Take Care of Me Day

Received my copy of Fried: Why You Burn Out and How to Revive a couple days ago and spent most of yesterday and last night reading it. Joan Borysenko, the author, is my spiritual mentor and the book is her No. 15. If you're an achiever, and who in this country isn't?, you'll find some helpful info here. Of course, I've been studying with Joan for 5 years or so and can never get enough! Her Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, I considered her best, but now this one seems equally helpful - especially for those who are overachievers. Fortunately, I've mostly gotten over that! Thanks be to God! I have finally learned to recognize quickly when I'm burning out and prevent it. How? I simply stop. But, then, I'm in the fortunate position of being able to do that since no one else is depending on me - except for my yoga students, of course, and they uplift me - never drag me down. And, I am being careful to avoid over-committing even to my yoga practice. How I wish Fried had been in my hands 20 or 30 years ago when I was constantly burning out. Bob used to say to me - "Go look in the mirror. Your eyes look like two holes burned in a blanket!" And I knew it was time to stop - but it wasn't easy then. One trick I'm using now is allotting Wednesdays to my day off to take care of me. I teach two yoga classes on Monday and two on Tuesday so by Wednesday, I need recovery time and I take it. I urge you to label one day your day to take care of you - even if you have to work. The simple act of setting your intention to "take care of me" will make a big difference no matter what you are doing that day.