A Moment of Clarity in the African Wilderness
As the sun began to set over the Sabi Sands in South Africa, I found myself captivated by a family of lions.
The raw power and beauty of these creatures were both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Watching the lionesses with their cubs, I observed the unfiltered reality of nature’s cycle—cruel yet profoundly beautiful.
The lioness remained ever vigilant, constantly on alert to protect her family and ensure her cubs were fed.
The Science Behind Our Stress Response
In physiology, this state is known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, governed by the sympathetic nervous system.
It’s our body’s natural reaction to perceived threats, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare us for immediate action.
While essential for survival, remaining in this state long-term can be detrimental to our health.
My Personal Journey: From Lioness to Burnout
This scene resonated deeply with me.
For years, I lived like that lioness—always on high alert, ready to confront challenges and protect my children.
As a single parent after losing my husband to cancer and working full-time as a medical doctor, I was in a constant state of high stress.
Driven by stress hormones, I was always prepared to solve problems and to fight if necessary, or to retreat.
Learning from Nature: The Importance of Rest
It suddenly occurred to me that even the lioness, after ensuring her cubs are safe and fed, allows herself time to rest.
I watched as the entire pride basked in the fading sunlight, embracing moments of peace and relaxation.
This is akin to the “rest and digest” mode, regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes healing, digestion, and restoration.
Recognising the Need for Change
It dawned on me that My life was consumed by stress and challenges.
This relentless state led to an accumulation of negative emotions and ultimately severe burnout.
I realised that unlike the lioness, I hadn’t given myself permission to pause and rejuvenate.
The Healing Journey: A Path to Transformation
My healing journey was both profound and transformative.
Through personal development, I gained deep insights into my past and present, reassessed my belief systems and values, and learned about myself and life in general.
I became a more humble and compassionate human being—a better parent, a better doctor, a better person.
Embracing a New Perspective
Healing my heart paved the way for a brighter, more fulfilling life.
I learned to be happy again, to be grateful, and to appreciate every moment.
I transformed chaos and overwhelm into peace, calm, and joy.
I came to understand that while we cannot control many circumstances in our lives, we can control how we react to them—the way we think about them and the meanings we assign to them.
Developing Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
I became resilient, mastering tools to manage stress effectively.
I learned to recognise my emotions and reactions, giving myself that split-second pause to choose a better response.
This practice allowed me to shift from the sympathetic “fight or flight” dominance to activating my parasympathetic “rest and digest” system, fostering a state of calm and openness.
Paying It Forward: MedicRevive and “From Chaos to Calm”
This transformation inspired me to help others achieve the same.
I founded MedicRevive and created a mentoring program called “From Chaos to Calm” where I guide high performing individuals—particularly single mothers and physicians—on a journey from the fight-or-flight response to the rest-and-digest mode.
In this program, I help people understand that when we are in a state of calm, our parasympathetic nervous system allows us to perceive opportunities, insights, and ideas that are inaccessible when we’re highly stressed.
From this space of tranquillity, we can create the life we truly desire.
Just like the lioness that takes time to rest after the hunt, we too must prioritise our well-being to sustain our strength and calm.
An Invitation to Transform Your Life
If you are experiencing high levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, or overwhelm, know that there is a path to peace and fulfilment.
I invite you to reach out and take the first step on your own journey from chaos to calm.
For support, please book your complementary recovery lounge session.
