Resetting Like I Mean It: Modeling the Self-Care I Preach

I Took Time Off — And Not Because I Was Falling Apart

Let’s start with this: I didn’t take time off because I hit a wall. I took time off so I wouldn’t. That’s the difference. I’ve been telling clients for years, “Prioritize rest. Don’t wait for your body to scream what it’s been whispering.” So, this time, I listened to myself.

This wasn’t a stay-home-and-do-laundry type of break. This was intentional. A reset. A "reclaim-my-nervous-system-before-it-files-for-divorce" kind of thing. Because the truth is, we don’t model wellness by grinding until collapse. We model wellness by living it. That means doing the things I would lovingly—but firmly—nudge my clients to do: slow down, check in, and return to yourself.

Dri-Tri and the Birth of a Workout Girlie (Send Help?)

I did something wild. I signed up for something called the Dri-Tri, which sounds like a brunch spot but is actually a fitness challenge that lowkey humbled me. It’s a combo of:

• 2000 meter row

• 300 body weight reps

• And a casual 3.1 mile run

Now, did I run the whole thing? No ma’am. I did a 1.55 mile power walk, and you know what? That’s still a win. Because this wasn’t about proving anything. It was about showing up in my body without shame, without pressure, and without that all-or-nothing mindset that keeps so many people stuck.

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be talking about body weight reps and power walking like it’s a lifestyle, I would’ve side-eyed you hard. I was the most anti-fitness person you’d ever meet. And now? I’m out here scheduling workouts like brunch plans. Who is she?

It took time, discomfort, and a lot of unlearning, but I’ve become the person who moves her body because it feels good, not because it checks some box. And I’m honestly proud of that. I'm a workout girlie now, and I don't even say it ironically.

I Hiked. Yes, Me. The One Who Said “Absolutely Not.”

Another plot twist: I went on a hike. Now pause—if you know me, you’re already clutching your chest. I have dragged hiking my whole adult life. I said what I said: “It’s just walking… uphill… for what?”

But my body used to hurt doing the most basic things. Hiking felt impossible, like a cruel joke people played for fun. So when I say I went on a hike, it’s not just an activity. It’s a milestone. It’s a “look how far I’ve come” kind of moment.

I made it through the hike. I breathed in the fresh air. I didn’t complain the whole time. (Okay, maybe once, but it was valid.) More importantly, I felt strong. And I felt proud. That’s what healing in real life looks like—doing things you never thought your body or spirit could handle… and realizing you’re more capable than you gave yourself credit for.

Thai Massage, Found Family & Permission to Be Soft

Let’s not get it twisted—this reset wasn’t all sweat and grit. I also leaned into softness. I spent quality time with people who love me well—my chosen family, my community, my safe spaces. I let myself be held, heard, and human.

And then, there was the Thai massage. Whew. Let me just say: I did not expect having someone literally walk on my back to feel like a spiritual experience. But there I was, face down, questioning all my previous massage choices. I felt muscles I forgot I had unlock themselves like a stubborn iPhone finally getting the right passcode. 10/10, will be back.

Building a Life I Don’t Want to Escape From

Here’s what I know for sure: we need rest, but we also need lives that don’t make us constantly crave escape. That’s the real work—not just pressing pause when it gets to be too much, but designing a rhythm where you don’t burn out in the first place.

We don’t talk enough about how much our quality of life affects our mental health. Like yes, therapy and coping skills are great, but if your everyday life is a chaotic mess of overextension, disconnection, and emotional labor with no payoff? Your nervous system is going to be in survival mode 24/7.

You can’t meditate your way out of an unsustainable lifestyle.
You can’t positive-think your way through exhaustion.
You have to build something different.

Because the more aligned and nourished your life feels, the more capacity you have to handle stress, loss, conflict, and all the other beautiful messes that come with being human.

TL;DR? Take the Break Before You Break.

If you’re looking for permission to rest, reset, or just say, “This isn’t working for me anymore”—you’ve got it.

I did it. I stepped away to reconnect with my body, my people, and myself. And I came back with sore muscles, a clearer mind, and a reminder: healing is a lifestyle, not a weekend retreat.

You deserve a life that feels good to live—not just tolerate.