Courage to Face the Unknown

Dear Readers,

As high-achieving GIVERS, we often face moments where fear and uncertainty loom.

Whether it’s making decisions in your personal or professional life, taking that first step into the unknown can feel daunting.?

But here’s the truth:?

Courage is not the absence of fear.?

Courage is found in acting even when we don’t have all the answers.

I want to share a personal story with you. When my son, Yousef, was diagnosed with cancer, I was faced with the unknown at every turn.

There were so many questions, moments of fear, and decisions to make that felt beyond my control.?

But in those moments, I realized something powerful: courage wasn’t about being fearless—it was about staying grounded in my values and moving forward, even when the path ahead was unclear.

On Saturday, I went for a walk with my friend Farah, a high-achieving chiropractor who is truly amazing. She’s facing several challenges right now, and as the saying goes,?

when it rains, it pours.?

During our walk, she asked me, “What did you do when overwhelmed with Yousef’s situation? How did you find time for yourself?”

Her question brought me back to those overwhelming days, and I shared with her some of the practices I leaned on to stay grounded—practices that helped me find balance even when everything around me felt uncertain.

I’ll never forget those first three months after Yousef’s diagnosis. I was so consumed by fear, uncertainty, and the constant demands of his treatment that I completely forgot about the resources available to me—like the spa access available at the hotel we stayed in that was meant to help me recharge.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized how crucial it was to take those small opportunities for self-care.

This was a powerful reminder:?

When life feels overwhelming, we often forget to take care of ourselves.?

That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others—especially givers—recognize the importance of self-care before burnout takes over.

As a GIVER, you may feel the pull to always be there for others—family, friends, or colleagues. But, in times of uncertainty, taking care of yourself is crucial. I had to learn this the hard way, and I’m even more aware today: you cannot give your best to others if you’re not taking care of your own well-being.

In my book,?Hoping and Coping, How My Little Darling Son and I Broke Free of Cancer,?I share some of the self-care practices I used to maintain my balance during Yousef’s treatment. From simple breathing exercises to creating small moments of calm amidst chaos, these practices were essential for my survival and for being there for him in the best way possible.

Today, I know more than ever that self-care is non-negotiable.?

That’s why I’ve created a special worksheet to help you assess your self-care habits:

Self-Care Check-In: Where Do You Need to Take Care of Your 'Self' More?

If you’d like a copy of the Self-Care Check-In worksheet, email me at helene@thrivewithhelene.com.

Relating the Power of Givers to My Story

As a GIVER myself, I've experienced firsthand the delicate balance between caring for others and myself.

When Yousef was diagnosed with cancer, the overwhelming sense of responsibility and fear of the unknown tested every fibre of my being. It was a defining moment where I had to find the courage to face uncertainty while still nurturing the people I love and prioritizing my well-being.

I’ve carried with me the understanding that courage comes not from having all the answers but from taking action in alignment with our values—especially in the face of fear and uncertainty.

It was not easy, and there were many moments of self-doubt.

But by acknowledging my needs, setting boundaries, and practising self-care, I was able to not only navigate a difficult time but also emerge more resilient.

As GIVERS, we are often taught to put others first, but without recognizing our needs, we risk burning out and losing the ability to give.

Givers have an incredible power to impact the world around them, but we must not forget to nurture ourselves—because we cannot pour from an empty cup.

Your Next Step:

What’s one area where you’re facing uncertainty in your life?

How could you take one courageous step today, even if unsure of the outcome?

I'd love to hear from and support you as you take that first step toward self-care and courage.

With courage and care,

Helene