This week was tough. I was part of a four-day workshop at the office, which meant a total of 12–15 hours of driving. We also had new colleagues in town to help us learn a new product. During all of this, I found myself challenged by a colleague’s approach. It was especially disappointing since he’s someone I’ve trusted and worked well with in the past.
The situation reminded me of Tuckman’s stages of team development, and I kept telling myself it’s normal—we’re likely in the “storming” phase. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment. At 41, with over 20 years of experience, I was surprised and frustrated by how overwhelmed I felt. Part of me was disappointed in myself, wondering why this was affecting me so deeply.
I talked to my husband about it, and he listened patiently. But by Saturday, I was still holding onto those feelings. One of my new colleagues even texted, saying, “It was nice to meet you in person! Remember to stay relaxed, even when some people in the office challenge you too much.” I appreciated his words, but it made me feel even more disheartened.
I felt on the verge of tears and decided to go to the gym, dropping the kids at the gym daycare so I could have some “me time.” I joined a HIIT class and was about to take a shower when I spotted my yoga teacher. A wave of relief washed over me. I told her I was done for the day but needed her motivation and positive energy, so I joined her Surrender Yin Yoga class.
That one hour felt like a gift. It gave me time to reflect on my thoughts, disappointments, and gratitude for taking a moment to exercise, meditate, and reconnect with myself. She reminded us that every moment is part of the healing process and encouraged us to have a beginner’s mind.
Afterward, I felt renewed, and a few realizations came to me:
• I’ll check in with a trusted colleague for his perspective on Monday.
• Next time I feel challenged, I’ll remember to pause, breathe, and even excuse myself to take a five-minute break.
• I won’t let anyone occupy space in my mind, especially if they’re being rude. Instead, I’ll brush it off and focus on the bigger picture.
Finally, I reminded myself to ask, “Will this matter one year from now?”
I booked next week’s yoga session because I need yoga as much as I need my coffee—and I don’t need unpleasant situations to force me into self-care. This experience helped me refocus on my goals and remember that even experienced professionals sometimes feel overwhelmed. I’ve also started Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty & Stress by Yale, to better manage my feelings in these situations because, ultimately, I know I can’t change or control others.
If you have tips for navigating similar situations, please share. I know this won’t be the last challenge, and I’m open to building more coping mechanisms. ☺️
I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!