One day recently I was changing at the gym after my workout and my deodorant dropped out of my hand. As it fell I realized it was nearing the end and was about to break into pieces. Luckily I caught it before it hit the floor and completely fell apart. I put it back together and carried on. And then came the fascinating (to me) analogy: How often are we - especially as therapists - operating like a stick of deodorant that looks completely intact but is actually about to fall apart if we are just tipped the wrong way? I suspect a lot of us can relate at times! And I hope this can be a helpful cue to consider more intentionally:
- What steps am I taking to be aware of how much more I can handle and when I actually need to take a break? (before falling to the floor in pieces)
- How can I ensure I have access to a ‘fresh stick of deodorant’/replenished energy when I need it?
- How can I let go of the need to pretend that everything is ok if it really isn’t?
- How can I offer myself compassion if/when I do end up on the floor in pieces occasionally?
P.S. Figured no one really needs to see a photo of a broken stick of deodorant (as relevant of a metaphor as it is), so above is a photo of another fitting metaphor. | 