From Burnout to Balance: How 'The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down' Saved My Sanity

Three years ago, I was running on empty. My days blurred together in a haze of deadlines, emails, and sleepless nights. I snapped at my kids, forgot birthdays, and felt like a ghost in my own life. Then a friend handed me a copy of 'The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down.' Skeptical but desperate, I started reading. 1

The first lesson that hit me was the importance of pausing. I began setting my phone aside for 10 minutes each morning, just breathing and noticing the world outside my window. It felt strange at first, but soon I craved those moments of stillness. Sunim’s stories—like the parent who found peace in small bedtime rituals or the executive who reclaimed weekends for family—made me realize I wasn’t alone.

I learned to befriend my emotions instead of running from them. When anger or sadness arose, I practiced observing them like clouds passing through the sky. Forgiveness became easier, both for myself and others. I started saying no to extra commitments and yes to more time with loved ones. Gradually, the fog of burnout lifted. My relationships deepened, my work became more meaningful, and—most importantly—I began to feel whole again.

This book didn’t just change my habits; it changed my heart. If you’re struggling with overwhelm, know that healing begins with a single breath. Slow down, and you might just rediscover the life you’ve been missing.

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