CHOICES Magazine

Life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery; from the moment we are born to the day we take our last breath. In this journey, the power of self-awareness, reflection, and creating space for growth can be truly life-changing. The key to transformation lies in our ability to adjust the course of our lives with intention, guiding ourselves in new and empowering directions.

I was too strong for too long. I believed in the lies of self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs ahead of my own. I became adept at masking the constant pain, pushing myself beyond my limits, and learning to live in chronic stress and disease…

Most of us move at a faster pace than is best for us, and this can be anxiety-producing, ungrounding, and de-stabilizing. Practice slowing down your internal speed as much as possible.

In 2015, I hit rock bottom. I was in pain and despair, watching the young, healthy woman I once knew fade away. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. Confusion, rejection, and fear consumed me, and I worried that the pain I was experiencing would define my existence. Through my tears, I thought, “If this is how my life is going to be, then I’m ready to be done.”

We have all encountered the adage, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Yet, many individuals operate on an empty cup due to the perceived lack of time for self-care. This mindset can ultimately lead to burnout. The belief that self-care requires significant time investment often deters individuals from engaging in it.

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves swept up in the excitement and festivities that come with this time of year. It’s a season filled with joy, gatherings, and cherished traditions. Yet, as much as we love the holidays, they also bring an undeniable amount of stress, pressure, and sometimes, even exhaustion.

How many hard lessons about self-care and burnout have you learned during your entrepreneurship journey? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, the list is long. We’ve all been there—working long days, skipping vacations, putting off workouts, saying yes to every client, surviving on five hours of sleep, or grabbing whatever food we can because we’re too busy.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the demands on your time, energy, and focus can be overwhelming and you are often wearing many hats—running a business, managing your household, nurturing relationships, and pursuing personal growth. In the quest to succeed, one resource tends to be overlooked, even though it is our most valuable asset: our health.

The holiday season can be a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and the joy of giving. However, it’s also a time that can bring a significant amount of stress. From planning holiday meals and shopping for gifts to juggling social obligations and travel, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Mary Ronnow has been a successful entrepreneur and licensed Master Esthetician for over 30 years. She is the founder of The Skin Institute in St. George, Utah, and the co-owner and founder (along with her daughter, Lieren Pearson) of The Skin Institute International in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also the owner of Starry Nites Ranch in southern Utah.

Having been a professional speaker for over 20 years of my life, I often found myself on the road during holidays when others were at home with their families. One year, in particular, stands out—a Thanksgiving like no other, filled with unexpected moments of joy and connection.

In the wake of a recent lawsuit claiming that hackers may have stolen Social Security numbers for every American, the nation faces one of the most severe cybersecurity breaches in history. The implications of such a breach could be devastating, as Social Security numbers (SSNs) are the cornerstone of identity verification for financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare providers.