​
Hi Reader,

Before I get into this week's newsletter, I wanted to share some personal news. On Sunday, my brother-in-law Mark, passed after a 2 year battle with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. We are heartbroken to no longer have his presence in our lives, but are so thankful that his fight and suffering is over.

The topic of today's newsletter and the podcast this week is Relationships. And I want to take a minute to honor Mark and just say how timely I think this topic is. Relationships were everything to Mark. He invested so much into his family, his people, and his community. He and my sister have truly built a village that has shown up for them in this time and its because of how intentional they've been in creating and nurturing relationships in their lives. The more than 100 people that came to visit Mark last week after he was admitted into Hospice care and the things they said to him and about him are proof that what you put in is what you get back in return and more. Even though I was aware, I was in awe.

Mark was just the best and will be so missed. Please keep my sister, their kids and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.

______________________

There’s a part of our lives that touches everything we do. It’s often the source of our greatest joys, and just as often, our deepest frustrations.

Relationships.

We probably think a lot about our physical health. We think about and invest a ton into our careers. We think about how to grow, lead and show up to help us achieve our goals. But how much time and effort do we spend on how we relate to the people closest to us?

How we navigate conflict or friction?
How much we will tolerate?
The things we expect, but don’t say?

Relational health shouldn't be something we only think about when tensions rise or relationships feel like they are falling apart. It's important to recognize and be equipped to navigate the stuff that builds up quietly like unspoken patterns, lingering tension, the moments we silence ourselves to keep the peace or take on more than we should.

We don’t come into our relationships with a blank slate.

Most of the ways we show up, communicate, expect, and what we avoid were shaped long before we even realized it.

We pick them up from childhood, from the homes we grew up in, the roles we learned to play, the stories we told ourselves to stay safe. Sometimes they served us. Sometimes they didn’t. And often, we carry them forward without questioning whether they still fit.

But living with intention means taking a closer look.

Where am I holding onto something that was never mine to carry?
What am I hoping someone will understand without me ever saying it out loud?
When did I start quieting parts of myself just to keep things smooth?

Relational health doesn’t start with fixing others.
It starts with noticing our own patterns, choosing how we want to show up, and having the courage to shift, even when it’s uncomfortable.

And here’s what’s powerful: when we do that, things around us begin to shift too.

We create a more honest and authentic space and we lead from a place that’s more grounded in who we are.
We get to move through life more connected to who we actually are...and isn't that the point of this all?

This is why Sadie and I are so committed to Life Intended and to building a community where these relationships and conversations can happen, grow, and flourish.

With you,
Kelly & Sadie

Kelly Berry Strategic Leader, Coach & Podcast Host ​​​​​​

Sadie Wackett C-Suite HR Executive & Coach ​​​​