A year ago, I joined Denise Eckert on her Calm Your Daily Stress podcast to have a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to protect our mental and emotional well-being in a world that rarely slows down.

We spoke about my transition from a high-stress career in the tech industry to becoming an emotional intelligence coach—a change that wasn’t just a career pivot, but a personal necessity. I opened up about the subtle but dangerous signs of burnout I ignored for too long, and how the pandemic forced me, like so many others, to pause and reassess what I truly wanted my life to look like.

Today, I’m bringing that conversation to Big Meaningful Life so even more of you can hear it. This conversation is just as relevant today as it was when we recorded it. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, struggling to set boundaries, or giving more than you have to give, I hope my story and insights remind you that you have the power to choose a different pace.

Key Takeaways:

• Misalignment in work and life isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to chronic overwhelm if left unchecked.
• Setting clear boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s essential for protecting your mental health and energy.
• Empathy is powerful, but without limits, it can accelerate burnout.
• Recognizing the early signs of burnout can help you intervene before hitting full exhaustion.
• Trust—in yourself and in your relationships—makes boundary-setting feel safer and more sustainable.

Looking back, this conversation was a turning point for me. It’s a reminder that sometimes, slowing down isn’t about losing momentum—it’s about preserving the energy you need to live and lead well.

So let me ask you—where in your life do you need to pause before you burn out?

Connect with Denise Eckert:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniseeckert/

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallymahamdeh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sally_mahamdeh/

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Send me an email with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]

Music Credit:
This episode features ''Je n'y suis jamais allé'' by Yann Tiersen.