Health
This past month has been a whirlwind, testing me in ways that brought back memories of my Comply365 days, when I ran so hard on adrenaline that my health was the last thing on my mind. Back then, investors pushed, travel never stopped, and I lived on planes instead of in a bed, my body adjusted to jet lag and 16-hour workdays.
The truth is, you don’t get away with that forever. I still live with the side effects of adrenal fatigue, and this past month it hit me again hard. For weeks, I struggled, but the good news is I’ve come out the other side and my body is slowly recovering.
In an upcoming blog, watch for a post about ignoring health for success comes at a cost. It might challenge you to check: are you running on adrenaline too? If so, what steps are you taking to get and stay healthy?
History
A Birthday Surprise in Newport
On a brighter note, many of you asked about my trip to Newport. Last year Dude and I discovered the Newport Mansions on our motorhome trek, and this year he surprised me with tickets to the Coaching Event, a once every three years gathering where 19th century coaches parade through the streets.
At first, I was nervous, since we were the only outsiders at what turned out to be an elite, private event. But instead of feeling out of place, I found genuine, down to earth people with a passion for preserving history. They were proud to share their knowledge, and by the end we had invitations to their homes and friendships I didn’t expect.
What made the trip even richer was learning more about the history of the women’s suffrage movement in that era. Standing in those mansions and hearing those stories brought to life the struggles and courage of the women who fought for change. One line in particular has stayed with me: “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” It was a reminder that disruption, even when uncomfortable, is often what shapes the future.
I have several stories from this trip which I will include in future posts. For now, my takeaway is how it felt to step into another world and what it reminded me about preserving legacy.
Hidden Strengths
Another theme this month is friendship and community. It’s harder than ever to make new friends, and that’s one reason we started Hidden Creek Estates, to create spaces where people connect. From wine dinners to cooking classes, yoga, and even mahjong, we see strangers walk in and leave as friends.
In my posts this month, I talked about the importance of finding people who support your dreams and encourage risk-taking. That’s not fluff, it’s fuel for building your future.
Scuba, Fear, and Growth
Finally, I want to share something personal. My husband, who once didn’t even swim, signed us up for scuba certification ahead of a trip to Bonaire. This was huge, he faced a lifelong fear head-on and conquered it.
What I realized during those classes is this: we approach fear differently. I tend to jump in and figure it out along the way, he takes a breath, steps back, and repeats to himself, “I can do this.”
Both paths work, what matters is that we push ourselves.
And here’s the part for you: If you haven’t challenged yourself lately, maybe it’s time. It doesn’t have to be scuba, it could be joining a pasta-making class, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or tackling a lifelong fear. The older we get, the more important it is to train our minds like muscle memory, practicing resilience in the little things so we’re ready for the big ones.
Catching Up with Old Friends
This month I also had the chance to catch up with old friends from my Comply365 days. Over a long lunch we laughed, reminisced, and reflected on the strategic decisions we made that turned out to be magic for our success. I told the guys they should be proud of themselves for helping build an incredible software solution that has gone on to change the world, and their part was critical.
At one point, one of them smiled and said, “Kerry, this lunch has been amazing, you’ve inspired me.” I laughed and replied, “Really? I still got it? I can still inspire you guys? That’s amazing.” We all laughed together, but the truth is, no one does anything alone. I was fortunate to surround myself with people much smarter than me, and together we built something lasting.
Closing Thought
This month tested me, inspired me, and stretched me. From recovering my health, to stepping into Newport’s history, to witnessing my husband conquer the water, to reconnecting with old colleagues, every piece reminded me that grit, authenticity, and legacy are built one choice at a time.
The suffragists of Newport’s past knew it too: disruption often looks messy in the moment, but it creates the space for change. Their courage still echoes today, reminding us that well-behaved women rarely make history.
My question for you: What’s one new thing you’ll challenge yourself to try this month?
With Gratitude,
~Kerry
It sounds ridiculous, but I’m tackling a long-overdue obstacle in my life: reframing my brain to “pass on productivity” in the wee hours and embracing the “rewards of rest and sleep”.