Permission to Pause (Because Business Isn’t Normal Right Now)

Let’s be real, trying to carry on like it's "business as usual" right now feels beyond surreal. With everything unfolding around us, especially here in the U.S., you're not alone if you're finding it tough to stay focused, productive, or even hopeful. Whether it's the unsettling news headlines, the intense emotional climate, or just that underlying sense of uncertainty, these aren’t easy days for anyone who genuinely cares.

First, let's clear something up: feeling overwhelmed, drained, or distracted doesn't mean you're weak or unprofessional. It means you're human, and deeply attuned to the world around you. The expectation to "just push through" isn't realistic, or healthy, in moments like these. So here's your official permission slip to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge what you're truly feeling.

Here's how you can navigate these challenging times with intention and compassion:

1. Validate Your Feelings: Allow yourself to acknowledge and honor your emotions without guilt or judgment. Suppressing them won't make them vanish; instead, gently sit with your feelings and give them space to exist and process.

2. Set Conscious Boundaries: Limit your exposure to continuous streams of distressing news and social media feeds. Staying informed matters, but constant consumption can harm your mental and emotional health. Allocate specific windows each day to check in, then step away.

3. Prioritize Rest and Renewal: Intentionally create space for restful activities, whether that's a short nap, a quiet meditation, journaling your thoughts, or engaging in a hobby that replenishes your spirit. These aren't indulgences...they're necessities.

4. Connect Meaningfully: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or supportive communities who genuinely understand your perspective. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you feel less isolated and more grounded in your collective humanity.

5. Simplify and Refocus: Break your workday into smaller, manageable chunks and prioritize tasks that are realistic given your current capacity. Celebrate even the smallest victories and acknowledge your efforts instead of berating yourself for not achieving perfection.

Remember, you're not meant to carry the weight of the world alone, nor should you try to. Being human means giving yourself the space to heal, to reflect, and yes—even to pause.

Together, with empathy and understanding, we can navigate this period of uncertainty one mindful step at a time.

Holding space and grace for you,

Feeling stuck in self-doubt during these challenging times?

Join me for Banish Your Inner Critic, a live workshop designed to help you silence your inner critic, build genuine confidence, and find clarity amidst the chaos. Because the last thing you need in times like these is an inner voice telling you lies.

Reserve Your Spot 👉🏻

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If this newsletter brought you a little peace or perspective, consider passing it along to someone else who might need that same exhale. We all know someone quietly navigating overwhelm—invite them into this space where it’s okay to slow down and feel fully human.

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