FRIED. Burnout Recovery Services

09/09/2025

It can feel relieving to find reasons for behaviors, patterns, beliefs, and reactions in your life. But finding those reasons shouldn’t be the end of your growth - it should be the beginning.

Finding new context allows you to reintegrate parts of your story in new ways. When you’re in the process of reframing you get to choose how the story gets told.

09/08/2025

Which spirit feels unbalanced to you?

I’ve had this on my wall in various offices and apartments for over 20 years.

The Big Picture

In Chinese medicine, each of your major organs isn’t just a physical part of your body. It’s also linked to a part of your mind, emotions, and spirit. These parts are called the shen. Together, they shape how you think, feel, dream, and respond to life.

Think of them like an inner team — each member has a role. When they’re balanced, you feel whole, clear, and resilient. When they’re off, it can show up as stress, burnout, confusion, or physical symptoms.

The Five Spirits

Hun (Liver) – The Dreamer

This is your inner visionary. Hun gives you creativity, imagination, and the ability to see possibilities. It helps you dream, plan, and find purpose.

Out of balance: you may feel stuck, aimless, or lost in frustration.

Shen (Heart) – The Connector

This is the “main spirit” that makes you you. Shen is about consciousness, awareness, joy, and your ability to connect with others.

Out of balance: you may feel scattered, anxious, or cut off from people.

Yi (Spleen) – The Thinker

This is your focus and intellect. Yi helps you concentrate, study, and make sense of the world.

Out of balance: you may overthink, worry, or feel mentally exhausted.

Zhi (Kidneys) – The Willpower

This is your drive, courage, and persistence. Zhi helps you keep going when things are tough.

Out of balance: you may feel fearful, unmotivated, or constantly depleted.

Po (Lungs) – The Instincts

This is your animal side, your body’s instinct to breathe, feel, and survive. Po grounds you in the here and now, and connects you to your senses.

Out of balance: you may feel grief that won’t let go, or a sense of being cut off from your body.

09/07/2025

Noticing and appreciating beauty is a BPF (burnout protection factor).

That’s all. That’s the post.

09/05/2025

In my years helping thousands recover from burnout, I’ve observed that most leaders are operating at diminished capacity for months before they recognize the problem.

The neurological impact starts long before we’re willing to admit something’s wrong.

I’m thrilled to join fellow burnout specialist Jahmaal Marshall and Coaching.com’s Rosette Cataldo on September 11th for “This Is Your Brain on Burnout... Any Questions?” where we’ll share:

• The subtle warning signs that indicate your brain is under stress
• Evidence-based recovery techniques I’ve developed with my clients
• Implementation frameworks to prevent burnout recurrence

Join us to discover practical solutions for leadership resilience: https://resources.coaching.com/your-brain-on-burnout

09/03/2025

My aunt came over today to add a hook and loop clasp to a new dress. Here’s what she pulled out.

In a world where we toss things so quickly and don’t give things their full shelf life, it was a good reminder that some things don’t go bad.

08/23/2025

08/12/2025

You can do all the burnout recovery in the world and your dog will still want extra treats.

12/20/2024

✨ Scared to take the leap? Here's the tool that changed everything for Erica Rooney, this week's FRIED. The Burnout Podcast guest ().

Erica said, "When I’m feeling stuck or terrified of a big move, I call in reinforcements. 💬 I’ll tell three or four close friends, “This is what I want to do, and I need your support.” Why? Because putting it out there makes it real."

"You can’t unring the bell once it’s rung—and that accountability? It’s powerful. Even for someone like me who struggles to ask for help, leaning on my people forced me to pause, accept support, and grow in ways I never imagined."

🛑 Stop thinking you have to do it all alone.
💡 Your growth begins the moment you let others in.

Tag your support squad below and remind them how much they mean to you. 🤝 Let’s lift each other up!

🎥 Watch the full episode for more tools to move from stuck to unstoppable—link in bio.

12/18/2024

🎥 "Burnout isn’t your fault, but your recovery is your responsibility." 💥

In this week’s episode, Erica Rooney () drops some truth bombs about breaking free from the “sticky floors” we put ourselves on. 🚪🔥 From battling burnout to redefining success on her terms, she’s living proof that it’s never too late to take control and pivot.

✨ Favorite takeaway: Small, intentional steps—like naming what’s holding you back—can lead to massive transformation.

➡️ Ready to ditch the “shoulds” and reclaim your energy? Check out the full episode! 🎧 Link in bio.

11/13/2024

What a relief it was when Ryan Brazil, 4th grade teacher released a video explaining her first thought concept.

I don't know about you but my first thought is typically pretty un-generous - but my follow up thoughts can get better and better when I'm being intentional.

You aren't the sum of your first thoughts, first reactions, initial emotions or anything else... the story you get to tell about your day, your situation, your experience can have as many layers and learnings and as much growth as YOU WANT.

Permission granted.