What happens when your body tells you the truth before your mind is ready to hear it?

Andrew Lang had built a life around doing the most. He was a teacher, a union rep, and a quiet emotional anchor for everyone around him. But underneath it all, exhaustion was building until one night, his body gave out, and that unexpected breaking point became the beginning of something new.

Here’s what you’ll take away from Andrew’s story:

• Letting go of the need to fix everything can create space for clarity and compassion.
• Gentleness is not weakness; it's a powerful response to burnout and emotional overload.
• Healing often begins with halting steps, not grand plans.

Topics Discussed

• What burnout can actually feel like in the body before the mind registers it
• The illusion of being “good enough” and how overperforming keeps us stuck
• Carrying others’ emotional weight, especially in under-supported school systems
• The pivotal bike ride that marked Andrew’s shift from burnout to beginning again
• Why silence can be the most honest response when everything gets too heavy
• The decision to walk away from teaching after years of pouring everything in
• Starting again with intention, not obligation
• Creating space for honest storytelling and the power of community
• Redefining personal success through presence and permission
• Learning to say no, and how that can unlock a different version of life

Andrew Lang is an educator in the Pacific Northwest and core facilitator of the Gentle Change Collective, where he leads folks in finding sustainable ways to turn their experiences of overwhelm into action that brings repair and healing in their communities.

Links:

Gentle Change Collective: https://www.andrewglang.com/gentlechange

Resource that guides you in developing sustainable actions within the context we're currently living in: https://practice.andrewglang.com/products/gentle-change-starter-kit

🎧 Listen to Andrew Lang's episode now at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/183

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I’m excited to share something new.

It’s Okay If… is a short-form podcast I created as part of my own healing journey — a space for bite-sized permission slips to feel what you feel and be exactly where you are.

Each episode is under 3 minutes, and a new one drops every Wednesday at noon.

In this short intro, I’ll share why I made this show, what you can expect, and how you can listen.

🎧 First 3 episodes release on Wednesday, May 21

Follow It’s Okay If… on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

💻 https://feeds.captivate.fm/its-okay-if/

Alex Knight joins me again to share how his life has shifted since we last chatted on The Life Shift. We kick things off by revisiting the pivotal moments that shaped his relationship with music and how those experiences continue to influence his life decisions. Alex shares that music has been a constant anchor, helping him navigate expectations and societal pressures. Since our last episode, he’s become more aware of how music plays a role in his happiness and creativity, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions without the weight of external validation.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of how sharing our stories can lead to unexpected insights and connections, making it easier to embrace the journey we’re on.

I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining the $3 or $5 tier on Patreon – www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast.

Links referenced in this episode:

• patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast
• www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com