Episode 27: Stop Running on Empty and Start Showing Up for Yourself

In this episode of Courage is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway Two, Embody Again, with an honest and powerful conversation about burnout, boundaries, and learning to take care of yourself when everything depends on you. She invites Betsy Reznicek to share her journey as a nonprofit founder who reached a breaking point and had to make a courageous choice to step away.

Betsy shares how years of carrying the responsibility of building and leading an organization led to complete exhaustion, intensified by personal grief. She describes what it felt like to come home every day with nothing left to give, and the moment she realized something had to change.

Together, Justine and Betsy explore what it looked like to take a true sabbatical, how quickly her energy and presence returned, and how that experience led to a lasting policy change within her organization. They talk about boundaries, habits that support well-being, and the importance of creating space for others to step into leadership.

They also discuss the deeper emotional layers of stepping away from work, including fear, identity, and belonging. Throughout the episode, they return to the idea that caring for yourself is not optional, it is foundational to living and leading with courage.

Key Takeaways

• Pathway Two, Embody Again, is about learning to care for yourself so you can show up well for others.
• Burnout often builds slowly and can be intensified by major life events like grief.
• Asking for help is a critical and courageous step in preventing complete depletion.
• Taking a true break can restore energy, clarity, and emotional capacity quickly.
• Sabbaticals can benefit not just the individual but the entire organization.
• Boundaries, both physical and emotional, are essential for sustainable work and life rhythms.
• Moving your body, rest, and simple habits can help regulate stress and improve well-being.
• Letting go of control creates space for others to grow and step into leadership.
• Many people struggle with identity and fear when stepping away from work or routine.
• You were never meant to carry everything alone, community and support are essential.

About the guest

Betsy Reznicek is the founder of Home Sweet Home, a nonprofit organization created to help families fill their homes with essential furniture and household items. With a background in fundraising, outreach, and leadership, she has grown the organization from an all-volunteer effort into a thriving team with a strong mission. Betsy is also a single mom of two who values adventure, community, and creating meaningful impact through her work.

Connect with Betsy

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-reznicek/
• Website: www.homesweethomestl.org