SO BUSY BEING BUSY
You know how some professionals are so busy working and mentoring others, but often find it hard to take their own advice?
Well I was one of those, and I wore my ‘busy’ like a badge of honour.
Living and working on four continents, I’d been utterly dedicated to my career for over 20 years as a corporate Human Resources professional, subtly neglecting my own needs while making sure everyone else was happy at work, feeling psychologically safe and motivated to shine.
In reality I was always looking for more career accolades to validate my sense of self-worth, drowning in overwhelm on some days and completely bored on others, while navigating some really toxic relationships on the side.
I had poor boundaries – sending emails at all hours and staying late because it was ‘quieter’ in the office.
I was constantly people-pleasing by saying YES to every request because I was in HR and HR must always help, right?
And while I’d always followed a ‘healthy lifestyle’ that looked great on the outside, I was constantly unwell and chronically depressed.
My body and brain lacked the nourishment that comes from real, nutrient-dense animal protein because I’d been a dedicated vegetarian for almost 40 years … and it nearly killed me!
I actually reached burnout twice, once in my 30s, and again in my 40s. I had ignored all the warning signs from my body and my little voice that continually whispered: “Something feels off” because I thought I knew better.
Despite always feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually spent, I kept pushing my thoughts to one side and repeatedly telling myself: “It’s fine, I’m fine, it’s all good”.
Until the day it really wasn’t.
As I sat exhausted and sobbing in my doctor’s office (again), I finally understood the reality of what I’d been ignoring for all those years.
I wasn’t living in integrity with myself, and my life simply had to change.
SHAKING UP MY OWN KALEIDOSCOPE
Given that this was at a time when burnout wasn’t spoken about quite as freely as it is now, I kept ‘schtum’ and started doing some research.
I unearthed mind-blowing data about individual vs organisational burnout, toxic environments, neuroscience, dietary and lifestyle factors, and circadian and ultradian rhythms, amongst many others.
Like shaking up a kaleidoscope forms a new image, I decided to shake things up in my own life, and created a brand new vision for myself from all the ‘broken bits’ around me.
I discovered how much I’d been sabotaging myself, and that I’d also unknowingly been entirely complicit in both my episodes of burnout!
When I finally stopped ‘trying to do it all’, I was able to make different choices for myself and my life.
A simple yet profoundly important decision.
We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.
WHAT ELSE SETS ME BUZZING?
An awakened consciousness is emerging. I’m all about unlearning, tuning in to the expansive power of self-awareness and mindfully creating our own joy.
Conventional belief systems are being powerfully challenged and all the old paradigms are crumbling, which means we thrive even more when we can be agile and responsive in this new VUCA** world.
Some of the official facts: Together with my University Certification in Executive and Management Coaching, I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Anthropology.
I am trained in Emotional Agility, am an internationally recognised Master PSYCH-K® Facilitator and was one of the first coaches in the world to have been accredited as a Burnout Awareness Coach from The Burnout Academy in the UK in 2024.
Some of the fun facts: My ancestry is part South African, British and Greek. I love really corny jokes, have multiple sets of Angel Cards (how many is too many?!) and have followed a zero carb carnivore lifestyle since March 2019. My Best. Decision. Ever.
I love photography, travel and scuba diving, and while I’m partial to artful design, movement and music (’80s and other) … I find my ultimate peace in the deep stillness of the African bushveld.
PS Nature is the new nightclub. Visit @yourmojocoach on Insta to see some of my amateur nature photos 🌿
**The term VUCA originally described the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity of situations. Harvard Business School suggests today’s world calls for Vision, Understanding, Courage and Adaptability.
I much prefer the latter interpretation, don’t you?
I am guided at all times by my values – to choose accountability, be open to learning, to hold integrity, embrace freedom and inspire trust.
I subscribe to and uphold the codes of ethics and conduct of the coaching profession as covered by COMENSA and the ICF as well as The PSYCH-K® Centre International.
If you’d like to connect, click here or on the ‘Leading Edge Empowerment’ button below to schedule your complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call.
You’ll discover some opportunities you may not have recognised, get some valuable insight into what’s getting in the way of your peace, and perhaps a little reminder of your MOJO too.
And if it looks like we’re good travel partners, I’ll be happy to share how I can support you in a tailored coaching programme.
DISCLAIMER
PLEASE NOTE: All results are examples of individual achievements and are not guaranteed. You are advised to apply this work within the boundaries of your own personal development, as it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment but a complement to it. It does not constitute medical, financial, spiritual, health or legal advice; you are required to take ownership for your needs and seek appropriate assistance as necessary. Proper medical exams and diagnostic evaluations by your physician are an important aspect for all wellbeing objectives.