Burnout Recovery

Today is my 41st birthday. As I think back to one year ago, I am amazed at how much I’ve changed and grown since turning 40. One year...

What happens when the only thing keeping you going is momentum—and you’re terrified to stop? For a long time, I kept moving because slowing down felt dangerous. I was on the hamster wheel, overachieving and overextending, convincing myself I could rest once things got better. But they never did. Deep down, I craved a pause—my body was screaming for it—but I couldn’t imagine how to step off. I didn’t want to let my boss or coworkers down. I was afraid of being judged. And hone

"It's not that bad." "I'll rest when this project is over." "I don't really have a choice." Most of us have said some version of these things to ourselves. Not because they're true. Because the truth feels much harder to face. If I admitted how exhausted I really am, I might have to stop pushing myself beyond my limits. If I admitted this relationship no longer feels good, I might have to have a difficult conversation—or make a difficult decision. If I admitted my job is drai

I didn't think I was burned out. I thought I was stressed. Busy. Going through a rough season. Maybe a little overwhelmed. But burnout doesn't usually show up wearing a name tag that says, "Hello, I'm Burnout." It sneaks in disguised as responsibility, dedication, resilience, and being a team player. Looking back now, the signs were everywhere. I just kept explaining them away. Here are the warning signs I ignored until my body finally forced me to stop. 1. I Kept Thinking Re