Fifteen years ago, I was a corporate lawyer in one of Spain’s top law firms, pushing myself to the limit just to prove myself. Pushing myself was the secret to success, right? So I lived like that for too many years. Despite appearing confident and self-empowered, I would return home feeling drained and empty, numbing my feelings and needs with the hope that they would eventually disappear… but they didn’t. Instead, I kept myself busy not to feel.
Over time, love took me from Spain to Germany, where I became a researcher and lecturer in comparative law. The drive and perfectionism that marked my legal career continued to dominate. I approached my university work with the same high-achieving, perfectionist mindset of a lawyer. Though my boss wasn’t really pushing me, I was my own worst enemy.
When I moved to the Netherlands eleven years ago, I realized I couldn’t just be a corporate lawyer anymore. I couldn’t fit in one box. There was more to life for me! Next to my job, I started my own personal development journey. I got educated and conducted workshops on systemic work, communication (NVC), and contemplation. Yet, the challenges of motherhood, along with other personal and professional obstacles, took their toll. Motherhood hit me hard! I was no longer the same…What a rollercoaster of emotions. What a new reality. What a new life! I was super happy and exhausted in equal parts. However, when my body and mind could no longer bear the weight of my lifestyle, I faced burnout, depression, and trauma. All kind of uncomfortable feelings and pains that I would not wish to my worst enemy to feel…
Now I know that chasing the next ¨dream job¨ where I would finally feel fulfilled turned into a corporate ladder climbing nightmare with no purpose. Having to perform at high pace on a non-stop basis, adapting to my boss or business needs without allowing myself to stop and feel what is going on inside of me, was killing me. I preferred to keep myself busy instead of feeling empty, unfulfilled, sad or exhausted. It was time to give space to those emotions and find a new path. This is how three years ago, I started my coaching journey. At the beginning, coaching was meant to be just a hobby for me, but it turned out into a side hustle. Now working does not feel like working anymore.
Now I feel more connected to my needs, aligned with my values than ever before! Would you like to be the next one?
As Nelson Mandela said, the greatest glory in life lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
