Have you ever found yourself giving 100% to so many areas of your life that the math simply doesn't add up? That breaking point where your body and mind finally say "enough" isn't a failure—it's a desperate call to reconnect with yourself.
In this deeply resonant conversation, neuroscientist-turned-wellness coach Stephanie Pasniokas takes the mic as guest host to explore what happens when we push ourselves beyond sustainable limits. Together with Melissa, they unpack the biological reality of burnout, revealing how constant stress affects us at the cellular level, creating inflammation instead of energy.
Melissa vulnerably shares her journey of complete disconnection—physically unable to feel pain from a broken toe, emotionally unable to access her feelings, and mentally stuck in loops of anxiety and perfectionism. Her story illuminates how the very traits that help us survive challenging seasons (like compartmentalizing emotions during her husband's military deployments) can become liabilities when they prevent us from experiencing a full, connected life.
Perhaps most surprising is the revelation that many women find stillness and rest actively anxiety-producing. After living in constant motion, our nervous systems actually become comfortable with stress, making calm feel strange and threatening. This explains why you might find yourself filling every quiet moment with activity, even when you're exhausted.
Through Melissa's "Peace Restoration Method," we discover that reconnecting with ourselves doesn't happen all at once. It's a dance between mental and physical healing, between identifying harmful beliefs and creating new patterns. The key insight? We must feel to heal—and when we shut down difficult emotions, we inadvertently block joy and excitement too.
If you're feeling depleted, disconnected, or simply unable to remember who you are beneath all your responsibilities, this conversation offers both validation and hope. Healing is possible, even if your path doesn't involve moving to a tropical island. Connect with us in the Reignite your Flame Facebook group to continue this journey together.
We’re so glad you’re here.
In this quick pause, Melissa shares why Heart & Soul Elevation exists, how Stephanie's and Melissa's coaching work together beautifully, and what you can expect along the way.
From time to time, we’ll pop in to invite you into things we’re creating - always as an invitation, never a sales pitch.
Thanks for listening. You belong here.
Connect with Melissa: Lemon Balm Coaching or Women Connected FB Community
Connect with Stephanie: SJP Health and Wellness or Be the BOSS, Be Well FB Community
