I went to a networking event last week, had a blast, met some amazing people, and felt like I was on fire… Then I got home and collapsed.

At first, I thought, “Wow, I must have really worked the room!” But no. It wasn’t the good kind of fire, it was the high fever, body-aching, flu-knocking-me-out kind.

Cue the dramatic music: Am I dying Spoiler: I wasn’t. But it sure felt like it.

I lay in bed, weak, unable to eat, spiraling into an existential crisis. What is my purpose? What gifts do I have to guide my son? My clients? Have I done enough? Should I have eaten more vegetables?

Meanwhile, my son was also spiraling. Every time I coughed, he panicked, thinking, What if she dies?! (Ah, the drama. But he is French, so he comes by it honestly.) We are both dramatic!

Then reality hit: “Okay, you’re not dying. You just need to gargle TCP, drink all the fluids, and drown yourself in chicken soup.”

And you know what? The real wake-up call wasn’t the fever. It was realizing how easy it is to get so busy running our businesses, showing up for clients, and pushing forward that we don’t stop to check in with ourselves.

Here’s the real question: Are you running your business in a way that still allows you to take care of yourself?

Because if you’re building something that collapses the moment you do, we need to talk.

Your business should support you, not the other way around. And if that feels off, maybe it’s time for a strategy that doesn’t leave you in a flu-induced existential meltdown.

So tell me, what’s your “networking aftermath” moment? When was the last time yourealized something had to change?

Let’s figure it out together. (Preferably over soup.)