The story of today brings us to Melbourne, in Australia. Carolyn, kinesiologist, coach and founder of Empowered Happiness, shares with us her experience about burn-out and the decisions she took to heal from it.
MEET CAROLYN!
My name is Carolyn King. I am 45 years old and was born in Melbourne, Australia. I still live in Australia. I am a kinesiologist, Mindfulness Coach, mBIT Coach, Happiness Coach, Meditation Facilitator and International Author. I am married and have two beautiful teenage children. In 2012 I hit my rock bottom. After suffering from depression for many years, I finally choose to get help and the following year I worked on healing me. Then two and a half years ago I suffered from Corporate Burnout after working for the same company for 17 years.
THE STORY
What were you looking for in life?
For years I was looking for balance. I was working part time in my corporate job as an Office Manager / Accountant for an International Manufacturing Company while also working part time in my new business as a Kinesiologist. I was also raising (and still am) two beautiful children who keep me extremely busy with they extracurricular activities outside of school.
What was stopping you from achieving it?
I was too focused on being perfect in all my roles... Office Manager, Kinesiologist / Business Owner, Mum and Wife. I was not looking after myself or listening to what I needed. I needed to do it all and I needed to do it perfectly. I didn't understand that I couldn't achieve perfection when I was expecting others to be perfect as well. Life isn't perfect, nor is any one person.
Which was the trigger for the change?
In December 2017, almost 5 years to the day since I had my depression rock bottom, I had dropped my children off at school. As I approached the roundabout to turn left to drive to work, my body shutdown and wouldn't allow it. It's almost like something took over and made me turn right to go home. The day before had been an extremely stressful day and I had actually walked out as I couldn't cope. Usually I would bounce back after a good night's sleep, but this time it was almost as though my body could no longer tolerate the stress. It had had enough.
How was your journey? What did you put in action?
On that day, I decided to see my doctor. In her office I broke down, crying uncontrollably. I realized just how bad I had allowed myself to get. She listened patiently and offered counselling, psychology and then remembering I was a kinesiologist, she suggested seeing a kinesiologist. Funnily enough I was in such a state I couldn't even see that as an option. I went to see my kinesiologist and I'm not sure how she said it, but I came away with an understanding that money was not as important as my health. I left there thinking about when I should resign. By the end of the week I had made the decision to resign. The day I walked out for the last time I felt a huge sense of relief, and also excitement at what my future held.
How do you think your life would be now if you had continued in the same direction?
I honestly believe I was heading for a serious health condition. Possibly a heart attack.
How is your life today?
Today I am more mindful of my mental health. I listen to my mind and body and know when I need to take some time out for me. I meditate daily, journal most days and make sure that every day I do something that puts a smile on my face. Knowing the ups and downs of mental health drives me to empower others to find their inner joy. This has also lead me on many educational journeys as I learn about new healing modalities.
What would you say to someone reading your story?
Your health is more important than money. What you earn and your job title is not as important as your happiness. Really LIVE your life. Find something to do that makes you smile or feeds your soul. You don't want to live life with regrets, you want to live life with experiences and memories.
THE FAVOURITES
Which are your top 3 inspiring books?
Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl. It showed me how the way we see the world around us impacts our ability to never give up.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.You can Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay. It taught me that our emotions impact our physical health.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.Power vs Force, by David R. Hawkins. I learned how powerfully our emotions impact the world we live in.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.
Which are your top 3 inspiring movies, series or documentaries?
E-Motion. Reminded me of the importance of good mental and emotional health and the impact this has on our physical health.
The Secret. It taught me the power behind our emotions and thoughts, and how it impacts the world around us.
Pursuit of Happyness. Reminds me to never give up.
Which are your top 3 favourite songs?
Happy, by Pharrell Williams. It literally makes me happy!
Don't Worry Be Happy, by Guy Sebastian. Again, it just makes me happy!
Calling all Angels, by Train. I listened to it when I was at my lowest point, and it reminds me that I can ask for help!
Which is your most inspiring quote?
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change, by Wayne Dyer. I realised that when I changed the way I looked at my life and what was important to me, my focus changed and I began to look more after my health and happiness.
Tell us about your own favourite picture!
I took that picture on Mount Sinai in 2000 at sunrise. It reminds me that each day is a new day, and each day the sun will rise.
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