Lake Tahoe Lessons: The Power of Stillness in Leadership and Wellness

Recently, I cruised the water of Lake Tahoe, watching the water mirror the strength of the mountains around it. The calm was striking—not empty, but full of presence. It reminded me of something we often forget: stillness is not weakness, and self-care is not indulgence. Both are strategies for resilience.

As women, and especially in midlife, we are often taught to “push through,” to meet every demand, and to prove our worth by output. But what happens when the reflection in our own lives grows cloudy? When exhaustion, stress, or hormone shifts disrupt our energy, focus, or even our sense of self?

Here’s what I know, both as a clinician and as a woman walking this journey: when we make space for stillness, we make room for clarity. And clarity gives us the power to lead, to love, and to live with intention.

Practical Applications of Stillness

Reflecting on Lake Tahoe, I see three takeaways that are just as relevant in the clinic or boardroom as they are in our personal lives:

1. Pause as a Professional Strategy: Research shows that mindful pauses reduce cortisol, improve decision-making, and increase emotional intelligence. In leadership, a brief pause before responding can shift a reaction into a thoughtful, grounded choice.

2. Micro-Moments Matter: Self-care isn’t always spa days or vacations—it’s often the five minutes you protect for yourself between meetings, or the deep breaths you take before stepping into a difficult conversation. These small moments compound into resilience.

3. Honor the Season You’re In: For women in perimenopause and midlife, the body sends signals we can’t ignore. Sleep, mood, energy, and focus are not just “personal issues”—they impact how we show up professionally. By listening, adjusting, and advocating for our needs, we set a model of sustainable success for others.

Why This Matters Beyond Self-Care

Stillness isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about functioning better.

• For leaders, it fosters presence and clarity.

• For professionals, it prevents burnout and fuels productivity.

• For women in transition, it creates space to hear what the body and mind truly need.

When we embody stillness, we reflect strength—just like the lake reflecting the mountains.

A Gentle Challenge

This week, I invite you to find your own “Lake Tahoe moment.” Ten minutes of silence. No phone. No distractions. Just you, your breath, and the quiet. Notice how your energy shifts afterward.

Because self-care is not something you fit in after the “real work” is done. It is the work that allows everything else to thrive.

👉 I’d love to hear from you: How do you create space for stillness in your personal or professional life, and how has it shaped the way you show up for others?

#Perimenopause #Wellness #SelfCareStrategy #PerimenopauseSupport