Title: Rising From the Ashes: My Journey Through Burnout - With Susie Lubbers**

Rising From the Ashes: My Journey Through Burnout

Welcome to the Near Still Waters Blog where we journey together towards clarity and calm in the midst of life's storms.

I'm your host, Susie Lubbers, a wife, life coach, and momma to seven amazing grown children. Having homeschooled all of my children, including my special needs child, I've navigated the challenges of raising them and experienced the bittersweet moments of letting go. This journey has not only been about teaching academics but also about discovering how to find peace and purpose through every season of life. You can learn more about me and my mission at nearstillwaters.ca

In this space, we're dedicated to empowering moms. Whether you're in the trenches of homeschooling, navigating special needs parenting,seeking to rediscover your own passions after years of putting others first, you're not alone. Together, we'll explore strategies to bring clarity into the chaos of motherhood and uncover ways to cultivate calm within ourselves, even while accomplishing the hard things.

Each episode, we'll share stories, practical tips, and inspirational guidance to help you embrace your journey with grace, resilience, and faith. So, grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let's step into a space of learning and growth. Welcome to the Near Still Waters podcast—where your journey to clarity and peace begins."

Part 1: The Onset of Burnout

Eighteen years ago, my life was a whirlwind of activity and joy. With the birth of my seventh child, my family was bustling with love and the challenges that come with raising a large family. Amidst homeschooling, managing household duties, and participating in homeschool activities, life was good, yet overwhelmingly busy.

In the span of just a few years, I welcomed three of my children into the world. My fifth and sixth were born 18 months apart, and the gap between my sixth and seventh was even shorter at 11 months. During this time, my health took a dramatic turn. A severe gallbladder attack led to a hospitalization for pancreatitis, a condition exacerbated by my pregnancies and culminating in an emergency surgery while I was four months pregnant with my seventh child. Thankfully, I delivered a healthy baby girl, but my body and spirit were weary.

Part 2: Challenges and Signs of Burnout

As my older children entered their teenage years, new challenges arose. Our family business demanded attention, adding mental and financial strain. This period of my life was marked by a profound busyness that left little room for rest, especially for an introverted mom like myself.

Gradually, I began to experience an unsettling unease, a feeling I couldn't quite identify at the time. This sensation deepened, evolving into a pervasive anxiety that shadowed my every day. Before I knew it, this anxiety spiraled into full-blown panic attacks, so severe that I found myself in the emergency room on multiple occasions, fearing I was having a heart attack.

Part 3: Acknowledging the Struggle

It was during these dark moments that I had to confront the reality of my situation. My body and mind were sending me a clear message: I was burning out. Despite the love and fulfillment I found in my family and my work, I had neglected the essential practice of self-care, of setting aside time for quiet reflection and recovery. It was even deeper then that really. I was not showing up for myself. I was there for others but I was in a state of disconnection with myself. 

Part 4: Finding My Way Back

My journey back from the brink of burnout was neither quick nor easy. It required a deep reflection on my priorities, an acceptance of my limitations, and a steadfast faith in God’s plan for me. I learned to listen to my body, to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety before they overwhelmed me. With the support of my family, my faith, and the lessons learned through my experiences, I began to find balance in my life once more.

Continuation of "Rising From the Ashes: My Journey Through Burnout"

Part 5: Searching for Answers

In the depths of my struggle, the embarrassment of being told there was nothing medically wrong, despite the severity of my symptoms, was a bitter pill to swallow. My panic attacks intensified, becoming an almost constant torment. Fortunately, my dedicated doctor sought to unravel the mystery, leading to hospital tests which, frustratingly, revealed no clear cause. The recommendation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors was a challenging one, given my aversion to pharmaceuticals, driving me to seek a natural route through a Naturopath. Yet, this path too, led to severe reactions and a further decline in my health.

Part 6: A Glimmer of Hope

Reluctantly, I turned to the prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitors, starting with a fraction of the dose due to my body's sensitivity. This cautious approach, although slow, began to show promise. Concurrently, I discovered an adrenal fatigue specialist whose gentle, patient method of introducing nutrients and supplements gradually helped rebuild my strength. This journey was fraught with setbacks, but through perseverance, I saw a glimmer of hope. The once overwhelming tasks of daily life, like loading a dishwasher, began to seem manageable again.

Part 7: The Darkest Hour

The year of my severe burnout was undeniably the hardest of my life, marked by profound exhaustion, anxiety, and relentless panic attacks. But it was the spiritual turmoil that weighed heaviest on my heart. I struggled to reconcile my unwavering belief in God's sovereignty with the sinful nature of anxiety, a battle that took a significant toll. Through it all, deep breathing techniques and the comforting words of Scripture were my sanctuaries, though the journey was fraught with difficulty.

Part 8: Gradual Recovery and Reflection

Over time, my condition improved, and I was able to reclaim some of my responsibilities within our family. This period of healing was not just a testament to my resilience but also to the array of treatments and strategies that contributed to my recovery. It was a year of learning, of understanding the delicate balance my body and mind required to function.

Part 9: Sharing the Lessons Learned

As I reflect on this journey, I am eager to share the insights gained through my experience with others. While my battle with burnout was intense, the lessons I learned are universally applicable. We all face moments of exhaustion, and the practices I adopted to nurture my well-being are valuable tools for anyone seeking to maintain their health and vitality.

Please visit my blog for more burnout help

From Burnout to Balance: The Homeschool moms guide to Balance

Homeschooling and Stress: Helping the homeschool mom work through it

The Homeschool Mom and Her Emotions

Conclusion

Thank you for listening to my story of overcoming burnout. It’s a journey of faith, of challenges, and ultimately, of healing. My hope is that by sharing this, I can offer support and guidance to those who may be struggling, reminding them that they are not alone. In future episodes, I'll delve deeper into the strategies that helped me find balance and how they can be applied to your life. Remember, taking care of ourselves is not just about preventing burnout; it's about thriving in our daily lives. For more insights and support, please visit nearstillwaters.ca. Together, let's embrace the journey towards wellness, grounded in faith and enriched by the wisdom of our shared experiences.

My story is one of many, yet I share it in the hope that it might offer comfort and guidance to those who may be facing similar struggles. Burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a call to reassess and realign our lives with our values, our faith, and our need for rest. Through Near Still Waters, I am committed to supporting others on their journey to wellness, offering a compassionate ear and a heart full of understanding.

Thank you for joining me today. If my story resonates with you or if you’re seeking guidance, please visit nearstillwaters.ca. Together, let's navigate the turbulent waters of life, anchored in faith and bolstered by the support of a compassionate community