In 2014, while driving to work, I was hit by a Mack truck (literally).
The burnout was unbearable, and everything felt out of my control. Over the next 18 months, as every area of my life spiraled out of control, I asked, “What the heck am I missing?”
I need to keep it real, though.
Before the Mack Truck Accident, I looked like I had it together on the outside. I was high-achieving and living life! But in actuality, I was at my breaking point: people-pleasing, codependent, and not setting boundaries. I truly thought a stressed life was normal.
Traditional talk therapy didn’t work. It wasn’t until I ventured into a more holistic approach to therapy (the “woo-woo” side!) that I found “me” and learned the practical tools to take control of my life.
This is what I wish I had on my journey: an integrative mental health approach, a community, and a burnout recovery roadmap that said, “this way next.”
I know if I can do this, you can, too!
Some Parts of My Personal Journey
I’ve been fired. A male director said, “You’re extremely smart and think quickly on your feet. You should think about how you come across, because some people can find it intimidating.” A few months later, I was suddenly fired from my supervisor position, even though I successfully increased productivity in my department by 49% under 9 months. This made me second-guess who I was, and my strengths as an employee with a strong work ethic.
I have a rare genetic lung disease that went undiagnosed for 32 years, which resulted in part of my lung being removed at 17. I understand ‘living with a chronic illness,’ medical trauma, and no one believing you.
I’ve experienced intergenerational trauma (family of Italian & Sicilian immigrants and Combat War Veterans), childhood trauma (ACES score: 7), work trauma (burnout, compassion fatigue, moral injury, vicarious trauma, & first-hand trauma) and a near-death experience from the Mack Truck accident. Thanks to understanding how my nervous system works, I’ve learned how to successfully break the cycles, heal, and move forward.
Several friends and family have passed ‘before their time,’ with the most impactful being my boyfriend in my early 20’s, Aunt, and best friend of 23 years.
I’ve been intentionally single for 9 years so I could figure out who I was and successfully ditch my attraction to codependency.
Fun Facts about The Burnout Professor
Founder of the largest club for stress & burnout, “The Burnout Club,” on the Clubhouse app, where I hosted free rooms during 2020-2021. This is when the “The Burnout Professor” was born, and burnout recovery made possible.
I love to dance. I competed, taught, and took instructional dance for fifteen years. After being told that I’d most likely lose my foot from the Mack Truck accident, I’ve been able to rehab it so that I’m back on the dance floor in my heels.
First woman DJ at two different bars in one of my 10 careers (yes, I’ve had 10).
Fastest promoted manager, to lead a multi-million dollar team, at a major company based on my high sales, customer retention rate, relationship building skills, and ability to motivate others.
Landed the largest first sale for a rookie in the history of the radio station when working in radio sales.
When I was a Professor, I was recognized by the University for how I handled my classes during the start of the pandemic, which was based on student surveys.
I have an 9-year-old rescue Pitbull/Boxer mix named Bear, who’s been by my side since one month after the Mack Truck accident – not sure who rescued who.
This 40-Something Woman’s Transformation and Burnout Recovery
Today, I live my life where…
- I live a sober lifestyle.
- I’m metabolically healthy.
- I have a mindfulness and spiritual practice that I utilize daily.
- I practice strong boundaries in my relationships with people, places, and things.
- I listen to my body and know that rest is productive.
- I practice forgiveness. It’s for me and I know it doesn’t equate to letting people back into my life.
- When things are not in my control, I truly do surrender and trust.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. You can intentionally enjoy your life, too.
Ready to start your roadmap to burnout recovery?
