The Art of Failing Fantastically: How to Make A Comeback with Style

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s hard not to feel the pressure—whether it’s the added stress of gatherings, family dynamics, or just the emotional triggers this time of year can bring up. Add to that the weight of everything happening in the world, like the war in the Middle East, and it feels like resilience is being tested on all fronts.

Personally, resilience has been a major theme in my life over the past few years. In 2019, I lost my brother. In 2021, I lost my best friend. And just this past March, I blew out my knee at a trampoline park while practicing snowboard tricks (because clearly, I haven’t figured out how to age gracefully).

It hasn’t been a smooth ride, but it’s taught me one thing—resilience isn’t about bouncing back instantly. It’s about rebuilding.

The Holiday Season and Emotional Scars

For many of us, the holidays are a mix of joy and tension. There’s an expectation to be “happy,” but for those of us dealing with loss, grief, or even just the stress of the world’s current events, it’s not always that simple. This time of year can bring out old wounds—reminders of people we’ve lost or challenges we’re still facing.

I get it. Grief is like a scar. It fades, but it never fully disappears. You bump it every now and then, and suddenly it feels fresh again. During the holidays, those emotional bumps seem to happen more often, whether it’s missing a loved one at the dinner table or feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world.

But here’s what I’ve learned: You can’t ice emotional wounds like you can a physical injury. What you can do is give yourself space. Be patient with yourself and others, and find small moments to breathe and laugh, even when things are hard.

The War in the Middle East: Another Layer of Grief

The ongoing war in the Middle East adds another layer of heaviness. It’s heartbreaking to see so much pain and uncertainty in the world, and it can feel like resilience is being worn thin. We might not have direct control over what’s happening, but we can choose how we respond emotionally, how we support each other, and how we take care of our mental health during these difficult times.

Rebuilding, Not Bouncing Back

When it comes to resilience, I don’t believe in the idea of “bouncing back” to who we were before hardship. Instead, I see it as rebuilding—sometimes piece by piece, sometimes with a limp. For me, that’s meant working through the loss of my brother and best friend, and, more recently, recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined me for months.

I’m turning 47 this month, and while age is just a number, I’m making big plans. I’m strength training 4-5 days a week and gearing up to heli snowboard for my 50th birthday. Recovery—whether it’s physical or emotional—doesn’t mean you’re going back to the way things were. It means you’re creating a new version of yourself, one that’s stronger, wiser, and maybe even funnier.

Tips for Staying Resilient Through the Holidays

• Acknowledge the Tough Stuff: It’s okay to admit that the holidays aren’t all joy and cheer. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up—whether it’s sadness, frustration, or anxiety.

• Set Boundaries: If certain events or people trigger stress or grief, set boundaries to protect your mental health. It’s okay to say no or limit your time in situations that feel overwhelming.

• Lean on Your Support System: Reach out to friends or family who understand what you’re going through. Sometimes just having someone to listen can make all the difference.

• Find Your Humor: Laughter really is medicine. Even in tough times, finding moments of lightness and humor can shift your mindset.

• Take it One Day at a Time: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Resilience is about showing up, even if it’s one small step at a time.

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: Improv Edition

It’s been over 10 years since my last improv class, and I’ve decided it’s time to jump back in! I’m currently on a waiting list for a winter class (because apparently, everyone wants to be funny now). Improv is one of those things that helps me embrace the unexpected—something life is pretty good at throwing my way. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick up some new skills to add to my stand-up comedy debut!

New Hobby, Who Dis?: Pottery Class

I’ve had pottery on my to-do list forever. With snowboarding out of the picture this winter, I figured it’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby that doesn’t involve throwing myself down a mountain in waist-deep powder. Plus, pottery sounds like a nice, calming way to keep my hands busy—and avoid breaking any more body parts!

A Cozy Escape: Svalbard Adventures

When I need to unwind and feel inspired, I binge-watch Cecilia Blomdahl’s YouTube channel. She lives on Svalbard, an island near the North Pole, with her boyfriend and their dog, Grim.

It’s like a soothing visual escape to a land of polar bears, endless snow, and the Northern Lights. And it’s a perfect reminder that while I’m not snowboarding this season, there’s still a whole world of beauty and resilience out there.

Final Thoughts

Resilience is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, grieving losses, or just navigating the heaviness of the world, remember this: It’s okay to not have it all together. What matters is that you keep showing up, keep rebuilding, and keep finding the strength to laugh—even if it’s through tears sometimes.

Take care of yourself this season, and if you ever need a reminder that falling down is part of the process, just remember—you’re not alone in the fall. And when you’re ready, we’ll get back up together.

Need a little extra support this holiday season? Call me.