It's so important that you called out the scrolling and the caffeine and then turning some things down. So often, when we're stressed and burned out, we lean INTO our addictive behaviors. Those (like you) who have a reputation for doing so much can be especially vulnerable to internal pressure to perform at an unsustainable pace. A therapist gave me the concept of becoming a human being, not a human doing.
Did you write this just for me? Kidding. Feels like you did though. I bet it took extra effort to do make this post so perfect. I see you and I am you in so many ways. thank you!
I’ve been reading a lot of Brené Brown lately (I think I first saw her name in one of your newsletters!), and I’ve been thinking a lot about her concept of vices that aren’t quite addictions but “take the edge off.” I’m trying to be mindful of what things I do that are just taking the edge off vs actually healing. I wish I had something more helpful to say, but I’m still learning what that means for me. Thank you for taking care of yourself 🩷
I ignored the yellow lights at the beginning of this year, and am still climbing my way out of it. Thanks for sharing the "band-aids" - I have done some of them, but you gave me new ideas.
You are a blessing offering community what it needs when it needs it. Opening yourself to all and sharing in such a beautiful way will help us all do better. We are all human and can only do so much each. We need to stay connected and support each other especially during these times of targeting and cruelty. You are a model of reminding us of that.
I enjoy setting aside time to work on small physical repair and making projects. Lately because I've been bedridden, I've started embroidery repair on my old quilt while I lay in bed. It's easy, repetitive, and made me have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of every session.
Some similar crafts that are easy to access are: clothing repairs with Sasiko embroidery, painting/drawing on *small pieces of nice paper, and even painting with body safe paints on your skin!
The key is to find a craft that is not intimidating. Rather it should be simple, engaging, and has an end result that makes you even the tiniest bit happy 💖
I run a nonprofit organization for queer youth in a southern red state. This post really resonates with me, and I experienced/am still experiencing many of these things. I'm glad I'm not the only one that recognized burnout while it was happening and also recognized that I had to take care of myself while also doing by best to keep going through pride month.
I had so many signs that I ignored for years... It wasn't until my doctor had a come to Jesus talk with me that I finally started to take them seriously! Happy to say that I am now a burnout survivor and living my best life :)
Meditate. Every single morning. Promise yourself to do it for 45 days. Just 5-10 min. 45 days. You can add a repeated prayer, an aphorism, a song - - anything that gives you joy to think about and repeat. Anything that brings you back to your center and not away on some journey to the future or the past.
Sit comfortably. Relax your scalp and then slowly relax everything else going methodically down your body. If you can’t relax your shoulders, just notice that you can’t. No big deal.
Next, notice where you breathe. Your neck, your chest, your belly? Is it free or tight? Just notice. When you breathe by moving your belly without any tension, you are truly relaxed.
You are allowing yourself to inhabit, truly inhabit, your body.
It's so important that you called out the scrolling and the caffeine and then turning some things down. So often, when we're stressed and burned out, we lean INTO our addictive behaviors. Those (like you) who have a reputation for doing so much can be especially vulnerable to internal pressure to perform at an unsustainable pace. A therapist gave me the concept of becoming a human being, not a human doing.
a human being not a human doing - I'm writing that one down!
"I'm a human being, not a human doing..."
LOVE THIS! Totally stealing it...
Did you write this just for me? Kidding. Feels like you did though. I bet it took extra effort to do make this post so perfect. I see you and I am you in so many ways. thank you!
I’ve been reading a lot of Brené Brown lately (I think I first saw her name in one of your newsletters!), and I’ve been thinking a lot about her concept of vices that aren’t quite addictions but “take the edge off.” I’m trying to be mindful of what things I do that are just taking the edge off vs actually healing. I wish I had something more helpful to say, but I’m still learning what that means for me. Thank you for taking care of yourself 🩷
I ignored the yellow lights at the beginning of this year, and am still climbing my way out of it. Thanks for sharing the "band-aids" - I have done some of them, but you gave me new ideas.
You are a blessing offering community what it needs when it needs it. Opening yourself to all and sharing in such a beautiful way will help us all do better. We are all human and can only do so much each. We need to stay connected and support each other especially during these times of targeting and cruelty. You are a model of reminding us of that.
I enjoy setting aside time to work on small physical repair and making projects. Lately because I've been bedridden, I've started embroidery repair on my old quilt while I lay in bed. It's easy, repetitive, and made me have a feeling of accomplishment at the end of every session.
Some similar crafts that are easy to access are: clothing repairs with Sasiko embroidery, painting/drawing on *small pieces of nice paper, and even painting with body safe paints on your skin!
The key is to find a craft that is not intimidating. Rather it should be simple, engaging, and has an end result that makes you even the tiniest bit happy 💖
I run a nonprofit organization for queer youth in a southern red state. This post really resonates with me, and I experienced/am still experiencing many of these things. I'm glad I'm not the only one that recognized burnout while it was happening and also recognized that I had to take care of myself while also doing by best to keep going through pride month.
Sending hugs and gratitude.
I had so many signs that I ignored for years... It wasn't until my doctor had a come to Jesus talk with me that I finally started to take them seriously! Happy to say that I am now a burnout survivor and living my best life :)
Meditate. Every single morning. Promise yourself to do it for 45 days. Just 5-10 min. 45 days. You can add a repeated prayer, an aphorism, a song - - anything that gives you joy to think about and repeat. Anything that brings you back to your center and not away on some journey to the future or the past.
Sit comfortably. Relax your scalp and then slowly relax everything else going methodically down your body. If you can’t relax your shoulders, just notice that you can’t. No big deal.
Next, notice where you breathe. Your neck, your chest, your belly? Is it free or tight? Just notice. When you breathe by moving your belly without any tension, you are truly relaxed.
You are allowing yourself to inhabit, truly inhabit, your body.
There is nothing better.