A Letter to a Lady Leader
(To my former self, and perhaps - to you?)
Dear friend,
You do so much. You work hard. You care. You’re doing so well.
You’ve achieved a lot. Your dedication, perseverance, strength, resilience, drive, and passion got you here. You are so impressive, commendable, and strong. You’re a role model for others. You’ve paved the way.
But you’re carrying a lot of stress. You carry a lot of emotions. You might not have time to process them all, because you have so many responsibilities. Many people depend on you. So you say you’ll deal with the stress later. You’re used to doing everything, and doing it well, and not letting anything get in your way.
But when you stop to feel it, you realize that you’re overwhelmed, drained, exhausted, disheartened, embittered, and frustrated. And you might be feeling quite alone.
You feel that you have to figure it all out on your own. That the stress and fatigue should not be an issue, should not be preventing you from doing what needs to be done. But they do. So you’re hard on yourself for not being able to manage everything perfectly.
The weekend is rarely enough to replenish you back to 100%, yet you find the strength to keep going. It’s important! You’re carrying so much on your shoulders. You love all the responsibility, the things you’ve achieved, the respect of others, the projects you get to be in charge of. You want to keep growing! Reach new heights, see just how much your work can do for the world, help more people, earn more, create more. It’s exciting, and you know you have so much potential. You know that there’s nothing you can’t do.
As long as you have the energy to do it all, that is. As long as you have the physical and mental resources for all of it, and as long as the stress and the weight of the work isn’t too overwhelming.
Which it has been lately, hasn’t it?
You want to do so much, but you’re finding yourself more and more tired. The stress and fatigue are slowing you down. It’s noticeable. It’s annoying. It’s concerning.
I can hear the part of you that whispers: “This isn’t right. This isn’t the way I’m meant to live. There’s more for me.” The tiny voice that comes through at the end of the day, or in the car on the way home, or when you’re looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror. “I shouldn’t have to feel this awful. There’s got to be a way to do it differently.”
I know that you know. You might not know how, but you know. There has to be a way to reach your career goals while feeling good, mentally and physically. There has to be a version of this where you’re not drained all the time. A way to get through this project without breakdowns. You know that it’s possible, and that you deserve it - being able to have your dreams AND your wellbeing.
“Is that too much to ask?”
I want you to know: it’s not too much. That inner voice of yours was right all along.
I want you to know that I see you. I see your effort, what you’re working so hard towards. You want your effort and your hard work to be recognized.
I see that you’re a leader, you’re not only doing your job but also affecting many people’s lives in a positive way. You’re not only growing in your career, but also aiming to make a big difference. You care deeply. You have big goals and dreams. You’re so good at taking care of the people around you.
And I can see that the “inner you” also wants happiness and wellbeing for yourself. Those things have been on the backburner for quite a while, because you have a big heart, a fighter’s spirit, and an excellent work ethic.
I want you to know: the “inner you” knows best. There’s a future where you’re accomplishing everything you want and are feeling great: energetic, resilient, calm, confident, healthy. With a bit of awareness, desire, and courage (all of which you already have!), you’ll be able to redirect your life there.
It’s a long path, but so worth it.
For now, I just ask you: please give yourself the attention that you deserve. See yourself for everything you are. Thank yourself for everything you do.
You’re already on the way to get everything you want.
P. S.
I want to see it all, everything you’re doing! I want to hear about all your hard work, your goals, what things you’re proud of. I want to be a partner in all of it, because you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you no longer want to go through the stress, the exhaustion, and the frustration by yourself, please write to me. I’ll be happy to hear from you, and maybe I could even help.
