Chronicles of a Resilient Woman-October Reflections
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill.
When Strength Meets Stillness
October truly tested my resilience. It was a month of contrast, and moments of celebration woven between pain and stillness. There were days I stood tall in purpose, and others when getting out of bed felt like an act of courage.
As I reflected on my motherhood journey this month, I realized something powerful: I’ve done a great job as a mother. Observing my son celebrate his 29th birthday filled me with gratitude and awe. It never ceases to amaze how quickly time moves. Can you believe we’re in the fourth quarter of the year?
New Beginnings and Bold Steps
This month ushered in new opportunities and fresh commitments. I started an entrepreneurial program, hired a company to support my operations goals, joined a new Bible study and ministry class, and attended a pastors’ conference. Serving in two organizations and witnessing children share the word reminded me that faith continues to grow even in challenging times.
Amid chiropractic visits, physical therapy sessions, and ongoing pain in my neck and lower back, I found moments of accomplishment in completing business assignments and feeling a quiet sense of peace settle in. Healing may not be fast, but it’s forming.
The Week That Humbled Me
From October 19–25, life came to a halt. After celebrating Noah’s birthday, I experienced severe pain that triggered vertigo and left me bedridden for days. I couldn't even stand long enough to prepare meals or take a shower. Standing became overwhelming and simply dangerous. I had to hold onto the walls and counters in my home to prevent a fall.
When I finally felt well enough to clean, pain returned; intense ear, hip, leg, and nerve pain that nearly sent me to the ER. After a visit to my ENT, I was referred to a specialist for vestibular testing but was told that getting an appointment in 2026 wasn't possible. The first appointment I received was for May and after much discussion it was moved to February. Sigh! Imagine being in extreme pain and being asked to wait for 7 months for an appointment? Through prayer and persistence, I secured an earlier vestibular appointment.
Vestibular testing is grueling. It requires focus, efficiency, and patience from the provider and the patient. The testing was about 2 hours hours and involved wearing googles to record eye movements while looking at a bright light, sitting in a rotating chair, and warm water being placed in both ears. Although it was challenging the compassion of the medical team and the gift of my friend driving me to and from the appointment reminded me that God's grace is sufficient for me.
The diagnosis, cervicogenic vertigo : dizziness caused by my neck. Now What! more therapy, more rest, and the potential of additional testing. Despite all this, I remain thankful for answers and the courage to keep going.
Beauty in the Balance
Even amid the pain, there were bright spots. I attended a training event surrounded by entrepreneurs, allowing me to refocus on building my business with purpose. The documentary I participated in January won a Davey Award. This is a humbling reminder that our stories matter.
During the Daily Drip Think Tank session on Origin Stories, I was reminded: we must share our stories because they are not for us alone. They are meant to inspire and encourage others on their road to healing.
Unfortunately, the month ended on a heavy note. My home country suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Melissa, leaving me unable to reach family and friends. The heartbreak of distance reminded me again that resilience is not just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and communal.
Lessons from the Fall Season
October taught me that resilience isn’t about perfection it’s about presence and courage.
It’s about showing up when life feels uncertain, resting when your body demands it, and trusting that what’s falling away is making space for what’s next.
In a recent webinar on his book, How To Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage, author Ranjay Gulati shared a quote that resonated:
“When you feel uncertain, act your way into knowing.” Not "fake it till you make it" but instead "act your way into knowing." I registered for this webinar a month ago not knowing how perfect the timing would be. My reality is:
Even when my body couldn’t move without the room spinning, I chose to believe forward , to persevere despite the pain, and to act with faith that clarity and strength would come.
With only 61 days left in the year, I’ve had to be honest about goals, boundaries, and rest. As I prepare to meet with my accountant for year-end tax planning and lean into the final days of the year, I am filled with expectation and gratitude.
The holidays are near and despite the ups and downs, I’m stepping into November with peace, expectancy, and renewed hope.
What did October teach you about your own resilience?
Share your wins, your lessons, and your moments of grace. Your story might be the encouragement someone else needs.
Stay tuned for next weeks blog as I continue sharing this journey of perseverance setbacks, small victories, and hope. Schedule a consultation here: https://ironsconsultinggroupllc.com/contactus
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