When Humaning Get's Real
When life throws you curveballs, inner critics, and impossible to-do lists… what do you do? You pause with purpose. In my latest blog, “When Humaning Gets Real: The Pressure and the Power of Choosing to Show Up Anyway,” I open up about the messy, vulnerable truth behind the scenes of my recent presentation for United Airlines, the impact of pressure, and the power of intentional action. This one’s for anyone juggling big dreams and real-life chaos. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, behind, or like disappearing—you’re not alone.
When Humaning Gets Real: The Pause, The Pressure, and the Power of Showing Up Anyway
Last week, I fell off the grid a little. Not because I didn’t care or had nothing to say—but because I was deep in the thick of it. You know, the part of life where the calendar says “show up” but your brain says “I can’t even.” Yeah, that part.
The past week has been a swirl of emotions, exhaustion, and high-stakes opportunities. I had the honor of delivering my keynote The Power of Emotional Intelligence Through Radical Ownership to the Pilot Training Scheduling team at United Airlines. Twice. And it was everything I hoped it would be—impactful, empowering, and aligned with everything I stand for.
But while I was helping others lean into their emotional intelligence, I was also navigating my own very real human moments: stress, self-doubt, late nights, the pressure to “get it right,” and that all-too-familiar inner critic asking, “Who do you think you are?”
So I paused. Not in defeat—but in choice.
And if you’ve been wondering where I went—this is it. I’ve been humaning. Fully. Messily. Honestly.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Sometimes, the most powerful form of ownership isn’t doing more—it’s being honest about your limits and still choosing to show up, even if it’s not perfect. That’s emotional intelligence. That’s radical ownership.
I may not have posted much. But I was still doing the work. Still growing. Still serving. Still owning it.
So if you’ve been in the weeds too—this is your reminder: Pausing doesn’t mean quitting. It means breathing, recalibrating, and stepping back in when you're ready.
I’m back. With more to share, more to teach, and more passion than ever. And if you’ve been following my journey—thank you. For your grace, your presence, and your understanding that sometimes, being human means disappearing for a minute… so you can return even more aligned.
Until next time, I'll keep owning it—you keep owning it—and we'll own it together.
Shawn
#WhenHumaningGetsReal #OwnYourShit #RadicalSelfAwareness #MentalWellnessMatters #PermissionToPause #HumaningIsHard #ThoughtPartner