She came to me, convinced she had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. After a detailed analysis of her diet, supplements, and bloodwork, I was stumped. Everything was normal and her meals were balanced and nutrient-dense. She was diligent with her exercise and sleep habits.

“What are you doing to fill your joy bucket?” I asked. She stared blankly at me. I rephrased my question. “What do you do for fun? For pleasure? Out of pure joy?”

“Nothing,” she replied. We spent the remainder of our session brainstorming ideas and activities that connected her back to herself- the self she’d been neglecting and ignoring because of work demands. She came back 2 weeks later, rejuvenated and replenished. “This whole time I thought I had chronic fatigue, and really it was because I wasn’t doing anything that brought me JOY!”

Often we feel exhausted, not because we’re doing too much, but because we’re doing too little of the things that make us feel alive. We were not born to work and be productive and make a living. We were born to explore, heal, create, grow, climb, connect, follow our curiosities, and love.

Whatever you do, remember to fill your joy bucket. 💕