Life can throw some curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs come with an intensity that’s hard to comprehend. I am there, and I know exactly how it feels when everything you once knew and held dear slips through your fingers. There are moments in life when you feel like you’re in freefall, and it seems like the ground beneath you is gone. That’s exactly how I feel after the Palisades fire. I lost everything—literally everything I owned. It’s a type of death without dying, and the intensity of that moment left me with questions I had no answers to. How do you keep going when your world feels like it’s crumbling around you? How do you find a way to surrender when life is out of control?
In times like these, we can choose to sink into despair, or we can choose to believe in something greater. For me, that something greater is the belief that the universe is friendly. I truly believe that everything, even the most painful challenges, happens for a reason. If I didn’t hold onto this belief, I would be in deep trouble right now. It’s the belief that what we go through—no matter how difficult or disheartening—can serve a purpose, and it’s up to us to find that purpose.
The Mess Is Always the Message
So, here I am, having lost everything, and I want to find meaning in the mess. The only way I can make sense of the chaos is by asking myself, “What is the message in all of this?” If I can find a lesson in the disaster, then this experience will not have been for nothing. That’s when I came across a concept that has guided me through some of the most challenging times in my life: The mess is always the message.
It’s not my original term—there’s also a book called The Obstacle Is the Way that embodies this idea. The concept is grounded in Stoic philosophy, which teaches that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. When life hands us something we can’t control, instead of fighting it or resenting it, we can choose to embrace it and find the lesson within. That lesson is the message we can share, the wisdom we can teach others, and the strength that will ultimately help us rise again.
I am here to tell you: no matter how overwhelming the obstacle, there is a message in it. And when you find that message, that’s when the transformation begins. You stop being a victim of circumstance and start being the architect of your own experience. You become victorious, not in spite of your struggles, but because of them.
What Does Surrender Look Like?
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up or resigning to fate. Surrender is about releasing the need for control over things you can’t change and trusting that what’s meant for you will find you. It’s about acknowledging that life is full of unpredictability, and while we can’t always control the outcome, we can always control how we respond.
In my darkest moments, what sustained me most is the love and support of the people around me. My friendships, my relationships—these are the things that carry me through the toughest of times. I realize that what matters are the connections I nurtured throughout my life. We have our birth family. And then we have friends who oftentimes become close or even closer than family. Standing by me when I can’t stand on my own.
This is what true surrender looks like: recognizing that you are never alone. When life feels unbearable, it’s the relationships you’ve built that will sustain you. In your darkest times, your true tribe will carry you. That’s why it’s so important to build a business and a life that not only attracts clients but attracts real, genuine people who become more than just transactional relationships—they become allies, supporters, and friends.
Turning Challenges into Teachings
I’ve learned that when we face immense challenges, it’s easy to focus on the loss, the pain, and the unfairness of it all. But if you can shift your perspective and look at your mess as an opportunity to find a message, that’s when you can begin to heal. Turning your challenges into teachings is what helps you rise from the ashes, stronger and more resilient than ever.
And that’s what I want to share with you.
Building a Business That Resonates with Your Soul
The same principles that are helping me get through the darkest time of my life are the ones that can help you in your business and personal life. In my upcoming webinar, Unleash You: An Architect Building a Business That Resonates with Your Soul, I’m going to show you exactly how to build relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. I’ll teach you how to cultivate a business that’s rooted in authenticity and aligned with your soul’s purpose.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to create a business that attracts the kind of people who are with you through thick and thin—people who aren’t just clients, but partners, friends, and advocates. These are the kinds of relationships that will sustain you in your toughest moments, the ones that will carry your vision forward even when you feel like you can’t carry it alone. An experience that is not wishful thinking but an experience that I am currently living. I must have done something right!
What is sustaining me during my own personal crisis is the generosity of others—the kindness, the support, the willingness to step in and help me when I can’t help myself. And that’s what I want for you, too. I want you to create a business that doesn’t just serve your bottom line but serves your soul. A business that attracts people who will support you, cheer for you, and help you build something meaningful.
Join Me and Unleash Your Potential
If you’re ready to find the message in your mess and learn how to build a business that not only survives but thrives, I invite you to join me in this powerful webinar. This is your chance to unlock the tools and strategies that will help you align your business with your soul and create relationships that sustain you.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Unleash your potential, and let’s build a business that resonates with your soul.
Let’s grow,
Beate