Lora Lee 
School started 3 weeks ago and to say that I am drained, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually is an understatement. It is getting easier to get back into the swing of things, but my daily to-do list doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. My husband is going out of town this weekend and I have a list of things that I want to do. Clean the house, decorate for Fall/Halloween, get some writing done. However, as I sit here typing this while watching Chesapeake Shores, I find myself wondering if a recharge is needed. A time where I just veg on the couch with my cats and watch cheesy Hallmark movies.
Can’t Pour From an Empty Jug
Doing a recharge is needed for everyone. No matter who you are. You need to take time for yourself. We tend to keep our lives is fast forward. Never really slowing down to take a breath. This can lead to burnout. When you deplete your resources, you have nothing to draw from. And then, you are no good to yourself or anyone else.
I have learned this the hard way. When I get to the point where my gage is running low, I find myself losing patience with my cats. Getting easily irritated with things that they do. Wondering why they are always underfoot or getting into mischief, especially The Gremlin Kittens. Things that I usually find cute and adorable will set me off. This is not fair to anyone involved. I can’t provide for my babies, if I am feeling overwhelmed and stressed. And they will definitely pick up on my drained energy supply. Which then will cause them to stress, which will cause me to stress. Such a vicious cycle. And one that I know how to stop. I just need to take some time for myself. Give myself a break.
Do What is Needed
Over the years, I have learned the signs of burnout. Signs that I am doing too much for everyone else and not enough for myself. I know what will happen if I don’t take some time for me. So, while I have my ever-growing to-do list, I am making the decision to take it easy this weekend. Things will still get done that need to be done. But they will get done at an easier pace. There will be time made for me. Time to watch movies and hang out with the cats. Time to recharge so I can be my best for them. Be sure that no matter what you have going on in your life, you always take time for yourself. Time to do what is needed for you.
“My house would be cleaner without my cat but my heart would be sad and empty!”~Martha Curtis
