Leading with Heart: Listening When Your Body Speaks

Walter McKenzie
4 days ago
3 min read

Balancing the role of principal while taking care of yourself is a real struggle. It is one I have written about before, and it is one I am still working through. There is no quick fix. There is no perfect routine that suddenly makes it all easier. Even with the best intentions, things do not always pan out the way we plan.

After the first full week back at work and settling into the routine again, my body made itself very clear. By Friday, I felt completely run down. During the day, it felt like a truck had run over me, yet I pushed through until three o’clock. I made a conscious decision not to write my weekly newsletter to staff that afternoon and instead came home to rest because I was beyond exhausted. I fell asleep at six thirty that evening and did not wake up until Saturday morning. That alone was a sign I could not ignore.

Saturday was no better. I slept most of the day and still felt achy and drained. Sunday morning, I woke up early feeling slightly better, yet still unsure if my body had been fighting something or if it was simply exhaustion catching up to me. Leadership often trains us to push through discomfort. This weekend reminded me that pushing through has its limits.

Another layer of this reflection is health. Many of us carry chronic conditions that are invisible to others. For me, that includes living with gastroparesis, something I have shared openly before. I manage it, I stay mindful, and I try to take care of myself. This week felt like a reminder that my body still needs attention and rest, even when everything else feels urgent. Sometimes rest is not optional. Sometimes it is necessary.

It was not easy to slow down. I wanted to be productive. I wanted to take care of things around my home. I even missed my family’s annual Three Kings celebration because I did not feel well enough to attend. That was hard. I am usually there every year, cooking arroz con gandules and spending the day with everyone. This time, I joined by video, watched the gifts being opened, and felt grateful to still be included, even from a distance. My body needed rest, and I had to honor that.

I tell my students every day to make good choices. This week reminded me that I need to hold myself to that same standard. Making good choices for my health, my body, and my well-being is not selfish. It is necessary. School administrators often neglect themselves because the job feels too important to pause. The truth is, we cannot take care of others if we are not taking care of ourselves.

This reflection is not about guilt. It is about awareness. It is about listening when your body speaks and responding with care instead of resistance. Leadership requires strength, but it also requires humility and self-compassion. This week reminded me that rest is part of the work. Taking care of yourself is part of leading with heart.

Desiree LaFontaine is an Elementary Principal with the New York City Department of Education, and her philosophy is to "Lead with love," focusing on care, trust, and high expectations for students and staff. She is committed to helping create inclusive learning spaces where everyone can thrive. This piece was originally published January 15, 2026 in her Leading with Heart journal and is cross-posted on the WEBlog with her permission. Learn more about Desiree here.