Lessons in Self Discovery

Living in the heart of a bustling city, surrounded by constant activity and the relentless pace of my corporate life, I often found myself caught in an endless whirlwind of responsibilities. I lead a team of directors, pushing them Monday through Friday to produce quality work while juggling deadlines and expectations. Each day blurred into the next – meetings, responsibilities, to-do lists, until I hit a wall. Burnout crept in, exhaustion weighing heavily on my mind and soul. I won’t delve into my personal life here; that’s a story for another day. But for now…

Life threw me a curveball and I caught a bad cold, specifically a sinus infection. I rarely get sick, and I believe my body was signaling me to slow down. Caught up in the chaos of work and daily life, I finally paid the price.

During this forced pause, I realized how easily we can live in survival mode, caught up in the relentless chase and forgetting who we truly are, or what our purpose is. Without intentional effort to step back, it’s easy to become trapped in a cycle that stifles self-awareness and fulfillment. This is a deeply human journey we all share, yet it’s often masked by the so-called American dream, which can sometimes feel more like an American nightmare. The pursuit of success, wealth, and constant achievement can lead us away from what truly matters.

To reconnect, my husband and I took a seven-day vacation, intentionally stepping away from the noise and chaos. In that stillness, I found space to listen to my own voice. My mantra emerged: “I am who I am, and I will become who I am meant to be at the right time.” I uncovered five truths about myself, reminders I’ve carried ever since. I also rediscovered the simple joy of reading fiction, a pleasure I don’t often indulge in but which brought genuine happiness. That time of reflection became a profound journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of pausing in a world that never stops.

This experience taught me that true growth begins in stillness. When we give ourselves permission to pause and turn inward, clarity, healing, and transformation become possible. It’s not an easy journey, but in those quiet moments, we tap into the strength to become or at least move closer to the person we’re meant to be.

I’ve learned that impactful leadership starts from within. Taking time to be still isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a vital act of self-care that allows us to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

That experience reminded me of three important lessons:

Growth Begins in Stillness — True transformation starts when we allow ourselves to pause and listen.
Self-Care Is Essential for Leadership — Prioritizing our well-being empowers us to lead with compassion and purpose.
Reconnect with Purpose — Authentic fulfillment comes from living intentionally, not just chasing the American dream.

I am grateful for this ongoing journey of self-discovery. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest progress happens when we stop moving and simply learn to be still—and find happiness in the simple joys along the way.

— Mekia