5 minute read
The Shattered Cup of Coffee
By SARA NAKAMURA
I feel heavy, unable to drag myself out of bed, weighed down by the strain of stress; my tank is empty. I am mentally paralyzed, clueless about how to regain control of my life. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and burnt out, I don’t know what to do!
Not long before this, I was living the dream. I had a successful career, a long-term relationship, and a cozy new home for my aging dog. From the outside, my life seemed perfect, and for a while, I believed it was true. However, everything changed with a simple cup of coffee.
Grueling hours compelled my work colleague and me to take a coffee break to ease our aching bodies. This seemingly ordinary moment would alter the course of my life. As my co-worker sipped her coffee, I stepped out to take an urgent phone call. Getting back, I witnessed a scene that shook me to the core—my boss was berating my friend for taking a quick reprieve. She was a tenacious, dedicated mother of three, and I could see the despair in her eyes.
I was distraught and in a daze because the call I took delivered the devastating news that my beloved dog had passed away from her aggressive cancer. In that instant, a realization struck me like a lightning bolt—I had prioritized work over my family for years, sacrificing things that truly mattered.
The trajectory of my life flashed before my eyes. I saw chaos and uncertainty. The anxiety of tiptoeing around the demands of my overbearing boss passed down from his tyrannical overseer, expectations of 60+ hour work weeks working 12 days straight as a norm, and nothing ever being good enough. I had worked tirelessly to achieve my degree and climb the corporate ladder, driven by family and societal expectations. But now, faced with the consequences of my choices, I couldn’t bear the thought of living out my career, cowering in fear and regret in this environment, silently yearning for peace.
Inside that seemingly picture-perfect outside, my hair was falling out, I suffered from panic attacks, and digestive issues plagued me for nearly five years. My relationship had lost its spark, I was underwater financially, and now my dog has died! I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and burnt out; this was my breaking point.
That coffee break scene was my life-changing turning point. A surge of energy, fueled by an indescribable force within, propelled me forward. I couldn’t stand idly by while my friend was belittled and mistreated. In a burst of courage, I stepped in, my voice unwavering and strong. It was a defining moment—an act of defiance against a system that had held power over me for far too long. I shed the skin of the people-pleasing, shy, passive Sara everyone knew me as. It was time to stand up for the little people, including myself. It was time to reclaim my voice and my worth. I imagined throwing down that cup of coffee as it shattered into a million pieces. I quit!
Quitting my job that day was a leap into the unknown. However, cleaning up the pieces of the mangled mess was worse. I was staring into the face of a financial crisis, emotional turmoil, and hardship. I felt like a failure, sinking into a deep depression and contemplating giving up. I felt no one cared, not even me. But amidst the darkness, I found a flicker of hope. I realized that staying true to myself and addressing the underlying issues in my life was the key to finding inspiration.
During my time of self-reflection, I discovered what was most important to me - my family, my health, and my happiness. I made a conscious choice to prioritize them above all else. I no longer wanted to be trapped in a job that didn’t align with my values or be in a relationship that brought me no joy. I refused to sacrifice my well-being for the sake of societal expectations. Determined to create a future I could be proud of, I made a bold decision to embark on a new path.
I embraced a practice of well-being, channeling my passion for helping others using newfound skills of education and mindfulness methods. Eventually, I became a massage therapist, personal trainer, motivational mentor, and bestselling author. Enthusiastically, I found my calling as a consultant, guiding hundreds of individuals toward emotional and physical well-being.
The shattered cup of coffee that symbolized my broken world became the foundation of the “I.C.A.R.E.” system, which I teach alongside my beloved new spouse and business partner through private sessions and our award-winning book, “Stressed Out and Don’t Know What To Do?” The principles of “I.C.A.R.E.” serve as a compass, helping individuals navigate their challenges and live an inspired life.
“I” represents the importance of Introspection and going within yourself to find the answers.
“C” emphasizes the need to Contain your current problem.
“A” signifies Awareness—the key to personal growth and transformation.
“R” stands for Realigning your priorities for your best outcome.
“E” encourages making decisions that Energize you.
I discovered my inner strength through the “I.C.A.R.E.” system and transformed my life. Now, as a coach, I guide others on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I help them find their “cup-shattering” moments—the turning points that awaken their higher potential. Incorporating “I.C.A.R.E.” into their lives teaches them to prioritize themselves, embrace their authenticity, and create a fulfilling and inspired life.
It’s never too late to break free from the shackles of exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout. Take the courage to confront your challenges head-on, put yourself first, embrace the “I.C.A.R.E.” system, and let the broken pieces of your past become the stepping stones to your inspired future.
