There are moments in life when everything shifts. A major surgery. The loss of a parent. The death of a beloved animal. An illness that leaves you drained.
And yet, many of us push through. We attend meetings, respond to emails, and keep our calendars full. We tell ourselves that taking time away will appear as a sign of weakness. I was worried about losing my job and not being considered for a new role or facing the wrath of an unpleasant boss.
While I cannot go back and take time off after surgery or for the loss of a parent, I have learned that your life needs to come first. Your health and mental well-being are more important than any deadline or title. And taking a moment to grieve is critically vital for you.
I have also learned that honoring life’s most challenging moments is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. It is an act of courage to step back, to heal, to grieve, and to recover.
Leaders, colleagues, and organizations have a responsibility, too. How we respond when someone is facing surgery, loss, or illness matters. It shapes trust. It shows humanity. It sets the tone for culture.
If you need to take time, please do so. And if you can give someone that time, do it with empathy and without hesitation. Because at the end of the day, success is not about how much we power through. It is about how much we care for one another along the way.