Finding Stability in Uncertain Times by Julia O'Grady THE PANDEMIC hit like a tidal wave— sudden, painful and disorienting. For many of us, it was more than just a disruption to our work; it was a deeply personal unraveling. Even now, years later, some are still in the process of healing. And just as we started to find our footing, here we are again, facing new uncertainty—economic challenges, rising costs and shifting client priorities. But this time, we’re walking into it smarter and wiser. Not unscathed, but undeniably stronger. Before 2020, the world rewarded hustle. Success was measured by growth, scale and always doing more. Post-pandemic, many of us started asking harder questions. What matters most? What are we willing to trade our time—and energy—for? Now, as we navigate canceled events, budget squeezes and emotional burnout, we’re not the same people we were in 2019. We’re better equipped to protect our peace, set boundaries and support each other. But here’s the truth, tools and strategies only work if we actually use them. When life feels like it’s spiraling, the best thing you can do is zoom in on what you can control. Don’t waste precious energy on what’s out of your hands—it will only leave you drained and defeated. Instead, create structure. Carve out moments that centre you. Build rituals that remind you of who you are outside of your job title. Some of the simplest practices can ground you in powerful ways: • A gratitude ritual (just three things a day) • Journaling your thoughts, ideas and fears • Daily movement—even a walk around the block • Time in nature to reset and breathe These aren’t just checkboxes. They’re lifelines. And if those still don’t feel like enough? Then it’s time to go deeper. Get crystal clear on your life’s top three priorities. Not 10. Just three. Mine were shaped during one of the hardest times in my life—after a mental breakdown— and they’ve stayed with me ever since. • My physical and mental health • My daughters and my husband • The freedom my business gives me That list helps me stay focused, especially when shiny distractions or competing demands try to pull me off course. When you’re clear on your “why,” it’s easier to say no to everything else. It becomes less about balance, and more about alignment. Try this: build a weekly and monthly schedule that starts with your top three priorities. Literally block them into your calendar first. Then, fill in the rest. This is not a one-time exercise. It’s something you come back to again and again, because your life will change—and so will your priorities. Finally, take 10 minutes at the end of each day to look ahead to tomorrow. It’s not about controlling every moment— it’s about being intentional with your energy. Use your time wisely and you’ll finish your day feeling not just productive, but peaceful. If you’re feeling lost in the fog right now, you’re not alone. But I promise you this, there’s more to life than work. This moment will pass. And when it does, you’ll be proud of how you showed up for yourself in the middle of it all. Julia O’Grady, founder of ITM Events and an advocate for mental health in the industry, shares her strategies for dealing with upheaval. Use your time wisely and you’ll finish your day feeling not just productive, but peaceful. READY FOR IT! Julia O’Grady 34 | Ignitemag.ca | Summer 2025
