Just Keep Swimming: 4 tools that got me through
Last week started trash, y'all, but I made it.
Ok, more realistically, there were trash moments, amid very special, nourishing, and accomplished moments. AND we all know how trash moments can take over our brain like the San Francisco fog (Hi all of my SF peeps. Hi Karl the Fog.).
That being said, I've been working REALLY hard this week to fight the brain's default of mulling over what could have been, what went wrong, and what's not right. And that is hard work. It can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. However, the result is that I didn't get lost in the sad sauce of last week. I moved through and over my obstacles and setbacks and came into Thursday smiling, with energy and joy, and able to drop into the weekly co-working space I host with authentic excitement about where I am and what's ahead.
Thursday was extra special because the co-working space had a card deck of their own and we pulled cards during our connection time. 🥰
So what got me through?
First, a disclaimer: This is not a prescriptive newsletter saying, "I have all the answers. Join me." This is me sharing my journey to hopefully spark ideas in you if you're also having a roller coaster ride into fall. A lot is happening for folks - personally, regionally, nationally, all over the place. Finding ways to navigate all that you're holding or trying to be present for may need to go beyond the prescriptive diets of self-care many people share. What works for me may not work for you. So take what works, leave the rest. And rest.
Tool #1: The Abuntu Affirmation Card Deck (grounding)
Monday morning, when I felt the urge to move too fast, I pulled a card to anchor my intention. I got "I create nourishing routines." It led me to stretch and slow down, setting a different tone for my whole day. I was more mindful, more present. I actually experienced my day instead of letting it take me away. That felt good.
What routines or practices ground you?
What helps you to slow down enough to experience the world around you?
Tool #2: Real conversations + my crew (vulnerability & community)
That same day, I had a challenging conversation with a colleague that was a wake-up call. I'd been floundering, didn't communicate my struggle, and missed some action items. Instead of making excuses, I leaned into vulnerability and shared my reality. Because we'd already built a real relationship alongside our projects, that conversation didn't feel like failure; it felt like a reset. It motivated me to show up differently.
I also checked in honestly with my morning routines accountability partner instead of masking my frustration and disappointment. Her empathy and encouragement helped me lean into the day with more presence and appreciation rather than focusing on what didn't go well. Leaning into the crew I've cultivated made all the difference.
With whom can you share openly and know that you'll be held with care and loving accountability?
How are you centering relationships before tasks?
Tool #3: Honoring my pace + faith (abundance mindset)
My business is still rebuilding after pivoting from DEI education consulting to leadership wellness coaching and consulting. Transitions take time, especially at 25% capacity while raising my daughter. (Though she's quickly outgrowing what I can offer! 😄) I lean hard into the affirmation "I honor my pace and progress". I'm putting my all into my business, and I'm proud of how it's blossoming despite the doubts that creep in.
Last week, I maintained my morning prayer walks as a foundation for my days, even when I felt rushed for time. During times when I felt down, I paused and reconnected with my breath before taking any action. This helped me be present with my feelings but not take short-sighted actions that weren't aligned with my values. I engaged in more mindfulness practices than usual, working hard to be present and work through my feelings rather than rush them away or bury them.
An abundance mindset, steeped in faith, has been crucial to staying encouraged.
How do you regularly strengthen your mind-body connection?
Who or what helps you stay encouraged and motivated during challenging times?
Tool #4: Intentional rest (nourishment)
Last week, I was drawn to soothing items to help calm my nerves and spirit. While cleaning, I lit my vanilla lavender candle and my pink peppercorn, grapefruit, and juniper meditation candle while I was in the shower. The aromatherapy soothed my senses, created ease of mind, and helped me think more broadly about my circumstances.
Outside of low moments, I commit to doing more of that regularly. Light the candle and stick around to take in its smell. Do that face mask that's been sitting on my bathroom counter for months. Set aside time for a footbath. Wrap myself in a blanket in the hammock. I know that each intentional moment of slow tea sipping and moving at a nourishing pace will fill my cup.
What items do you have around your space that can facilitate a nourishing moment of pause?
How might you commit to creating more moments of pause for yourself that help you delight in the present moment?
I couldn't have done any of this without the actual tools I've built and the support I've cultivated.
That's why I created the Abuntu Affirmation Card Deck—because leaders like you deserve a daily practice that meets you where you are. Not another thing to feel guilty about. But 52 cards that help you move from surviving to thriving, especially when the world feels heavy.
Sometimes the best tool is a person. Someone trained to help you move through the obstacle, not around it. If this season has you thinking about your own or your team's leadership, whether you're navigating challenges, ready to shift, or exhausted from carrying it all—I'm booking 2026 coaching clients and speaking engagements now.
Your community needs you well. Not burned out. Not performing. Well.
Let's keep swimming. One foot in front of the other. Task by task. Breath by breath.
A clip from Finding Nemo, where Dory is trying to encourage Nemo’s dad to just keep swimming when he’s discouarged.
With love and solidarity,
Tamisha
