Finding the Beauty of Breakthrough within the Breakdown

by Kyla Tustin,  Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainer

About eight years ago, consumed by the busy whirlwind of life and a separation, I found myself at a point where most of my time was devoted to caring for others. As a compassionate soul, trying to partially avoid some of my loneliness and grief of living alone after 14 years, I poured my heart and energy into helping those around me find their purpose, improve their relationships, connect with their bodies and soul, and recover from life’s traumas. But as months passed and Mental Health month went by with 60+ workshops facilitated and flights across Australia and New Zealand increased in regularity it all began to take its toll. I was on the edge of burnout, I’d lost all excitement and enthusiasm for my work and life, my cup was empty, and my spirit felt totally depleted.

One day, I woke and finally surrendered it to spirit and asked “show me the way” .. later that day a song that had touched my heart years prior came on the radio and as I listened to the lyrics, I began to bawl my eyes out. On repeat all I could hear was “there’s beauty in the breakdown” and with this a glimmer of hope. Little did I know that this song would become the catalyst for another profound transformation and breakthrough in my life, as I granted myself permission to PLAY my way.

So let go, so let go, hmm, jump in
Oh, well, whatcha waiting for? It’s alright
‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown

So let go, yeah let go, just get in
Oh, it’s so amazing here, it’s alright
‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown

Let Go, Frou Fou

It was as if the Universe was gently whispering to me, urging me to live with even greater presence, to feel all I had suppressed inside, to slow down, to find beauty in that was breaking apart and most importantly to listen to my own needs. The message was clear – I needed to break free from the workaholic cycle of endlessly giving, and embrace a new path, one that included self-care and self-discovery.

During my exhaustion, I realized that the breakdown and burnout I was experiencing was not a sign of failure, but an invitation to grow and embody new ways. I allowed myself to surrender to the feelings of grief, disappointment, overwhelm, to acknowledge that I couldn’t be everything to everyone all the time. As I embraced this vulnerability, recommitted to better boundaries, and committed to my “Sacred No” I discovered the first flickers of hope and a breakthrough – the realization that I needed to care for myself as fiercely as I cared for others.

I began by acknowledging the beauty in the breakdown. It wasn’t easy, but I stopped resisting the chaos and started to find moments of unhurried grace amidst the turmoil. A morning latte on the beach, as sunrise ocean swim, a quiet morning with myself journaling, a smile with a stranger, sitting in a park surrounded by puppies, turning up the music and dancing like everyone is watching and I no longer cared or the warmth of the sun on my face – these little moments brought a glimmer of joy and liberation to my body and heart.

With the newfound awareness that surrender wasn’t giving up, but rather releasing control, I allowed myself to playfully rest. I learned to trust that the universe had a plan, even if I couldn’t see it clearly at this moment in time. Surrender, faith and trust became my anchor, granting me the strength to enjoy life again. 

Within the burnout, I stumbled upon an unexpected gift – a passion and playfulness that had long been buried beneath the weight of my responsibilities. I immersed myself in creative pursuits, rediscovering the joy of painting and writing, which had been neglected for far too long. I started dancing every day, I learnt to play the drums and DJ, I enrolled in pole dancing, cabaret, and musical theatre (FYI I have no dancing or singing abilities). These playtivities became my refuge, a place where I could be express myself freely and enjoy life again.

As I continued this journey, I realized that my breakthrough wasn’t about reaching some far-off destination; it was about being present with the gifts and blessings already within my life and the transformation that occurred within me. Embracing my breakdown allowed me to shed old patterns of over giving and step into a brand-new unwritten chapter of self-discovery, greater love, liberation, and empowerment.

Through this moment in time, I found a love, strength, and wisdom greater than anything I’d ever known existed within me. It was as if the Universe had gently nudged me to find the beauty in my own vulnerability, to embrace my needs, and to create a trail of self-kindness, self-care, and self-compassion. My journey from burnout to breakthrough was a profound awakening, and one that continues to unfold with each passing day.

Today, I wake up happier, stronger, wiser, and more grateful, knowing that this breakthrough, and my commitment to myself and play, are an ongoing process of permission granted, growth and self-discovery, that allows me to serve at a much higher level each day.

Life’s journey is never a straight path. It twists and turns, leading us through moments of breakdown and breakthrough. Even in the dark times, there is beauty to be found – ignited with resilience, vulnerability, and the strength to embrace and become the change.

To those of you who find yourself, grieving, exhausted, tired, or on the edge of burnout, I offer this as a permission granted to set yourself free and consider embracing the breakdown, for it may just hold the potential for a profound breakthrough. Allow yourself the time, space, and sacred introversion to surrender and trust the journey. Remember, self-care and self-compassion are not signs of weakness or selfish but of strength and the greatest act of unconditional love we can offer the world is to fill our cup first. Embrace the beauty within the chaos and find your path to play, empowerment, and transformation YOUR WAY. Your breakthrough awaits, and it begins with the courage to care for yourself as deeply and freely as you care for others.

And if you are not sure how or where to start here are a few tips to PRESS PLAY YOUR WAY

• Breaking Free from the Norm – create ways in your day to day to break free from the old, embrace the uncertainty and step out of my comfort zone by walking a different way to work, the park, the gym or the local coffee shop, book that class you’ve always dreamed to doing, or write that book that’s been calling inside your heart. Do something different.

• The Power of Sunrise – Prioritise sunrise when and wherever possible. This tranquil moment allow us to find peace and clarity, setting a positive tone for the day ahead and a reminder that the only constant is change as the colours, and clouds, shift everyday.

• Meditation and Presence – choose your way of embracing some relaxation, meditation, centring of your mind and reconnecting with your heart, soul, and inner self. Being present in the moment is crucial to our energy and state of being. Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, embrace the power of grounding into the now.

• Movement as Meditation – Daily movement is my meditation in motion and whether it is yoga, dancing, the gym, or a simple walk-in nature, we need to focus on the importance of nurturing our physical body. Through movement, we release stagnant energy, allowing the flow of life to move through us effortlessly.

• Embracing the Fear – Grant yourself permission to experience the fear and do it anyway. Welcome fear as a companion on your transformative journey of discovery, reminding you that growth and breakthroughs lie just beyond its grasp as you create your “a fear named is a fear tamed” list.

Embracing a breakthrough isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing journey within our every day. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to soulFULL success and fulfillment. Each of us has the power to create our own trail and shape our destinies. It simple requires a daring and playful to step into the unknown, to shed old limitations, and to embrace change with an open heart.

Good luck, and may you find beauty as you dance through your day, today.

Big love, K

Kyla is an International Soul Coaching® Trainer, Master Practitioner, Energy Healer, and expert on ‘Pressing Play on Manifesting Your Greatest Business, Culture and Life.’ Her deep intuitive wisdom supports you to get out of the way, as you discover how to rise in love with yourself, wake up happy and energised, uncover your unique creative spark purpose, and transform all of this into actionable and successful long lasting results.

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