We Were On a Break!
Okay, confession time. Remember that iconic "Friends" moment when Rachel screams, "We were on a break!"? Yeah, I hope you're not feeling the same level of betrayal, but it's true – I stepped away from the therapy world about five years ago. And let me tell you, what a wild ride it's been!
Think of it: we've all been through a global pandemic, political turmoil, and enough personal upheavals to fill a season of a dramatic reality show. So, where have I been? Let's rewind.
From Couch to Chaos: My Unexpected Non-Profit Adventure
In August 2017, I got an offer I couldn't refuse: a chance to dive back into non-profit management, reunite with a former colleague, and be closer to family for crucial caregiving support. It was a leap of faith, a "what-if-I-regret-not-doing-this?" kind of decision. Little did I know, that plunge would be a lifeline when the world turned upside down. Being with family during the pandemic? Priceless.
But let's be real, those last 2-3 years? Whew! It was a rollercoaster of learning, unlearning, and discovering what I definitely don't want in my future. It was a baptism by fire, and I’ve got the battle scars (and some seriously proud moments) to prove it.
My Non-Profit Survival Kit (aka, What I Actually Did)
Leadership Translator: Bridging the gap between boardroom strategy and the nitty-gritty, ground-level needs. Think of me as the organizational Rosetta Stone.
Clutter Crusader: Conquering 30+ years of bureaucratic chaos. Imagine untangling a giant ball of yarn while blindfolded.
Pick-Up Sticks Ninja: Navigating a minefield of archaic processes and hostile opposition, all while keeping the team moving forward. (Yes, it was as dramatic as it sounds.)
Fundraising Phenom: Securing the equivalent of three years’ worth of funding to keep our incredible team intact and set the organization up for a smooth transition.
Sound familiar? That feeling of being both incredibly proud and utterly exhausted? That’s burnout, folks. And if you didn't know it before, you probably do now. From the service industry to the C-suite, we've all felt the weight of it. Hello, Great Resignation!
Just as I was clawing my way out of the burnout fog, life threw another curveball: personal grief and a whirlwind of caregiving. If you've been there, you know.
Why Am I Telling You This? Because We're All Human.
Aren't therapists and leaders supposed to have it all together? Aren't we supposed to be paragons of grit and resilience? Nope. We're all human, navigating a messy, beautiful, and sometimes brutally challenging world.
My Escape Plan (and How It Can Help You)
So, what made me walk away? Simple: I realized the situation wasn't going to improve, and my health and family had to come first. I left knowing I'd given it my all, and for a month, I was a certified zombie. Then, as the fog lifted, I was hit again. But this time, I had a plan:
Acceptance and Self-Permission: I acknowledged the reality of my situation and gave myself permission to prioritize my well-being.
Body-First Recovery: I focused on supporting my physical health as the foundation for healing.
Intentional Trauma Work: After a few months, I dove deep into emotional and trauma recovery.
Am I fully recovered? Not yet. But I'm making progress, and like those first spring shoots, I'm seeing new growth.
Your Encouragement Toolkit
So, here's my message to you:
Be encouraged.
Be hopeful.
Take care of yourself – body, mind, and soul.
You are not alone.
We're all walking this path together, and I'm looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you. Stay tuned!
