Today is the first day of a 3 week sabbatical from my job. My manager was gracious enough to grant me the time off. Being a daily witness to incredible human pain and suffering was taking its toll on me. I feel like I have a gift to shoulder that pain, but I'm finding it requires a lifestyle of gentle and kind self-care to sustain myself. I'm not good at that. Guilt creeps in when I honor my needs. Recently I read a quote by Parker Palmer that made good sense to me. It gives me permission to rest without guilt!
"Another gift [of winter] is the reminder that times of dormancy and deep rest are essential to all living things. Despite all appearances, of course, nature is not dead in winter--it has gone underground to renew itself and prepare for spring. Winter is a time when we are admonished and even inclined, to do the same for ourselves."
Notes to Self
1, Put on perfume every morning (can't wear it at my job).
2. Do not wear anything gray for 3 weeks (have to wear gray scrubs day in and day out at work. ugh...).
May blessings abound in your winter sabbatical.....love you and love your thoughts. You're note alone in them.
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