Lately I've been feeling absolutely depleted. I've felt exhausted, like I've been running on empty. I thought it was from the stress of the hustle & bustle of the Christmas season, but it didn't go away after the new year.
I went on my first visit to a Naturopathic doctor yesterday. I'm excited. I'm starting a new regimen of magnesium, B6, rosemary, vitamin d. I've been taking fish oil, but am supposed to take more. I've also been without caffeine for about a month. So we'll see.
The last time I felt this exhausted was when I was dealing with postpartum depression.
As mothers, especially of a new baby, we have to give & give of ourselves until there's nothing left. It somehow seems selfish to take care of our needs, at least for me. It seemed like family should be first, especially the poor, helpless infant who depends on mommy for everything. As Christian mothers we want to be the virtuous woman from Proverbs 31. So if we take time out, guilt sets in.
It reminds me of the speech that they give on airplanes about putting your oxygen mask on first before you help others. If you don't have air, then you will be useless to anyone else.
Somewhere there is a balance. Finding that place where you get your needs met as well as you family's is the challenge that we all have.
You do need to take care of yourself. Try to replenish what is missing, whether it's sleep, nutrients, or needing spiritual replenishment. I know from personal experience that it's easier said that done.
Who will take care of you or your family, if you fall apart? That is an important thing to consider. Do you have a support system? Are there family, friends, church family that you can lean on when you need help or in times of crisis?
Fill My Cup, Lord,
I Lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of Heaven, feed me til I want no more
fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole! Richard Blanshard
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