There are seasons in our live when we get knocked of our feet. When we’ve listened to lies for too long. When we held the fort for too long. We are tired and the strength drains out of us.
My dearest Halie, you have not lost your light, and your kindness shines through even in the darkest of times. You give the benefit of the doubt, you hope and wait and believe and sometimes things settle slowly without dramatic changes. But other times more drastic measures are needed to reset the balance.
I won’t talk about how those closest to us have the power to build us up, to bring out the best in us. But I want to remind you how you have poured your heart into everything you’ve done for work and in your family. On a good day, when nobody is fishing for mistakes and vulnerability, with your brilliant mind you can move mountains. You bring out the best in people, with your warmth, and friendliness.
I admire your vulnerability and strength to say “no more. There is nothing left to give. I need to rest a while”. It takes courage to reset, to stop and breathe deeply. But this is the hardest season of all. If the carousel has stopped, the wind doesn’t rush through your hair, you have to confront the reality of what doesn’t work well. Time to call out the drip that pushed you over the edge.
Delegate, empower others, let go of some, and remeber that you don’t have to hold everything together, but focus on your small part.
You are worthy. You are brave. You are strong. You can do hard things and you have done them and you will do them again.
It takes incredible courage to walk back into a room where you might think that people are judging … but remeber that everyone when they look at you they reassess their own lives, they think of themselves, more than they think of you. Your decision to take a leave of absence is a call for everyone to reassess their own lives. Some may not like it, others may realize how much you and them have in common.
I have had a front row seat to your careers, your eagerness and ability to connect the dots, to help, to kindly be present… and then I have watched you perform under pressure and impress managers and make them look good while shining your own brilliance.
You are real – you were real then and through your rest now you are worthy. Worthy of appreciation, approval, love, space, worthy as an employee.
I love you & I am proud of you!