Day One on My Own – Am I Still the Poster Child for Burnout???

Despite being on the phone with my Mom’s nurse for hours last night and holding space for my Mom yesterday and this morning so she could vent incoherently as the Dementia blurs her thoughts and behaviors for the worse, I think I’m ok.

I got up early, put on some music, and packed up my laptop and phone to my former employer.

I’m going to head into town later to ship them off and might just take a few minutes to check out the antique and stationary store while there. Usually I’m trying to cram in as many errands as I can during my lunch break, not strolling around without the dread that comes with having meeting after meeting all day, so this is starting to feel good!

I made a cucumber, apple, parsley, lemon smoothie a few hours ago and sat back and enjoyed it. Usually I’m trying to chug it down and make sure I brush my teeth to get the parsley out before someone tries to video call.

I actually just finished a real breakfast, which is something I don’t get often. Even made cheesy grits to go with my omelet.

A few times I heard an email or something ding on my phone or personal laptop, but soon the ‘conditioned response’ degraded as I realized – I don’t have to be tethered to my devices anymore!!!! I don’t have to keep Teams open all the time!!!! (this was a self-induced issue I had with making sure I was always available to support my peeps)

I can schedule out my world my way. And, yes, I am still in my PJs (kind of a conscious choice to make sure I realized it was ok not be prepared for an impromptu video call).

I guess I should have been doing some of these things on the weekend, but there was always something – from visiting my Mom to catching up with Jeff and Emma after working 12 hours days most weeks…to laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, blah blah blah.

Doesn’t matter, I’M DOING IT NOW!

So, am I still the poster-child for burnout? I think I’m making my way. And, I’m certainly not trying to call out my old job or rub anything in anyone’s face. I’m just letting you know there is light at the end of the tunnel when you stop focusing on everything else that keeps you from looking up or ahead — so you can create that light.

Have a good week everyone – and if you can, do something for you that breaks up that routine and removes those tethers. It can be as simple as blocking some time on the calendar and muting your device, turning off Teams, and Outlook – even for an hour and focusing on something you need. I ‘get’ that things are insane right now, but what is the cost of you not taking care of your self right now? Keep looking up and ahead!