Fall has always held a special place in my heart, and I find myself eagerly anticipating its arrival every year. It's a transitional season, a perfect bridge between the scorching heat of summer and the icy grip of winter. The relief from the sweltering sun is palpable, and the bone-chilling cold hasn't quite set in yet. It's a time when nature seems to put on a mesmerizing display, with trees adorning themselves in a riot of colors, painting the landscape in shades of crimson, amber, and gold. But beyond the aesthetics, there's something about the earthy, muted tones of fall, like the rich olive green, that I find incredibly appealing. It's as if the world outside mirrors my own desire to slow down, settle in, and savor the moment.
Yet, this year, as autumn unfurls its beauty, the fourth quarter of 2023 is causing a storm of worry within me. Health issues have struck, making it abundantly clear that I need to take things easy and prioritize self-care. Despite this understanding, I can't shake the nagging thought that it's the "4th Quarter" and that I should be pushing myself harder, striving for more, accomplishing tasks on a never-ending to-do list. The concept of granting myself grace feels like a Herculean task. My body is fatigued, and frequent coughing spells sap my energy, leaving me drained and incapable of achieving all that I'd like to.
Amidst this internal struggle, there's a glimmer of excitement and accomplishment on the horizon. The book I released this year, titled "Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business," has earned a coveted spot in the Bunker Labs Holiday gift catalog. As a part of this esteemed group of veterans, I was selected to create a short video, less than 30 seconds, sharing my experiences in the U.S. Army and my journey within the Bunker Labs 22A VIR program for Veterans Day. I practiced diligently before my health took a toll on my voice, and I even managed to send in a practice video to ensure I didn't miss this opportunity. However, fate had other plans, and I lost my voice entirely. I sent a practice video that I would not have shared while healthy but I was glad to have under the circumstances.
Despite these challenges, there's a silver lining in my story. Over time, I've consciously delegated the mechanical design of the Upward Mobility project and other day-to-day tasks to capable hands, including Jermaine Sims. The progress continues, even without my direct involvement. Recognizing the value of this delegation has been a transformative experience, one that's become even more apparent now. It was a daunting task initially, as letting go of control can be difficult. However, if I hadn't entrusted the mechanical design to Jermaine, the project might have ground to a halt in the face of my current health issues.
Reflecting on it, I realize that I unknowingly prepared for this moment by creating redundancy and practicing delegation. While I intellectually understand that the work is in capable hands and is progressing smoothly, emotionally stepping away is proving to be a formidable challenge. It's a lesson in letting go, in understanding that sometimes, stepping back can be as productive as pushing forward. Fall, with its message of transition and change, seems to be teaching me a life lesson, reminding me that seasons change, and sometimes, so must we.
Below are the photos that Bunker Labs requested;
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