Running a business is challenging, but when coupled with the weight of profound grief, it can feel nearly impossible. As I reflect on my journey through the darkest days of my life, I want to share my story of losing both my parents within three days of each other and the struggle to balance grief with the responsibilities of being a business owner. My experience is one of heartbreak, withdrawal, and ultimately, renewal, and I hope my story offers support to others walking a similar path.

A Holiday Turned Tragic

December 2022 was supposed to be a festive season, but a call just before Christmas shattered my world: my mom had been hospitalized with pneumonia. While grappling with this, my brother and I discovered that our dad was also missing. A police wellness check revealed he too was in the ICU with pneumonia. On Christmas Day, I rushed from Texas to Puerto Rico with my kids, bracing myself for a grueling ordeal.

The final days of 2022 were a blur of hospital visits clinging to the hope of my parents’ recovery. On December 28th, a hopeful conversation with my mom suggested she might be discharged soon. Tragically, the following day she worsened, and she was transferred to the ICU, joining my dad.

I returned to Texas for my kids’ school, only to be summoned back to Puerto Rico on January 8th with devastating news...my mom had passed away. In a cruel twist, three days later, my dad also passed. Facing the unimaginable task of arranging a double funeral, I felt paralyzed by grief and utterly overwhelmed.

Steps to Balance Grief and Running a Business

Returning to business after such a profound loss wasn’t easy. The journey required patience, self-compassion, and practical steps to regain balance. Here’s what I found helpful:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Step Back: Initially, I needed to withdraw completely from my businesses to focus on my grief and my family. It's crucial to give yourself the grace to step back if needed. Your well-being must come first. Keep in mind that we are all different and so is our grief, which means that there is not specific amount of time to step back and make your comeback. For me...I stepped back from businesses for an entire year before I felt well enough to be able to get back to business.

2. Seek Professional Help: Grief counseling was invaluable. Speaking with a therapist helped me process my emotions and provided strategies to cope. Professional guidance can offer support in both personal and professional realms.

3. Set Realistic Expectations: Upon returning to work, I set small, achievable goals. This prevented overwhelm and allowed me to slowly rebuild my capacity without pressure.

4. Lean on Your Support Network and Communicate Openly: Leaning on my support network and maintaining open communication have been essential. I relied heavily on others around me, not just for managing the day-to-day, but also for emotional support. By accepting help and openly sharing how I'm feeling, I have been able to delegate tasks more effectively, which has allowed me to focus on my healing while ensuring that the businesses continue to function. This openness has fostered a supportive environment that has been crucial for my recovery and the business’ stability.

5. Create a Flexible Schedule: I structured my workday around my energy levels, allowing for breaks when needed. Flexibility has helped me accommodate my fluctuating emotional state.

6. Reconnect with Your “Why”: Reflecting on why I started my businesses, why I joined forces with my business partner to "change the business world for female entrepreneurs" and what I love about it reignited my passion. Aligning my work with my values helped me find purpose again.

7. Incorporate Self-Care Practices: Regular self-care routines, like exercise, meditation, and time with loved ones, became essential. They provided a foundation for emotional stability and resilience.

8. Honor Your Loved Ones: Finding ways to honor my parents in my work gave me a sense of connection and motivation. It could be through dedicated projects or charitable contributions in their name.

9. Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses provided comfort and understanding. Support groups can offer a sense of community and shared experience.

10. Practice Patience and Self-Compassion: Healing is not linear. I learned to be patient with myself, accepting that bad days are part of the process. Self-compassion helped me navigate setbacks without self-criticism.

The Importance of National Grief Awareness Day

National Grief Awareness Day, observed annually on August 30th, emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting those grieving. It’s a day to acknowledge the impact of loss and to advocate for greater compassion in society. For me, it’s a reminder that grief is an ongoing journey. Observing this day has reinforced the importance of integrating empathy into my business practices and creating a supportive environment for myself and our team.

Moving Forward with Purpose

As I continue my journey, grief remains a part of my life. Counseling continues to be a crucial component of my healing process. My businesses, while still recovering, are now a testament to my resilience and a tribute to the lessons I learned through loss. I approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that while the scars of grief may never fully fade, they have shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate leader.

Running a business while grieving is an immense challenge, but it also offers an opportunity to rebuild with a deeper understanding of life’s fragility and an appreciation for the strength that comes from enduring the unthinkable. My story is one of heartbreak, but also of hope—a reminder that even in the darkest times, we have the capacity to rise again.