Imagine having it all: a thriving six-figure business, a loving soulmate, good health, and a lifestyle filled with freedom and adventure in the stunning Canadian Rockies. That was Karen McMullen’s reality in 2014. Yet, instead of feeling fulfilled, she found herself utterly drained, disconnected, and lost in a haze of burnout. Her once-vibrant energy was reduced to collapsing on the couch, binging Netflix, and sipping wine, unable to summon the vitality for anything else.
Karen, a 4/6 Emotional Manifesting Generator with the Right Angle Cross of the Sleeping Phoenix, would soon realize that her life needed a dramatic shift. The Sleeping Phoenix, a symbol of destruction and rebirth, foreshadowed what was to come: Karen would rise from the ashes of her old life, reborn into alignment and satisfaction.
The Spark That Changed Everything
Karen’s transformation began with her first Human Design reading with John Martin. It wasn’t just enlightening—it was electric. Her sacral energy ignited as she felt the difference between living in black-and-white versus vibrant, full-color. The clarity was undeniable, and she knew her life would never be the same.
But that newfound fire came with a challenge: radical self-trust and surrender. Karen embraced the Human Design experiment, dedicating an entire year to understanding what it truly meant to “wait to respond” and honor her sacral energy. This was no small feat. It required her to strip away what was no longer aligned, including how she ran her business. For instance, she stopped making sales calls, even though they were a primary source of income because they no longer resonated with her.
A Masterclass in Radical Self-Trust
Karen’s journey is a shining example of what it means to trust the process and surrender to your inner truth. She relocated to Mexico, immersing herself in dance and healing practices that reconnected her with her body, her femininity, and her joy. This chapter of her life became a masterclass in radical self-trust and surrender, as she courageously rebuilt her world from the ground up.
Her willingness to let go created space for profound transformation. In 2019, Karen began channeling messages from divinity, a process that led to her writing the book Alchemy of Consciousness. Channeling became a core part of her life, allowing her to transmit powerful energetic frequencies that inspire and activate others on their own paths.
“OMG, No!”—Karen on Regret
When I asked Karen if she regretted letting go of her old life—the business, the relationship, the financial security—her response was immediate and emphatic: “OMG, no!” Her answer radiated conviction and joy, the unmistakable energy of someone who has embraced their authentic path. Karen now lives a life filled with aliveness and creativity, from salsa dancing in Havana to helping others ignite their inner fire.
Are You Truly Alive?
Karen’s story invites us to ask a powerful question: Are you truly alive? Are you honoring your energy and following what lights you up, or are you stuck in a life that looks good on the outside but feels hollow within?
In this episode, Karen shares her Human Design journey, her experience with channeling, and the profound shifts that happen when you fully align with your energy. If you’ve ever felt the call to live with more joy, vitality, and authenticity, her story will leave you inspired and ready to take the leap.
Take the Next Step
If Karen’s journey has sparked something in you, it’s time to take the first step toward your own transformation. Download my free guide, Your Ultimate Human Design Guide to Radical Self-Trust: The Strategy & Authority Edition, and discover how to honor your inner truth and live in alignment.
Ready to hear the full story? Listen to Episode 65 of Real Human Design Stories on your favorite podcast platform or check it out on YouTube here.
