November feels like the perfect time to pause, take stock, and look back at what this year has truly been about for me: Progress.
And not just any progress—what I’ve been calling my “Slingshot Year.” You know that feeling when you’ve been pulled back, stretched to your limit, only to be launched forward with force? That’s where I’m at, and let me tell you, it hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been damn transformative.
Let’s talk about The Slingshot. My PT doctor used that term to describe my knee rehab plan, and they weren't wrong. After blowing out my ACL and meniscus, I literally had to re-learn how to walk again. No joke.
Humbling? Yes. Frustrating? Absolutely.
But it also became a year of learning, unlearning, and letting curiosity guide me through the darkest moments.
Here’s what I know for sure: having the right people and resources around you is everything. This year, I invested deeply in myself. I brought on a business coach, worked with a therapist, and went outside of my insurance to get a special “return to action sports” PT program because, spoiler alert, the reinjury rate is sky-high.
But here’s the kicker: I questioned everything along the way. Curiosity has always been my compass. "I don’t know this thing; tell me more."
I used that mindset when I realized my first PT had me on a treadmill three months post-surgery without doing any jumping tests.
Wholly shit, dude, no! I dove into ACL rehab protocols and found people who actually understand action sports.
One of my favorite phrases is, “Say more about that.” It’s my way of staying engaged, out of victim mode, and keeping myself in a place of personal agency.
This year wasn’t just about physical recovery. I said no to relationships that didn’t serve me—went as far as "no contact." And yeah, that was hard as hell. But in saying no to what wasn’t aligned, I made space for new energy, new opportunities, and most importantly, new growth.
So, here we are, launching forward. The slingshot is pulled back, but it’s ready to release, and I’m more focused than ever on the road ahead. Progress isn’t linear—it’s messy, uncomfortable, and full of questions. And that’s the beauty of it.
Stay curious. Stay open. No stupid questions.
Lean Into Curiosity: I Will Tell You How
Here’s a list of heart-centered, open-ended questions that help you lean into curiosity while staying genuine and humble. These can empower you to ask for help and show that you value the other person’s insight without feeling like you're imposing or coming across as forceful:
Heart-Centered, Open-Ended Questions
"Can you tell me more about that?" A simple way to invite someone to expand on their thoughts.
"What’s your perspective on this?" This signals that you’re genuinely interested in their point of view.
"I’d love to hear how you approach this—what’s worked for you?" Asking someone to share their experience invites them to offer practical wisdom.
"I’m curious how you might handle this—any insights?" This softens the request for advice and highlights your curiosity.
"I don’t fully understand—could you walk me through it?" A humble way to admit you need clarity without feeling inadequate.
"How would you recommend I approach this?" Asking for guidance directly, but with a collaborative tone.
"What would you do in my position?" Opens up space for empathy and makes it easier for others to offer their help.
"What’s been your biggest learning with this?" Encourages the other person to reflect on their journey and share valuable takeaways.
"I’d love your thoughts on how I can move forward—what would you suggest?" Shows openness to input without framing it as a weakness.
"How do you stay grounded or navigate through challenges like this?" A heart-centered way to ask for advice while acknowledging their experience.
"What would you recommend as a first step?" Focuses on action and empowers them to guide you without overwhelming.
"How can I improve here?" A vulnerable but confident way to invite feedback and growth.
"What am I not seeing that might help me here?" Encourages them to offer a fresh perspective while showing you value their input.
"What’s something you’ve learned that you wish you’d known earlier?" Invites them to share wisdom they’ve gained over time.
"How do you think I can best approach this situation?" Reinforces your openness to help while asking for a solution-oriented response.
These questions are designed to keep the conversation flowing, put the other person at ease, and create a space for shared learning, without making you feel like you're imposing or being overbearing. You’ll come across as thoughtful and eager to grow—qualities people love to engage with.
Good Vibes Only: What’s Keeping Me Laughing and Learning
Because resilience also means finding moments to smile, I wanted to share a few things that are keeping me laughing (or at least distracted) this season:
Back to Funny Business: Carpool Karaoke Edition
If you need a good laugh, do yourself a favor and watch James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke. It’s pure gold. Seriously, watching celebrities belt out tunes while stuck in traffic? It doesn’t get better than that. Here’s one of my all-time favorites to get you started: James Corden Carpool Karaoke.
Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
New Hobby, Who Dis?: Productivity Binge
These days, consuming content on increasing productivity feels like my second job. I recently stumbled upon Dan Koe’s episode "Change Your Life In 365 Hours," and let’s just say, it lit a fire under me.
If you’re ready to level up, check it out here. It’s all about making micro-changes that stack up over time—a method I’m fully embracing during this slingshot year.
A Cozy Escape: Kara and Nate’s World Travels
When I need to unwind and feel inspired, I binge-watch Kara and Nate's YouTube channel. They’re a husband and wife from Nashville who started traveling the world full-time back in 2016.
After visiting 100 countries and surviving the pandemic in a van, they’re still on the road chasing adventures and telling incredible stories. It’s the perfect cozy escape for when you need to get out of your head.
Watch their documentary here and dive into their latest journeys. It's like traveling without leaving the couch!
Final Thoughts
Progress isn’t a straight line—it’s a slingshot. Life pulls you back, stretches you to your limits, and just when you think you're stuck, it launches you forward with a force you didn’t know you had. Whether you’re healing from an injury, saying no to what doesn’t serve you, or simply learning to stay curious through it all, know this: setbacks are just the setup for your comeback.
Take care of yourself as you navigate the ups and downs, and if you ever feel stuck in the pullback, just remember—you’re gearing up for the launch. And when you’re ready, we’ll soar together.
Need clarity? Let’s talk about it.