The President's Message 10/20/25
Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones you fight with yourself. Yet every breath, every step forward, is proof you’re still winning. Resilience isn’t loud — it’s the quiet strength of not giving up. What if the fight you’re having with yourself isn’t a sign of failure, but proof that you still believe there’s something worth saving?
Ms. Quadai Palmer
10/20/20252 min read
“You say you’re ‘depressed’ — all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective — it just means you’re human.” — David Mitchell
Depression is often misunderstood. It’s not simply sadness or weakness — it’s a silent battle that many fight daily while appearing composed on the outside. David Mitchell’s words remind us to look beyond the surface. Resilience doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it’s whisper-quiet — waking up despite feeling heavy, going to work despite the fatigue, or smiling for others when you’d rather hide. These small acts of perseverance are heroic, though we rarely see them that way.
The truth is, living with depression is an act of courage. It requires showing up to a world that often doesn’t understand what you’re carrying. We live in a culture that glorifies constant productivity and perfection, but healing asks something different: gentleness.
Depression invites us to slow down, to listen, to accept that we are doing our best — and that our best looks different every day. Progress isn’t always visible, but it’s happening in the smallest of ways.
For those walking beside someone with depression, remember: your presence matters more than your words. You don’t have to fix the pain. You only have to show that you care — through consistency, patience, and genuine listening. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is remind someone that their story isn’t over yet.
If you are struggling yourself, know that your worth is not measured by your energy level, productivity, or outward smile. You are worthy simply because you exist. Every breath you take, every moment you choose to stay, is an act of resilience. Healing is not linear — some days will hurt, others will hum with quiet hope — but each one is a step forward.
Depression teaches us that even when we cannot see the light, we can still move toward it. And when that light begins to return, it doesn’t just illuminate the path ahead — it reveals how strong we’ve been all along.
At Leading in Love, we honor resilience as the heart of leadership. True strength isn’t in how much you can do, but in your ability to keep showing up — for yourself, for others, and for the world. In moments of struggle, remember: your story is still unfolding, and your resilience is proof that hope is alive within you.