by Abi Adeleke
In a world that glorifies resilience without rest, here’s why pausing, speaking out, and seeking help are not signs of weakness—but steps toward wholeness.
Taking a pause wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Through therapy, faith, and utilizing employee resources, I began navigating healing with more intentionality.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a panelist at a women’s wellness event hosted by my workplace. It was more than just a seat at the table—it was a space to speak out, reflect, and share my truth. And what I’ve come to learn is this: wellness begins the moment we stop pretending we’re okay.
Furthermore, I also opened up about a deep personal loss—the passing of my only biological brother. It’s a grief that reshaped my world, and I’m learning daily how to walk through it with grace, vulnerability, and strength.
This conversation reminded me how important it is to speak out, not just for ourselves—but to normalize these discussions in the workplace. Wellness is not a luxury; it’s essential.
To anyone struggling silently: you are not alone.
There is power in the pause, and healing often begins with a single step.
What I Wish I Had Done Sooner
Speaking out earlier could have saved me from carrying so much in silence.
Asking for help shouldn’t have felt like failure—it should have felt like strength.
What I didn’t realize then is that pausing isn’t the same as quitting; it’s where true healing begins.
Wellness isn’t a destination; it’s a decision we make daily, to honor our mind, body, and spirit.
My Journey: From Grief to Grace
When I lost my only biological brother, the world as I knew it shifted. I found myself in a space I never prepared for—deep grief amid professional demands, caregiving responsibilities, and everyday life.
Some days, I still have no words. Other days, I have just enough strength to say, “I’m not okay, but I’m here.”
Grief taught me something burnout never could: you can’t rush healing. You can’t perform wellness. You have to live through it.
Faith, Therapy, and Resources
I leaned into what I knew:
- My faith, which grounded me when nothing else made sense
- Therapy, which helped me name the things I was afraid to say out loud
- Employee resources, like counseling and wellness programs, which offered me space to breathe
These weren’t crutches—they were lifelines.
Why “Speak Out” Matters
I’ve stopped saying “speak up.”
Now, I say “Speak out.”
Because speaking out is an act of courage, not confrontation. It opens doors for others to heal. It shifts workplace culture. It invites empathy, not judgment. It dismantles shame.
Let’s Normalize Wellness in the Workplace
Let’s be the generation that normalizes mental health days, grief support, emotional transparency, and healing spaces—not just hustle culture.
To leaders and team members alike: check in with your people. The strongest among us are often silently struggling.
Wellness isn’t just yoga mats and green smoothies. Sometimes it’s tears in the car, therapy sessions after work, or simply saying “I need help.”
And that’s okay.
There is power in the pause.
There is healing in the asking.
And there is strength in speaking out.
You are not alone.
Scriptures for Reflection
- “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
- “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NKJV)
- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” – Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
You were made to thrive, not just survive.
Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke, #hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify
For our free resources: https://linktr.ee/thrive365consulting
