“Sometimes it’s okay if the only thing you did today was breathe.”
— Yumi Sakugawa
I recently completed a training called The Thriving Leader, on balancing compassionate, reliable leadership with protecting your own energy, patience, and focus. It was a fantastic group, and I loved the rich conversations we had each day.
One of the most meaningful discussions was about what to do when it all falls apart. Life happens to leaders, too. Loss happens. Divorce happens. Illness, accidents, crime…I wish that having responsibility shielded us from these, but unfortunately, that is not the case.
What we discussed is that we must allow ourselves to be where we are and feel what we feel. Our reactions may differ from another’s, or from what we expect, and that’s okay. (I liked this article on different ways of grieving.) Remember that you’re not alone. Your team has the skills and expertise to step in. Let them. Take the space you need. Access the supports available to you. They’re there for a reason.
If this is a hard season for you, I wish you strength & peace. Keep breathing through it.
