Have you ever watched a chameleon? It gracefully changes its colors to blend into its surroundings. It's a mesmerizing sight, a marvel of nature's adaptability. But what if I told you that for the longest time, I felt like that chameleon? I was always changing to fit others' expectations. I lost sight of who I truly was.

My burnout was not only from overwork and stress. It was rooted in something deeper—a chronic identity crisis. It left me feeling like a chameleon, always shifting to blend in. Like the chameleon, I found myself changing my colors. I did this to match the expectations of those around me.

In my case there were signs along the way, but I missed them. Perhaps you have heard of the “Feather, Brick, Truck” metaphor. It refers to the way that we can learn lessons in life. We learn them consciously - That's part of why I'm writing this blog — this may be your "feather." Or, we learn them through a painful experience.

Picture this: 16 years in veterinary practice, giving my all until one day, I realized that I hit the proverbial “wall”. I had hit the “wall” before in my life, but this one was taller, thicker and more dense than any that I had previously encountered. It wasn't just a "bad day at the office" kind of thing; it was a full-blown crash.

Here’s what happened: ….