Permission to care for self ...

Caveat: The following is a hypothetical conversation based upon many I have had over 18 years.

"Chaplain," he said when I opened the door, "do you have a minute to talk?" "Sure!" I replied, "Come on in." After settling in and making himself comfortable, I asked, "What seems to be going on?" He answered with a fairly common answer--"I am super stressed. I'm snapping at my kids; I'm short with my co-workers; I can't sleep at night. I'm a wreck!" As he and I began unpacking, I asked him this one question: "So, you are caring for everyone else. When do you take the time to care for yourself?" His response? "I have trouble doing that. I always feel like there's always more I could be doing, and I feel guilty for not doing it." From there, we talked about self-care and not pouring out of a spiritually and emotionally empty cup.

This type of conversation happens regularly in my line of work. In fact, I struggle with self-care (and I know better!). I set out writing this blog with a goal of writing weekly. This week, however, I've realized I just don't have it in me. So, I am going to practice what I preach and intentionally allow myself to write something very simple, thereby permitting myself to take a task off my plate because that will be better for my spiritual and emotional health.

Give yourself permission to do the same!