Sometimes a pause in work is needed to regain or rebuild strength and agility physically and mentally. Burn out is real, not only with women but men also. Regaining control of a family/work balance is needed and sometimes require a break, or a pause in the day-today to restructure and get the confidence of knowing how to move forward.is required.

I stayed calm, and trusted that all the work I had already put in would pay off.

Allow yourself some grace to ease back in! Remember to lean on your support network for encouragement and feedback and always keep in mind your strengths and accomplishments. Be willing to accept help when it is offered and remain calm, determined and focused and don't forget to smile!

I returned to work on two occasions, five years apart, for maternity leaves. I kept up contacts with the agency leaders while honoring my opportunity to pull away to focus on our family. I made good on my intention to return to my management role by keeping up to date with the business and making sure my re-entry was planned in advance, so I didn't just re-appear; rather, my role was affirmed, my goals established, and the resources available. No surprises. After a six-month sabbatical from my consulting practice to complete my doctoral dissertation and defense, I worked the plan I put in place when arranging the time away. Writing time was balanced with time to discern what I wanted to change in my practice and myself, to reach for a higher level of contribution to my clients successes. I was able to re-enter full time consulting with newfound purpose and energy, staying relevant and able to sustain my practice with relevant and sustainable engagements.

I rebuilt confidence by asking myself if I had really accomplished everything that I knew I was capable of accomplishing, and would I be happy if I didn't pursue my goals? The only choice was to pursue my goals.

Pregnancy complications led to bed rest and imposed limitations that turned childbirth into a near death-experience then a re-birth began...

I stand not only for myself, but for every woman who's been underestimated, overlooked, or silenced. We rise, we lead, we make our mark, and nothing can stop us.

I didn't lose confidence during my pause. I just wasn't in rooms that demanded it. The moment I went back to work and started making decisions again, confidence followed… like it remembered who it was dealing with. Similar to riding a bike, once in motion it just followed.

I lost my youngest daughter and wasn't for sure I could ever heal enough to return or rebuilt whom I was prior. It took almost 3-4 years, I made a choice for my daughter, I'm going to rebuild myself for her and myself and be a voice to help others. By helping others you heal yourself.

I was blessed to have maintained my professional network before and during my break from my job. It was these relationships that ultimately helped me to get back into the daily grind. Having a strong network and maintaining that network is the key to success throughout your career.