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I am a former workaholic.  In recent years, I’ve been told by close family members that ‘balance’ is something that I needed to do a better job of incorporating into my personal life. It took a long time for me actually hear their concerns… much less slowdown long enough to consider them. I always felt like they did not understand because they were not walking in my shoes. 

I’ve always been hard working, ambitious, goal oriented, and driven. Discovering the world of entrepreneurship changed my life and becoming a mother intensified my drive and determination even beyond what I thought was possible. 

I use to think of the term “workaholic” as a trendy buzz word used to describe people who were focused, driven and hard-working. I now know better. Being a workaholic is a very serious condition that slowly lures you into a place of absolute isolation were only you and your task exist. 

Speaking from experience, I can assure you that the term “workaholic” is not just a trendy buzz word.  It is a condition that is far darker. As an entrepreneur who also manages obsessive compulsive disorder, it is hard for me to describe how urgent every project, tasks, and assignment feels while you're in the moment. In the past, I've been guilty to working to the point of sickness and exhaustion. 

Being a workaholic robs you of opportunities and precious moments that you’ll never see or experience again. 

One of the darkest parts about this is… The workaholic does not care because they are unaware. In their minds 'the means justify the ends'. In their minds, if they could just get to a 'stopping point' they’ll have more time. In their minds, reaching their goal has the potential to make up for the lost times. Work becomes their only focus. It becomes what they value most. 

Life becomes a never ending cycle of work work work work work which is tragically unfortunate…both for the workaholic and the people who love them. On some level the workaholic begins to think “I’ve missed out on so much at this point…that if I could just keep going (with interruption or distraction) I can reach my goals and everyone will understand why I went so hard. And they will all feel that it was worth it!!! I can tell you from personal experience that these are lies that your mind tells you to keep you in the never ending cycle of work and obsession.  There is no stopping point. The means to do justify the end. Your family may love you but they will not feel like your neglect of them was worth it. (If you have a problem working to the point of sickness and/or exhaustion... you need to seek professional help now because life will pass you by.)

As a SelfCare Consultant, I genuinely love and enjoy helping my clients rediscover the strength of their spirit through the power and principles of self-care! 

However, having a work life balance it’s something that I continue to implement in my own life. through the power and principles of self-care. is definitely a part of my calling. Helping others avoid burnout, eliminate stress and set healthy boundaries is what I do professionally.

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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/latashae/message