THE WAKE-UP CALL I NEEDED

There was a time when I didn’t prioritize my health. I ate poorly, didn’t get enough sleep, and drank way too much coffee. I’d push through whatever came my way, thinking that was what success was all about. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, so instead, I ignored the signals my body was sending me.

It wasn’t until I found myself in an ER, scared and uncertain, that I realized how much I’d been neglecting myself. One morning, I woke up with debilitating pain in my neck, so severe that I couldn’t even turn my head. After speaking with the doctor, I was told I might have meningitis based on my symptoms. That was terrifying. But after further testing, the diagnosis came back: just severe muscle cramps. Nothing life-threatening, but still, something was wrong.

What struck me the most, though, was this: Despite feeling awful, I still went to work. I laugh about it now, but back then, I thought I had to show up—sick or not. I was dizzy, weak, and in pain, but I convinced myself to work for half the day. Why? Because I didn’t want to seem weak. I thought showing up, especially when I was sick, would prove how committed I was to my job.

Looking back, I realize just how unsustainable that mindset was. I’d been pushing myself to my limits, ignoring my body’s needs, and mistakenly thinking that this would lead to success. But all it did was lead to burnout—and ultimately, a wake-up call.It wasn’t just about the day I went to work sick. The damage didn’t end there. The muscle knots in my neck were so severe that it took months of healing, rest, and physiotherapy to feel like myself again. They were caused entirely by stress — months of tension, pressure, and constantly putting myself last had taken a toll on me. My body had been screaming for attention — I just hadn’t been listening.

That moment changed everything for me. It helped me understand that health isn’t just about physical wellness; it’s about creating balance in your life. It’s about being intentional with how you move, eat, rest, and care for your mental and emotional well-being, too. From that point on, I made a commitment to do things differently.

I started listening to my body. I took time to rest, recalibrate, and ask myself, “How can I show up for myself today?” My approach to health became holistic. It’s not just about what I eat or how much I exercise, but also how I’m feeling emotionally and mentally.

This philosophy has become the foundation of my coaching as well. When I work with clients, I emphasize the importance of alignment, ease, and balance. Success doesn’t come from grinding and pushing yourself beyond your limits. It comes from showing up authentically, listening to your body, and putting yourself first. No job is worth sacrificing your well-being for. Your job doesn’t define you.

If you’re reading this and you feel like you’ve been pushing too hard or ignoring your needs, it’s okay to take a step back. It’s more than okay to put yourself first. In fact, it’s necessary.

Take a moment today to ask yourself: How can I take care of me? Whether it’s taking a break, having a nap, going for a walk, or simply taking a deep breath, you deserve it.