Growth through grief
This week has been difficult. I was deeply invested in a personal project that didn’t turn out as I had hoped or expected. When the outcome became clear, I was overwhelmed with disappointment and sadness. Initially, I was in shock—how did I not see this coming? Then, I was in disbelief—how could this be happening? Later, I questioned—what had even happened? Now, I find myself back in sadness, hoping I find hashtag acceptance, a new attachment, and gratitude soon. The grief process has been anything but linear.
When I first got the news, I couldn’t bring myself to pick up the kids from school. I sent my husband alone instead, hoping to pull myself together and put on a brave face for them by the time they got home—I didn’t manage. I heard them arrive, and then I heard my 6-year-old slowly making her way to my office downstairs, where I was finishing some work. From the sound of her steps, I knew she was already aware I wasn’t doing great. She quietly crept into the room and threw herself into my arms. As she hugged me tightly, she simply said, “Why don’t you try again?”
Those five words disarmed me. There I was, feeling completely defeated and sorry for myself, unsure of what to do next, and here she came with the purest piece of advice, wrapped in an innocent question. She reminded me of something so important—it’s not about falling; it’s about learning how to get up again. She believes I can do it, so who am I to disagree?
It will likely take some time for me to fully rebuild, but I guess it is not a race.... Grief, in all its forms, has its own pace. Through this process, I’m learning that healing isn’t about rushing forward but about embracing vulnerability, accepting the lows, and trusting that each small step contributes to rebuilding.
As a leader, I’ve also come to understand that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. The ability to acknowledge setbacks, embrace them, and rebuild with resilience is a powerful tool, which is what I am trying to do here. Sometimes, it takes a child’s gentle words to remind you that trying again is not just an option but a path forward.
