How's it going ,

I hope you are staying warm and safe. As I write this, I have electricity. But we spent all of Tuesday without.

It forced me off my phone, off social media, and under the covers.

If you are still without electricity, and there is something you need, please reach out. I have water, extra food (a couple of rambunctious children), and any blankets, batteries, or candles.

It's so crazy to think about how much we rely on running water and electricity until we don't have it. At my house, we literally don't even have a fireplace, any charcoal, or propane. Cooking a meal took fast moves (we'd have electricity in 2-minute spurts) and creativity.

It reminds you how capable we are when we have no other choice. How quickly we'll move when our back is against the wall. And how creative we get when there are limited options (ever have a baked potato stuffed with salmon?).

But why does it take us being pushed to our limit to get these great ideas? Why does it take pressure to create diamonds?

I don't really know, but what I do know is that the path to greatness usually takes being uncomfortable. When I'm in the middle of a workout at the gym, it's super uncomfortable, but that's the only way I will get strong. Eating foods that nourish my body takes a lot more prep and cooking, but that will keep my body healthy.

Starting a business is scary. Recording a video of yourself for social media, writing emails to your list, making sales calls, giving proposals, all of it can be really uncomfortable. But the more you do it, the more used to it you'll get. The more you do it, the better you'll become. The stronger your muscles will get. The more prepared you'll be for the next time.

I hope we don't go through another crazy winter storm without power and water here in Texas, but I know damn well I'll have a propane tank and a cooler for my food.

If you've been waiting for a sign to try that next thing, to jump into the sea of unknown, this is it. It's your time. You'll figure it out as you get there, especially when you have no other choice.

Stay warm friend,

Jen McKee