While my career as a therapist has spanned many years, the early days were relatively smooth. Single and with ample time to delve deep into my learning and practice, I was wholeheartedly committed to my career, mindfulness, and volunteering. Despite the challenges, I thrived on the demands and found great satisfaction in my work. However, in hindsight, I realize I was compensating for my neurological differences with perfectionism and unrelenting standards.

The turning point came when I became a parent. The demands of parenting young children, combined with the heavy caseloads and constant exposure to stress and trauma in my professional life, created a perfect storm for burnout and fatigue. My chronic health issues, including PCOS and chronic iron deficiency, started to flare up and further depleted my energy levels.

Adding to these challenges, I faced the unexpected deaths of my beloved parents within two years. The grief and loss compounded my struggles, leaving me constantly overwhelmed. In an attempt to manage everything, I stopped practicing meditation, which only made things worse. The more I tried to control my to-do list, the more I neglected my own needs. As a woman of color from an Asian background, I was taught to look after others and sacrifice myself for the harmony of the family. These deeply ingrained beliefs perpetuated my struggles.