Taking Breaks Without Guilt – A Lesson I Had to Learn the Hard Way

As women, especially women in leadership we are constantly carrying the weight of expectations.

We feel we must keep going. We feel we have to show up for everyone. We feel we must never stop because what if everything we built starts to fall apart the moment we pause?

For a long time, I believed this too.

But let me tell you something I learned after nearly breaking down last month: taking a break doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.

The Breaking Point

Last month, I found myself at a point where I felt completely drained emotionally, mentally, and even physically. I was questioning everything. I started thinking, “Is this all even worth it?”

There was a moment when I wanted to quit everything. I felt like I had no more energy to give. The passion was still somewhere deep inside, but it was buried under exhaustion, pressure, and emotional pain.

What pulled me back?

People. Conversations. Support.

My mentors, my family, my team they saw through my silence. They reminded me of who I am, what I’ve built, and most importantly, why I started this journey in the first place. And after giving myself a break, I returned. Not the same but stronger.

The Truth About Success That No One Talks About

We talk a lot about success awards, achievements, projects, progress but we rarely talk about what it costs us internally.

People only see the stage. They don’t see the nights we cry alone. They don’t see the battles we fight in our minds. They don’t see the moments we almost gave up.

So let me say it clearly:

Even strong women struggle. Even successful people suffer. But the difference is they allow themselves to pause, reflect, reset, and rise again.

What Helps Me Heal

During my lowest moments, I don’t do anything fancy. I don’t run motivational videos. I do things that bring me back to myself.

I spend time with kids.

I wash dishes.

I clean the house.

I move things around in my room.

I wash clothes even clean ones.

I cut my hair.

I put on makeup and try new looks.

These small acts remind me that I can create change around me, even if it’s just in my space and that helps create change within me.