01/31/2026
The Cost of Surviving
I graduated nursing school in 2014.
Not long after, a peer encouraged me to try critical care nursing. I thought it was too soon—but I toured the unit, felt the intensity, and said yes.
For years, night shift was my life.
I learned how to function under extreme stress.
I witnessed devastating, unimaginable cases.
I supported my coworkers while managing my own assignments.
It was the era of hustle culture in healthcare—and I adapted.
But what I didn’t realize then was this:
My body, heart, mind, and soul were never meant to live this way long-term.
I wanted to make a difference in the world.
But in that system, I could only meet people on the worst days of their lives, in moments of crisis, when it was often already too late.
I survived on 4–6 hours of poor daytime sleep, then worked 12–14 hour nights.
This was before children. Before my 40s.
A season of sacrificing everything to a system that eventually stopped making sense.
I was burned out.
My circadian rhythm was completely off.
I gained weight.
I became sedentary.
I felt disconnected from myself.
And one day, I couldn’t accept that reality anymore.
Fast forward to 2026—ten years later—and I’m still practicing Reiki.
Not because I rejected medicine,
but because I finally listened to my nervous system.
If you’re burned out from work, life, caregiving, or the pace of the world—I understand.
I’m the founder of Sacred Mountain Institute, and we host free monthly community Reiki clinics so people can experience rest, regulation, and support without pressure.
✨ Upcoming Events:
🌀 Free Community Reiki Clinic
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dsotpj7jo/
📱 Live Zoom Q&A – Tomorrow at 8 PM EST
(Learn about our once-a-year Reiki Intensive Class)
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1FuJiaLp3d/
📚 Reiki Intensive Weekend
🗓 Feb 27th–28th
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1A2yFLYGC5/
You’re not weak.
You’re not broken.
You’re exhausted—and there are other ways.