The Moment I Realized Pride Was Holding Me Back
Yesterday, something unexpected happened.
It was a little after 3pm, and I was walking with a friend, keeping to the shady side streets to avoid the summer heat. As we passed through a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood, something caught our eye.
There was a man lying in the bushes.
We stopped and asked, “Are you okay?”
He softly answered, “Yes…” but we could see he couldn’t stand on his own.
When we offered to help, he quietly said yes. That’s how we met William.
He had simply lost his footing. When I gently offered to walk him home, he hesitated. Insisted he was okay. But I knew better. We all do that sometimes—say “I’m fine” when, truthfully, we’re not.
So I asked again, with kindness.
And this time, he let me help.
We walked arm in arm down the block.
Just to be safe, we called 911. The medics arrived and said his vitals were strong. William turns 90 years young next week.
And because I can never resist a good conversation, I asked him questions. He told me he’d once been a real estate attorney—sharp, articulate, and proud.
That last word lingered with me: proud.
Because I’ve been there.
And I know many of you have too.
When “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story
As entrepreneurs, CEOs, creatives, and leaders, we’re used to being capable.
We pride ourselves on our resilience.
We shoulder responsibility.
We show up for others.
And even when we’re stuck or uncertain—
Even when our strategy isn’t working, or our message no longer lands—
We keep going.
But here’s the quiet truth:
Even when we’ve metaphorically fallen in the bushes, we still whisper, “I’ve got it.”
Even when our momentum has stalled.
Even when our confidence is shaken.
Even when our clarity feels out of reach.
And yet… we don’t ask for help.
We’re too proud.
I’ve felt that way too.
And I’m not too proud to say it.
What Hasn’t Changed
These are complex times for business and life.
AI is reshaping the landscape.
Marketing is louder, faster, more chaotic.
Attention spans are shorter.
Strategies shift daily.
But some things don’t change.
✨ Clarity still matters.
✨ Service still leads.
✨ Follow-up still builds trust.
✨ Momentum still feels like freedom.
✨ And human connection? It always matters most.
If You’re Feeling Stuck…
If your spark feels dim, if your message feels flat, if you’re questioning whether what you’re doing still works…
Pause.
Breathe.
Reflect.
Then, let yourself be supported.
Let someone walk beside you for a while. Let a new question spark a new idea. Let a small shift bring a big breakthrough.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
You were never meant to.
I’d love to hear what you’re working through or navigating right now.
You can reply to this post or send me a message.
Or simply take a walk, and know I’m cheering you on from here.
With love,
Ruth
P.S. If something here struck a chord… trust that.
It may be time to stop carrying it all alone.
Let’s talk. I’m here. ✨
