Prioritizing Self-Care as a Leader: Why It’s Brave to Pause and Recharge

Hey there, Leading Lady! The past few weeks have been a beautiful whirlwind of activity, change, and transition in my world. Despite everything going on, I took a week off to recharge at a retreat in Costa Rica organized by Leading Lady Ambassador Julie Blamphin. Giving myself that space and grace to step back was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve done in a long time. As high-achieving women, we’re so conditioned to push through, keep going, and never let them see us sweat. We wear our busyness like a badge of honor, even when it’s slowly burning us out from the inside. That’s why today, I want to chat about something that’s been on my heart lately: prioritizing self-care as a leader. Because here’s the truth: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s not weak, or lazy, or unproductive. It’s actually one of the bravest, most essential things you can do to sustain your success and impact over the long haul.

Learning from My Masterclass

One of the most transformative experiences I offer is my Masterclass. This intimate group coaching program brings together powerhouse women entrepreneurs for six months of deep learning, growth, and community.

What I’ve found, time and time again, is that every cohort takes on a life of its own. The themes and lessons that emerge always seem divinely timed for each participant’s unique journey. And while the details may vary, there’s one common thread that weaves through every group: the collective craving for permission to pause.

You see, even though these brilliant women come in with big goals and visions for their businesses, what often rises to the surface is a deeper need. They need to rest, prioritize their own well-being, and tune into their own wisdom—even (and especially) when things feel overwhelming or uncertain.

In the sacred space of the Masterclass, we dive deep into topics like:

• Setting boundaries and advocating for your needs
• Processing grief, loss, and uncomfortable emotions
• Letting go of perfectionism and external expectations
• Cultivating sustainable self-care practices
• Leading from a place of authenticity and alignment

And here’s what we discover every single time: when you have the courage to slow down and listen to your own needs, magic happens. Your creativity flows. Your relationships deepen. Your energy and motivation skyrocket. You show up as a more present, purposeful leader in every area of your life.

Faking It Isn’t Serving Anyone

In our achievement-obsessed culture, there’s so much pressure to “fake it ’til you make it.” To slap on a smile, even when you’re crumbling inside. To keep charging forward, even when every cell in your body is screaming for rest.

But here’s the problem with that approach: it’s not sustainable. It’s not authentic. Ultimately, it doesn’t serve anyone – not you, not your family, not your clients, or your community.

I know this firsthand because I’ve been the queen of pushing through, of stuffing down my emotions and soldiering on, no matter what. And you know what? It always catches up to me eventually. The unprocessed grief, the pent-up frustration, the bone-deep exhaustion—it all comes bubbling to the surface, begging to be seen and felt.

That’s why these days, I’m practicing a different way of being. A way that honors my humanity, my needs, and my inherent worthiness – regardless of how much I’m producing or achieving. A way that allows me to feel the full range of emotions without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” A way that trusts in the power of pausing and has faith that I won’t be left behind if I take my foot off the gas for a bit.

It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s often downright uncomfortable. But slowly but surely, I’m learning that this kind of radical self-care is the key to showing up as the leader I truly want to be in my business, my family, and my life.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause

So how about you? Where in your life are you craving a pause right now? Where are you feeling stretched too thin, burnt out, or disconnected from your own needs?

I invite you to give yourself permission to slow down and tune in. To ask for help, set some boundaries, and prioritize your own well-being. To trust that your worth is not tied to your productivity, and that rest is not a reward for hustling hard enough.

And if you’re craving deeper support on this journey? Come join us in the Leading Ladies Facebook group. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with a community of women who get it. We will remind you that you’re not alone and that taking care of yourself is the furthest thing from being selfish.

Because at the end of the day, the world needs more leaders like you: leaders who are willing to show up authentically, vulnerably, and unapologetically. Leaders who inspire others not just through their achievements, but through their humanity.

And that starts with giving yourself permission to pause, recharge, and come home to yourself. Again, and again, and again.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Join the Leading Lady Community

For more insights and strategies on leading a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, I invite you to join my community:

• Tune into the Leading Lady Podcast.
• Connect with me on Instagram.
• Join the conversation in the Leading Ladies Facebook Group.