Bring on 61. Today.

Hi Reader,

Welcome to Your Dose of Mana — a quick, weekly note with:
1 real story
1 leadership insight
1 practical takeaway
1 dose of art

Bring on 61. Today

1 Real Story
60 was a surprise. Not the birthday, obviously– the year.

I won’t remember it for fireworks or a professional milestone, or some cinematic turning point. Well… the jury may still be out on that last one.

60 showed up quietly, then—one situation after another—it kept handing me what I lovingly (cue: strong insider eye roll from anyone who’s ever worked with me) call “growth opportunities.”

A year of practicing patience.
A year of shifting the story in my head to facts over assumptions.

A year trying to grow my business
A year of building and navigating a long-distance relationship

A year of creating order out of the usual chaos of being a human while remaining true to myself.

A year (ok, 6 months) of meditating. Every day.

I’ve never been one to stare in the rearview mirror.

Hindsight leans toward regret, and regret is a useless emotion. Evolving and moving forward are a much better use of my energy.

But this year?
60 actually caught me in a moment of reflection.

It was a good year.
It was also a hard year.
It stretched me in ways that made me a better partner, a better coach, and a sharper leader.

It made me a better person.

And somehow, those two things—good and hard—can not only both be true, but they can play well together.

Who knew?

1 Leadership Insight
People talk about “growth” like it’s this polished, inspirational arc.
In reality, it’s clunky. Slow. Humbling. A slog.

And half the time, you don’t realize you’re doing it until you’re through the other side and thinking, “Sh*t… that actually changed me.”

AND that’s the key to real leadership: the willingness to engage with the uncomfortable parts instead of avoiding them.

1 Practical Takeaway

So, before you sprint toward 2026, take five minutes and ask yourself:

What hard things this year made me better?

Carry those forward.
Leave the rest behind.
Forward is where your life is happening.

60 delivered more than I expected.
61? That’s a weird number, but I’m ready for it.
Bring it on.

1 Dose of Art

A little whimsy. A little joy. A little doodle.

Alright, here you go — clean, detailed, and not written like a robot having an existential crisis: **Alt Text:** A loose, sketchy black-ink drawing of a group of people gathered around a large table. The figures are minimally detailed, with quick, scribbled lines suggesting heads, arms, and gestures. Two people sit in the foreground on tall stools, facing the table, while several others form a semicircle around the back. Bottles or glasses sit on the table, and a small object or crumpled item lies on the floor near the front stools. The scene has the feel of a casual gathering or meeting, with lively, animated conversation implied by the scribbled motion lines and expressive poses. — I’ll call this “My Birthday Party”

Doodle by Gary Schechner, September 26, 2025

Even though this is a “mass email” I mean it when I say—let me know what you are up to. Reply, book a Zoom, pick up the phone. I’d love to catch up.

And if leadership, culture, or people challenges are taking up too much brain space lately—
→ Book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.

Thanks for letting me show up in your inbox.
See you next week with another Dose.

More joy. Less friction. Always.
—Amy

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