My Body Called a Timeout
The other day I was in my home office, buried in tabs and convincing myself I could finish just one more thing.
And then it hit me—that familiar feeling of overwhelm.
Not dramatic just realizing my breath was shallow and my body felt agitated as if it said: “Hey… you’re pushing again.”
A few years ago, I would have pushed past it without giving it much thought and through sheer stubbornness. That’s how burnout found me and I denied it; but now, the ME who wrote Your Heart Knows the Way is learning that I’m only human.
So, I stopped. Not because I had the time. Not because everything was done. But because my body whispered, enough for now. I left my home office, walked into the living room, and sat down. No laptop. No phone. No guilt.
Just me and my breath—slow and steady.
And in that stillness, I felt:
Everything is going to work out. Nothing urgent is going on. Relax. It’s okay to pause.
It wasn’t a pep talk. I was a remembering.
After just a few minutes, I felt myself settle—like the “real me” had finally caught up to my body. The agitation subsided. My shoulders dropped. Relief. Even a little joy popped up.
This is what burnout recovery looks like in real life. Not perfection. Not endless calm.
Just noticing the wobble sooner—and choosing to be kind to myself.
And honestly? That moment of self-care made me feel so much better.
I love this little moment. It's so powerful to be reminded.
I loved this. " I left my home office, walked into the living room, and sat down. No laptop. No phone. No guilt.
Just me and my breath—slow and steady.
And in that stillness, I felt:
Everything is going to work out. Nothing urgent is going on. Relax. It’s okay to pause."
I had that moment today and only half remembered this. Reading this now makes me think of how I want to handle future moments like these. Thank you Joanne!
I also love the name of your book!