We sit down with Sara Mueller, a Harvard-trained emotional intelligence expert, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and founder of Joy Discovered. Sara takes us on a candid journey through her own struggles with burnout, unfulfilling “success,” and the wake-up call that drove her to take what she calls “radical responsibility” for her life. Through personal stories—including the struggles in her marriage and her experience with loss—Sara shares how she learned to heal from the inside out, shed limiting beliefs, and embrace a truly balanced and authentic life. We explore the concept of emotional intelligence and why it’s so much more than a buzzword, diving into the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, the emotional baggage that we all carry, and how parents can help their kids build resilience without falling into guilt or perfectionism. As Sara discusses her book, The Balanced Life Blueprint, she unpacks a new approach to success and self-care that’s rooted in alignment, energy management, and authentic living—not hustle and people-pleasing. Whether you’re a high achiever pouring from an empty cup, a parent worried about “messing up” your kids, or someone craving deeper connection with yourself and others, this episode is packed with practical insights, real talk about self-growth, and gentle reminders that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Stick around to hear Sara’s simple tips for finding more balance, the power of tiny consistent steps toward your goals, and why asking for help just might be your greatest strength.