My daughter said this...
and it taught me a powerful lesson
20 Years Ago, I became a Mother and it’s been one of the greatest leadership training grounds of my life. I didn’t know it then…
But becoming a mom would teach me more about resilience, emotional intelligence, and responsibility than any job or workshop ever could.
There was one moment I’ll never forget. I had a meltdown.
Not the "cute cry" kind.
The ugly cry, snot everywhere, hiding in the laundry closet kind.
I was tired.
Overwhelmed.
Stretched way too thin.
Trying to be everything for everybody… and feeling like I was failing at all of it.
And then it happened—
My children found me.
My son was 7. My daughter was 4.
It was their first time seeing me cry.
They wrapped their little arms around me. Loved on me. Reminded me that I was still everything to them—even in my mess.
And then my daughter looked me dead in the eye and said:
“Mommy, I need you to pull it together. I don’t want to see you do this again.”
Well clutch my invisible pearls…she got me all the way together.
That moment taught me a hard truth: Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about modeling how to fall apart—then rise again with grace and grit.
Now, 20 years later…
I realize: Raising children raised me too. They’ve helped shaped the leader I am today.
To every mom, caregiver, and nurturer out there—
You’re leading even when you’re wiping tears, folding laundry, or starting over. Give yourself grace. And keep going.
Every leader can model how to fall apart without falling off and here’s how:
✅Acknowledge the Struggle Gracefully
You don’t have to pretend to be okay. Simply saying, “This is a hard moment, and I’m working through it,” shows strength and humanity.
✅Name Your Needs
Instead of pretending everything’s fine, say what you need: “I need a moment,” “I’m taking a break,” or “Can you help me with this?”
✅Show the Bounce Back
Let people see the recovery process—not just the meltdown. Share what helped you reset, what you’re learning, and how you’re moving forward.
Hope Yall are having a flippin’ phenomenal day ☺️
Javonne
www.noexcusetoday.com