Let’s be honest, life these days can feel like a constant race. We’re surrounded by expectations to succeed, grow, and somehow “do it all,” while quietly comparing ourselves to others who seem to have it figured out, be it colleagues or acquaintances or someone you went to university with years ago. Scrolling through social media, being in awe of their achievements while quietly wondering where we’re falling short. It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or like we’re falling behind in a race where we cannot even see the finish line.
Here’s the truth: you’re not alone in feeling this way. Most people do, even the ones who look perfectly put together on the outside. The pressure to perform, to keep up, and to always be “on” is real. That’s exactly why it’s so important to check in with yourself and make your mental health a priority.
Mental health struggles don’t always show up dramatically. Sometimes they sneak in quietly as tiredness that won’t go away, irritability, or a feeling of just not being yourself or enough. What might feel like “just burnout” could actually be something deeper. Talking about it with friends, family, or even a professional can make a huge difference.
Life won’t slow down for us even though we wish it did, even if we wish for just a small break to gather ourselves. Work, responsibilities, and commitments will always be there. But if we don’t pause to take care of what’s going on inside, it can all build up until we hit a wall. Building small, healthy habits and giving yourself permission to rest and reflect isn’t a luxury (even though it might seem like one these days), it’s how we keep going in the long run. Even elite athletes know that recovery fuels performance; without rest, there’s no resilience, no strength, no winning streak. The same goes for all of us. Slowing down is how we sustain the long game.
Even though the world is starting to talk more openly about mental health, there’s still stigma attached to it. But every time one of us chooses to speak honestly about it, we make it a little easier for someone else to do the same. We’re all human: complex, emotional, and beautifully imperfect. And that’s something to be proud of.
A Quick Mental Health Check-In
Here are a few gentle questions to help you check in with yourself. If something feels off, that’s okay, it might just be time to reach out for a little extra support.
- Concentration: Are you able to focus and finish things, or do tasks keep slipping through the cracks? Trouble concentrating can sometimes point to anxiety, depression, or even ADHD.
- Tuning In: Do you feel in touch with your emotions, or are you just pushing through? Taking a few minutes to journal or talk to someone can help you reconnect with what’s really going on inside.
- Avoidance: Do you avoid being alone or always keep yourself busy? That can be a sign you’re trying to escape feelings that need attention.
- Mood: Have you been feeling unusually low or irritable lately? If sadness or emptiness lasts for a couple of weeks, it may be time to check in with a professional.
- Energy: Are you feeling energized or constantly tired no matter how much you rest? Persistent fatigue can be linked to both mental and physical health.
- Sleep: Are you getting quality sleep? Waking up tired or tossing and turning might mean stress or emotional strain is showing up in your body.
- Tension and Anxiety: Do you feel constantly tense or on edge? If relaxation feels impossible, it’s worth exploring stress-reducing practices like deep breathing, meditation, or even a quiet walk.
- Balance: Are you making space for yourself, your rest, movement, and joy? There’s no perfect balance, but even small acts of self-care make a difference.
Checking in with yourself like this doesn’t make you weak. It means you care enough to grow.
The ChangeMakers Retreat: Reset, Reconnect, Realign
At ChangeMakerco.org, we see how hard leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators push themselves every day. That’s why we’ve designed something special: a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters.
We’re thrilled to invite you to our second ChangeMakers Retreat, a day in nature built to help changemakers like you recharge, connect, and gain clarity.
This isn’t another corporate event or typical networking session. It’s a space for real connection, creative reflection, and genuine reset, surrounded by people who get it.
You might not even realize it yet, but what you truly need is time. Time to connect, to reflect, and to step away from the noise so you can remember why you started in the first place.
This day is for you, the leader, the dreamer, the doer, to step back, realign with purpose, and leave feeling lighter and more focused.
Retreat Details
Date and Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: James Gardens, Toronto (99 Edenbridge Drive, Etobicoke, ON)
What to Expect:
- Guided nature-based sessions to refresh your creativity
- Forest therapy and mindfulness exercises
- Insightful discussions and peer coaching circles
- Leadership visioning activities to clarify your next steps
- Tools you can apply right away to your personal and professional life
You’ll leave with a Leadership Action Plan, renewed energy, and a clearer sense of direction, along with a few meaningful connections.
Who It’s For
- Entrepreneurs and leaders ready to realign
- Founders and ChangeMakers craving clarity
- Professionals navigating transition or burnout
- Anyone looking to lead with courage, purpose, and heart
Speakers & Facilitators
We bring together voices who lead at the intersection of innovation, equity, mental health, and resilience. You’ll hear from:
- Leigh Mitchell, ChangeMakerCoOrg : your host sharing insights on how to successfully manage change and mental health while building your brand
- Nadia Frost : psychotherapist & forest therapy guide, guiding leaders toward restoration while we play in the woods mindfully
- Rignam Wangkhang : AI strategist & media innovator at CBC on his journey and the future of AI in the journalism & broadcast industry
- Amanda Wang : data & policy anchoring technical insight, who will talk about how to get the most out of an internship relationship
- Tobin Smith & Sarah Smith : designers of human connection & aligned tech at The Happiness Department bring you their collective wisdom on inner happiness and productivity
- Chantal Carter : transformation guide rooted in embodiment and equity, sharing her story and lessons on setbacks, resilience and strength
- Karoline Bourdeau : advocate, facilitator, accessibility & communication expert talking about the power of saying no (yes you heard that right)
- Joshua Bharath – Founder of The RIFT INITIATIVE : bridging resilience, self-discovery, and systems change
- Tash Muraldo : AI-Powered GTM (Go to Market) Strategist & Mental Health Advocate sharing his stories and tips for selling
- Linda Cajuste & Kimberley Chan :My Creative Break founders who will lead us through creative exercises meant for us to get to know each other and ourselves
- Ross Cadastre : Founder at BIPOC Jobs | VP, Client Engagement at MIR Digital, talking about his leadership & business coaching journey
- Alex Barnes : Head of Global Expansion – The AI Collective on the power of collective community
Blue Sky Vision: What This Could Lead To
Imagine a world where:
- Leaders don’t burn out—they lead sustainably
- Shared systems enable collaboration, not siloed struggle
- Change becomes co-created – a collective of ideas and support
Registration
Limited spaces to ensure a deep connection and a high-quality experience
Use Code CHANGEMAKER with a $14 off coupon
You’ll Walk Away With
- A leadership plan rooted in your values
- Clarity on your next big move
- A sense of calm, connection, and direction
- Real relationships with people who inspire you
That’s what this retreat is about: planting the seed for sustainable leadership and meaningful change.
Join Us
We’re keeping this experience intimate, so spots are limited.
Join the Retreat to reconnect with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Become a ChangeMakers Member to access exclusive events, a supportive community, and future retreats. (Members attend free.)
Reserve your spot now and give yourself the reset you deserve.
James Gardens, Toronto
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
