The tipping point: Factors leading to burnout
Two months today, I found myself at a turning point. Lying in a hospital bed, my body and mental health needed immediate rest. Surrounded by a hum of machines and the relentless thud of needles for tests and IVs, I was diagnosed with burnout, a term I had heard but never really understood.
Life had dealt me a series of blows. I faced the end of a four-year job that left a bitter aftertaste, being rejected by the man I loved and the disappointment of a canceled vacation. The December cold turned colder as I watched couples enjoy the holiday spirit while I struggled with loneliness and lack of motivation. My response was to retreat to the gym, channeling frustration into physical exercise.
Returning home from the hospital, I realized the harsh truth: I had neglected my body’s desperate pleas for rest. I had done this to myself!
As the Costa Rica vacation approached, I was determined to heal – not only physically, but emotionally as well. I swallowed my pride and reached out to my family and friends to help me pack for Christmas and was overwhelmed by their generosity in supporting me.
Preparing myself for a journey of rejuvenation, I was grateful to have regained the strength to embark on such an adventure. The experience proved to be nothing short of transformative. Honoring my body’s whispers of rest, I even opted for a solo hike to a beautiful nature reserve on an adrenaline-filled day! This selection filled me with a rejuvenated energy, setting the stage for an unforgettable revue. It was a night wrapped in the vibrant sounds of live Spanish music, the taste of exotic cocktails and the joy of dancing under a tropical rain with the locals, a celebration of life’s simple yet profound pleasures.
The Journey to Gratitude
In my blog Discovering the Beauty of Solo Costa Rica Vacations I delve into the book, Manifesto, 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life. Reading against the backdrop of the sandy shores, I realized that I had been so busy chasing love that I had overlooked the incredible things that were already in my life.
I am so completely grateful for my health (something I took for granted), my beautiful son, the loving friends and family I have in my life, and the financial stability to travel.
Inspired by Roxie Nafousi’s ideas for cultivating healthy routines, I embraced a new morning ritual. Twenty days later, yoga has replaced social media feeds, infusing my mornings with purpose and positivity. Listening to my body, sometimes just a gentle 10 minute stretch turns my morning restlessness into a harmony of gratitude, other days a stronger half hour flow prepares me for the day ahead.
Navigating life’s challenges
However, the path to self-discovery is not without stumbles. Since returning home, my search for a genuine connection has been met with the all-too-familiar cheating games, which serve as stark reminders of the complexity and toxicity often found in the dating world.
Among them was a match with a man who described our encounter as a true “sliding doors moment”. It seemed to be everything I was looking for. with deep resonance, especially with our shared Greek heritage that enriched our long night conversations. The warm embrace we shared when we met was like the happy encounters in an airport arrival hall. We had an incredible connection!
The date itself was a romantic’s dream: a man who combined charm with chivalry, a variety of delicious small plates complemented by cocktails, exciting eye contact and a night of passion. It was a scenario of the most enchanting stories, until the next day gave a disappointing twist. His text arrived: “I had a great night together, but let’s leave it at that.”
The sting of feeling like a toy hurts!
Take care of what brings you happiness
As a single mom, my time is precious, and I’ve now chosen to prioritize my passions and well-being over the unpredictable ebb and flow of dating (for now anyway).
The message is simple: nurture what brings you happiness. For me right now, it’s the calm of yoga, the rhythm of salsa and the thrill of skiing. For you? Discover it, embrace it and let it bloom!
As I reflect on this transformative journey from the depths of burnout to the heights of gratitude, I am reminded of our resilience that pulls us through life’s challenges. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire you to take that first step toward a routine that celebrates you.
As John C. Maxwell aptly said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do every day. The secret of your success lies in your daily life.”
Now go and find what brings you happiness, because we only have one life!
