Hi Reader,
Yesterday, September 30th, was what some are calling a “fork in the road” day.
For thousands of federal employees, it marked both the end of long careers in public service and the uncertainty of a government shutdown. A double blow. A moment that engenders grief as well as faith.
Even if you’re not a federal worker, you might know this feeling: the sudden pause, the unexpected ending, the shift you didn’t choose. And in those moments, it’s easy to feel like the road has disappeared.
But here’s the truth: even when one road ends, you are not without paths forward.
Faith + Action in Hard Times
Maintaining faith doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means holding on to the belief that new opportunities will emerge - and pairing that belief with intentional action.
One powerful exercise that I like comes from the worlds of entrepreneurship and fundraising. When starting a business or raising funds, leaders are often asked to write down a list of everyone they know. Not just colleagues or close friends - everyone.
Why? Because opportunity rarely comes from where you expect.
- A neighbor knows someone hiring.
- A former coworker has shifted industries and can offer advice.
- A friend from a volunteer project knows of an opening in their department.
This isn’t about “using” people. It’s about remembering the breadth of your connections and letting yourself reach out, humbly and openly, for support.
Your Exercise This Week
Grab a notebook (or open a Google Doc) and write:
Then, start listing. Don’t censor yourself. Include:
- Family and extended family
- Friends from every season of life
- Former coworkers and supervisors
- Professors, mentors, teachers
- Neighbors, community members, faith groups
- People from volunteer work, parent groups, or creative projects
Aim for 100 names.
Not all will be relevant, and that’s okay. The point is to remember you’re not alone.
When you’re ready, choose a handful to reach out to.
- Share where you are and what you’re looking for.
- Ask if they’d be open to a conversation, or if they know of opportunities.
You’ll be surprised how often people want to help — and how many doors can open through simple connection.
And if making that list or reaching out feels uncomfortable, or you just know you’d like more support, I’ve got you covered.
I’m working on a brand-new workshop designed to take the stress out of outreach and networking. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts together, and you’ll walk away with ready-to-send messages you can use right away.
Keep an eye on your inbox—I’ll be sharing details soon. You won’t want to miss it.
Final Word
If you’re at your own fork in the road right now, remember:
- Faith keeps you moving forward.
- Action, even small, creates momentum.
- And connection reminds you that you’re not walking this path alone.
This week, you start with your list. It may not show you the whole map, but it will remind you of just how many bridges you already have.
With you in the journey,
Gladys
P.S. If you’d like a supportive space to start taking action, join my Friday Virtual Co-Working Session. We show up together, exactly as we are, and make progress on the things that matter.
- When: Friday, 12–2 PM ET (drop in anytime)
- Where: Zoom (camera optional)
- Cost: Free - tips welcome, never required