Finding Your Purpose: How I Turned Burnout Into a Life of Joy and Impact

Finding Your Purpose: How I Turned Burnout Into a Life of Joy and Impact

For so long, I thought I had it all figured out. I worked three jobs, grinding away, earning a solid income, but at the expense of my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I was the queen of the hustle—always on, always achieving, and always burning out. I made $75,000 a year, which might sound like success to some, but I was miserable. I was depressed, overweight, and spiritually empty. Why? Because I wasn’t aligned with my purpose. I was good at what I did, but I didn’t love it.

The Illusion of Success

For years, I excelled in the service industry, particularly as a barber. I had built a reputation for being incredibly skilled and reliable, which only led to more work, more responsibilities, and more expectations. Yet, despite my achievements and the money, I didn’t feel respected or fulfilled. The work never really felt like it was mine; it felt like I was endlessly filling someone else’s cup while mine ran dry. I didn’t realize it then, but I was running on a treadmill that would never lead me to the life I wanted.

Then, COVID hit. The world stopped, and so did I. I found myself staring at a blank slate, stripped of my routine, my work, and my so-called success. The choice was there—to return to the life I knew or to take this forced pause as a moment to reconsider everything. The answer came from deep within: There was no way I could go back. I knew it would mean not just losing myself again, but losing myself entirely.

The Reawakening: A New Path in Beekeeping

Around this time, I stumbled upon beekeeping. It seemed like a sign—nature’s way of inviting me to reconnect, to realign, to find joy in simplicity and purpose. Becoming a beekeeper was a transformative experience. Suddenly, I found myself in the rhythm of the earth, working alongside these incredible creatures that symbolize community, resilience, and harmony. Beekeeping began to heal me. It slowed me down, made me more mindful, more present. But even then, there was a nagging feeling that this wasn’t enough. It was closer to what I wanted, but it wasn’t quite there.

The Humbling Journey: From Devastation to Determination

As if the universe wasn’t done teaching me yet, I faced another setback. I became pregnant and was hit with hyperemesis gravidarum—a severe condition that left me bedridden and unable to work. I had to move back in with my parents in Rochester, all the way from Seattle, because living alone in the city was financially impossible, especially when deemed incapable of working. To top it off, I had a 10-week early pregnancy, immediately got COVID, and had to leave my son alone in the NICU for two weeks. During those painful days, my dreams seemed further away than ever.

But life has a funny way of forcing you to see what truly matters. In the quiet, in the stillness of my recovery, I realized that I couldn’t let those dreams go. I knew what I wanted, and no matter how far away it seemed, I wasn’t going to be distracted by fear or what anyone else thought I "should" do. My parents took me in and allowed me space to heal, and I am forever grateful. This time, I used my recovery period to reflect on what truly brought me joy and how to craft a life around that.

The Shot End of the Stick: The Importance of Self-Education

I’ve learned the hard way that self-education isn’t always about pursuing what we love; sometimes, it’s about facing what we’d rather ignore. I never wanted to dive into the world of finances—it seemed too complicated, too rigid, and far removed from what fueled my spirit. So, I didn’t. And let me tell you, that oversight cost me. The short end of the stick in self-education is thinking we can just skip the parts that don’t excite us. But here’s the truth: understanding your resources and how to manage them is just as important as dreaming big. It’s about learning to plant the seeds and nurture the soil so your visions can grow strong. If I had known better then, I would have realized that sometimes the most crucial knowledge is the kind you resist. And now, I’m committed to not only learning it but sharing it—so others don’t have to learn the hard way.

The Power of Saying 'No' to the Wrong Things

One of the most critical lessons I learned along the way was the power of saying "no" to what doesn’t serve you. The societal expectation to return to what’s comfortable, what’s known, and what’s safe is immense. But comfort and safety aren’t the same as joy and fulfillment. I had to say no to what the world thought I needed and stay laser-focused on what I knew I wanted.

It wasn’t easy. At times, it felt like I was standing alone, defying gravity while everyone else was grounded. But every time I doubted myself, I remembered the alternative—going back to a life that was slowly killing me. And that kept me moving forward.

Choosing Joy, Building Dreams: Fernwick Artisans and Beyond

So I began to chase my joy relentlessly, with no apologies. I started dreaming bigger. I founded Fernwick Artisans, a business rooted in sustainability and creativity, where I could craft the kind of world I wanted to live in. I poured everything into it—my soul, my passion, my principles. It wasn’t just a business; it was my way of saying to the universe, "I am here, and I will create beauty and purpose."

Fernwick Artisans was just the beginning. From there, I dreamed up the Village Makers Market ER—a charitable, non-profit fundraising market that supports local charities. It became a hub of community, creativity, and connection. It was my way of giving back, of lifting others up, just as I had been lifted in my darkest times.

Through these experiences, I realized that self-education and sheer determination were my greatest allies. I became my own teacher, diving deep into every subject that interested me—from business and permaculture to community building and alternative education. I crafted curriculums and mapped out my life the way I wanted it to look. I turned every interest into a skill, every passion into a profession.

From Vision to Reality: What's Next

With every step I’ve taken, I’ve only gotten more excited about what’s possible. I’ve taken on new projects, like launching the Rebel Scholar Blog and planning a future podcast where I can share all the unconventional wisdom I’ve gathered. I’m actively working on expanding Fernwick Artisans, building sustainable properties, and empowering others to carve their paths.

There’s so much more to come, and I’m eager to bring you along for the ride. I want you to know that no matter where you are right now, if you’re feeling lost or unsure, you have the power to change it. It starts with a vision, with allowing yourself to dream, and giving yourself the time to learn your way.

So Why Share All This?

Because I’ve been through the darkness. I’ve faced the fears, the doubts, the setbacks. And I’ve come out the other side with more clarity, more joy, and more purpose than I ever thought possible. This isn’t just a motivational post—it’s a reality check. We are always moving toward something, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And if you’ve made it here, you can make it anywhere.

I hope my journey can inspire you to start dreaming again, to take that leap of faith, and to build a life that feels undeniably yours. We’ve got one life to live—let’s make it extraordinary.

Join Me on This Journey!

I’m currently working on expanding my work and creating more ways to connect, share, and grow together. Check out my Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more ways to engage with my journey. Plus, stay tuned for my upcoming Kickstarter, where I’ll be seeking support to bring even more creative, sustainable projects to life. Let's build a better future together!

- CCM <3