As a former executive director of a men's homeless shelter, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, leading to serious organ damage. Stress was a significant factor that negatively impacted my immune system, and when my doctor informed me that lupus was actively attacking my organs, I faced a pivotal decision: I needed to change my lifestyle dramatically.

This  lifestyle change meant eliminating processed foods, sugar, and even my favorite meals like lemonade, pizza, and juicy porterhouse steaks. More importantly, it required a career change, as the demands of my position were taking a toll on my health.

For a while, I felt lost, struggling to discover my path forward. I began to reflect on how I could leverage my education in social work, my experience in managing large organizations, and my passion for women’s empowerment—drawing on lessons from my minor in Gender Studies. Over time, I adapted my career to focus on consulting for non-profits and start-ups, providing training for small businesses, and coaching brand leaders.

Eventually, I channeled all my skills and experiences into helping other women navigate their own journeys, whether by choice or circumstance. My path has taught me that adaptability is a powerful tool for overcoming challenges.

I stand here today to inspire you to transform your storms into opportunities for growth. With courage and resilience, you too can evolve and empower yourself to thrive in your unique space. Remember, every challenge is a chance to adapt and rise stronger than before.

At the heart of adaptability lies the essential practice of self-love. During times of transition, it’s crucial to cultivate self-compassion, patience, and self-empathy. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself grace as you navigate change.

Remember, self-love is not just about pampering yourself; it’s about recognizing your worth and embracing your journey, imperfections and all.

By nurturing a loving relationship with yourself, you build a strong foundation that empowers you to adapt to new circumstances with resilience and confidence.

When you prioritize self-love, you create a safe space for growth, allowing you to face challenges with a positive mindset and an open heart.

Embracing a growth mindset is foundational to adaptability. Start by reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and self-improvement. When faced with a setback, ask yourself what lessons you can take away from the experience.

This shift in perspective will help you approach future challenges with curiosity and resilience, allowing you to maintain momentum even in difficult times.

Consider keeping a journal to document your experiences, reflections, and breakthroughs, reinforcing the belief that your abilities can develop and flourish over time.

In the midst of unexpected changes, mindfulness can be your anchor. Cultivating a mindful practice helps you stay present and reduces anxiety about the unknown. Incorporate short, daily mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even a few minutes of quiet reflection.

These practices enable you to slow down your thoughts and observe your emotions without judgment. By staying grounded, you’ll enhance your ability to respond to changes thoughtfully rather than reactively, empowering you to navigate through uncertainty with greater ease and clarity.

Feedback can be an invaluable tool for personal growth and adaptability. Actively seek insights from friends, mentors, or colleagues about areas where you can be more flexible.

This feedback will reveal blind spots and provide fresh perspectives on your approach to change. Consider scheduling regular check-ins or creating informal feedback loops within your professional network.

Engaging in open conversations about adaptability not only strengthens your skills but also fosters a supportive community that encourages growth and collaboration.