Hey, Bob here!
You know, I often say that the best stories come from those
who’ve faced the hardest challenges and turned them into something extraordinary.
This week, I sat down with Cynthia Banks,
a former journalist and documentary filmmaker,
who’s gone from chronicling other people’s lives to transforming her own.
Her journey from a career in storytelling
to creating a wellness retreat is filled with lessons on resilience,
reinvention, and finding your purpose—
even in the most uncomfortable times.
Cynthia spent 30 years
in the demanding world of journalism and documentary filmmaking,
telling powerful stories like The Caregivers Club.
But after years of emotional toll,
she realized her path needed to change.
A question from her sister shifted everything:
“If you had three months to live, would you be doing this?”
Her answer?
NO.
That moment set Cynthia on a path to build
Rising Spirit Bed & Breakfast and Beyond,
a wellness retreat nestled in nature.
It wasn’t just about providing a place for relaxation;
it was about creating an affordable,
accessible space for people to pause, breathe,
and find their footing again.
Of course, the transition wasn’t easy.
From overcoming addiction to facing financial struggles during the pandemic,
Cynthia’s journey is proof that reinvention requires grit, faith, and community.
And through it all, she’s built a place where people can come to heal, grow,
and rewrite their stories.
Lessons from Cynthia’s Story
1. Find Your “Why”
Cynthia’s decision to build Rising Spirit wasn’t random.
She found a purpose that fueled her through the toughest days.
Ask yourself: What’s driving you forward?
2. Embrace Discomfort
Reinvention often feels like standing on unstable ground.
Cynthia leaned into that discomfort, trusting it was part of her growth.
3. Build Your Community
Whether it’s a support group, a team, or a few close friends,
surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—and you.
Uncomfortable Picks of the Week
Inspired by Cynthia’s journey of reinvention,
here’s something to help you lean into growth:
Podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show–
A treasure trove of stories from people
who’ve embraced discomfort to reinvent themselves,
much like Cynthia did when she built Rising Spirit.
Cynthia’s journey reminded me
that reinvention is never about starting over from scratch;
it’s about taking what you’ve learned
and using it to create something meaningful.
It’s not about the size of the leap—
it’s about taking the first step,
even if it feels uncomfortable.
Until next time,
Bob
In Case You Missed It
- Read Last Week’s Newsletter: A 2-Minute Gut Check – Featuring Umer Farooque
- Watch My Latest Instagram Reel: Strategies For Building Teams
What’s your journey of reinvention?
I’d love to hear how you’re embracing change—comment below and share your story with me.
Grab your copy of my book Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable and start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself!
