Dear Sharyn
I’m struggling to stay upbeat and up-to-date. I know my patients and the team need a leader who is strong and enthusiastic but I feel mentally and physically tired. I don’t know if I should just call it a day and retire or hang in there more. I want to be my patient’s best friend like you teach but I just don’t know if I have the energy to change my style.
Burned Out
Dear Burned Out,
It’s okay to acknowledge that right now you’re feeling low energy and motivation. It takes immense courage and effort to nevertheless show up and be a healer and a leader for your patients and your team. I respect this.
Still, we can’t endlessly give away what we ourselves so desperately need. So today, give yourself a break. Recognize, without judgement, that you’re doing the best you can with the tools and resources you have. It will be easier to be your patients’ best friend when you become your own best friend.
Having been in your shoes, you’ll begin healing when you can feel compassion for yourself. Therefore, only say words to yourself that a best friend who loves and supports you would say.
Whether you choose to retire or stay, you deserve lovingkindness. This is the gift you can give to yourself in this very moment. And when I need a personal boost, I say this prayer:
May I be at peace. May my heart remain open.
May I awaken to light of my own true nature. May I be healed.
May I be a source of healing for all beings.
May all creation be blessed and be a blessing for all that is.
