It’s the guilt that stops me. Slows me in my tracks.
I know how much I have to get done. My 10-hour day barely scratches the surface of everything waiting for me before I can even think about checking out for the holidays. The guilt is born from this relentless pressure to give everything my full attention.
The office demands are endless: polishing our annual budget, closing out the busiest quarter of the year, ensuring everyone’s health insurance is handled, resetting KPIs, and fine-tuning annual models. My family is less demanding, more forgiving—but at what cost?
Even when I’m physically present, I’m not really there. My mind stays plugged into the office chaos, endlessly solving problems that aren’t mine to carry. The culture at work becomes especially tense during the holidays. There’s constant pressure to be “on,” and any attempt to step back feels like a risk—personally or professionally. It’s a dynamic where taking time for family is quietly discouraged, while others freely prioritize their own.
And so, the guilt festers.
I’m not enough anywhere. I grind and grind, trying to get everything done perfectly, but I still fail. I’m not fully present at home, and I’m not fully present at work because my heart is pulled toward my family. It’s a vicious cycle of guilt, shame, and regret, leaving me with inflammation, sleepless nights, and complete discouragement.
What’s the outcome?
I’m irritable, frustrated, and almost relieved when the holidays are over—because at least then, I can retreat to my comfort zone: the rat race. Back to stress. Back to what I know.
The nights tell the story of my days. Restless. Popping handfuls of pills to convince my body to sleep, but my mind knows better. Sleep? There’s no time for that. The nights are fragmented—fitful sleep, constant wake-ups, and mornings that feel heavier than the nights. I wake up more exhausted than when I went to bed, frustrated, rushing, and thinking: This isn’t the life I wanted. This isn’t the dream I worked so hard for.
I should be thrilled. I’m living the career I dreamed about. I’m successful, respected, admired. But it’s nothing like I thought it would be. Instead of joy, it’s filled with regret, pain, anxiety, sleepless nights, and the constant ache of missing the very thing I claim matters most—my family.
Something had to change.
And it did. But not because I chose it. My body decided for me.
For years, it had been begging me to slow down, rest, and listen. I ignored it. I put my blinders on and kept running. Until it couldn’t take it anymore.
The signs were relentless: the ear-pulsing that wouldn’t stop, the fortress of inflammation, the tension headaches that felt like they’d split my skull, the exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix. My body shut me down.
It wasn’t success. It was survival.
It took the voice of someone I trusted—a coach, a mentor—to tell me what I refused to tell myself: Change, or we can’t continue.
It was an ultimatum. It hurt. It was terrifying. But it saved my life.
It forced me to see that I deserved better. That I was capable of advocating for myself. That I could build a life where I didn’t have to choose between my career and my family—where I could sleep, breathe, and actually live.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t without pain. But it was worth it.
I walked away from the life I thought I wanted and into something so much better.
When I finally stepped off the hamster wheel, I had no idea what to do next. Rest felt foreign. Self-care? It sounded indulgent, maybe even impossible. But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.
The life I’ve always wanted isn’t about grinding endlessly for accolades or approval. It’s about thriving, feeling good in my body, and being present for the moments that matter most. And it all starts with simple habits—tiny changes that add up to big results.
Here’s what success really looks like:
1. Move Your Body Daily (No, You Don’t Have to Hit the Gym)
Movement isn’t about punishment; it’s about energy. A 10-minute walk outside, yoga in the living room, or even dancing around the kitchen can reset your body and mind. Bonus? It helps you sleep deeper and wake up more refreshed.
Try This: After dinner, take a quick stroll and let your mind unwind from the day.
2. Build Boundaries That Protect Your Peace
The world will take everything you give it—your time, energy, focus. Set limits so you can prioritize what matters. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re self-respect.
Try This: Start with one small boundary—no work emails after 7 PM—and watch how your evenings transform.
3. Nourish, Don’t Deprive
The food you eat fuels more than your body—it fuels your mind and mood, too. Choose meals that support your energy and sleep instead of spiking your stress.
Try This: Add a magnesium-rich snack, like almonds or dark chocolate, before bed to promote calm and better rest.
4. Master Your Mornings
How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of waking up in chaos, create a ritual that fills your cup. A little structure goes a long way.
Try This: Begin with 5 minutes of gratitude journaling and a glass of water before you reach for your phone.
5. Prioritize Rest Like It’s Your Job
Rest isn’t lazy. It’s productive. Your body and mind need downtime to recharge. Treat rest as the non-negotiable foundation of your success.
Try This: Create a bedtime routine that winds you down—dim the lights, put your phone away, and focus on relaxing activities like reading or stretching.
Living the life you’ve always wanted isn’t about working harder or doing more. It’s about being more present, showing up for yourself, and creating days that lead to peaceful, restorative nights.
The truth? Success doesn’t feel like exhaustion and sleepless nights. It feels like waking up energized and going to bed content.
If you’re ready to start building your better days and reclaiming your nights, check out my blog for more tips.
And if you’re ready for a real transformation, let’s talk. True success is closer than you think—it starts with you.
This is so good!