Almost seven years ago, I met one of the most selfless, inspiring, and hard-working people I’ve ever known – Ann Marie.
Her story, shaped by the heartbreak of losing her mother at the age of 10, has touched hundreds – if not thousands – of lives.
Five years ago she joined me for a deep and moving conversation on the Level Up! podcast. She shared so many golden nuggets, but there was one moment, right at the end, that left a lasting impression.
I asked her:
“What advice would you give to someone who feels lost and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel?”
Her answer caught me off guard.
“I don’t know if having light at the end of the tunnel is even always the answer.”
Wait-what?
Isn’t that what we’re taught? That no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a bright side, a light waiting for us at the end?
But as Ann Marie explained, when we fixate on getting out of the tunnel, we might miss the growth happening inside it. And if we’re always rushing toward the light, we might overlook the richness of the present moment – even if that moment is difficult.
Yes, it’s true that we’ll eventually move through the hard times. But what if “hard times” also come with a laugh shared with a friend, a community we lean on, or a simple smile from a stranger?
Maybe that’s not a tunnel at all. Maybe that’s just life.
I’ve lived through my share of challenges – sleeping in my car, living paycheck to paycheck, crashing on floors and deflated air mattresses. (By the way, a fully flat air mattress is way more comfortable than one half-filled with air – don’t fight me on this.)
But in those times, I learned how to really live.
To laugh with $6 in the bank.
To grieve loss but still honor joy.
To exist in sadness without losing myself in it.
When my grandfather passed and I couldn’t attend his funeral, it hurt. But I still hold his jokes and memories close. There was no light at the end of that tunnel. He was gone. And someday, when the sadness softens, I’ll likely be walking through another tunnel.
That doesn’t mean life is all doom and gloom. It means life is layered. There’s joy and sorrow, light and dark, beginnings and endings. And when we stop labeling moments as “good” or “bad,” we can start seeing life for what it really is.
We stop needing a light at the end of the tunnel because we realize:
We’re not in a tunnel at all. We’re living. Right here. Right now.
If we ever feel lost or stuck in the dark, it’s okay. We don’t need to know where we’re going. We don’t even need to “get out.” We just need to be present. That’s where our power lies.
I know this might sound a little hippie-dippie. If you’re into that, you’re my people. And if not, I invite you to sit with it. Let it marinate.
This isn’t toxic positivity. This isn’t someone telling you to “cheer up” or “just look on the bright side.”
This is a reminder that it’s okay to feel what you feel.
It’s okay to care deeply.
To cry.
To laugh.
To be here – fully.
Because the light you’re searching for?
It’s not ahead of you.
It’s inside of you.
You don’t need to escape life to find peace.
You just need to show up for it.
This is just one of the powerful lessons Ann Marie shared in our episode.
And you, my friend, are powerful too.
Watch the full episode here and discover your irresistible, unstoppable, irrefutable, and infinite power today.
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Share Your Thoughts
Ann Marie’s journey teaches us that growth often comes from embracing the present, not just striving for the future. Reflecting on your own path, what’s one moment where embracing the present led to unexpected growth? Share your experience in the comments – I read every one!
Curious About the Original Episode Blog?
No edits made. Just pure growth. 🤌🏼
Check it out here!
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