Burnout, Blisters, and Big Lessons: How walking 850km, climbing 14,505 Feet, and Time Away Reignited my fire.

What if the thing you think is "strength" is burning you out? For years, I did what so many of us do—

• Ran on adrenaline
• Juggled career milestones & family schedules
•  Handled all the things while pretending I didn’t need a break

Then life humbled me.

My unstoppable, incredible mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

My company was growing rapidly but conversely restructuring at a glacial pace, creating uncertainty & stress.

And perimenopause? (Because sleep deprivation & hot flashes make everything better, right?)

I powered through—until I couldn’t. I was flatlining. Losing my mojo. No one saw it, but I felt it deep in my soul.
So, I did something radical. I stepped away. Not to escape. But to reset, rebuild, and reignite my passion.

800KM on Foot: Walking My Mother’s Path to Find My Own

Twelve years after my mom set out on the Camino de Santiago, I laced up my boots and followed in her footsteps—literally. I carried her journal, reading her words as I walked, feeling her presence with every step.

Something magical happens on the Camino. Maybe it’s the shared purpose—strangers from every corner of the world, walking alone, yet never really alone. You share meals, coffees, blister supplies (a true act of love!), stories of loss, and moments of pure, unfiltered laughter.

They say the 34-day pilgrimage is designed to break you down and build you back up. First, your body rebels. Then, your mind unclutters. And finally—your soul cracks wide open.

Ancient architecture.

Breathtaking landscapes.

Acts of human kindness.

Lessons from the Camino:

• Life is as simple (and as hard) as putting one foot in front of the other.
• The smallest acts of kindness—a shared meal, a bandaged blister, a listening ear—are the most profound.

When I reached the final steps of the journey, my daughter asked how I felt. The best I could describe it?
Every cell in my body had a smiley face emoji on it.

Buen Camino.

Epic Family Adventures: Breaking the Routine & Laughing Until It Hurts

We always loved adventure. But let’s be honest—between work, school, and the endless cycle of schedules, it’s easy to fall into autopilot.

So, with this rare window of time, we went all in:

Ireland – Wind-lashed cliffs, family laughter (and a few tears), storytelling over perfect pints of Guinness.

Portugal – Fado music drifting through Lisbon’s narrow streets, coastal road trips, & the best pastéis de nata of my life.

Peru – Machu Picchu left me breathless (both from awe & altitude). Bonded with llamas. Danced solo on the train (yes, there's video proof).

Japan – Tokyo’s dizzying metro, slurping ramen properly, & green tea masterclasses.

These weren’t vacations—they were a full reset. No rushed long weekends. No checking emails from the beach. Just real, immersive experiences.

Lessons from Traveling:

• Doing new things together forces you out of old habits and into fresh perspectives.
• Laughter—at language mix-ups, detours, and yourselves—is the best part of travel.
• The best stories? They’re always the ones you didn’t plan for.

Mount Whitney: A Lesson in Persistence & Selflessness

Climbing the tallest peak in the continental U.S. wasn’t about conquering a mountain—it was about testing my limits.

And it took me three attempts.

1st Try: A freak snowstorm forced me to turn back.

2nd Try: Altitude sickness at 12,000 feet.

3rd Try: I finally made it—but not without struggle.

At 12,000 feet, my husband made a quiet yet profound sacrifice—he turned back to guide our son down the mountain as he was experiencing altitude sickness. Strong and ready to push forward on his first summit attempt, he knew this third attempt meant everything to me, while for him, it was just the beginning. Instead of claiming the peak, he chose what mattered most—a selfless act that spoke louder than any summit ever could.
After 10 hours I had reached the summit. Exhausted. So emotional. Overwhelmed with gratitude.

Lessons from the Mountain:

• Persistence matters. Success often comes after multiple attempts.
• The greatest love isn’t in grand gestures—it’s in quiet sacrifices.

From Giving Back to Going Fast: Books, Biking & My Dubious Attempt at Piano Mastery

A sabbatical isn’t just about stepping away—it’s about stepping toward the things that make you feel alive.

Reading: No Productivity, Just Pure Joy – For once, I wasn’t reading to learn a new skill or hack my way to efficiency. Instead, I immersed myself in faraway places, rich stories, and different times—just for the sheer joy of it. No highlighters, no note-taking, no “how will this improve me?” Just getting lost in great books because I could.

Giving Back with ElderHelp – One of the most rewarding parts of my time off was doubling down on my work with ElderHelp, an organization close to my heart. As Chair of the Board, I had the chance to step up my efforts to support older adults in our community—ensuring they get the care, companionship, and resources they deserve. It was a powerful reminder that purpose isn’t just found in career milestones; it’s in showing up for others.
Motorcycles: Because Midlife Resets Need an Engine – Learning to ride was equal parts freedom, terror, and “why didn’t I do this sooner?” It turns out, there’s nothing like the humbling experience of stalling in a parking lot to keep your ego in check. But when it clicked? Pure adrenaline-fueled joy.

Attempting to Outsmart Dementia, One Piano Key at a Time – In a bold act of optimism (or delusion), I picked a song way above my talent level—because obviously, enthusiasm would make up for lack of skill. I committed 30 minutes a day, convincing myself that I was both learning a new skill and fending off future memory loss. Is it perfect? Not even close. But do I love it? Absolutely. And am I absurdly proud that I can now play a two-handed song without completely butchering it? You bet.

Lessons from Trying New Things:

• Growth isn’t just about climbing corporate ladders. Sometimes, it’s about learning just for the joy of it.
• If it excites and terrifies you, it’s probably worth doing.

The Hardest Part? Giving Myself Permission

Stepping away from work felt like failure. But here’s what I learned:

• If you’re waiting for the right time to take a break, it will never come.
• Your passion doesn’t disappear; it just needs to be revived.
• Work will always be there. You won’t, unless you take care of yourself.

After six months of adventure, challenge, and pure, unfiltered joy, I’m back—
Reignited

Recharged

Ready to build something even bigger

Feeling Stuck? This Might Be Your Sign

If you’ve ever felt like you’re sprinting on a treadmill that just won’t stop… Maybe, it’s time to hit pause.
Take the trip.

Climb the mountain.

Learn the skill.

Invest in experiences that set your soul on fire.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do isn’t pushing through—it’s stepping back.

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