Living with someone experiencing depression can take an enormous amount of emotional energy
It is an absolute must that you make time for yourself if you are to effectively manage your challenging situation.
Remember I have been sharing 10 insights with you on my blogs. This is my Insight 8 for you to consider.
Put yourself on your list of priorities!
This message is a really important one for you to take to heart……
Would you believe there was a time I thought I had “my act together”.
I thought I had my priorities in perfect order! Then one morning I woke up and said to myself – “I can’t do this any more”.
“I cannot work my way through another one of my partner’s depressive cycles. I do not have an ounce of emotional energy to give out”. It was then I became aware that my list of priorities was well and truly out of order.
There was something really integral missing from the list. Myself! Mmm … that’s sounds very familiar to you doesn’t it!
I can hear you saying “Put myself on my list of priorities” – how selfish is that!
I would like to challenge your thinking if you believe it is being selfish to put yourself first on your list of priorities. By not putting yourself first on your list of priorities what results are you getting?
I am thinking possibly…. exhaustion, boredom, frustration, isolation and loneliness and even resentment.
Wouldn’t it feel fantastic if you could turn those results around? You can. It takes a simple choice on your part.
A choice to let go of feeling guilty for giving yourself time out to be refreshed and rejuvenated when your partner is feeling depressed and out of sorts.
Imagine for a moment how it would feel if you were looking forward to a relaxing massage at your favourite day spa or that you had the opportunity to go for a walk or jog along the beach without anyone else to think about.
That would be so energising wouldn’t it? Imagine the relaxation you would experience and the sense of vitality.
That’s what putting yourself on your list of priorities is all about. Re-energising, re-focussing, sensing freedom, getting life’s responsibilities into balance.
By putting yourself on your list of priorities you become an intentional creator of your own much needed energy resources! Take the challenge.
Think about this and think about the action you are going to take to begin to do those things that refresh you, make you feel good, relax you and bring you encouragement.
Christine McRae, The Trail Blazing Woman, christine@trailblazingwoman.com.au
©January 2010, The Trail Blazing Woman
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