on yourself. Show up in whatever way you can. Even if it’s just one tiny action today.
Your comeback story is being written—one brave moment at a time.
❤️🔥 Drop a 🔥 below if you’re choosing to push forward this week, no matter what. Let’s lift each other up—Fire Horse style!