Posted on July 26th, 2026

There's a phrase I've heard before that hit differently this week:

Never make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.

I would add one more thought to it:

Never make important decisions when you're exhausted!!

This past weekend, I found myself emotionally, mentally and physically spent.

It had been an intense few days filled with personal growth, big emotions, subpar nutrition, little sleep and the kind of deep work that requires pouring into others and leaves you feeling both lighter and completely drained.

By Sunday afternoon, I was convinced I had nothing left to give.

I climbed into my car needing a moment to breathe.

For that moment, I needed reprieve. A break. Some breathing room. A chance to reset.

Instead of driving straight toward an exit street, I instinctively made a left into a quiet cul-de-sac. Looking back, I honestly don't know what my exhausted mind might have justified had I continued driving.

What I do know is this…

I wasn't going to miss crossing that finish line. Bonus sessions and all.

In that solo moment, I sat there in silence, giving myself permission to pause, to quiet my mind and center the scattered energy that was quickly dissipating within.

That small pause changed everything 🌱

I closed my eyes, grounded my heart, gathered myself and went back inside…

Where I was met with some of the most meaningful moments of the entire weekend and, dare I say, my life!

There was connection. There was celebration. There was laughter. There were moments I'll carry with me for a very long time, if not foreverrr! I was even voted to serve as a leader, something that deeply humbled and honored me.

As I reflected afterward, I realized something…

How grateful I was that I did not allow exhaustion to override my intentions, my commitments or my values. I did not permit exhaustion to speak louder than my heart.

And then I asked myself... and now I ask you...

• How many times have we mistaken a difficult moment for the end of the story?
• How many times have we convinced ourselves something wasn't worth it when, in reality, we were just running on empty?
• How often do we label ourselves as failures when what we really need is a little rest?

Ironically, much of the weekend centered around abundance, prosperity and reconnecting with the little child within us. That little girl or little boy who dreamed without limits, played without edits and believed that wonderful things were possible.

Children have a beautiful way of reminding us of truths we've forgotten.

When they're tired, they rest.

Then they get up and play again.

Adults often do the opposite.

When we're tired, we push through.

Then we beat ourselves up for having low energy :/

Instead of asking ourselves the kinder question: "What do I need right now?"

We assume exhaustion is a weakness or that it means we're on the wrong path.

We mistake fatigue for failure.

We allow one difficult moment to convince us that we should walk away.

This experience reminded me that there is wisdom in pausing.

Not every emotion requires an immediate decision.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is take a deep breath, give ourselves a little grace and wait until we've rested before deciding or tackling what comes next.

Three reminders I'm taking with me this month:

1. Rest before deciding.
   Not every thought that crosses our minds deserves immediate action. Sometimes clarity comes after we've had a chance to breathe, to pause and to reset.
2. Don't confuse fatigue with failure.
   Feeling tired doesn't mean we're on the wrong path. It may simply mean we've been giving with our whole hearts... and our souls need replenishing.
3. Stay open to what's still unfolding.
   Some of life's sweetest moments aren't planned. They reveal themselves when we remain present long enough to receive them.

This month reminded me that abundance isn't measured only by what we accomplish or accumulate.

Abundance looks like a team that believes in us. Friends and family, the people we love, who encourage and cheer us on when we are feeling low or depleted.

Abundance is the freedom to laugh like a child again.

It is a quiet place to catch our breath.

And it is also the wisdom to know that WE get the final word!

Not exhaustion.

Not fear.

Not discouragement.

We do 💪

💛 Carry This With You 💛

Before making an important decision, ask yourself one simple question:

Am I seeing this clearly?

... Or do I need to take a moment because I am simply tired or not equipped enough to make this next decision?

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for ourselves is pause, breathe and trust that the next moment may look very different after we've had a chance to rest and reset.

That is "The Wisdom of the Pause." 🍃

Stay Light & Bright…

Lead the Way ✨