I'm depressed.

But this isn't about that, exactly.

This is about the reality of trying to run a business right now, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of community.

...

I'm overwhelmed by the state of the world. It's a struggle to accomplish more than just the essential personal and professional tasks.

It's bizarre to see entrepreneurs "business-ing as usual" right now.

I understand that we all have to compartmentalize sometimes, but c'mon, this is Code Red.

I'm not interested in listening to or buying from anyone who's pretending the world isn't on fire.

And I feel mad respect and kinship for those talking about just how fucking hard it is to be a human right now.

Vulnerability is always beautiful, but now it feels essential.

Until 2017, I was afraid of showing my scars.

Then one day, in a postpartum fog, I went live my Facebook group of several thousand and had an ugly cry about how hard it was to run a business while caring for a baby (and forget about having a social life).

I was terrified I'd destroyed my business by letting people see I was not as perfect as other coaches seemed.

The response was entirely positive. So many people offered encouragement, love, and "me too."

Speaking of, I followed my crying-on-camera moment by lending my voice to the "Me Too"movement that same year (again to wonderful feedback).

I've continued to share deeply personal and not-always-good stories, from discussing my abortions to now talking about being depressed.

Being vulnerable has had unexpectedly amazing results for my business.

It's helped to improve and increase my reputation, allowed potential clients feel greater safety in hiring me, and opened doors to amazing friendships and collaborations.

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I couldn't do it without support.

Being vulnerable can be depleting. And it can feel especially lonely and scary for a solopreneur like myself.

I need people I trust in my corner.

The community I've cultivated over the years provides...

• encouragement to live into my value of honesty;
• constructive and compassionate feedback about what I may share;
• a soft spot to land when I have a vulnerability hangover;
• and loads of love as I navigate responses (good or bad) to my sharing.

Lately, I've been candid online and with clients about battling depression since the inauguration. And my network of close business buddies has been by my side, cheering me on.

Why am I sharing this?

​This beautiful conversation with my friend Jordan Maney for her new RestLab podcast reminded me that I want to model the things I want to see more of in the business space.

I'm asking my clients to open with their communities about their struggles in this moment. And I want to always do the same.

I hope this encourages you to share not just the good, but also the bad and ugly, with your audience. Anything else may come across as bizarre to folks in the face of fascism and recession.

[Oh, and don't worry, I'm getting help for the depression!]

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