Struggle for Self
I awoke today with the concept of how much we "struggle just to be who we are" ... which I'm calling the Struggle for Self.
Even though many of us are beyond the child-rearing parts of our lives and perhaps have even lost our parents, we still find ourselves striving to caretake wherever we can.
I've been a caretaker my entire life. I mean, I'm a social worker -- the ultimate caretaker -- taking on the needs of everyone who needs me. I was a professor and cared for students, I had my therapy practice for over 30 years. Now, I coach and train others to create "more or better" in their lives.
And. let's not forget that yes, I'm still a Mother and have a "creative" son ... which is polite for a "struggling musician/singer" son ... who still needs much from his Mom. With my parents long gone, I've become the family "matriarch." So, when the family has issues, it's me who is called upon. Or, when it's time for a gathering or reunion, it's me who makes it happen. In other words... I'm the dependable, responsible, caretaking one. Now I say this without feeling at all like a victim. I choose it all and I hope to NOT be a martyr about it.
What I do want to make a point about, however, is that the one I don't take enough care of is ... MOI! Me! Please don't misunderstand. I don't engage in wild and irresponsible behaviors. I think think things through. I have fun and great experiences. But, I don't get enough sleep, I don't floss absolutely every day, I don't cleanse my face every night.
I am, currently, eating well, walking and working out -- a huge commitment to myself and I feel great about it. I hope to keep it up. The reason it's working so well is because I'm home much more. In fact, I'm barely traveling again til September.Wow.
So, I raise this issue because it all relates to my struggle with myself. I not only have the issue of not always taking great care of me, but I also struggle with the typical questions we all do, e.g. Why am I here? What's my purpose? Who am I supposed to be and what should I be doing? Am I making a difference? We could go on adinfinitim .... you get the drift.
Perhaps many of the boomers are struggling with these issues.
Perhaps instead of calling it a struggle, we should call it the proverbial "Opportunity!"
Point: Where do you need to focus on who you are and what you're about and what you need? Do you take the time to do that? It's important to figure out the WHO.
One of my all time favorite sayings, which seems timely here is:
"Take care of yourself so you can take care of others." And, I'll add -- BUT, don't take so much care of others that you forget to take care of you!
Happy Sunday,
Ann
Even though many of us are beyond the child-rearing parts of our lives and perhaps have even lost our parents, we still find ourselves striving to caretake wherever we can.
I've been a caretaker my entire life. I mean, I'm a social worker -- the ultimate caretaker -- taking on the needs of everyone who needs me. I was a professor and cared for students, I had my therapy practice for over 30 years. Now, I coach and train others to create "more or better" in their lives.
And. let's not forget that yes, I'm still a Mother and have a "creative" son ... which is polite for a "struggling musician/singer" son ... who still needs much from his Mom. With my parents long gone, I've become the family "matriarch." So, when the family has issues, it's me who is called upon. Or, when it's time for a gathering or reunion, it's me who makes it happen. In other words... I'm the dependable, responsible, caretaking one. Now I say this without feeling at all like a victim. I choose it all and I hope to NOT be a martyr about it.
What I do want to make a point about, however, is that the one I don't take enough care of is ... MOI! Me! Please don't misunderstand. I don't engage in wild and irresponsible behaviors. I think think things through. I have fun and great experiences. But, I don't get enough sleep, I don't floss absolutely every day, I don't cleanse my face every night.
I am, currently, eating well, walking and working out -- a huge commitment to myself and I feel great about it. I hope to keep it up. The reason it's working so well is because I'm home much more. In fact, I'm barely traveling again til September.Wow.
So, I raise this issue because it all relates to my struggle with myself. I not only have the issue of not always taking great care of me, but I also struggle with the typical questions we all do, e.g. Why am I here? What's my purpose? Who am I supposed to be and what should I be doing? Am I making a difference? We could go on adinfinitim .... you get the drift.
Perhaps many of the boomers are struggling with these issues.
Perhaps instead of calling it a struggle, we should call it the proverbial "Opportunity!"
Point: Where do you need to focus on who you are and what you're about and what you need? Do you take the time to do that? It's important to figure out the WHO.
One of my all time favorite sayings, which seems timely here is:
"Take care of yourself so you can take care of others." And, I'll add -- BUT, don't take so much care of others that you forget to take care of you!
Happy Sunday,
Ann
Labels: boomers questioning, personal growth, positive self-care
posted by Ann Fry, Head Boomer at
11:52 AM
1 Comments:
You've been sneaking peeks inside my brain, haven't you?
I find myself involved in many of the same questions, sometimes to my own distraction, which is never a good thing. It requires some modicum of faith on my part that I am here for a reason even though these days I am constantly questioning that. Being able to let it go and trust that my purpose is worthwhile can be difficult - especially when my idealized vision of my purpose and reality oftentimes collide. Acceptance sometimes becomes hard. For me, having an attitude of gratitude often pulls me back from the morose abyss. Some days it's a battle and others are a breeze.
Post a Comment
<< Home