Getting Ready for 2009
I'd like to start off by welcoming everyone back after what hopefully was a very beautiful and special holiday season. I trust that many of you spent days off from work and were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. I, myself, had almost two weeks off, and am now gearing up for the days ahead.
Now, please don't misunderstand me when I say, that there is a small part of me that dreads this week just a little bit. I like my job. I actually love my job (most days!), but I can feel the tension building. I can feel that sense of urgency coming back like a freight train! I know that busy days are ahead and will be here very soon whether I want them or not; and if I like my job so much, then what is the problem? Something doesn't make sense. I should be feeling excited, anticipating the day, the week and the upcoming year!
So, in an attempt to understand my own self, I decided to take some time over the past day or so to pray, meditate and reflect upon where my anxiety is emanating. I started to think about the past two weeks and what I absolutely loved about them and why I don't want them to end.
To start, I was able to spend a ton of time with my husband. We renovated a room in our home, visited friends and relatives and had some time to relax together. I also spent some time alone. I was able to sleep in most days, got some exercise and finished some personal projects. Despite not "working", it certainly was a busy two weeks and I wasn't lazy (even though I wanted to be!). As I contemplate the past 13 days, the theme I notice running through my thoughts and sentences is TIME. I finally had the TIME to do the things I want to do when I am not working!
So, my challenge now is this....How do I keep the good feelings going? How do I continue to stay balanced mentally, physically and spiritually this year? As the old adage goes, you need to help yourself before you are able to help others. This theory rings so true when you work with children and I would like to pose it as a question to our readers. I have my own customs and conventions I rely on to help me stay focused, healthy and balanced, but I would like to hear from all the parents and/or therapists out there as well....what have you done in the past or are you planning to do in 2009 to make you the best, most beautifully balanced therapist and/or parent you can possibly be?