We live in a go-go-go, fast-paced, instant gratification culture where the busier the better. At times it seems that 'busy' is something to be achieved. When asked how we are doing we remark, "Busy" or some platitude to the effect of "busy but life is full and good" but more time then not the answer is met with a overwhelmed sigh, roll of the eyes and a half-hearted "okay, just busy!"
Living full thriving lives and being busy for short periods of time or seasons is doable but to be honest I think so many of us, myself included, at times are living life not full, but half-full or on empty.....we aren't necessarily living our lives to the full.... but life is living us. This 'life is living us' looks like super busy, jam-packed days full of things and activities that can lead to burn-out and emotional disconnect, to anxiety, depression, relationship problems and can lead to other unhealthy patterns.
It is OKAY to NOT be okay....to need HELP! Yes, I used that naughty 4-letter word...HELP! It is okay to pay attention to your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. We call this SELF-CARE. In order to lead full thriving healthy lives proper self-care is vitally important. It is not selfish, it is essential to healthy emotional and mental well being.
Take the time today to begin re-connecting with yourself. What areas in your life do you need to listen to? How can you not be as busy today and make time and space for yourself? Are there areas in your life that you would like to say "I'm not okay in this area and I Do need help"? If so I encourage you today to take the steps to thrive in your life and not let life get the best of you! Reach out today.
Shahna Duerksen, M.A. AMFT#101647
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Supervised by Stacey Thacker, LMFT
Roubicek and Thacker Counseling,Fresno,CA.
559-323-8484