Three Hearts On My Wrist

Some moments in life crack us open in ways we don’t expect. I experienced one on Saturday when I visited my neighbour, who had just adopted a six-year-old girl from a traumatic background. ?Let’s call her ‘Grace’. I bought Grace some presents to welcome her; one of those was a pen and as a thank you; she called me close to her and drew three interlocking hearts on my wrist with the pen. In that fleeting moment, something profound happened—I connected with a forgotten part of myself: my inner child. That encounter was a reminder of the wisdom we access when we allow ourselves to be innocent, vulnerable, and present. And it offered lessons for how we can lead authentically—without masks, overthinking, or fear.

?The Rawness of Childhood

Children, particularly those who have faced trauma, often express themselves without filters. They are authentic by nature—they feel what they feel and show it honestly, without artifice or second-guessing. This child, in her quiet way, reminded me that authenticity is not about grand gestures or perfection. It’s about meeting life, and others, as you are—open-hearted and present.

?The simplicity and purity of the child’s gesture awakened something within me—my own innocence, a part of me that often feels hidden beneath the layers of roles and expectations. In that moment, I realized that when we’re fully present with what’s happening right now, we unlock the capacity to set aside the masks we often wear, especially in the corporate world. Authenticity isn’t about maintaining control; it’s about reconnecting with the vulnerable, playful, and curious part of ourselves that we often bury under professionalism.

?The Wisdom of Acting without Overthinking

?That little girl didn’t stop to calculate whether her drawing would be appreciated or if her gesture would be “enough.” She wasn’t judging herself in the moment or seeking validation. She just acted, instinctively and sincerely. As adults, we often fall into the trap of overthinking—second-guessing our intentions, doubting ourselves, and analysing outcomes before we even act. This overthinking can prevent us from fully connecting with those around us and from seizing moments that could be transformative.

?As leaders, we can learn to let go of the need to overthink every action or conversation. Acting with intention but without hesitation allows for authentic connection. In those spontaneous, unfiltered moments, trust can be built, creativity can flourish, and real impact can happen.

?Leading with a Child’s Heart

?What if leaders approached their teams with the same innocence and courage that children show when they draw hearts on a stranger’s wrist? What if leadership wasn’t about managing impressions but about daring to be fully present and real? The truth is, authentic leadership requires a willingness to connect at a deeper level—one that transcends titles and roles. It’s about leading with empathy, trust, and sincerity, just as children interact with the world.

?The three hearts on my wrist weren’t just a child’s thank-you; they were a reminder of the power of being real, present, and unafraid. In that small gesture, I found the courage to reconnect with my inner child and shed the invisible mask I so often wear in professional settings. Authentic leadership isn’t about performing; it’s about showing up fully—raw, vulnerable, and present.

?When we allow ourselves to act without fear, overthinking, or pretense, we open the door to deeper connection, both with others and with ourselves. And that’s where the magic happens—not in striving for perfection but in daring to be fully alive and authentic, one small heart at a time.

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