tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post1123375365880047862..comments2023-08-17T01:42:26.718-07:00Comments on understanding (n.): Dressing Rosie as Yoda was self care, too, by the way.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326454493728489973noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post-18870259249912991822012-11-10T14:00:02.427-08:002012-11-10T14:00:02.427-08:00W - You're so right. The system that is curre...W - You're so right. The system that is currently in place is not sustainable in so many ways. Our crisis workers are on shift for 72 hours at a time. I love that you are connected in the ways you'd like to be connected - what an amazing place to arrive to.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04326454493728489973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post-49140060091945180202012-11-10T10:54:26.025-08:002012-11-10T10:54:26.025-08:00sometimes something as simple as a smooth rock in ...sometimes something as simple as a smooth rock in your pocket or on your desk that you can hold in your hand to remind yourself to ground, center...be part of the earth...to remind yourself "in this second, I'm OK". Sometimes the small stuff is the big stuff.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post-71142168063355925072012-11-10T10:42:05.796-08:002012-11-10T10:42:05.796-08:00I have this underlying sense that people are not m...I have this underlying sense that people are not meant to do crisis work for so many hours. I don't know how to bridge the issue of agencies that want a 40-60 hour week out of you for you to get benefits (or even the job for that matter), or the economic need to have that full-time paycheck. I have this sense that balance will be way more than that. Almost like 20 hours a week doing crisis work, and 20 hours a week planting flowers and digging in the dirt for a local nursery...or some such fill in the blank balanced activity that engages with nature and the physical and allows the brain to shut off a little.<br /><br />I didn't ever find it. I had to leave...but was ABLE too. And the chaos of the demands, and the illnesses of the institutions eventually overshadowed the reward of the trenches. Perhaps I never should have been in the work to begin with...that's very possible. My bleeding heart bleeds buckets. Maybe stellar self care should be a demonstrated skill before you can graduate.<br /><br />I don't know the answers. They will be different for everyone. I have the luxury of a working spouse now, and trimming out the extras has allowed me to rest and rebuild my adrenals a bit. And from here, I have chosen a more removed engagement if that isn't a contradictory term.<br /><br />I help my neighbors and my aging mom. I am i my own way part of my husbands self care routine...I maintain a home of peace and comfort for the out in the world work he does. When people call for "off the books" "counseling appointments" I see them, and typically there is not exchange of money.<br /><br />For me it is about the VOLUME I am capable of handling and still maintain my sanity and for each person that will be different.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post-10669384846878438582012-11-10T08:58:12.393-08:002012-11-10T08:58:12.393-08:00Andrea, these are beautiful ideas. They're al...Andrea, these are beautiful ideas. They're all so good - and all so you!. I love that you have someone to come in and help with the big cleaning jobs; it's such a frustrating thing to come home, exhausted, and then notice something that needs to be done. Feels like you never get a chance to catch up. I'm so glad that you're delegating that! ;) And walking in the woods, reading and massage therapy? What lovely ways to quiet down and clear the mind out. Your students are lucky to have you! :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04326454493728489973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082912816664794283.post-68677727732266191272012-11-10T07:40:19.388-08:002012-11-10T07:40:19.388-08:00I definitely relate to many of your feelings and h...I definitely relate to many of your feelings and have experienced those burn-out symptoms at one time or another! I'm so thankful you shared these ideas and experiences, being involved in a helping profession is such a strange mix of rewarding/challenging moments and adrenaline/complete & total exhaustion. Like you, I try to find time for exercise (Wii fit now that the weather has turned) and quiet time to read, either scripture or a book that can take me away from reality for a bit ;) If I find myself feeling short tempered at home or laying awake at night with thoughts about students running all over the place I know it's time for some self care. I find a walk in the woods is the ultimate way to soothe my soul. We also have a health plan that covers massage therapy so I use it as often as I can. And I know this isn't possible for everyone, but we currently have someone come in to do the big cleaning jobs around the house (which I hate to confess as I am not a person who is easily able to delegate work or accept help from others!) but I consider it a contribution to my time management and mental health. I love your snack ideas and I am totally with you on #3. Your clients are lucky to have you my dear! xoAndreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16103947009005304814noreply@blogger.com