A Moment of Grief – Acknowledging and Moving Through

Over the past three months, I’ve stepped away from writing this blog. Professionally, life has been intense—demanding more of my time and energy than usual—and that disruption has affected my personal rhythm. The fast-paced changes at work have weighed heavily, creating moments that felt unexpectedly heavy.

I wouldn’t describe what I’ve felt as depression (I did consult my doctor to be sure and ruled out any medical concerns). In fact, life in many ways has been full and joyful. I’ve spent quality time with friends, found success in both my work and coaching, and stayed closely connected with family. My days have included laughter, connection, and movement forward.

And yet, amid all of that, there were moments—quiet, surprising ones—when sadness crept in. As the waves of change continued rolling in, I found it harder to maintain my healthiest habits. Time felt like it was slipping away, and I was constantly trying to catch up.  After some deep reflection—through journaling, reading, and meditation—I realized: I was grieving.

We often associate grief with profound, visible losses: the death of a loved one or pet, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job. These are undeniably significant events, and grief in those cases can take years to work through. But I’ve come to see that grief can also stem from more subtle changes—anything that disrupts our sense of identity, safety, or stability. It doesn’t always announce itself with intensity; sometimes, it arrives quietly, in moments of stillness or overwhelm.

Once I named it—grief—I could meet it with care.

That acknowledgment allowed me to be gentler with myself and more intentional in how I support my well-being. Purposeful self-care became a lifeline and, in many ways, an act of leadership. It helped me stay grounded personally while modeling resilience for others.

For me, this has meant recommitting to exercise and meditation, carving out time for joy and rest (including phone-free moments), partnering with an Executive Coach for the next six months, and creating space for creativity—including this blog.

We’re living in a challenging time for leaders. The old airline advice—“put your own oxygen mask on first”—has never felt more relevant. If you’re looking to build a leadership plan that helps you navigate this fast-changing world with strength and intention, we’re here to help.

Whatever else is going on in your world, take care of yourself. Extend compassion inward. Prioritize rest and connection. And always, stay grateful.

With gratitude and love,

Melisa