For me, personally it was an unexpected initiation into life as an immigrant—and even more so, into being human.
Being in a new neighborhood, in a foreign country, and not knowing the language … it was sobering.
And yet my truth is, I both feared it—and loved it.
Yes, I was scared not knowing how long this would go on. Yes, I was anxious about not having enough water. Yes, I was worried being cut off from the rest of the world.
But here’s what also happened …
I felt comfort thinking about my loved ones—locally and internationally—knowing they were likely thinking of me too
I felt deep peace and trust—enjoying a pause from electronics, EMFs, and city lights—and in having a secure attachment with Life, knowing this was not the end.
I felt appreciation for what I did have: candles, a key to my bestie’s flat, cash for take-away food, my Boo here with me.
I felt appreciation for the Portuguese people—gathering in parks, on beaches, in the streets, through windows—chatting and laughing, sharing wine and barbecues—what appeared to be without panic.
My partner and I rested.
We cuddled.
We talked.
We laughed.
We started a plan to get more prepared.
I lit candles and imagined my ancestors doing the same. I prayed for those who might be under duress.
And I remembered how much there is to be grateful for:
💛 That we are resilient.
💛 That we are interdependent.
💛 That we can find peace—even in the crazy unknown.
And, not suprisingly—it also got me thinking about entrepreneurship …
Because in business—there are blackouts, aka burnouts too.
The kind where you’ve been going and going, giving and serving, showing up and pushing through … until something forces you to stop.
Until your body says “no more.”
Until your mind says “I can’t.”
Until your soul says “I need rest.”
Until you flatline and forget why you started
Waking up to this kind of burnout can absolutely be disorienting. It can be scary. You may wonder if something is wrong with you.
But just like my recent blackout experience … burnout can be both terrifying and deeply gratifying.
Because when your light goes out—you can still see what’s glowing inside of you.
When your systems shut down—you might still feel what’s actually alive.
When everything quiets around you—you may finally hear your soul speak loudly.
And, just like in a real-life blackout …
You can pause. You can unplug. You can breathe. You can light a candle instead of a screen. You can remember that your worth is not in your output. You can find your way back to what really matters.
And if you’re really paying attention, Jodi—you might even find clarity, compassion, and a new way forward—rooted in Self love, not urgency.
If you’re in a season of burnout—I want to remind you:
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
And you don’t have to keep doing it the hard way.
This is why I offer Leading with Love private coaching—so that you can come back to your body, your boundaries, and your business brilliance to build something that truly nourishes and is aligned for you.
If your business is asking for more rest, more alignment, more sustainable growth—I’d love to connect. Here’s a link to book a no-pressure, no-cost exploration call with me where we’ll look at where you are, where you want to be, the challenges that are getting in the way and how I might be able to support you in moving through any resistance or burnout.
And remember, if you’re navigating your own blackout—be it burnout or uncertainty—know this, |FNAME|: your light is still burning bright. I’m here to help you find the switch.