Every now and then life throws a curveball at us. For years, I have prioritised work and others before my own needs. I would sleep late after reading, wake up late, work like a zombie, and engage mechanically because I had to answer the call of duty. If things did not go a certain way, I would stress to the point of falling sick. I would recover and return to the same cycle. One day, I lost my sleep, started coughing all night feeling choked and stopped responding to any medication. It was a severe relapse of GERD, better known as acid reflux and nothing could make me feel better. It had been a year of suffering physically and mentally and this was the nail on the coffin. I was sick of my own pattern and my body made it clear. That’s when I had to sit myself down and take accountability.

“Nobody could save me until I chose to save myself”. I had to get better if I wanted to show up in my job and relationships healthily. I had to invest in myself to live my dreams and be there for those around me. That was the beginning of a more disciplined life — committing to the Circadian rhythm, eating better and making time for rest and recovery.

The transition hasn’t been easy, but I believe that it will pay off someday. Growth, often, begins with accountability. This cannot happen without changing our self-talk, coaching ourselves and being intentional about our actions.