14 Comments
Apr 15Liked by Erik Logan Toppenberg

Man another great read. I applaud you for being vulnerable and honest. Thanks for sharing.

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Apr 15Liked by Erik Logan Toppenberg

“The more I filled it, the more it leaked”. YES. There is always more. We have to be able to say “what I have is enough”. I can relate to the idea of wanting to go back and change some experiences, but that those experiences made me who I am now and who knows who I would have become without those experiences defining my life. All we can do is look forward, learn and grow. Which you are clearly doing. Proud of you. Xo

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Thank you Deb. You have always been there for me even through some rough times. Thank you for reading and leaving me a note. Lunch is WAY overdue, my fault, been traveling, I will call!

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Apr 15Liked by Erik Logan Toppenberg

Thanks for this! Truly

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Thank YOU for taking the time to read

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Oh, wow. I am sitting here literally in a puddle of tears. I feel all of this so much. I ask the question everyday when I am exhausted, stressed in every way possible, feeling guilty for missing the gym again, missing an opportunity to give a quick hug to my daughters because I was working, and looking at my nails as I type that are hollering back at me for missing my manicure due to work on Saturday and not finding time today. That may sound trite, but self-care is a real thing. So is personal hygiene! And all the while, I keep telling myself, it will be worth it. But will it? What happens to you, happens for you. I am going to keep saying yes and try to remember to enjoy every bit of the journey along the way. Thank you, Erik for being so incredibly vulnerable and answering the question that I thought, and feared to ask in KC a couple of months ago, not knowing if it was “relevant.” We only get one life. It’s all relevant, isn’t it? Wishing you all the best in this new chapter.

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"The neglect of my TRUE self has been a reckoning. Digging deep, sharing my lessons, and working with my therapists have all brought me a sense of wholeness that I haven’t felt in over three decades."

This was beautiful to read Erik. I truly appreciate your vulnerability and the wisdom laced throughout the lines.

My reckoning occurred two years ago when my family almost fell apart. The grief and pain were the catalysts for change I needed.

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Jamal - thank you for time to read, and the words - means a lot. Hope that you are charging forward in a beautiful way today!!!!

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I am indeed!

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The amount of sacrifices this industry holds…Is it all ego and vanity? Wanting what’s the next thing? Validation that you have done right. The pursuit of purpose…I needed to read this… thank you for your transparency & willingness to share. It blessed me indeed!

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Thank you for your vulnerability, it's beautiful and really touched me.

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I always enjoy reading these. I think you have to keep in mind the opposite too. Would it have been worth it had you not done all of those things? Those who maybe skipped opportunities, may have had things go wrong on what they thought might happen. As you point out, your experiences have led you to where you are now, with wisdom gained and an ability to share. And I do appreciate your sharing, always thought provoking

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Best one yet! I'll remember the bucket analogy.

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Beautifully written, Erik... thank you for your vulnerability. I feel your message deeply, and appreciate you.

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