I’m supposed to be in Mexico City today.

A string of events occurred that left me shaken…and sad.

My mentor, sweet Susan, invited me, JD, and Luna to Mexico City to celebrate life.

Mostly, her life. She was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year, so every day is a gift.

We aren’t sure she will make it to the end of the year, so Susan invited us to see the world, eat the best food, and live to the fullest with her.

Then life had other plans.

We had to save our trip for another time, but it highlighted the grief I carry like bowling bag every day.

Since the beginning of 2026, Susan was diagnosed with incurable cancer, my uncle passed away, my brother is living in a homeless shelter, and my mother has an undiagnosed ailment that’s rendered her to a wheelchair.

It’s a lot.

I haven’t shared it (and a litany of other things) publicly, because—well—I’m just trying to keep my head above water.

Last week I read, “Grief shared is grief halved. Joy shared is twice a joy.”

So this is me, the whole of me, sharing a bit of my grief in attempts to lighten my load because…

…what I share online is mostly joy, which you help multiply.

But only sharing one side of the grief/joy coin isn’t the full picture, is it?

As entrepreneurs we often find ourselves in the mire of pain, happiness, fear, frustration, and hope.

Most days I experience all that…and then some more.

This note is simply a reminder that as business owners we are ALL navigating the highs and lows of life behind the scenes.

We put on brave faces for our teams. We smile for our content. We do what it takes to keep moving forward.

We also silently carry a bowling bag of grief. All of us.

I’ve come to accept it’s normal. Not easy, but, alas, normal.

If you’re carrying the weight of life’s challenges, I see you. We’re in this together.

And one day, I look forward to sharing your Joy when it inevitably heads your way.

Because it will.

To Life,

j*