Hey there, Leading Ladies. I’ll be honest – this post is a tough one for me to write. In April 2022, my heart shattered into a million pieces when I lost my beloved 11-year-old English Setter, Millie, to cancer.
If you’ve been part of this community for a while, you know that Millie was so much more than “just a dog” to me. She was my constant companion, my shadow, my furry soulmate. She helped me raise my children and build my business. Heck, even my kitchen was designed with her in mind!
Losing Millie was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life. As a high-achieving woman juggling all the plates of entrepreneurship, the idea of “working while grieving” felt like an impossible ask.
Maybe you can relate. Perhaps you’re going through your own season of loss right now – the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the shattering of a dream. And you’re wondering how on earth you’re supposed to keep showing up, creating, and leading your business when all you want to do is curl up in a ball and cry.
First of all, I want you to know that everything you’re feeling is valid. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and there’s certainly no timeline for “getting over” a profound loss. As someone wise once told me, “Grief is just love with nowhere to go.” It’s a testament to the depth of your love and the significance of your loss.
But I also know that as entrepreneurs, we don’t have the luxury of putting life on hold indefinitely. We have clients to serve, products to launch, and teams to lead. So how do we keep moving forward, even with a broken heart? In this post, I will talk about a few lessons I learned while grieving Millie’s loss.
Focus on Gratitude
When the waves of grief threatened to pull me under, I found that gratitude was the life raft that kept me afloat. Even in the midst of profound sadness, there is always something to be thankful for.
I’m grateful that I had 11 amazing years with Millie by my side. I’m grateful that my lifestyle allowed me to take her to work every day and spend so much quality time with her. I’m grateful that she was able to pass peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who loved her most.
When you’re working while grieving, try to find one small thing to be grateful for each day. Write it down, say it out loud, or share it with a friend. Gratitude doesn’t negate your pain, but it does remind you that even in the darkness, there are still flickers of light.
Lean on Your Systems
One of the hardest parts of working while grieving is the lack of motivation and creative energy. The idea of writing a new blog post or showing up on social media feels overwhelming when you’re emotionally exhausted.
That’s where having solid systems and processes in place can be a lifesaver. When I was struggling to record podcast episodes after Millie passed, it was my commitment to my podcast producer and my content calendar that kept me accountable.
Take a look at your business and identify the core tasks that need to happen, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Then, create checklists, templates, or SOPs (standard operating procedures) to make those tasks as streamlined and automated as possible.
The goal isn’t to be a robot or ignore your feelings – it’s to create a safety net that keeps your business running while you take the time and space you need to grieve.
Give Yourself Grace
Okay, I’ll be real – this one is a struggle for me. As high-achievers, we’re wired to push through, stay strong, and keep all the plates spinning. But working while grieving requires a new level of self-compassion and grace.
You are not going to be as productive as you were before your loss. You are going to have days (or weeks, or months) where just getting out of bed feels like a herculean effort. And that’s okay.
Give yourself permission to feel your feelings without judgment or shame. Take breaks when you need them. Ask for help from your team, your family, or your friends. Lower the bar and celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just responding to one email or posting one Instagram story.
Remember, grief is not a linear process. You will have good days and bad days, and both are part of the journey. The more you can extend compassion and grace to yourself, the more resilient you will be in the long run.
Keep Taking the Next Right Step
Finally, one of the most powerful pieces of advice I’ve received after losing Millie was to just keep taking the next right step. When you’re working while grieving, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the big picture. But all you need to focus on is the next small, achievable action in front of you.
Maybe that’s sending one email to a client or writing one paragraph of a blog post. Maybe it’s taking a 10-minute walk outside or texting a friend for support. Trust that even the tiniest steps will add up over time and that you are making progress even when it feels like you’re standing still.
Most importantly, know that you are not alone. Every single one of us will face grief and loss at some point in our entrepreneurial journeys. It’s part of the human experience, and it’s what makes us real and relatable to the people we serve.
So, if you’re in the thick of it right now, my heart goes out to you. Keep focusing on gratitude, leaning on your systems, extending grace, and taking the next right step. And know that your Leading Lady community is here to support you every step of the way.
If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Join me in the Leading Ladies Facebook Group and share your own experience with working while grieving.
Together, we will get through this. One day, one breath, one small step at a time.
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.
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