Tragedy or comedy?

First the tragedy. Here comes a sad story...

At the time of writing this newsletter, both my parents have just passed away. First my mother five weeks ago, and then, just this week, my father also left his body. My parents had been divorced for 45 years, so their passing was somewhat of a tragic coincidence.

As you can imagine, it's an overwhelming experience. Two funerals to attend and all that comes with them. I've been deep in reflection. Part of that reflection is about my relationship with self-care.

How do I look after myself in such a time?

I relate so much to what Melis shared last week about finding it hard to rest, to stop, to be anything but productive. I'm a busy person and I take my contribution to the world seriously.

Now for the comedy(ish) part.

I don't take myself too seriously. I am good at having perspective and seeing the lighter side of life. And what is clear to me at this time is that I've been roaming around the earth wanting to be a superhero, but I'm really just a human who is doing the best he can.

In the case of my current situation, which is so unfathomable that it's (almost) comical, this notion of just being a human is very present for me.

All I can do is surrender into each moment and listen to my body and my heart, because it won't be my head and thinking brain that will get me through this time. There is no logic to explain these circumstances. We're way past that.

So, I'm listening to my need for rest, to do less, to stop pushing.

It's a relief. I'm finding it easier to say no to things, to respect my own limits, to set and maintain boundaries.

I'm also seeing the lighter side of it all. I come from a family with lots of funny people in it. We've done a lot of laughing over the past 5 weeks. It really is the best medicine.

If you can take anything away from this post, please make time to rest, to pause and to laugh. It opens your heart and reminds you it's all going to be OK.

You've got this.

Love,

PS. Next week we'll take a spin of the wellness wheel. ☸️

If you like this, please share it.

If you believe in our work and think we can support people in your network, please forward this newsletter on.

PO Box 455
Ashburton, 3147
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Read more from This Human by Melis Senova

🗣️ Who do leaders talk to when things get hard?

"Leadership isn’t just about being out in front. Sometimes it’s about knowing when to sit beside someone who’s walked before you." Therapists have supervision. Athletes have coaches. Artists have mentors. So why do so many leaders try to go it alone? This week’s article explores what happens when leaders have a trusted space to reflect, not to perform or impress, but to unpack what’s real. Drawing from my own experience in therapeutic supervision, I share why this kind of relationship is so...

about 1 month ago • 2 min read

❄︎ It’s time for a different kind of leader

"Leadership is still a deeply personal act. And it’s one we can choose to reimagine, together." Leadership isn’t just evolving, it’s leaping. In this week's article, Melis shares a growing unease: we’re using old models to respond to new realities: polarisation, AI disruptions, climate urgency, collapsing trust in institutions. And these models are manifestly falling short. We still valorise charisma, confidence, control, and performance even when they cost relational maturity, truth, and...

about 2 months ago • 2 min read

🤜⚡️🤛 This is what good teams feel like

"Emotional intelligence doesn’t just live in individuals. It lives in the space between us." After years of working with groups, I’ve come to see emotional intelligence as a kind of quiet force. When it’s present, things open. Trust builds. People give more of themselves and the work deepens. This week’s article explores what happens when a team brings that kind of emotional awareness into the room. How it creates the conditions for collaboration, clarity, and creativity. And how, when it’s...

2 months ago • 1 min read