What’s your Zugunruhe?

What’s Your Zugunruhe?

I learned this cool German word: Zugunruhe (pronounced “TSOOK-oon-roo-eh”).It means migratory restlessness — the surge of energy, agitation, or unease that animals, especially birds, feel before they migrate.

It combines two words:

Zug = movement, migration, or pull

Unruhe = restlessness or anxiety

Oh my — I know that feeling! I’ve had it a few times; I just didn’t know what to call it! Have you ever felt it?

Maybe before a big change was about to happen.
Maybe when you knew you needed to switch jobs (or humans!).
Maybe when travel or learning started calling your name.

In humans, Zugunruhe beautifully describes that inner stirring we feel when it’s time to move on, grow, or change direction — that sense that something is calling us forward, even if we don’t yet know where we’re headed.

I’ve felt this many times — when it was time to shift careers, when our nest became empty, and even during smaller transitions when subtle shifts were needed.

Lately, Zugunruhe is back. I tried to ignore it, but I know it won’t go away unless I answer its call.

So… I’m doing something about it.

I’ll be off the map for 10 days in November attending a — wait for it — a silent Vipassana retreat. Gulp.

Ten days. Meditation. Silence. Sparse food.
No talking. No writing. No music. No exercise. 

This is literally the scariest thing I’ve ever done — and I’ve done some scary stuff! I’m nervous. I’m anxious. I honestly don’t know if I can do it… but I’m going to try.

Many think it’s a waste of time. They’re betting I’ll last two days, max. 

Maybe they’re right. I have no idea. 

But what I do know is that I feel the Zug — the pull — and I can’t ignore it. I’ve been trying to get into this retreat for years, and it’s been sold out time and again. There must be a reason I keep trying. There must be a reason I am being pulled to go. I’m supposed to do this. I just don't know why. 

Yet.

Stay tuned… I’ll let you know how it goes.

Now...your life, your version, your plan:

What’s your Zugunruhe right now — that quiet itch for something more, something new, something better?

What’s pulling you forward?
And when will you answer its call?

On the Nightstand

Let Them — by Mel Robbins

In this wildly popular book, Mel shares a beautiful reminder about life’s inevitable annoyances — she calls them clouds:

“The sky’s beauty isn’t diminished by the presence of clouds or storms. In fact, it’s the variety, the unpredictability, that makes it truly magnificent.”

We spend so much time wishing away the clouds — hoping for endless sunshine, perfect days, and people who always do (and think) what we want them to.

But here’s the truth:
Adults only do what they feel like doing.
People don’t do well because they want to — they do well when they can.

The Let Them concept is freeing — it helps us release control and expectations, but equally powerful is the Let Me concept — that’s where accountability, growth, and real transformation live.

Because once you let them, you have space to let yourself. 

Where in the World is Steph?

I’m on the road (again!) for the next two weeks with keynotes in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Portland, Maine, and Green Bay, Wisconsin — and I couldn’t be more excited!

Who do you know that I should meet while I’m there?
And what local gems should I check out in my downtime — great hikes, coffee shops, must-see spots, or hidden treasures?

I always aim to make these travels as revitalizing as they are rewarding!