Slowing Down, Showing Up

I realized it’s been a whole year since I last wrote here. Somehow 2025 just rushed by and yet, looking back, it also felt like the longest year.

It’s been busy, intense, and honestly a bit of a blur. Sometimes I feel like I didn’t really achieve anything meaningful, but when I pause and reflect, I actually did a lot. This year, I stepped into a new role as a Project Manager, and even became a small team lead. It’s been both exciting and overwhelming like being thrown into the deep end and learning how to swim while the waves keep coming.

What I’ve Been Up To

Transitioning from Customer Success Manager to Project Manager has been a huge shift. I’ve had to unlearn, relearn, and adapt fast. Suddenly, I was managing timelines, deliverables, and people in completely new ways. The learning curve has been steep, and so many days I questioned if I was even doing well.

There were moments where I thought, “Maybe I’m just not good at this.” That self-doubt slowly spilled into my personal life too. I noticed I started preferring quiet nights at home rather than social plans. My home has become my peaceful little space calm, cozy, and full of good energy. It’s where I recharge and feel most like myself again.

When Burnout Hit (Twice)

This year I faced burnout twice. Both times, it came suddenly that heavy, dull feeling where everything feels too much, and even the simplest things take all your energy.

The first time, I tried to push through. The second time, I realized I was hurting more than helping on the project. That was a wake-up call. I started to slow down and focus on what actually helps me heal mindful workouts, rest, and spending time with people who uplift me and make me feel valued.

I also made a conscious effort to spend more time with my family, especially my mom. The older I get, the more I want to do everything I can for her.

Traveling helped too even short trips. And sometimes, I’d go to events alone, just to change my environment and open my mind. I remember something my ex-manager once said:

“You need to create new paths for your brain once in a while that’s how you gain new perspective.”I think that stuck with me.

Finding My Way Back

It’s still a slow process trying to feel like me again. Some days I feel stronger, more balanced, more grounded. Other days, I still question if I’m doing enough. But I’m learning to give myself grace, to focus on progress, not perfection.

I’m trying to rebuild small habits: workouts, meaningful connections, and gentle self-care. It’s not fast, but it’s real.

3 Things I Learned / ing:

1. Growth feels messy. Change doesn’t always feel good, but it’s still growth. The discomfort often means you’re stretching beyond your old limits.

2. Rest is not a reward. You don’t have to earn rest it’s what helps you stay clear and capable. Burnout doesn’t make you weak; ignoring it does.

3. Your energy is your compass.Pay attention to what drains you and what fills you up. The people, places, and projects that make you feel light that’s where you belong.

As I close out this year, I’m hoping to share more about what it’s really like stepping into project management the lessons, the challenges, and how I’m learning to manage not just projects, but also myself along the way.