The Need for Speed & The Power of Pause -Pt. 1 [The Diary Edition]

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As we are preparing to launch the next iteration of the Tech Me As I Am podcast I wanted to bring to light a vulnerable moment for me and I hope that my story empowers, strengthens and really brings awareness to those areas in our lives that we are just so fearful of bringing to light in our workplaces.

Taking the "L" or in this case the Leave of Absence

Taking a leave of absence is probably number 2 on my list of hard decisions that someone has to make during their time in role, it's just one of those things that come with a shit ton of negative emotions...(at least it did for me).

Why is that though? ?? Especially, when it is a benefit that is available for most people because we pay into it with our taxes and was made for those who need space and time to heal?

I literally, had to sit back and unpack this for myself and ask myself, why I was operating out of so much fear when I KNEW, this was something I so desperately needed during this time in my life.

Anxiety is no joke, if you come from a family of origin or had life experiences where chaos & moving a million miles a minute was a norm, you just become high functioning.

Because having to be in constant survival mode, ALL the time is not anything that will keep you sane.

Anxiety to me is like having 1000 tabs open on your browser and you can't close them because your computer keeps saying it needs an update, but the update keeps getting deferred ??.

There are a world of emotions that come with putting yourself in a position when you don't know what the outcome will be:

The emotions of shame, guilt and the not wanting anyone to think I wasn't fit to do my job because, I had the symptoms of LIFE create challenges for me. (How dare I be HUMAN and not just act like everything is ok? You know the fake it till you make it model that we hear all the time??)

The thoughts constantly:

Someone is going to consider me being incapable of performing my job because, something is "wrong with me", unless I "ACT" like everything is ok...queue the slew of diving into the abyss of never ending outcomes ??.

But, I had one thing going for me that I knew I was able to anchor myself in....

THE LOVE I HAVE FOUND FOR ME over these last 5 years ??.

I know it sounds cliché, but it's just true...

I knew that where I was mentally from an overwhelming amount of anxiety that I could not operate in the way I was and I was just going to have to take the "L" regardless of what my fear based emotions were telling me.

In my journey I went through 3 stages of processing going on leave (you're tuning into part 1):

1. Getting the courage to take a leave & why I needed it.
2. Trying to know what the hell to do while I was on leave.
3. Preparing for what to expect coming back from leave.

And the shit was hard, and it was scary, but my LAWD for me it was needed for some serious re-centering and reprogramming of my mind.

I have come back with such a fresh perspective and was intentional about what it was I needed to do for me at that time and what I even need to do for me now coming back from leave.

Keep in mind this is NOT a newsletter/podcast episode to create a beacon for everyone to go on a leave of absence by any means, it is meant to give you space to focus on one of the most important things we as humans need to focus more on...The power of pause in whichever format that looks like for you. Because being the energizer bunny is NOT the business and it will find a way to catch up to you later physically, mentally, emotionally...

Taking pause comes in many shapes, sizes and forms I've curated a list of some that go outside of taking a leave of absence (in the next segment we will dive more into what to do on leave for part 2):

1. The Power of the Micro-Break: Instead of pushing through to exhaustion, encourage short, purposeful breaks throughout the day. A 5-minute walk, some deep breaths, or even a quick meditation can refresh the mind and improve focus.
2. Schedule Your Disconnection: Treat downtime like an important meeting. Block out "unplug" zones in your calendar where you disconnect from work emails, calls, and notifications.
3. Hobby Haven: Foster a passion outside of work. Whether it's painting, playing music, or volunteering, having a fulfilling activity provides a mental escape and a sense of accomplishment beyond the job.
4. Nature's Recharge: Get outside! Studies show spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mood. Take your lunch break in a park, or schedule a weekend hike to reconnect with the world outside the office.
5. The Art of Saying No: Don't be afraid to set boundaries. It's okay to decline extra tasks or requests if your plate is full. Prioritize your well-being and learn to delegate or respectfully decline.
6. The Importance of Sleep: Prioritize a good night's sleep for optimal physical and mental performance. Avoid late-night work sessions and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
7. Mindful Movement: Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a dance session in your living room.
8. The Power of Connection: Social interaction is vital for mental health. Spend time with loved ones, join a club, or volunteer in your community. Strong social connections provide support and a sense of belonging.

All in all the message in the bottle is this...Do what fills your cup, builds your strength and allows you to show up as the best version of yourself, because life is too short to not be fulfilled at your core.

Until next time,

Stay Courageous ???

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