If you're like me, Reader, the familial holidays like Father's Day feel complicated. 🤷🏼‍♀️

For some, it’s a day of celebration. A day to honor the dad who stayed steady, taught us how to ride bikes or eat ice cream from the carton (maybe that's just me.).

Or, the one who believed we could do hard things.

For others of us, of course, it’s difficult.

Maybe dad's gone. Maybe he was there, but not really there. Maybe he did the best he could, but what he had to give wasn’t always what you needed. ❤️‍🩹

But what if Father's Day gives us a chance to "father" to ourselves (no matter our gender)?

To help us build the confidence we need. To offer comfort and sound advice in the middle of the night when we're feeling small or afraid.

To be the one who's proud of our work--and shows it. ​

If you're leading a team, project, or even a life--this matters.

So many of us are busy being strong for everyone else. We guide, protect, encourage, and care, even when it's HARD.

But we need dad-ing, too.

That's why each year around this time, I revisit some of what my Dad taught me, to make sure those ideas continue to stick.

​Read "12 Simple Success Secrets from My Dad"​

So how about you, Reader? Is there some dad-ish behavior you need to give to yourself right now? More encouragement? A dose of pride? A few corny jokes? More ice cream out of the carton (yes, please!)

Hit REPLY and tell me. As always, your notes to me are 100% confidential and go only to me--and I love it when my inbox has a note from you. 📥

No matter whether you celebrate Father's Day or let it float by, I'm honored to be in your corner as you navigate through our wild world of work. Fathering yourself is probably needed now more than ever, and YOU are needed, too, now more than ever. Thanks for being here.

Always, Darcy

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P.S. I always try to meet up with readers when I'm in their city. This fall, I'm coming to Toronto and to NYC. If you live in the area, hit REPLY and let me know and we'll keep you posted on my travels and how we can connect! Not in those cities? Why not invite me to your team or group for a workshop or professional development event? Happy to share more about what that might look like for your particular situation. Hit REPLY and we'll start the conversation now! --D