For over 16 years I was completely exhausted. I was running a busy ABA business, managing staff, driving from client to client all day, and trying to keep up with being a mom, but I felt like I was constantly behind. I was eating protein bars in my car between clients, sleeping poorly, gaining weight, and snapping at the people I loved most. I kept telling myself this was just part of the job; but deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. Then I had a moment that I couldn’t ignore.I stepped on a scale while on vacation and saw the highest number I had ever seen. I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself. I didn’t feel strong, confident, or aligned with the person I knew I could be.

I tried to fix it in ways that didn’t last. I told myself I’d “be better” about eating, I’d try to squeeze in yoga when I had time, I’d go on a short vacation to “destress”, but nothing worked or stuck for long because the workload was overwhelming and I didn’t have the bandwidth for anything else. I knew that if I continued on this path I would not be able to care for the people I loved and I wouldn’t be able to serve my company to the best of my ability. I knew something had to change. It was time to put my own health first!

I realized I didn’t need more willpower, I needed a different approach; one that actually fit into my life. So I started small: moving my body first thing in the morning before the chaos of the day, planning simple meals so I wasn’t relying on drive-thrus, and creating structure in my schedule instead of constantly reacting to it.

I lost weight, my energy came back, I was sleeping better, and I finally felt in control of my days again. I had the capacity to show up fully for my clients and actually enjoy time with my family. What I love now is that I have intentional time for myself everyday. I am nourishing my body with healthy food. I feel energized and strong and can get up and down from the floor, play tag with my clients and throw them up in the air without pain or being out of breath. I have the bandwidth at the end of my day to spend quality time with my husband and son, I sleep better at night and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed.

Now, I help BCBAs and other autism professionals who feel stuck in that same cycle of exhaustion and overwhelm create a life where they have energy, structure, and time for what matters most. If you are someone who has struggled with trying to balance your career and family, and want to feel strong and in control of your day so you can give your best effort to your clients and yourself, then click the button below to access the free training video I’ve put together for you.