What happens when you realize you’re not fully living the value you claim matters most?

In this story, I share a moment when one woman’s word — openness — sparked frustration, awareness, and a surprising shift. Because sometimes discomfort is simply the beginning of alignment.

A stranger passed me on the river walk in Pagosa Springs and said something simple: “You look healthy.”

What he didn’t know is that just days earlier, I had made the decision to get back into alignment with one of my core values.

That one unexpected comment became a powerful reminder of what happens when we return to what matters most.

Many leaders assume strong human connection at work is reserved for natural “people people.” But some of the most charismatic leaders still leave their teams feeling unheard—while quieter leaders build deep trust through intentional listening. Connection isn’t about personality. It’s about how you show up.

Sometimes the opportunities that excite us most are the ones we have to walk away from. In this short story, I share how saying “no” to something I love reminded me that living by your values isn’t always easy—but it always brings clarity.

Sometimes when connection goes quiet, our minds rush to explain why—and rarely in a way that’s kind to ourselves. After a difficult career transition, I learned something surprising about silence, assumptions, and the courage to reach out first.

After four days without human connection, I realized how easy it is to slip into isolation—even when connection is one of your core values. A simple walk along the river and an unexpected hug reminded me that sometimes the very thing we need most requires a little intentionality.