When life hits us with difficulty, tragedy, or loss, it can be hard to run our business at the same time. When things feel out of control, how do we decide what we have control over? How can we keep momentum, even when we don’t feel like putting in the effort? How can we do good work while still processing our emotions? On this episode, NJ and I talk about getting through the rough patches in life. At some point, you’ve got to recognize that sometimes it’s a long road to recovery when things happen in your life-- and that’s okay. -Dana Malstaff   3 Things We Learned From This Episode Some things are just hard because they are new (03:29 - 04:11) Be mindful of the challenges that seem difficult as a result of being something new. Just because you’ve never faced a certain problem doesn’t mean you’re not equipped to overcome it.   We are emotional creatures, and that’s not a bad thing (17:58 - 18:47) When we get really into our business, we sometimes forget that we are emotional creatures. This is not something to ignore or repress, but to recognize and embrace. This makes it easier to engage and cope with our emotions.   Starting a business is like a modern day walk-about for women (24:13 - 25:04) Businesses are a self-discovery engine. They force us to confront what we really want and what we’re willing to fight for. Sometimes this will change the lives around us as we shift and grow.   Guest Bio NJ Rongner is a business strategist who helps female entrepreneurs clear the clutter and get laser focused on what matters most. Known by her signature phrase "I can't sign off on that," she's not afraid to tell her clients when they're going in the wrong direction. NJ is the founder of Working Christian Mom where she provides encouragement and support to women who love their family, love their job and love their faith. You can find out more about her podcast and services by visiting Working Christian Mom.