From Burned Out to Whole, Letting Go: Eclipse Season

[10.20.23] It’s been 9 months since I last wrote but who’s counting (Me!). Took me this much time to understand I was burned out.

Since January, I’ve been coaching part-time for a global outplacement firm, supporting those who were laid off. We talk about life and career transitions, whether to retire, change fields, relocate family, network; ways to stay positive in the process. People lost their identity, dignity, and livelihood, and still showed up for the job search. I worked with those from big tech, media, retail firms. At times, I saw 12 people a day, 30 minutes each, with a break in between.

I have a rebellious streak and like to challenge myself. This time it was doubling the max # of people I saw a day (ever), and getting well versed in coaching corporate clients, as opposed to students and alumni. Despite the difference, I learned that most folks want meaning in their work, care deeply about their family, that touting one’s achievements doesn’t come easily; career and life issues intermingle – we don’t do either in a vacuum.

With the 210+ people, ~400 hours coached and a big ethics exam, I received the Professional Coaching Certification PCC from the ICF, the coaching gold standard. Yay.

I thought I had sold my soul to the corporate world. It turned out I got to connect with people at one of their most vulnerable times in life. It has been an honor.

Serving people in crisis brings me joy. I learned that I could do the insane pace but not for 8 months. Having a lot of fire in my personality helped, but even fire burns out.

This eclipse season 10/14 – 10/28, I am taking stock. The energy is ripe for releasing what no longer works for us in relationships, especially habits/beliefs that we default to, potentially from past lives. I count relationship with ourselves a part of this.

(For me, I defaulted to helping no matter what, thinking I should.)

In September, I took a long weekend to see friends in Boston.The lobster, rabbit food at Life Alive, ice cream, 9 miles walks through the city, kayaking/yapping on the Charles River with a buddy on a sunny Sunday after a hurricane skirted the area…priceless. There were many heart-to-hearts, including with someone I hadn’t seen for 25 years.

How we change over time yet we stay the same. True friends connect at the essence level, with appreciation and energetic resonance. We got deep quickly. There was no time for superficial chit-chat.

It was a gift to my soul.

I came back feeling whole and seen – something I didn’t know I needed. I’m happy about how I serve, my tools and their efficacy. My mentor coach and friends affirm who I am – the creative, multi-dimensional empath who sees connections everywhere. I facilitate healing, clarity, and powerful actions.

This eclipse, I’m shifting my relationship to my vocation and calling. Again and again, I release what my work should look like. I’ll keep doing it until it sticks. Like many healers and helpers, I’ve oscillated between conventional and spiritual worlds, worrying about labeling my work to both sides.

BTW, I’ve gotten back into energy healing.

A client’s spirit journeyed while guides and I cleared her woes and fears, refreshed her body and story. She shared she was smiling and relaxed after the session, and proceeded to sleep way better than before (due to a health crisis on top of chronic issues) – she wants more.

The guides are saying: This is not about me. It’s about using our bestowed gifts to serve and heal in a world engulfed in a dumpster fire.

We all have gifts. Whether it’s being empathetic, kind, or trained in certain modalities — what are you doing to spread the ‘goods?’

You can use my THRIVE model to reconnect within, reignite your fire.

• T: Your Tao, your way. What gives you energy? What takes it away?
• H: Harmony. How do you use your gifts to advocate for your blind spots? How is your “whole” bigger than its parts?
• R: Renewal. Restoration. How are you taking care of yourself so you can give to others?
• I: Identity & Initiative. Who are you now?What are you starting/doing as that person?
• V: Vision. What is your vision for the rest of 2023? 2024?
• E: Evolution. What do you need to learn in order to serve your Vision? What community do you want to build?

On 10/28/23, the full moon/lunar eclipse in Taurus represents completion, the final release, and illumination. As the moon builds up to the themes of security, possessions (personal finances), nature, physical comforts, what we discern and shift will set the tone for at least 6 months to come.

Describe your stripped-clean essential self. Who are you, and how do you want to serve and lead? What support do you need to birth the next chapter? I’d love to hear from you!

Blessings and love,

Sue

What’s News

FREE Shift w/Eclipse 5-DAY Challenge

A total pop-up! A way for me to get reconnect with you all! Receive a daily journal prompt and an activity challenge from 10/22-10/27/23, on what you want to release and refresh, as we journey through this eclipse season.

On Sunday, 10/29/23,12pm ET/10 am MT, attend a 90-min group call to talk about your progress and moving forward. A Zoom link will be emailed on Day 5. The call is not recorded.

Sign up NOW

Featured Inspiring Healer/Teacher

I love Karen Caig, ICRT Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, Reiki Institute because she embodies glow, positivity, and adventure. She moved from Arkansas to Ecuador this year because she was guided by Spirit.

Aside from helping people, what keeps you inspired about your work?

Teaching Reiki challenges me tore-examine what I “know” by expanding my perspective, helping me understand our multi-dimensionality. I learn so much from my students–about life, about people, about spirit.

What has been the biggest trade-off you made to do what you do?

I left a thirty-year career teaching college English to become a full-time Reiki Master Teacher and writer. I had to give up the illusion of security and prestige for the stability of courage and faith in myself and in Universe/Source to provide everything I need in order to fulfill my divine purpose.

What makes your work/practice unique?

I am a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, and I tend to attract Reiki students of the same background. I’m like a reverse Chiron, ferrying lost souls from the despair of the personal hell where they have imprisoned themselves to the light of the next chapter of their lives.

What key factor or belief helps you or your practice thrive?

Failures simply point you in another direction, so take note and move on – without dwelling on mistakes or fearing you will make another one. We are here to learn by living.