From Burnout to Breakthrough: Faith-Led Reset

6 days ago
3 min read

By Erica Elliott

MS, Brain Code Strategist, Counselor, and Speaker

After two years of battling post-COVID symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, panic attacks, and a long list of complications—I hit a wall. I had already stepped away from my government job in an act of surrender. It felt like a loss at first, but I knew I couldn’t keep pushing and expect to heal. Healing required space. Stillness. Surrender.

So, I began again—with micro-steps.

I connected with resources like Dr. Amen’s clinic and I invested in hyperbaric chamber. Little by little, my body and brain began to respond. I had glimpses of hope. I could do a bit more. Think a bit clearer. I started asking myself a bold question: What kind of life do I want—if nothing stood in my way?

As a counselor and brain health coach with over 30 years of experience, I’ve guided thousands through trauma, grief, anxiety, and burnout. I’ve studied neuroscience, natural medicine, and wholistic journeys. But what I’ve come to learn is this: healing doesn’t only happen in therapy rooms. It happens in listening to your body. It happens in rest. It happens in connection. In laughter. In saying yes to something new.

And that’s when I realized I also needed out of the four walls so I picked up the phone and called my daughter.

She was seven months pregnant, her husband was deployed, and she sounded just as drained as I felt. I said, “Let’s get out of the house once a week. A little mini-vacation. Just for us. We could even film it and inspire others.”

She paused, then said, “That actually sounds good.”

That simple yes changed everything.

Our first outing was to a charming little coffee shop called Selah—which means “pause.” Fitting. We laughed, took pictures, and for the first time in a long time, we felt alive again. We began filming our outings and launched a fun social media page called Oklahoma HotSpots. One to two new places a week. No pressure—just movement, joy, and connection.

To our surprise, people responded. Followers grew.

Comments flooded in like, “Thank you for inspiring me to get out again.” Business owners even began reaching out asking how much we charged for promotion.

We never planned to turn this into a business—but God had other plans.

My daughter, finishing her marketing degree and already working with brands, saw the opportunity. Together we created media packages and started landing clients. She built a small team, and yes—I joined her team. Watching her thrive and walking alongside her in something so purposeful was a blessing I didn’t see coming.

But this was never just about coffee shop photos.

I’ve seen what isolation does to the brain. When people stay stuck, their nervous system wires itself to fear change. Even joyful things can feel threatening. That’s not living. That’s surviving. And surviving isn’t thriving.

Our weekly outings became therapy for both of us—and inspiration for others.

Eventually, another door opened. My husband, getting ready to retire, suggested we sell everything, buy a yacht, and travel The Great Loop. I was hesitant at first—still recovering—but the idea stirred something in me. We’d lost too many friends who never got the chance to live their dreams. We didn’t want to wait.

So we said yes.

We traveled from Kemah, Texas to Florida and through the Bahamas. We became debt-free, built our dream home, and created a life aligned with joy, health, and purpose. Our journey is documented on our YouTube channel, WarriorHeart Travels.

In that season, I also started writing the book God had placed on my heart: Breath of Heaven: Manifesting God’s Way. It’s a blend of neuroscience and biblical truth, showing how to move from fear and fatigue to peace and purpose. It’s a map to guide you through blocks that may be stopping you from blessings. You can find it on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRYYXTBN

So if you’re reading this wondering if your story is over, I promise—it’s not. I can’t even share all of the blessings I’ve had since shifting my life towards micro-steps of possibilities.

You’re not too far gone. Not too tired. Not too late.

Sometimes all it takes is one brave step. One phone call. One outing. One yes.

Your miracle might just be waiting outside your front door.

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