October Pages
When life colors outside the lines
October holds some of my life's most pivotal moments. It marks three years since we lost my dad's gentle wisdom, twenty years since Albert and I joined our lives together forever, and eight years since a routine mammogram changed everything. Now, it brings the excitement of a new professional chapter. Like the pages of a well-loved book, October reminds me how life colors its story in both tears and laughter, in endings and beginnings, in remembrance and hope.
The Echoes of Love
In October of 2021, we lost our dad – my hero, my anchor, the man who would sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (terribly, but with his whole heart) whenever I was struggling. Even now, I catch myself reaching for the phone, wanting to share a moment, hear his voice, or simply tell him about my day. Grief, I've learned, isn't something you "get over." It's more like a song that plays in the background of your life – sometimes soft, sometimes overwhelming, but always there.
Yet this same month also brings my 20th wedding anniversary with my husband Albert. Two decades of partnership that have taught me that love isn't just about the mountain peaks of joy, but about the steady presence in the valleys. It's about someone who sees you at your lowest and still lifts you higher.
Pink Converse and Women's Health Revolution
October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month – a powerful reminder of how women's health needs evolve throughout our lives, and how desperately we need to revolutionize the conversation around all aspects of women's wellbeing.
Eight years ago, at age 40, my very first mammogram detected cancer. Those images saved my life. Now, each October screening isn't just a medical appointment – it's a milestone, a testament to survival, and a reminder to all women that our health matters. This year, I'm grateful to report another clean bill of health, but I never take these moments for granted.
The truth is, there's nothing glamorous about mammograms. The room is cold, the gown is unflattering, and yes, there's discomfort. But these moments of unease pale in comparison to hearing those three words: "You have cancer." Early detection saved my life, and it could save yours too.
Yet breast cancer awareness is just one piece of the women's health puzzle. This month also highlights another critical health journey that every woman will eventually face: menopause. Despite affecting half the world's population, menopause remains shrouded in silence and stigma. Women often navigate this significant life transition with minimal support, inadequate medical guidance, and little workplace understanding.
Think about it: while we've made strides in breast cancer awareness (though there's still much work to be done), why do we still whisper about menopause? Why do women still struggle to get proper support during this natural life transition? From hot flashes in board meetings to brain fog during presentations, women are often left to navigate these challenges alone, expected to maintain peak performance while their bodies undergo significant changes.
We deserve better.
The pink ribbon has taught us the power of awareness campaigns to drive change. Now it's time to bring that same energy, attention, and commitment to all aspects of women's health. Because whether it's breast cancer screenings, menopause support, or any other women's health issue, we shouldn't have to choose between our wellbeing and our careers, between speaking up and staying silent.
New Beginnings and Comebacks
In the midst of all these October reflections, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: The WorkWell Podcast™ is making a comeback in January 2025! Taking a page from Taylor Swift's book (yes, really!), we're bringing back something familiar but with a fresh new twist. We've partnered with an amazing new collaborator (to be announced!) and lined up some of our most inspiring guests yet.
This revival feels particularly meaningful because it embodies everything October represents – the courage to begin again, the joy of creation, and the power of sharing stories that matter. We'll be diving deep into workplace mental health, psychological safety, and building cultures where people can truly thrive.
The Power of Human Connection
In recent celebrations of personal and professional milestones, I've been reminded by a profound truth: success isn't measured in achievements or accolades, but in the depth of our connections. It's found in those who:
Show up, again and again, without question
Stand beside us through storms and sunshine
Share both our laughter and our tears
Nurture our hopes and dreams, while loving us exactly as we are
The Courage to Be Vulnerable
As we marked World Mental Health Day this October, I found myself reflecting on the importance of vulnerability in our human journey. My own path with anxiety has taught me that strength isn't found in having all the answers – it's found in the courage to say "I don't know" or "I need help."
This is especially true in our workplaces, where we spend so much of our lives. Creating environments that honor our full humanity – including our struggles and uncertainties – isn't not just nice to have, it's essential for our collective wellbeing.
The Permission to Not Know
Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons October has taught me is that it's okay to not have everything figured out. Whether facing personal challenges, professional transitions, or health journeys, we don't need to have all the answers.
What we do need is:
The courage to ask for help when we need it
The wisdom to accept support when it's offered
The compassion to extend grace to ourselves and others
The faith that even in uncertainty, we're not alone
The Bridge Over Troubled Water
As I reflect on all that October holds – the grief and the gratitude, the celebrations and the solemn remembrances, the comebacks and the continuing journeys – I'm reminded that these seemingly contradictory experiences are actually bridges. When we share our full stories – both the triumphs and the struggles – we create space for authentic connection that can't be replicated or replaced by anything else.
To anyone navigating their own complex October – or any season of life where joy and sorrow dance together – remember that you're not alone. We're all in these waters together, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up for each other, holding space for all that is.
Because in the end, it's not about having it all figured out. It's about being present – really present – for ourselves and each other as we navigate the beautiful mess of being human.
And sometimes, it's about lacing up your pink Converse, taking a deep breath, and walking bravely into whatever comes next.
📖 What I'm re-reading: "The Modern Loss Handbook" by Rebecca Soffer has found its way back into my hands at exactly the right time. As October stirs up memories and emotions, Rebecca's compassionate and practical guidance on navigating grief in the modern world feels like a conversation with a wise friend who truly gets it. Her work reminds us that there's no "right way" to grieve and that finding moments of humor amidst loss isn't just okay – it's healing.
🎧 What I'm listening to: The latest episode of The Good Life Project featuring the incredible Cyndie Spiegel on "Microjoys" has been my soundtrack this month. Her exploration of finding joy when life is decidedly not okay feels particularly relevant right now. Cyndie's wisdom about discovering tiny moments of delight even in our hardest seasons isn't just inspiring – it's a practical survival tool for navigating life's complexities.
📱 Who I'm following: Lindsay Scola has become my go-to follow for real talk (non-clinical) about ADHD, celiac disease, and narcolepsy, served with a generous side of humor that makes complex topics digestible and relatable. Her insights about sleep as the ultimate performance enhancer have been a booster shot for my own wellbeing journey. If you're looking to understand sleep issues better or just appreciate someone who can make serious health topics both informative and entertaining, Lindsay's your person.
💠What I'm feeling: Like many of us, I'm experiencing election anxiety as we head into what promises to be an intensely divisive political season. I'm keeping Lyra Health's thoughtful guide close at hand as a reminder that it's normal to feel overwhelmed by the political landscape, especially when these issues intersect with our core values and identities. Their practical tips for managing election-related stress at work and home have become essential tools in my wellbeing toolkit.
Thanks again for sharing you, Jen
So beautifully put Jen. I loved hearing about your dad and can't even imagine what that degree of support has done for your ability to heal! And please keep talking about the workplace and the consciousness we need to bring there! So many people are quietly suffering, of course not helped by this contentious election process. Loved hearing your stories about October and it's significance in your life. If carries for me - my Dad's and brother's birthday, the birth of my daughter and one of her daughters, so I always love this Libra month - one that promises balance.