01/13/2026
We’re all living in a time of uncertainty and anxiety. We’re polarized, sensitive, and our nervous systems are exhausted. The struggle is real between staying informed and tuning out all the drama. Our experiences and beliefs influence our understanding, processing, and who we are at our cores. Research shows adults will spend 30% – almost a third – of our lives at work or doing work-related tasks. That’s about as much as we wish we spent sleeping each day. Work is important, much as our families, friendships, hobbies, goals, health, wealth, and independence are as well.
There was a season of my life where I questioned everything about myself—not because I lacked ability, passion, or work ethic, but because I was navigating dark, toxic leadership that slowly made me forget who I was. And the truth is, this isn’t rare. So many Americans are quietly dealing with toxic bosses—showing up every day, doing their best, while carrying stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion that never should have been theirs to carry. Toxic leadership has a way of dimming light. It makes capable people second-guess their instincts, shrink their voices, and confuse survival with success. They are not the same. It’s tragic, really, that horrible bosses aren’t just at work – they’re at all levels of government, filling leadership positions in public and private companies, our military, in churches, schools, and potentially in any hierarchy anywhere.
What I’ve learned is this:
Your worth is not defined by someone else’s inability to lead.
It’s okay to respectfully disagree, especially when it affects your peace or health.
Not everything is personal.
You cannot control anyone’s opinion, emotions, or actions – except your own.
A strong moral compass will not lead you astray.
And choosing yourself is not failure—it’s courage.
If you’re in this space right now, or still healing from it, please hear this: you are not weak, broken, or “not enough.” You were or still may simply be in an environment that cannot or will not support your growth.
Trust yourself again. Listen to that quiet voice reminding you who you are. Healthier leadership exists. Better days exist. And you are worthy of both.
