From Burnout to Balance: How I Fell Back in Love with My Brand and Life
From Burnout to Balance: How I Fell Back in Love with My Brand and Life
For 16 years, I had been running my business like I was running a marathon at sprint pace. It was exhilarating at first—growth, success, the hustle—but over time, the constant grind left me drained. I was exhausted, uninspired, and no longer connected to the brands I had built with so much passion. Somewhere along the way, the treadmill I was running on became a trap. I realised I had to pull a hard stop last year, and I can now see it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Hitting Pause: A Radical Shift in Perspective
When I finally allowed myself to stop, I gained something I hadn’t experienced in years: perspective. In the stillness, I rediscovered the heart of my brand, Elä Life, and what it stood for—balance, intention, and nurturing the soul.
Ironically, everything I had created for others was exactly what I needed for myself. Elä Life was born from my desire to help people slow down and live more intentionally, but I hadn’t been practicing that in my own life.
This realisation hit me like a bolt of clarity 6 months ago but again more recently. Also I realised, deep down that I still loved my brand. I loved its purpose, its ethos, and everything it stood for. What I didn’t love was how I’d been running it—or, more accurately, how it had been running me.
Choosing a More Sustainable Approach
Heading into 2025, I’m committing to a slower, more sustainable pace for my business and my life. This means being intentional about protecting my energy and prioritising self-care. One big change is I'm building in a “slow week” every month—a time to step back, recharge, and take care of myself.
These slower days aren’t about doing nothing. They’re about giving myself space to reflect, plan, and reconnect with what truly matters. Winter feels like the perfect season to embrace this new slower growth period. Nature itself is resting and preparing, and I’m taking a cue from that. This season will be about laying roots and building a strong foundation for the future, not rushing toward the next big milestone.
Reigniting Inspiration
I’m entering 2025 with a fresh perspective and a reignited passion for my brand. I’ve fallen back in love with the process of creating and building, but this time, I’m doing it in a way that feels aligned and manageable. I no longer feel like I have to push myself to the brink to achieve success. Success, I’ve realised, isn’t about how fast you can go—it’s about how well you can sustain the journey.
This slower, more intentional pace has already started to spark new ideas and creative energy. I feel inspired for the year ahead, not overwhelmed. I’m excited to see what unfolds when I focus on sustainable growth rather than sprinting toward the finish line.
Embracing the Season of Winter
Winter has always been a time for reflection and preparation, and this year, I’m fully leaning into that energy. I’m using this season to root myself in my values, reconnect with my purpose, and plant seeds for the future. The slower pace feels natural and necessary, and I’m trusting that by honouring this season of rest, I’ll have the strength and clarity I need for seasons of growth ahead.
Building Back with Intention
My goal for 2025 is to build my brand in a way that feels good—not just for the business, but for me. I want Elä Life to reflect the life I want to live: intentional, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. I’m taking things one step at a time, letting go of the need to do it all at once, and giving myself permission to grow at a pace that feels right.
For the first time in a long time, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead—not with pressure, but with excitement and curiosity.
If you’re feeling burnt out or disconnected, I encourage you to take a step back and give yourself space to breathe. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what you need to move forward with clarity and purpose. Here’s to a new year of balance, intention, and sustainable growth.