Sweet Surrender: How Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Marked the Start of My Journey to Healing and Resilience

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gifts that catalyze the greatest transformations; for me, a box of handmade chocolate-covered strawberries was the unexpected beginning of a journey from the depths of despair to the heights of nurturing healing and inviting transformative growth.

Three years ago, on Mother's Day 2021, amidst the silent suffering and the turmoil of departing from a toxic and hostile workplace environment, my loving spouse and I received a gift that would become a symbol of hope and transformation in my life—a box of handmade chocolate-covered strawberries. This simple gesture from a treasured friend (colleague at the time) unknowingly marked the beginning of a profound journey toward healing, self-discovery, and professional transformation.

Mother’s Day, while often celebrated with joy, carries complex emotions for many. For recovering people-pleasers and over-givers, it’s a day when the reluctance to say no can become particularly painful, shining a light on devastating impact related to lacking self-honoring, sacred boundaries. For those of who are estranged or disconnected from their parents, it can deepen feelings of isolation. Those who have lost the nurturing figure in their lives may find the day brings a resurgence of grief. For others, the holiday is marred by trauma, such as the ongoing genocide in Palestine, making the day a reminder of broader pain and suffering. Those who have experienced the devastating loss of a child, or who have never been societally recognized as mothers due to various life circumstances, face their own unique blend of heartache and reflection.

As I navigated through a time filled with complex emotions—feeling discarded, disposable, unappreciated, unvalued, and unworthy—the heartfelt appreciation for the care shown by friends and family reminded me of the impact I still had at home. This contrasted sharply with my experiences at my former place of employment. At that time, I did not have the language or insight to understand "under-challenged burnout" and "neglect burnout," yet I knew in my heart of hearts I was depleted, drained, and my nervous system was highly dysregulated. (Source: Forbes article on burnout types. )

Fast forward to today, and I was reminded of the weight lifted from my being as I leaped across the trapeze out of a stable, secure 9-to-5, simultaneously releasing my identity formed through many moons of working for someone else. My hairstylist, who has been watching my journey unfold as an entrepreneur and has known me since before children, remarked on how I have reconnected with joy and seem much happier now that I am working with my own company, the High Vibe Healing Collective , no longer carrying the burden and weight of an institution rooted in external validation practices and notorious for building a culture of approval. (see LinkedIn article on approval culture) .

The gift of chocolate covered strawberries served as sweet beginnings from a generous friend and the commentary from a person I see every 4-6 weeks allowed me to reflect on the extent of my healing journey. It underscored the importance of nurturing myself and embracing the power of intention. My intention in April/May 2021 was clear: to ensure an easeful, peaceful, and smooth transition with an intentional exit strategy implemented on my terms and in divine timing to cultivate career expansion and heart-centered possibilities. "May it be so or something greater," I affirmed.

The power of intention, coupled with the gift of conscious-connected breathing, led me to leap into the land of entrepreneurship, launching the High Vibe Healing Collective LLC . This transition was not just about changing careers; it was about reclaiming my inner wisdom, recalibrating to when I took my first breath of this lifetime, and trusting the process of surrendering to new beginnings.

Today, I am thrilled to share the transformative power of breath through the High Vibe Healing Collective’s Third Eye Breathwork Community —a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with their inner guidance, intuition, and collective wisdom. Our community is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest moments, a single breath can be a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a bridge to deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Breathwork has shown us that transformation is possible, and healing can ripple across communities, creating waves of understanding and empathy. If you have yet to experience the Third Eye Breathwork Community , I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Whether you're seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper sense of belonging, our community welcomes you with open hearts and curious minds.

As we continue to navigate these globally challenging times, remember the importance of carving out space to breathe and be. According to recent research by SHRM in 2024 , burnout continues to be a significant issue, affecting individuals and organizations alike. The study underscores the need for strategies that address burnout comprehensively, highlighting the critical role of preventative measures and supportive communities. Link to SHRM Article authored by Matt Gonzales on Burnout: Understanding and Addressing Employee Burnout

In case you needed a reminder, your presence, your story, and your breath are integral to the fabric of our world. As we know that the external factors across our globe have been contributing to spirals in mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. My hope for you is that you breathe, grow, and co-create connected, liberated, devotional practices inside communities that see you, hear you, honor you, and affirm you being all of you.

Cheers to continuous wishes for all to find restorative, rejuvenating rest in whatever season of life you might be in, and may your journey be filled with the peace and vibrancy that comes from intentional, conscious-connected breathing.