Talking about death is kind of like talking about being sober. It’s all taboo. So really, I’ve been primed for this my whole adult life! I can still be that calm rebel while sharing vulnerably and honestly. I can still enjoy social situations while getting the heck out of there at a reasonable hour for my beauty sleep!

Sometimes I wish I could go back to that time and give that unhappy girl a hug. Tell her that it was all going to work out in the end. Turns out though, you’ve got to go through things like that. You’ve got to wobble to keep upright. Turns out, what I needed then and what I need now are my people. I need to surround myself with the people who have worked all night, the people who lift dead bodies from bathrooms, the people who have truly seen it all.

What are the most important values in your life? Do you know how to respond that is most in line with your values?

I’m ready to share with you what worked for me – sharing my story with you keeps me stable in my choices, which in turn generates more of those sticky sweet, good vibes that keeps me stable in my choices! And maybe there is someone else reading this that is still looking for a better way through… you’re not alone.

I’m probably in pretty good company here when I say “my job is stressful.” Every single task feels like a heavy lift. One of my biggest complaints is when I have to explain myself to someone else, especially about what I’m doing and why. Even more when their values don’t align with mine – if they don’t find value or importance in what I’m trying to accomplish. I’m holding some really heavy stuff – my families’ wishes, my employers’ expectations (and limitations), justice and identification for my decedents, colleagues struggles. Instead of crumbling under the weight of it all, I’m asking for more arms to lift me up. Our jobs are never going to get easier, the loads will never feel lighter. When I reach out to my community and share my struggles, it feels like I have other people helping me carry my burden. Thank you so much for showing up!