I was following the formula of success that I’d been taught:
✓Get married.
✓ Get into graduate school.
✓ Land the fast-paced, dream job.
I was succeeding … but I wasn’t fulfilled.
I tried it for as long as I could.
I moved to Washington D.C., working for a national political organization. I stacked up my flyer miles traveling across the country regularly. I easily clocked in about 70 hours of work a week. I sacrificed sleep for my to-do list.
This is what leads to happiness, right? Following the formula. So, why do I feel so horrible?
It only took a few years before everything fell apart, including my body. Physical symptoms from chronic stress forced me to make serious changes.
My husband and I decided to return to West Virginia. I discovered the power of mindfulness to help reframe my priorities and gain self-awareness. I felt in control again. Stress was no longer in charge. And I found joy. Unrelenting joy.
After that, my life became dedicated to helping people reach their highest potential while not sacrificing their mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being. I spent 12 years working for Leadership West Virginia, focused on leadership development across the state. I'm currently completing my executive and leadership coaching certification.
And now, as a Certified Mindfulness-Based Resiliency Coach endorsed by Pacific University, WVU, and Marshall, I help busy professionals move from burnout to balance.