Recalibrating the Soul: From Reaction to Response through Self-Love
There was a moment when it became crystal clear that something had to change.
After returning from vacation, there should have been a sense of renewal—but instead, there was a tightness in my chest, a restless energy, I was pacing the floor while the world around me remained still. Tears came without warning, and in that quiet moment, reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
I was done, stick a fork in me, extra chewy, over cooked — well done!
That was the moment when I realized something had to change. Life couldn’t continue like this.
As a leader—whether in your career, community, or within your family—how often do you push through exhaustion, frustration, and overwhelm, ignoring the whispers of your body and soul? You may not even realize you’re disconnected, snapping at those you love, or that joy feels like a distant memory. You might find yourself simply going through the motions.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. The good news? You can recalibrate. You can shift from reaction to response, from depletion to renewal. It starts with awareness, self-love, and small, intentional changes.
The Early Whispers of Burnout
Burnout doesn’t always announce itself with exhaustion or breakdowns. More often, it begins with subtle shifts:
You’re irritated by everything—even things that never used to bother you.
You feel foggy or indecisive, struggling to make even simple choices.
You’re exhausted before the day even begins.
The things that once made you happy now feel like chores.
You say yes to things you don’t want to do because it’s easier than explaining why not.
You numb out—scrolling, binge-watching, that extra glass of wine after a “hard day”, or busying yourself instead of feeling.
Does any of this sound familiar?
For many leaders, burnout doesn’t show up as physical exhaustion first—it shows up as resentment. You begin to resent the things you’ve committed to, the people you love, even the responsibilities you once embraced.
That’s when it becomes clear:
Burnout isn’t just about doing too much. It’s about not doing enough of what fills your soul.
Short-Term Coping: What to Do When You Feel Off-Center
As a leader, you don’t always have the luxury of taking time off. You need to reset in real-time. Here are a few small but powerful ways to reconnect with yourself and step into a more balanced leadership role:
The Pocket Pause
Before reacting—whether it’s snapping at someone, making a decision, or saying yes out of obligation—pause.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath, in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Ask yourself: Is this coming from love or exhaustion?
Then, respond—not from reaction, but from intention.
This tiny act changes everything—and it will change the way you lead.
Move Stuck Energy
Your body holds onto stress. When you feel tense, irritated, or stuck — move.
Go outside and walk barefoot in the grass.
Put on your favorite song and dance.
Stretch, shake, and roll your shoulders.
Sometimes, the quickest way to shift your mindset is to shift your body first. This not only helps you regain clarity but strengthens your ability to lead with a clear, calm presence.
The Gut Check: What Do You Need Right Now?
When you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself:
Am I hungry? (Low blood sugar makes everything worse.)
Am I thirsty? (Dehydration feels like exhaustion.)
Do I need rest? (A 10-minute break can prevent a full meltdown.)
What would feel like love right now?
Then, honor that answer. Leaders who lead from a place of nourishment, rather than depletion, can inspire others to do the same.
Long-Term Healing: Shifting from Survival to Soul-Filled Living
Burnout doesn’t just go away with rest—it fades when you realign with what truly nourishes you. Here’s how you can recalibrate for long-term healing, not just for yourself but for those you lead:
Reconnect with What Brings You Joy
A friend once asked me, “When was the last time you did something just for fun?” And I realized… I had no idea.
Burnout thrives when everything feels like a to-do list. Joy brings us back to life—and it recharges your leadership energy.
Try this: Make a list of 10 things that make you feel alive—singing, painting, hiking, writing, baking, laughing with friends. Then, schedule them into your life.
Even 10 minutes of joy can shift your entire energy and bring more inspiration to your leadership.
Stop Overriding Your Yes & No
Every time you ignore your gut, you disconnect from yourself—and from the authenticity that fuels your leadership.
If something feels heavy, constricting, or draining—it’s a no.
If something feels light, exciting, or expansive—it’s a yes.
Simple, but powerful. As a leader, your decisions set the tone for those you lead. Honor your intuition, and your leadership will become more aligned and impactful.
Exercise: The next time you’re asked to do something, pause. Notice if your body leans in (yes) or pulls back (no). Honor that. Your team will appreciate the clarity you bring to your choices.
Set Boundaries That Feel Like Self-Love
As a leader, setting boundaries is one of the greatest acts of self-respect you can offer yourself and those around you. You may have said yes to everything in the past because you didn’t want to disappoint others—but every unnecessary yes is a betrayal of your own needs.
Now, remind yourself:
A slow yes is better than a resentful yes.
A clear no is an act of self-respect.
Try this:
Instead of saying yes immediately, say, “Let me get back to you.”
Instead of over-explaining, say, “I appreciate the invite, but I can’t commit right now.”
Instead of stretching yourself thin, ask, “Is this truly mine to carry?”
Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re invitations to a more aligned life. As a leader, your boundaries teach others how to honor themselves as well.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Good Again
Recalibrating isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what truly matters. It’s about choosing yourself, not in grand ways, but in small, daily acts of self-love that ripple out into your leadership.
Take the pause.
Honor your yes and no.
Do what lights you up.
Move, breathe, and listen to your soul.
The world doesn’t need more burned-out, overextended people. It needs leaders—like you—who are fully alive, fully themselves, and fully present.
So today, ask yourself:
“What’s one small way I can choose myself?” This Question is not selfish, it is SELF-CARE
Then, do that.
If you’re looking for guidance and support on your journey, I’d love to connect. Together, we can uncover strategies that align with your goals and help you thrive—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Leadership is a journey, and it’s one you don’t have to walk alone.
Let me know in the comments—how do you recalibrate when life feels overwhelming? How do you keep your leadership grounded and inspired?
