As I draft this (June 11), I’m sitting on a plane, heading out to spend a few days with my friend of over 30 years (since we were babies, I always say 🙂). She’s in the midst of cancer treatments, and I wanted to be with her during one of her chemo sessions. This month also happens to be my busiest since I started Leaps&Bounds. I’m facilitating every week, supporting multiple projects, and yet, I prioritized this trip. Not because it’s convenient, but because it matters. To her. And to me.

I’d love to say I would have always made this same decision, to take five days away in the middle of a jam-packed month, and maybe I would have. But I’m not entirely certain. Earlier in my career, I often let ambition tip the scales. I’ve made decisions that, in hindsight, I would approach differently today. Back then, I didn’t yet understand the depth of value in balancing work, family, friendships, health, and rest.

From the outside, someone might question the genuineness of this reflection. I do work a lot, and I have a busy family/personal life. But the difference is this: I now choose when and where my energy goes. I have boundaries. I protect time for what matters, and I’ve become good at ensuring that every part of my life gets the focus it deserves. Sometimes that means saying no. Sometimes that means pausing. That’s the power, it’s in the choice.

Rest Isn’t Optional

We often treat rest as a luxury, or worse, a reward for productivity… but it’s actually the foundation of it. Research from Harvard Business Review and Deloitte has shown that time away, even micro-breaks, directly impacts our creativity, decision-making, and overall performance. You can’t build something lasting, a business, a career, a team, without taking care of the human(s) behind it all.

And rest doesn’t need to mean two weeks away in Italy (though, if that’s in your plans, lucky you!). It might be a quiet morning before your inbox opens, a walk after dinner, a Friday afternoon offline, or a heartfelt chat with a friend. These moments may seem small, but they matter deeply.

Building a Culture Where Disconnecting Is Allowed

At Leaps&Bounds, we believe that taking time, whether a day, a week, or a few moments, is not a sign of disengagement, but of intention. Our team is encouraged to find ways to reenergize regularly, whether it’s enjoying time with loved ones, going for a walk or to the gym, stepping into nature, or simply creating space to breathe between meetings. And yes, we support these things not only during summer, but year-round. Because high performance without self-care? That’s not sustainable, or human.

For me personally, I want to acknowledge that not everyone has the same flexibility. I’m aware of the privilege in being able to structure my work and take this time. But I still believe that everyone deserves moments of pause, even if they have to be small. Especially then.

Looking Ahead

September marks the start of a new fiscal year for the Leaps&Bounds team and we’ve got big plans and even bigger dreams. Knowing what’s coming makes it even more important to slow down when we can, to reset with intention, and to lead from a place of grounded energy.

So as we head into summer, I hope you’re finding your own way to disconnect. Whether it’s a long weekend, a couple of weeks away, or just micro-moments scattered through your days, it all counts.

Here’s to rest, renewal, and returning with purpose.