Because we’re living in a time when it feels easier than ever to retreat into comfort. To pretend. To skip the hard conversations. To scroll instead of reckon. To reach for tradition without interrogating what’s underneath it. And yet — growth never comes from denial. It comes from the courage to sit beside the metaphorical empty chair and say, “I can hold this. I can look at the truth and still choose hope.” That’s leadership.

Yesterday, for the first time in way too long, we had a whole afternoon together — no rushing, no squeezing it between things, no multitasking. Just presence. Conversation. Friendship that breathes instead of gasps for air. It made me realize how starved I’ve been for true, unrushed connection — and how essential it is to put joy on the calendar before life fills every inch of space.

In veterinary leadership—and in parenthood—it’s easy to believe we have to choose: team or family, accountability or empathy, work or rest. But what if balance isn’t about choosing at all? This reflection on mom guilt, career guilt, and one memorable 16th birthday reminds us that great leadership starts when we stop living in the binary.