“Building a Ladder While You’re Climbing”

So here I go again starting over building a new Ladder to Climb yet again!

Some weeks feel like you’re not just doing the work… you’re building the system that’s supposed to hold the work. In real time. While you’re already on the wall.

That’s where I’m at.

Tomorrow, my cybersecurity classes start. And I’m grateful—because not everybody gets another shot at stability. But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t mess with my head.

Starting over at 43 is a weird mix of humility and rage and hope. It’s like: I’ve survived too much to be back at “Day 1”… and also: thank God I’m still here to have a Day 1.

My brain has 47 tabs open

If you have ADHD, you already know what I mean.

One tab is like: “Be proud. This is an opportunity.”Another tab is: “How are we paying bills while we learn?”Another tab is: “Don’t forget the blog. Don’t forget the podcast. Don’t forget the kids. Don’t forget you.”

And then there’s the tab that never closes:

“Why does it feel like I have to keep proving I deserve peace?”

If you’re reading this and you feel behind, I need you to hear me: sometimes the problem isn’t motivation. Sometimes the problem is you’re carrying too much with no container.

So I’m building the container.

The day the structure disappeared

There was a time when my life had built-in structure. A schedule. A role. A paycheck. A predictable rhythm.

And then it disappeared.

Not slowly. Not gently. Just… gone.

And that kind of change doesn’t just affect your calendar. It hits your identity. It messes with your nervous system. It makes you question what you’re worth when you’re not producing.

So now I’m rebuilding structure from scratch—with a brain that hates boring routines but desperately needs them.

The ladder (what I’m doing + what you can try)

This is the part where I tell the truth and give the tools—because I don’t want to just vent. I want us to have something to hold onto.

1) Name the season you’re in

I’m in a rebuild season. Not a “grind harder” season.

If you’re in a rebuild season too, try finishing this sentence:

• Right now I’m in a ______ season, so I’m allowed to ______.

2) Pick a “Minimum Day” on purpose

A minimum day is not giving up. It’s a strategy.

My Minimum Day Moves:

• Pick 3 non-negotiables (not 10).

• Do one thing that protects future me (even if it’s small).

• Make one money move (apply, follow up, list, post, pitch—something).

• Do one nervous-system reset (breathing, shower, prayer, stretch, outside air).

• Let rest count as work when my body is clearly asking for it.

If you want a copy/paste version, here’s a simple one:

• Today’s 3: ______ / ______ / ______

• One money move: ______

• One reset: ______

3) Use a “47 Tabs” brain dump (2 minutes)

When my brain is loud, I don’t try to think my way into calm. I try to capture the chaos.

Set a timer for 2 minutes and write:

• Everything I’m worried about

• Everything I’m avoiding

• Everything I wish somebody would help me with

Then circle one thing you can do in 10 minutes.

That’s it. One.

Small joy isn’t small

Today I did something I’m learning to do without guilt: I took a real break.

I started watching The Burbs with Keke Palmer on Peacock, and it’s honestly a good spin with twists that keep you guessing. I love a mystery—my brain always tries to solve it before the ending, and I’m usually pretty good at it.

But this show? It’s surprised me.

And I loved the dynamic between Keke and her co-star husband—just a good match. The kind of connection that makes you exhale a little.

That’s what small joy does.

It doesn’t erase the stress.

It gives you enough air to keep going.

30 days. One post at a time.

I’m starting a 30-Day Dare to Post—because consistency is hard, but silence costs me more.

So I’m showing up. Even if it’s messy.

Even if it’s one paragraph.

Even if it’s a sticky note reminder and a truth I’m still learning how to live.

Because I’m building a ladder while I’m climbing.

And if you’re rebuilding too?

You’re not behind.

You’re in motion.

Journal prompt (write with me)

What’s one “minimum day move” you can commit to this week—something small that still counts?

— JMS