Pull Out All Stops

I have finally admitted to myself that this time in our world is not so temporary of a state as to just “keep a stiff upper lip”, or to hold my breath and wait it out. I am finally being honest with myself that all of this is bigger than what my usual tools of faith and service can handle. I can no longer afford to pretend that I have “got this.” I don’t. It is time to pull out all the stops of self care.

I am allowing myself to reach out to and bring close the people in my life that feel supportive, caring, and loving, and to allow myself to limit time in relationships that feel challenging or adversarial.

I am making myself look for and reach out to the helpful resources I am fortunate to have in my life—like calling my sponsors, therapist, doctor, fellow spiritual directors, and friends.

I hope you too might know that it is okay to pull out all the stops of self care—whatever that might look like for you in safety, love and support—because these are exceptional times requiring exceptional care. What we are able to do today, just for today to keep us sane, may help us come out on the other side of all this less damaged and hardened than if we pretend that our hearts are not breaking.

Pull out all stops, and if I am one of those places of safety for you, drop me a note*.

*Yes, please feel free to send me a note in the comments. I do not do well on the telephone but will happily send a reply, with love.

11 thoughts on “Pull Out All Stops

  1. Your words encouraged me to frame my day taking the best, most loving care of self I know, thank you❣️I am sending back love to your household from where so much love has been imparted. Abrazo

  2. Such good advice. Thank you, Theresa. I made a zoom appointment with my spiritual director a couple days ago. I couldn’t have worded it as beautifully as you, but similar feelings have been in my heart. Hugs to you.

  3. Thank you for your beautiful expression of loving kindness and compassion. Oh, and within all of that is the solution, just for today. Thank you my most dear and loving friend.

  4. This is spot on for what I’ve been feeling. Thanks for giving it a voice. For me, this means long breaks during the work day, luxurious soaks in my tub most nights, massage twice a month, new avenues of personal support that have appeared “magically” over the last few months, and days that I stay in my PJs surrounded by my furry 4-pawed creatures all day long!

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