From Burnout to Balance: My Path to Reiki and Self-Discovery

There was a time when my life revolved around data sheets, behavior intervention plans, and the structured world of behavior analysis. I was a dedicated student, deeply rooted in science and driven by data. Pursuing my master’s degree, I found myself immersed in a field that demanded precision, consistency, and measurable outcomes. But as the semesters rolled on, so did the weight of burnout.

Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to take a much-needed break from classes to catch my breath. Little did I know, this pause would open a door to a completely different world. One ordinary day, while running errands at Meijer, I crossed paths with someone who would change my life in the most unexpected way. Her name was Brittany.

We struck up small talk in one of the aisles, and as fate would have it, I discovered she was a Reiki Master, decorating her space. I was genuinely thrilled for her, and as we chatted, I shared my own journey—how I make art and was beginning to explore the spiritual side of life. Brittany’s eyes lit up as she told me about the amazing classes she offered, and she extended an invitation for me to become one of her students.

At first, I was apprehensive. I had invested five years into my career in behavior analysis—was I really ready to pivot into something so different from the structured, scientific world I knew? But something about Brittany's energy and the serendipity of our meeting nudged me to take a chance.

I stepped into her class a few months later with skepticism, but as I learned about Reiki and began practicing, I felt something shift within me. The world of energy healing wasn’t about charts and data points; it was about intuition, connection, and trust in something beyond the tangible. And to my surprise, it resonated with me in a way that no spreadsheet ever had.

That unexpected meeting in Meijer became the catalyst for a new chapter in my life. Now, as a Level 1 certified Reiki practitioner, I’ve learned to blend my analytical mindset with my spiritual journey, finding balance between science and intuition. This path has taught me that healing comes in many forms—and sometimes, the universe has a funny way of guiding you exactly where you need to be.

Reiki has profoundly changed my life and overall well-being. It has taught me to be more present, to savor each moment, and to move through life with intention. Every breath I take feels more meaningful. When anxiety or overwhelm creeps in, I now have the tools to ground myself, to center my energy, and to find peace within the chaos. My daily routines have transformed—I’ve started stretching and intentionally releasing energy that has been trapped in my body for years. Yoga tutorials on YouTube have become part of my journey toward balance, helping me connect with my body and mind in a deeper way.

In my relationships, I’ve noticed a beautiful shift. Reiki has opened my heart to give more grace, kindness, and empathy to those around me. At the same time, it has empowered me to set strong boundaries, protecting my energy from people with low or toxic vibrations. I’ve learned that protecting my peace is just as important as offering compassion.

Interestingly, my background in behavior analysis has played a crucial role in shaping the way I practice Reiki. Working with children in the ABA clinic and supporting families taught me invaluable lessons—patience, empathy, and compassion. I carry these lessons with me into every Reiki session. My knowledge of behavior patterns and how to break cycles and habits allows me to offer unique insights to those I work with. There’s a beautiful parallel between the two fields—both are rooted in healing, though they approach it from different angles.

Facilitating such intimate healing sessions with others is a privilege I cherish deeply. Each person who allows me into their energy field is entrusting me with something sacred, and I hold that responsibility with the utmost respect. When I resonate with someone’s struggles and can guide them toward growth and healing, it feels almost surreal. It’s a connection that goes beyond words, a shared journey of transformation.

Some of the most profound moments in my Reiki journey have come from intuitive insights during sessions. There have been times when I’ve picked up on someone’s favorite animal or even accurately sensed the names of their family members. Seeing their eyes widen in surprise and feeling the shift in the room when those details resonate is a powerful reminder of the deep, unseen connections we share. These moments reaffirm that Reiki is more than just energy work—it’s a bridge to understanding and healing on a soul level.

Of course, this path hasn’t been without its challenges. Skepticism is something I’ve encountered often—people who dismiss Reiki as "woo-woo" or question its validity. But I’ve learned to embrace these challenges with grace, understanding that not everyone will resonate with this form of healing, and that’s okay. My purpose isn’t to convince, but to offer a space for healing to those who are open to it.

Reiki gives me a profound sense of purpose. It feels like I’m contributing to the healing of the world, one person at a time. Helping someone find balance, peace, or clarity is an indescribable feeling—it’s a reminder that we’re all connected in this journey of life.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing on this path. I plan to become Level 2 and 3 attuned, eventually earning my Master’s certification. Alongside my Reiki journey, I’ll continue to create art, blending my passions into a life that feels both fulfilling and aligned with my soul’s purpose.

So, if you’re ever feeling stuck or burned out, remember that life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Keep your heart open, because your next great adventure might just be waiting for you in the most ordinary of places—even in the aisles of a grocery store.