I lived the hustle. I hustled hard. I believed that the more I did, the more successful I’d become. When my business shifted in a direction I didn’t foresee, I ended up creating a monster of my own making. I’d left behind the corporate rat race long ago, but here I was, running on my own hamster wheel. Seven days a week. Late nights consumed with thoughts of strategy, deadlines, and decisions. On the outside, I had built a successful enterprise. Inside, I was numb. Miserable. I had created something that no longer aligned with me or my values.

I lost myself in the process.

When the government contracts started to dry up due to sequestration, I had no choice but to shut it down. What should have felt like a failure ended up being one of the greatest gifts. The universe was telling me, “Stop. Breathe. Rebuild.”

Letting go wasn’t easy. Seven full-time employees, fifty part-time contractors—I had built a team, a family. But in releasing that, I found myself again.

Now, I run my business on my terms. Four days a week, subcontracting work to a team of talented people who align with my vision. I only meet once a week. My day starts at 9 and ends at 5, Monday through Thursday. I speak to clients I love, coach and lead memberships that energize me, and enjoy the peace that comes with knowing I’m in control. My life feels abundant in every sense.

I am no longer a rat. I am a being—a fabulous human being.

The journey has taught me that hustle isn’t everything. We glorify the grind, the “get it done” attitude, but we rarely stop to ask ourselves if it’s truly serving us. I didn’t. I didn’t ask if I was happy, healthy, or thriving. From the outside, it looked like I was. But inside, I was hurting, and I didn’t even realize it.

Now I do.

I’ve lost over 80 pounds, and I feel lighter in every way. I’ve found joy in the simplest moments—bubble baths, meditation, writing, affirming my truth. I’m mindful of what I want and unapologetic about making sure it’s all about my happiness.

Because here’s the truth: when I’m happy, when I’m taking care of myself, I can give so much more to the people I serve. I can pour into my clients, my marriage of 40 years, my relationships, and my work with a full heart. I’m laughing more, dancing more, and living more joyously than I ever have before.

My office is now a place of peace, not pressure. My life is abundant in love, health, and purpose. I’m making a difference with a select group of clients, and I’m so grateful for every part of my journey.

I used to live in the “how.” How can I do more? How can I push harder? How can I achieve? But now, I live in the “being.”

I want to be my best, highest self—physically, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, abundantly. And I know the universe is conspiring to support me in that journey.

I’m so happy, so grateful. I didn’t know it was possible to live like this. But now, I do. And I want that for everyone.

If you’re reading this, and you’re stuck in the grind, know there is another way. There is always another way.

Take care of you first. The rest will follow.