Volunteering as a Peer Counselor with Empower Work

I’m proud to share that I recently became a Certified Peer Counselor Volunteer with Empower Work, an organization that plays a critical role in supporting individuals facing significant challenges in the workplace, anonymously and free of charge.

Workplace issues—ranging from burnout and harassment to uncertainty about the future—can have a profound impact on a person’s overall well-being. Empower Work counselors provide a structured environment where individuals can articulate their concerns, clarify their needs, and, when appropriate, identify actionable steps that align with their values and goals.

Each conversation I have as a coach through Empower Work teaches me something new. By listening deeply and asking thoughtful questions, I help others discover their own strength and decide on a next step that feels both comfortable and meaningful. It’s a humbling experience to be part of that process and to support someone who has taken the courageous step to reach out.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can learn more here: Empower Work Volunteer.

Acoustic Insights: Striking the right chord in thoughtful decision-making

In the fast-paced world we live in, being a thoughtful decision-maker is a unique trait. We often hear from our friends, family, and coworkers that we're the one they turn to when a careful, considerate choice needs to be made. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Those who know us well would also attest to our propensity for overthinking, which can sometimes turn this gift into a curse.

This delicate balance between thoughtfulness and overthinking is humorously illustrated in this tweet from Lisa:

While deep thinking can be a powerful asset, it can also lead to analysis paralysis, where the more you know, the harder it becomes to decide. You may start believing that there's a perfect answer waiting to be discovered, leading you down a rabbit hole of constant contemplation.

How can you recognize when you're tipping from thoughtful decision-making into analysis paralysis? One useful perspective is to determine if the decision you're facing is a one-way door or a two-way door. The concept, popularized by Amazon, categorizes one-way door decisions as largely irreversible, costly, or slow to reverse. Conversely, two-way door decisions are less risky, more adaptable, and easily altered or reversed.

When it was time to buy a couch, during the pandemic, I found myself in a recurring cycle of research and indecision for our family’s soon-to-be addition. Having previously only purchased inexpensive sofas, such as those from Ikea, this felt like a one-way door decision.

However, if you approach the process with patience, a moment of clarity often emerges. I experienced this when choosing a couch. I had always wanted a navy or dark teal couch, and when the fabric samples arrived I instantly knew that was the one. And a timely holiday sale sealed the deal.

A moment of clarity also occurred in another decision, though lower stakes, regarding which guitar I should buy as a beginner.

When I started taking guitar lessons, I borrowed guitars off the wall for my lesson, unsure what I wanted or needed. Despite my limited skills, a helpful lady recommended a thinline acoustic guitar she used in the park. It was a relatively low-risk choice, but it felt comfortable in my hands—and that was what truly mattered.

The lesson here is simple: Pick what feels comfortable. In my case, choosing a guitar that I'd want to pick up and play was more important than any technical details. Cute guitar picks didn't hurt, either.

Even though it was a low-risk decision, it was still significant to me. As I've mentioned before, many factors can deter progress, and I didn't want an uncomfortable guitar to be one of them. As Bryson, my instructor, wisely advised:

1. Go with what you'll want to pick up.

2. Put it in a place you'll actually pick it up.

3. Pick it up for 5 minutes a day.

For many of us, the toughest decisions aren't straightforward yes or no choices, quick purchases, or decisions easily enhanced by aesthetically pleasing extras. These are decisions that require introspection:

• How do I move forward, knowing what I know?

• What aligns with my values?

• What calls for connection, curiosity, or compassion within me?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Each of us needs the time and tools that work best for our unique circumstances. For me, that includes journaling, talking to others, meditation, and physical activity.

In the world of technology, the emphasis is often on making swift decisions, failing fast, and moving on to the next challenge. While this approach works for business, it's not always suitable for life's more delicate decisions. When it comes to these, taking the time to connect with yourself and stay present leads to clarity. Rushing typically results in regret.

To sum it up:

1. Pause and determine if it's a one-way door or two-way door decision.

2. In a sea of endless options, follow your intuition, especially when the risk is low.

3. Give yourself the gift of time, presence, and connection on your journey to clarity.

What have you found to be helpful when making thoughtful decisions?

Acoustic Insights: Life lessons from learning guitar

For years, the idea of learning to play the guitar had piqued my curiosity. I couldn't pinpoint exactly why, considering my last encounter with a musical instrument dated back to junior high school. And my early singing experiences, marked by a memorable performance of "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" as a front-toothless 3rd grader, had left me with a few musical scars.

Perhaps it was my self-image that kept me from venturing into the world of guitar. I didn't fit the typical mold of a guitar player, which may have kept me from giving it a go for quite some time. Almost six months ago, as I embarked on my guitar journey, my neighbor, a member of an actual rock band, caught me with my guitar one day and asked, "Oh, who's playing the guitar?" I glanced around, then replied with a sheepish grin, "Me...?"

The mix of supportive yet puzzled questions from close friends, neighbors, and even employees at the guitar store were both amusing and motivating.

My initial guitar lessons, grappling with the basics of holding the instrument correctly, choosing the right guitar, and fumbling through the learning process, had me questioning my decision. "What are you even doing here? You... and a guitar? You got bangs (curly ones!) last week, and a guitar this week. What’s happening, Holly?" It reminded me of how I felt—equally unprepared, ungraceful, and humbled—when I first started barre fitness.

But one enduring lesson from that and countless other life experiences is this: we are far stronger than we realize, both physically and emotionally. As the bridge in "Wild Horses" by Birdy, one of my favorite songs, goes, "Our human hearts forget how strong they are."

Just before I embarked on my guitar journey, something unexpected happened in my life that I wasn’t sure how to navigate. This uncertainty only fueled my determination to engage my mind in a new and creative way, something entirely unrelated to product design. With a strong support system, quality therapy, and this newfound creative outlet in the form of a guitar, I faced this uncertain period with intention, personal growth, and mindfulness.

Now, as I begin my sixth month of guitar lessons, I'm proud to have surpassed the point where I thought I might give up. I’ve committed to short fingernails which, for me, is quite the sacrifice. I even played “Happy Birthday” in front of people at my son’s 8th birthday party. This journey has been incredibly rewarding. My instructor, Bryson, has not only helped me start learning the guitar but also rediscover the beauty and magic in acquiring a new skill.

Each guitar lesson leaves me with moments of inspiration and life lessons that extend beyond the fretboard. In the weeks and months to come, I'd like to share some of these insights. Here are some of the topics I'm considering:

💭 How to Choose When Choices Are Endless: Whether you're buying a guitar or making a significant life decision, I'll explore the art of decision-making when the possibilities seem limitless.

↪️ A Secret to Easier Transitions: From mastering chord changes to navigating life transitions, I'll share what I’m learning about making transitions smoother and less daunting.

🔍 Pivot or Zoom In: Whether you're stuck in a song or struggling in life, I'll delve into some strategies to break through those moments of stagnation and uncertainty.

I'm excited to share these insights as I continue this journey. 🎸🎶

I’m curious, what have your creative outlets or hobbies taught you about life?