Many of us right now are either on vacation, preparing for one, or easing back into the rhythm of work and life after some much needed rest. While most people use this time to disconnect from the daily routine and unwind with loved ones, I found myself reconnecting deeply with what really matters.
This break gave me the space to reflect on my why. Why I do what I do. Who I do it for. And whether the pace I’m living matches the life I actually want.
I kept coming back to one word: presence.
I don’t just mean physically being somewhere. I’m talking about being fully and truly present in the laughter around the dinner table, in the conversations that go deeper than “how was your day?”, in the stillness of a moment that reminds you this is what life is about.
Those moments… they’re what we’ll remember.
But not too long ago, I wasn’t present at all. I was deep in hustle culture long hours, nonstop deadlines, the pursuit of that next title, that next level. And yes, I got the promotions. I hit the goals. But I also pushed myself past the edge. I burned out—hard. So much so that my body literally shut down, and I landed in a medical emergency.
I was physically unable to take care of myself or my family.
And do you know what happened at work? It kept going. The emails kept sending. The meetings kept happening. The deadlines didn’t stop because I did.
It was a sobering realization: I had been sacrificing everything for something that would never love me back.
The guilt of missing moments with my daughter. The silence at dinner tables I wasn’t there for. The exhaustion I normalized. It all added up. And in that forced stillness, I asked myself:
Why am I doing this? For who? And at what cost?
I made a promise to myself then: Never again.
That promise became my compass. It’s what guides how I live, how I work, and how I
lead today.
So during this recent vacation, I wasn’t escaping life, I was embracing it. I slowed down, I leaned in, and I paid attention. And in doing that, I found clarity. I came back with a renewed sense of purpose, deeper motivation, and a reminder that when we choose to be present, everything changes.
Presence isn’t passive – it’s powerful. It reminds us that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of self. That being, not just doing, is where our power lives. If you’re in a season of questioning your pace, your priorities, or your purpose; pause. Breathe. Reflect.
And if you’re ready to stop just surviving and start living and leading with intention, let’s connect.
Book a complimentary clarity call with me today. Let’s realign your life, your leadership, and your legacy on your terms.
Please note that I don’t make any guarantees about the results of the information provided. I share educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in the coaching program. You nevertheless need to know that your ultimate success or failure will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond my knowledge and control. I am not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. My services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. I can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions and any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information provided.
