We’ve all been there—faced with tasks that feel beneath us, situations that make us bristle with pride, or moments when our ego whispers, You shouldn’t have to do this. Recently, I found myself stuck in that very mindset. The weight of feeling “too good” or “too accomplished” for certain responsibilities clouded my actions. But then, something profound happened: I started replacing my pride with gratitude, and everything changed.

Recognizing the Problem: When Pride Holds You Back
It started with small things. I’d catch myself thinking, I shouldn’t have to do this—I’ve worked too hard to be in this position. Those thoughts were heavy, making even the simplest tasks feel like burdens. My pride had become a roadblock, keeping me from fully appreciating the life I had built and the opportunities in front of me.

Pride can be tricky. On the surface, it feels justified. After all, it stems from your achievements and the work you’ve put in. But pride can also blind you to the bigger picture, making you forget the journey that brought you to where you are today.

The Shift: Gratitude as a Mindset
For instance, when I didn’t feel like tackling some of the less glamorous aspects of my work—things that often feel tedious or time-consuming—I reframed my thoughts:

• I’m grateful to have a business that thrives because of these details.
• I’m grateful to be trusted with responsibilities that allow me to create the life I want.
• I’m grateful for the ability to manage tasks that keep my goals in motion.

What I noticed was a shift—not just in how I approached my work but in my overall mindset. Gratitude lightened the load. It turned chores into privileges and stripped away the negativity that pride had layered over my perspective.

Practical Ways to Replace Pride with Gratitude
Here are some practices that helped me make the shift:

1. Pause and Reflect
   When pride creeps in, take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. Ask yourself: What am I really feeling? Why does this task bother me? This self-awareness can help you identify when pride is in control.
2. List Your Gratitudes
   Each time you face something you “don’t want to do,” write down a few reasons why you’re grateful for the opportunity. For example, if you’re annoyed about cleaning your workspace, think: I’m grateful I have a space of my own to maintain.
3. Embrace Humility
   Pride tells us we’re “too good” for something, but humility reminds us that no task is beneath us. When we embrace humility, we unlock gratitude for even the smallest moments of growth or service.
4. Celebrate the Bigger Picture
   Often, the tasks we avoid are stepping stones to a larger goal. By focusing on the bigger picture—how these moments contribute to your dreams—you can find gratitude for the journey itself.

Lessons Learned: Gratitude Brings Freedom
What I discovered is that pride often limits us, while gratitude frees us. Pride narrows our view, making us feel stuck or resentful. Gratitude, on the other hand, widens our perspective, helping us see tasks as opportunities rather than obligations.

For me, this shift wasn’t just about doing the things I once avoided. It was about recognizing how blessed I am to be in a position where those tasks are even part of my life. I stopped feeling like life was asking too much of me and started feeling like I had so much more to give.

Closing Thoughts
Replacing pride with gratitude isn’t always easy, but it’s transformative. The next time you find yourself stuck, feeling like something is “beneath you,” try reframing your perspective. You might just discover, as I did, that gratitude has the power to change not only how you view your responsibilities but also how you view your entire life.
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Remember, the tasks we do with gratitude are never small—they’re the building blocks of a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

​As a business owner and leader, I have come to realize that embracing vulnerability is one of the most powerful tools for fostering a supportive team environment. In an industry where success often seems synonymous with perfection, revealing our challenges can be daunting. However, I have learned that sharing my struggles opens the door to deeper connections, trust, and ultimately, a stronger team.

**Why Vulnerability Matters:**

1. **Building Trust:** When leaders share their challenges—whether it's managing anxiety, overcoming setbacks, or navigating complex decisions—it signals to the team that it’s okay to be human. This authenticity fosters trust, allowing team members to feel safe expressing their own challenges without fear of judgment.

2. **Encouraging Open Communication:** I have found that when I openly discuss my experiences, it encourages my team to communicate more freely as well. This two-way communication creates a culture where feedback is welcomed and valued, leading to innovative ideas and solutions that benefit the entire organization.

3. **Strengthening Team Dynamics:** Vulnerability can break down barriers between team members, creating a sense of camaraderie. Sharing our stories—whether personal or professional—helps us see each other as whole individuals, not just as titles or roles. This understanding cultivates empathy and collaboration.

4. **Promoting Resilience:** In my journey, I have faced my fair share of challenges, including struggles with anxiety and the weight of responsibilities as a business owner. By sharing these experiences, I aim to show my team that setbacks are a part of growth. How we respond to these challenges ultimately shapes our success.

5. **Leading by Example:** As leaders, we set the tone for our teams. By modeling vulnerability, we empower others to embrace their own journeys, learn from mistakes, and celebrate successes—big or small.

Incorporating vulnerability into leadership is not a sign of weakness; it is a bold move toward creating a more resilient and engaged workforce. Let’s shift the narrative that leadership is about having all the answers. Instead, let’s celebrate the power of being authentic and real with one another.

I encourage all of you to reflect on your own leadership styles. How can you incorporate vulnerability into your daily interactions? Let’s start a conversation. Your experiences may inspire others to embrace their own authenticity in leadership.

We’re often told to set goals, make a plan, and see it through. In business, that focus is critical – it keeps us grounded, moving forward, and working toward success. But what happens when those plans start to feel off course or, even worse, no longer light us up?

Earlier this year, I was 100% sure I had found my next big thing. Coming out of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, I had a rock-solid plan for a second branch of business, a well-structured roadmap I was certain would be a game-changer in my industry. I worked for months on it, investing my time, energy, and passion, and had the full support of my family behind me. But as time went on, I noticed that spark wasn’t there. The passion that usually drives me forward wasn’t showing up, and I started to feel like I was pushing myself toward something that didn’t feel authentic anymore.

