When Life Stops You in Your Tracks
I had one of the toughest weeks recently. The kind where everything suddenly stops, and all you can do is act and cope. It came right in the middle of a busy work week, and as if that wasn’t enough, several other urgent situations unfolded at the same time, including a personal loss. I had to cancel all social and work commitments.
In our world of social media and artificial harmony, we often feel pressure to compete; to appear composed, productive, and perfect. But this time, I let go of that pressure. I admitted to myself that I was not okay.
We don’t need to share every personal detail to acknowledge that life can be hard. But we also don’t need to uphold a false image of perfection, and neither should we expect it from others.
The Constant Noise Around Us
That week also made me aware of something else: the sheer amount of noise we live with. The endless notifications, pings, and spam messages that bombard us daily. Each one may seem small, but together they become overwhelming.
Every time I looked at my phone, there were more useless alerts demanding attention. Eventually, I sat down and set up “Do Not Disturb” settings for everything that wasn’t essential, and it made a world of difference.
Sometimes, cutting out the noise, both digital and emotional, is one of the most healing things we can do.
Strength Isn’t About Holding It Together
In our jobs, especially in competitive or mission-driven fields, we often feel we have to appear strong, successful, and tireless. There’s little room for slowing down, showing vulnerability, or saying “I need a break.”
Organizations talk a lot about wellness, inclusion, and mental health, but too often, it remains just that: talk. The same goes for commitments to supporting neurodivergent employees or people living with mental health challenges. As the parent of a neurodivergent child, I can tell you firsthand that there’s still a long way to go.
Bringing Humanity Back to Work
It’s time to normalize what we all know to be true: everyone struggles. It’s okay to pause, admit our limits, and care for our mental health.
As professionals and as leaders, we can do better. Not just by encouraging self-care, but by building workplaces that truly allow it. Spaces where people can be human, where rest and recovery are seen as strengths, not setbacks.
Because being human isn’t a weakness. It’s the starting point for everything that truly matters. In life, and at work.