You’re burnt out and emotionally depleted, wondering how long you can keep going like this.
You’re doing everything you can to hold it all together; work, the house, the kids, worrying about money. All the emotional labour that no one else seems to notice, maybe not even your partner or children. You show up, smile when needed, nod when expected and just focus on getting through the day. From the outside, it might even look like you’re managing, but inside, you’re exhausted. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Surely life was meant to be easier than this!
You feel like a version of yourself that’s been slowly fading. Most of the time, you’re right on the edge of exploding or crashing, it’s taking everything you’ve got to keep going. All it would take is one tiny unexpected, unaccounted for thing and all the plates you’re spinning would come hurtling down. You wouldn’t be able to pretend any more, but until then, you’ll just keep going.
It’s such a lonely space to be in and you often wonder how long it will take until someone notices just how much you’re struggling. Are they oblivious, or do they simply not care! Surely it’s clear to see… but remember, you’re a master of disguise and you’ve been playing this role for years!
If this sounds like you, just know that you’re not alone. So many women are reading that point of depletion right now and dealing with the invisible weight of burnout. From the outside you look fine, functioning as normal and yet inside dealing with a silent battle, that impacts you on every level.
Your body is showing subtle signs; tired no matter how much you sleep, your digestion and hormones are all over the place, tension that won’t release. Emotionally, you feel flat, agitated or totally disconnected from your joy. You miss the old you. The carefree, spontaneous, adventurous and fun loving you…. but that part of you feels like a distant stranger and you feel sad when you think of her.
Something has to change, because this way of living is not sustainable. Don’t wait for a breakdown or a crisis to take action and do what’s right for you. Just decide that you’re worth the time, care and support that you so freely give to others. As a starting point and things you could do from today:
- What can you let go of? Your own expectations of how things, situations and people should be. Living by other people’s definition of success. Fixing, saving and rescuing others?
- What can you delegate to others? Where have you taken on more than your fair share to make life easier for others, or because you think you should be able to do it all alone. Perhaps you fear losing control and not having your high standards met? Doing things alone also means you can only be disappointed in yourself!
- Where can you speak up, say no, express your truth and lovingly assert boundaries? Not being our authentic self is exhausting, so take off the mask and be you! If you don’t agree say so, if you don’t want to do something say no, if you need help it’s time to ask… everything can be done with respect, compassion and love.
- Where can you go for true connection and the emotional intimacy you need? We all need to feel heard and to know that we matter. If you’re burnt out from constantly giving to others and not getting your emotional needs met, perhaps it’s time to expand your social circle and assert boundaries with those who take more than they give.
- What health issues do you need to address now? You know the ones I mean… the niggles, aches and pains. The doctor appointments that you keep putting off, the exercise you need to start, the healthy eating you need to commit to.
All of these things will help you to regain time, energy and yourself again. This is all part of a bigger process of knowing exactly who you are and over coming burnout – this is where I come in. What if I could help you to find and become yourself again AND regain your energy and zest for life?
Imagine having clarity on who you are, what you want and then feeling able to take action on making this happen, because you have found your drive, motivation and joy again. It’s time to release the shackles of the past, embrace the present and focus on the future!
