What Matters Most: Part One
It’s been a while. During the last few months of 2025, I had to refocus my energy in ways I didn’t expect. As I start this new year, it feels like the right time to begin again and to begin with transparency.
I had many expectations and hopes for what we could achieve at JT Consulting as we transitioned from summer to fall. We had strong, ongoing partnerships, and based on what we learned from the shorter-term contracts we executed in the first half of the year, Christian and I were ready to launch a new campaign to expand our partnerships and meet the emerging needs facing organizations and educational institutions. I felt mentally and emotionally ready and excited to go deeper and wider in September. But physically, I knew something was off. For most of my earlier career, I would have pushed through or ignored any physical symptoms to prove my commitment to my work. But after more than two decades, I knew that caring for my physical self was not a counter to my ability to do productive and meaningful work, but an integral part of it. I knew to pause and investigate. How many times have I encouraged my clients to pay attention to what their bodies are telling them? It was my time to listen.
In early September, I learned I would likely need a hysterectomy. There were still more questions than answers about what was causing all my physical symptoms; as I underwent the emotional and physical process of investigation, I cheered my husband on as he completed a half ironman, and then began to worry as he started to experience worsening pain and weakness in his arm and hand. Within days of finishing his race, my husband was in so much pain he couldn’t sit or lie down for more than an hour at a time, could no longer cut his own food or open a jar. About a month after I learned that I would need major surgery, we found a surgeon and scheduled my husband’s surgery. In his case, the diagnosis and plan were clear- he needed to be operated on, and it needed to be as soon as possible. On October 24th, my husband had an Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion. On December 8th, I had a total hysterectomy.
I thought the final quarter of 2025 would be a time of expansion for JT Consulting. Instead, it was a time of deepening our existing partnerships, healing, and a lot of reflection. Times of challenge often bring us newfound clarity about what truly matters. The work I am blessed to do with Christian and our clients brings me profound joy. Our relationships are built on mutual trust and genuine care, so I can be honest about my limitations without fear of repercussions. Despite the personal challenges I faced, I had some of my most meaningful experiences professionally. Because I was transparent about what my family was facing, I could be fully present in each professional engagement. Connections grew stronger. Our work got better.
Next week, I will share more about the lessons this experience has taught me that we can all apply to our work, hopefully without needing to experience another crisis. As we begin 2026, I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Christian, our amazing partners, and each of you who has been part of the JT Consulting journey. The work we do grows more meaningful and impactful because it is rooted in hope, healing, and love. Here’s to more of that in 2026.
