For years, I juggled a demanding career alongside family and community commitments. Like so many, I believed success meant doing more, achieving more, and having more. But beneath the surface, I was burning out. Driven by perfectionism and people-pleasing, I constantly felt like I wasn’t enough, despite all my efforts. I was feeling unfulfilled and, worst of all, letting down the people who mattered most.

Then came my wake-up call: a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, likely tied to my high-stress lifestyle, made me realize I needed a better way to live. Seeking calm and contentment, I explored over a hundred philosophies, writings, and research on overcoming challenges and creating a meaningful life (you can check out a partial list here). Through this, four common concepts emerged repeatedly.

These principles—Respect, Ownership, Connection, and Kindness—became the foundation of a simple framework, ‘ROCK thru.’ Applying them not only helped me escape the treadmill mindset, shifting from “doing more” to “being more,” but also allowed me to thrive in a society where media and advertising prey on our insecurities.

This approach transformed my daily life. Motivated by its impact, I earned my Positive Psychology Practitioner certification and created the ROCK thru framework to help others experience the same shift.

If you want to break free from a cycle of stress and embrace a more meaningful, fulfilling life, get started now by signing up to get weekly email inspiration. Each week, you’ll receive practical, science-backed tips to help you live with ease and purpose. Together, we’ll ROCK thru life—one simple step at a time.

 XO ~ Lee Havenga