Stop Pretending You're Fine (Your Mental Health Intervention)

With so much uncertainty I wanted to find a way to add value to you non-profit leaders, with no intent to sell you anything here. I figured I'd create these Weekly Emails I call Monday Motivational Minute because Mondays are historically the roughest days, and a minute . . . well because you're very busy people. In these, I'll add creative, quick, actionable takeaways for you to try (All in a minute read). No pressure, no need to respond, read at your leisure or unsubscribe if it doesn't add value.

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Happy Monday!

Excited about another fundraising tip? Not today. We're addressing something bigger and more important than even the mission. . . YOU!

You're probably rolling your eyes thinking "not another self-care lecture," but here's the brutal truth: you know you're not putting yourself first and it's destroying everything you've built. Meanwhile, that pressure cooker inside your chest keeps building until it explodes in tears, frustration, or arguments at home. 

I get it. You're fighting for causes bigger than yourself, carrying impossible loads while everyone expects miracles. Trust me, running an innovative interpreting company like CoVoice, trying to “change the world” and eliminate language barriers, I'm talking to myself here too.

The hidden danger: bottling everything inside until emotional eruptions damage the relationships that sustain you. Your mission needs you mentally healthy, not a martyr. 

What happens when you finally crack isn't pretty and your team, family, or clients all suffer the fallout. Trust me, they won't tell you, so you HAVE to be preventative.

Actionable Task: 

Create your "Mental Health Release Valve" this week:

1. 1. Open a new Google Doc and password-protect it

2. 2. Use voice-to-text feature for 10-15 minutes weekly

3. 3. Say EVERYTHING; curse about your board, vent about staff, express fears, frustrations, dreams

4. 4. Let it all pour out without editing or judgment

AI Bonus tip: After a week, copy your "word vomit" into AI and ask it to: "Analyze the following and tell me what you notice that I might not see in myself."

Remember: Calling self-care selfish is the lie that keeps helpers helpless. An empty cup serves no one. Your mental wellness isn't taking from others, it's ensuring you have something valuable to give. Fill yourself first.

Regis Arzu  (he/him/his)
[email protected]
CoVoice | CEO
720.460.1813
covoice.io

P.S. Know another ED holding it all together with grit and grace? Forward this their way. We’re not meant to lead alone, and together, we go farther.

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