At first, I felt horrible. Here I was, facing the reality that this well-laid plan, one I had dedicated the last year of my life to, just wasn’t fulfilling. I felt I’d wasted so much time. And I felt embarrassed, as if I couldn’t hold myself accountable to the commitment I’d made. But as difficult as it was to let go, something changed when I made the decision to step away and focus instead on my speaking career – an area that genuinely fuels my passion.

When I shifted my focus back to what truly lights me up, doors opened in ways I couldn’t have planned for. Opportunities started to come my way, and I noticed how much better I felt, how aligned I felt with my purpose. And my family? They understood. They supported my choice to let go of something that no longer felt right because they could see the difference in me when I was following my passion.

The experience taught me an invaluable lesson: we are allowed to change direction. We are allowed to pivot, to let go of what no longer serves us, and to embrace the paths that feel true to who we are. In business, pivoting isn’t a failure; it’s growth. The most successful journeys are rarely straight lines – they’re filled with unexpected turns and re-routes, and each one brings us closer to what truly matters.

If you’re facing a similar crossroads, I want you to know it’s okay. It’s okay to feel that initial guilt, to wonder if you’ve wasted time or resources. But remember that every experience has value, even if it leads to a pivot. Give yourself the grace to change course, to lean into your faith, and to trust that the right path will become clear when you align with what brings you joy.

Faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting that the answers will come. When we let go of the rigid plans that no longer fuel us, we make room for possibilities we may never have imagined.
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So, to anyone who feels stuck or conflicted about letting go of a plan that’s no longer working, I encourage you to lean into your faith, find grace for yourself, and embrace the pivot. Sometimes, the path to fulfillment isn’t the one we initially planned – it’s the one that finds us when we’re brave enough to let go.

As I prepare for a busy travel schedule over the next few weeks, with two back-to-back conferences on my calendar, I can feel the anxiety creeping in. The thought of juggling work commitments, networking opportunities, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. However, I've learned some effective strategies to help ground myself and prioritize self-care while on the road.

Here’s what works for me:

1. Schedule ‘Me Time’: Just as you would block off time for meetings, it’s essential to carve out moments in your day for self-care. This could be as simple as enjoying a quiet breakfast, taking a leisurely walk around the venue, or spending a few minutes practicing mindfulness. Prioritizing time for yourself can help you recharge and refocus.


2. Stay Active: Incorporating physical activity into your travel routine is vital. Whether it’s a morning run, a yoga session, or even a walk through a new city early in the morning before the craziness of your day sets in, moving your body helps release stress and boosts your energy levels. Finding ways to stay active can make a significant difference in how you feel both physically and mentally.


3. Mindfulness Practices: Travel offers a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness. When anxiety creeps in, take a moment to breathe deeply, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose for being there. Consider using apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditations, even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Mindfulness can help you regain your center and maintain focus amid the chaos.


4. Healthy Eating: While it’s easy to indulge during your travels, lately I strive to balance those indulgences with nutritious meals. I often seek out local health food spots or pack healthy snacks to keep my energy levels steady. Nourishing your body with healthy food can positively impact your mood and productivity. I have started to feel so much better over the last year of making the decision to eat better.


5. Unplug and Recharge: Make it a point to disconnect from work emails and notifications during your downtime. Allowing yourself a break from technology can help reduce stress and enhance your focus when you need to be “on.” Use this time to relax, explore your surroundings, or simply recharge your mind. This is VITAL!


6. Journaling: I find great value in journaling during my travels. It allows me to reflect on what helps me feel grounded and how different experiences affect my emotions. Looking back on these entries helps me understand my journey and growth over time. Journaling can serve as a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing, especially when navigating the ups and downs of travel.


Traveling for work can indeed be demanding, but by prioritizing self-care, I can stay grounded and energized to make the most of my experiences.

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How do you prioritize self-care during your travels? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

​Hello and welcome to my blog! I’m Stacey Cabell, and I am so excited to share my journey with you. As a passionate traveler, dedicated entrepreneur, and a strong advocate for personal growth, I believe life is an adventure waiting to be embraced.

My Story
I grew up in New Jersey, navigating the challenges of youth while grappling with anxiety and depression. These experiences shaped me in ways I never anticipated, pushing me to seek a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. At 17, I boldly decided to step out of my comfort zone, leaving home to carve my own path and I never looked back.

In my early career, I founded Starstuff Travel, a full-service travel agency that has flourished with nearly 100 independent contractors. My love for travel stems from the belief that it brings people together, offers new perspectives, and serves as a powerful tool for transformation. I’ve made it my mission to help others navigate their journeys, empowering others in the travel industry to pursue their dreams.

What You’ll Find Here
In this blog, I aim to share insights from my personal and professional life, offering tips and inspiration for those looking to embark on their adventures—both in travel and in life. I’ll explore topics like overcoming obstacles, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and how travel can be a catalyst for personal growth.

I believe that everyone has the potential to live their best life, and I’m here to support you in that journey. Whether you’re a fellow travel enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking motivation to overcome your challenges, I hope you find something valuable here.

Join the Adventure
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I invite you to connect with me, share your stories, and engage with the content. Let’s inspire each other to step boldly into our dreams and embrace the adventure that life has to offer.
Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and insights as we embark on this journey together!
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With love and gratitude,
Stacey Cabell