My Threshold Moment of 2024

Inside the Big Lessons of Burnout

Burnout fully realized is also the decisive, exhaustive moment in which we realize we cannot go on in the same way. Not being able to go on as always, in the end, is a creative act, the threshold moment of our transformation away from physical exhaustion. Not being able to go on is the beginning of a proper relationship with the timeless and the healing possibilities of timelessness.”

—David Whyte, Consolations II

Finally Understanding Burnout

I received David Whyte’s new Consolations II and immediately scanned the Table of Contents.

My finger stopped on the essay, Burnout.

I read it through once and then reread it.

Finally, I diagnosed the health malady that progressively challenged me in 2024.

After 21+ blood tests, new medications, alternative therapies, and a whole lot of wrestling with God, studying, praying, and visiting my counselor regularly, I finally had someone clarify what I was feeling—both on the inside and the out.

Thank you, Irish Poet David Whyte.

Once again, your words have helped me more than anything else.

This one line said it all:

Burnout fully realized is also the decisive, exhaustive moment
in which we realize we cannot go on in the same way.

-Consolations 2

Burnout Fully Realized

It only takes one line of poetry to change [or save] your life.

-David Whyte

I invite you to listen to this week’s first podcast of 2025, in which I share a little more about how and when “burnout fully realized” itself to me. It is subtle, sneaky, slow, and then suddenly—Wham! At first, your body sends little signals in hopes you will listen, but then, if you don’t…it will fire on all cylinders.

Sadly, I’ve been in Burnout’s wake before.

Why didn’t I notice this time?

I can only admit that my default browser to push, push, push took over again, and I failed to notice.

My Threshold Moment of 2024

I was walking through the Nashville airport—returning home from a short visit to Grandbirds 2 & 4.

I held exhaustion in one hand and exhilaration in the other.

There is nothing in the world like loving on grandchildren.

As I walked, I smiled at the beautiful memories in my heart.

As I walked, I prayed for the strength to keep going. I was physically exhausted. Flights were delayed, and the day got longer and longer.

I thought, “I know one thing. Rob and I had better make the most of the next decade because aging is real. My momma always said, ‘Aging isn’t for the weak.’”

Being 65, I should have more energy, stamina, and physical strength.

That was my threshold moment of 2024.

I have decisions to make.

I have new paths to forge.

I have some ships to burn.

I have new behaviors to begin.

So, here it goes.

A new year to try again.

I’m all in.

May God grant me the courage to make the changes.

A Little Q&A

Healing ourselves from burnout always involves a reacquaintance with the eternal. My ability to experience the timeless is a parallel to my ability to rest.”

-David Whyte, Consolations 2

1. In what way can you “reacquaint with the eternal?”

2. Do you find it challenging to live from a place of rest?

3. Have you ever experienced burnout? What helped you recover?

If you need a little help in these areas, I offer these podcast episodes:

• Episode 287: Nature’s Sermon

• Episode 282: Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down, Part 1

• Episode 283: The Theology of Slowing Down, Part 2

• Episode 271: Breath Prayers