Who’s Taking Care of You?

I know you know all the habits to make decisions for a good life and career.

 

But we can slip sometimes.

 

Sometimes, your boundaries crumble.

 

Sometimes old, familiar, but less-than-helpful habits return.

 

It happens.

 

Take a break. Regroup. Reflect on the question: Who’s taking care of you?

 

Perhaps you are. Perhaps others are. Perhaps everyone is kinda taking care of you. 

 

If this is the case, it’s time to ask yourself:

 

What do I need from me?
What do I need from others?

 

Then, follow through.

 

Why?

 

To be the:

 

–       effective, compassionate, inclusive leader
–       innovative, reliable staff member
–       present parent
–       loving partner
–       best friend
–       supportive child to their parent

 

So, if you need a break, give yourself one: a massage, 20 minutes of uninterrupted reading time, or a bath.

 

If you need to care for your anger, breathe in AND out.

 

Or, channel your fury. Work out. Paint. Dance. Be an activist.

 

If you need others to help you. Ask.

 

If you don’t know where to start, say so to someone you trust. It can look like this:

 

I don’t even know what to ask for. I’m so tired. Maybe suggest some help to me. I’m tired of trying to come up with solutions for everything. I’d love your help.

 

Look, we all have a vision of our ideal selves. To embody this ideal you need to:

 

–       Check in with yourself.
–       Avoid the trap of perfection.
–       Practice self-compassion.
–       Learn and try again.