We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev. Dr. Natalie Vail and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev. Dr. Natalie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a doctor of acupuncture and an ordain spiritualist minister, I am deeply immersed in the helping profession. When I first began my practice, over 10 years ago, I had pretty much a little to no work life balance. I honestly never thought that it would happen to me, but after all the stress of starting and running my own business, combined with supporting all of my clients/patients, I quickly got burnout and extreme adrenal fatigue. The signs started as subtle and insidious, but I remember when I was about four years into my practice, I had to start laying down on the floor in between patients just to regain enough strength to continue on with my day. At that point, I finally couldn’t ignore what was happening to me any longer and knew that I would have to make some very serious and intense lifestyle changes if I wanted to continue doing my work. The first step was really just acknowledging that I was overworking and needed to find some relief. The second step was for me recognizing and uncovering the underlying root issues, limiting beliefs, and distorted narratives that I had been allowing to control my life which were the actual foundation of my lack of work life balance. Once I was honest with myself, I was able to finally heal and release old patterns of under valuing myself as well as feelings of inadequacy and inferiority which were deeply driving my need to push myself well beyond my limits. My of my greatest realizations was that I needed to create and maintain better boundaries. This was a very difficult task for me because I had to fight with the guilt of turning people away and saying no. This was especially challenging when people were in crisis and pain. Putting myself first felt really awkward and uncomfortable. Breaking my old patterns and habits of overcommitting myself and people pleasing took time. I changed my work schedule to create more structure and maximized my time management. Sticking to my own boundaries and following through on my commitments to myself took a lot of effort on my part and I had to get use to disappointing others. Once I was finally understood in embodied the need for my own self care, I actually became an even stronger, more compassionate and effective practitioner. Balance, moderation, cooperation and compromise don’t happen overnight, it’s a lifelong lesson for most entrepreneurs and I’m no different. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Reverend Doctor Natalie Vail is a double-board certified licensed acupuncturist, ordained Spiritualist minister, herbalist, certified psychic-medium, Reiki Master, Feng Shui consultant, and initiated Shamanic Priestess with more than 30 years of experience as a Healer. She has a private practice in San Diego, California but also works remotely with clients worldwide. Her personal mission is share ancient wisdom and hold sacred space for people to heal their deepest wounds through compassion and courage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Best spots in San Diego: Balboa Park, Old Town, Mission Bay, The San Diego Zoo, Mission Trails, and of course any beach Best Restaurant: breakfast/lunch = Con Pane, Crest Cafe, Kensington Cafe Dinner = C Level, alexander’s, Ponce’s

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dr. East Harridin Phillips my co-author and one of my greatest mentors and teachers!

Website: www.natalievail.com
Instagram: @RevDrNatalieVail
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/revdrnatalievail/
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/rev-dr-natalie-vail-san-diego-2
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtKkaD_KclstqtT8_oC6GaA

Image Credits
Monique Feil photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.