My experience. Why I created this Wellness Journal.

Burnout didn't arrive dramatically for me. There was no single breaking point, no obvious moment where everything fell apart (until I had a full mental breakdown). Instead it crept in quietly - through constant exhaustion, juggling to many balls, saying 'yes' to everything, a mind that never truly switched off, and a body that eventually forced me to stop abruptly.

Like many women, I kept functioning. I kept showing up. From the outside, everything looked fine. But internally, something was deeply depleted. I became a very sick shell of myself.

My life changed dramatically on a spin of a dial. One minute I was thinking and trying to act as a competent corporate woman, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend... to next minute nearly being admitted to hospital due to cardiac issues, mental health and exhaustion related health issues. My life as I knew it was ripped away from me and I felt not only so sick but then on a rainbow of not caring to being so scared on what my life held for me. And that was just me, let alone the affect on my family and dearest friends.

I couldn't get out of bed or function for the first few months... Then I finally did.

What became one of the most supportive tools in my initial and continual recovery (to date) was creating this wellness journal. I discovered early in my recovery, that even though I had incredible family/friend as well as medical support (to a degree), the buck stopped with me. If I had a chance of recovery and long term maintenance, I had to try and do it myself the best I could.

It started with walks on the beach (time and length was dependant on my energy level for the day - some days I just could not get out of bed - or even cared about life itself)... On the days I did walk, I would think about many things, but mainly about 'what next' - what does my life look like moving forward and what do I need to do to help me find my shine again... I would walk, then sit under a tree and make notes, notes turned to pages and pages turned to chapters.

Before I knew it, I had the skeleton of a book/ journal that really helped me focus on 'my next steps'. It eased the darkness and gave me a plan (I am a A type personality - so I live by plans, goals and to do lists).

Once I started the concept of writing a book and thinking about what else to include and how I could help others, I would meet and discuss with random strangers. These people would literally pop into my life without trying.

Everyone had a story and their stories would give me inspiration to include further concepts based on their experiences and recovery. I am not a doctor. I come from an accounting/ financial services background. What I understood and grasped, was a common denominator across all these strangers or 'angels' as I called them. It was the peace of time to reflect and look into the future. Acknowledge the past and the lessons learnt as well as focusing on what could their life really look like if they took the time to reflect, answer truthfully and execute (even in the smallest steps).

It was important that the journal was not rigid with discipline.

When going through burnout or even preventing it, this is the last thing you need. Sometimes you feel the need the reflect and write and other days it is the last thing you want to do. I created this journal, so that it is your safe and reliable companion. Pick up when you need.

It also has the purpose as a powerful reflection journal when complete. You can continue on aspects that have worked for you or continue/ start on others that haven't.

It became my saviour. I would think and talk to others on reflection questions, education chapters, what else....? Answer myself and then breakdown into small steps on what I needed to do to make it happen permanently. I have a long way to go and some days it is way to much. But my good days are out weighing the bad and i absolutely believe it is because of this process of reflecting, journalling and small steps in making it happen.

As mentioned , I am an A type personality, so I fully reviewed the market, medical intervention options and what else was available. It really worried me.. and once again realised that true success in recovery takes alot of personal effort and willingness. It takes the requirement to be honest with yourself and then put in the hard work even if it is one small step at a time.. You are so worth it..

My journal is not perfect.. Nor is it a solution but rather a tool. It was driven by the overpowering need and desire to put my heart & soul into it so that i can be the healthiest and happiest version of me. I needed to be selfish for the first time of my life.

Hence I want to share and help others.... even in the smallest way.

I have am immense desire to create a domino affect. The more people my journal can help, the more health and happiness it will create for the individual affected and their personal tribe.

Please help me make it happen.

Julie Ann xx