What a Two-Week Break Taught Me About Nonprofit Work
For the first time in over a year, I took a real break. Not a long weekend. Not a half-day with emails still trickling in. A real, intentional pause — two full weeks away from meetings, strategy sessions, inboxes, and social media notifications.
I didn't realize how deeply I needed it until I gave myself permission to step back. I slept in (kind of — my monkey mind had other plans), took long walks, picked up my camera just for the joy of it, tried some new art, and reconnected with a few donors who've become like family over the years. There were a few meetings sprinkled in , because nonprofit life never fully stops, but for the most part, I was offline, unplugged, and slowly coming back to myself.
Amina and some of the students during the Uganda workshops, 2025
The Importance of a Strong Foundation
In construction, the foundation is where everything begins. It supports the entire structure. You don't rush it. You let it set. You make sure it's solid because if it cracks, the rest of the house suffers.
Why would we think we're any different?
In the nonprofit sector, we invest so much in others, in the causes we care about, the daily crises, the communities we partner with, and so much more. And that's beautiful; it's why most of us are here. But if we don't pour into ourselves with the same care and intention, we risk burnout. We risk building something unstable. Something that might look okay from the outside but can't weather the pressure.
There has been a great deal of discussion about burnout, but no clear, intentional way to overcome it until it's too late. We need to discuss this without shame, establish clear boundaries on the amount of time we invest daily, and implement actionable strategies to prioritize mental health with the same care we devote to our work and our missions.
Burnout is a pressing issue in the nonprofit environment. Fast-paced work environments and demanding roles can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Preventing burnout and prioritizing employee well-being are crucial strategies for promoting staff retention and fostering a positive, balanced work environment. One effective way to do this is through a comprehensive self-care plan that helps employees manage stress and stay motivated.
Reframing Self-Care
Self-care is always something you should prioritize to maintain stability and a positive mindset. It should be fun and allow you to relax.
Susan David, a psychologist and author, emphasizes the importance of emotional agility as the ability to navigate life's twists and turns with self-acceptance, clear-sightedness, and an open mind. In her TED Talk, she discusses how embracing our emotions and vulnerabilities can lead to greater resilience and success.
"Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life."
As Susan David puts it, “Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” That hit me. Because this work, in the nonprofit space, is people's work, and it is deeply meaningful. But it’s also deeply human. And honouring that discomfort, instead of pushing past it, is part of building something strong and lasting.
Returning with Renewed Purpose
Now, as I return, I feel more rooted. More steady. I am more ready to hold the weight again because I took time to reset my own foundation. Here's my reminder to you, especially if you're in the nonprofit world: don't just build. Pause and pour. Make sure what you're standing on is strong enough to carry you.
You matter as much as the mission. Maybe even more.
Further Resources:
Guy Winch: Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid
Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Susan David: The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let's continue to support each other in building strong, resilient foundations, both personally and professionally.