Navigating Stormy Seas: From a Job of Saving Others to Finally Saving Myself
Let me take you back to a time when my life was a whirlwind of responsibilities and ambitions. My husband and I were both active duty military, working opposite schedules like ships passing in the night. Our two-parent household operated like a single-parent one, and our three beautiful sons needed all the love and attention we could muster.
1. Working Night Shifts
Imagine crawling through the door at 6 am, grabbing a cat nap, only to be woken by three lively boys, each demanding breakfast and hugs. Working night shifts meant a constant battle with fatigue. It felt like I never slept, just closed my eyes for a brief moment.
2. The Mommy Hat Never Came Off
I'd switch from my uniform to my mommy hat in the blink of an eye. Breakfast, school runs, laundry, and everything else that keeps a household running was on my plate. All on little to no sleep.
3. The Side Hustle Grind
As if being a full-time military chief and mom weren't enough, I also juggled a side hustle. It was more than a job; it was a dream I was passionate about. But it added to the feeling of being stretched thin.
4. Friendships, Family, and the Illusion of Success
I believed that this was what success looked like. I thought I had to do it all, be it all, and excel in every area. Keeping friendships alive and nurturing my relationship with my husband became yet another task on my never-ending list.
5. The Breaking Point: Burnout and Hospitalization
Then, the unthinkable happened. My body gave out. I found myself in the hospital, a stark and frightening wake-up call. It was a clear sign that something had to change.
That hospital bed became my pivot point. I realized that success doesn't have to mean burnout. It doesn't have to mean sacrificing health, happiness, and family.
With support, determination, and a willingness to shift my perspective, I navigated my way back to a life that embraced balance, joy, and true fulfillment.
You see, dear reader, my story is not just a cautionary tale; it's an invitation. An invitation to recognize the signs of burnout in your own life and to know that there's a path to freedom.
If you find yourself in a similar whirlwind, know that you are not alone. I've created a special tool, the "How to Become a F.R.E.E. Woman Starter Kit," designed to help you reclaim your life.
Life doesn't have to be a battle. It can be a joyous dance filled with love, success, and well-deserved rest.
Here's to your freedom and joy,
