I was having coffee with my dear friend, Dolphyn, today out on the deck under our gazebo. The morning was so lovely with the cool breeze and the sunshine of the last days of summer. My dog lounged in the full sun, of course, because dogs simply cannot get enough heat when they are sleeping.
As we sipped coffee and ate a lovely selection of pastries we caught up with one another’s lives. I find it amazing how often it happen that people who live within relative walking distance from you can be the people that you don’t necessarily get to spend time with, even though they are the ones you would actually benefit the most from in spending that time together, and vise versa! Our conversation turned to what we have been busy with this summer and I shared the story of almost 10 days of rain while at the lake in July. How coming home it was just as nice to spend time on the deck in the sun and shade as it was to have the quiet of the lake. There are always pros and cons to each scenario. Then I shared that, up until last year, I had not actually had a planned holiday in YEARS (well, pretty much NEVER have). But having a cabin in my new family meant that there was something to plan for, so plan we did. Now that this has become a bit of a habit, I really don’t care where I spend my holidays or if I choose to travel anywhere at all, but I know know that those holidays are ESSENTIAL to my well-being and, thus, to that of all of my clients as well.
When you work in a healing or helping field you tend to run on the gratification of a job well done and the challenge of the next job ahead. It becomes your payment far beyond the monetary level of things. You get used to running on adrenaline and good intentions, meeting each day with a positive attitude that you will make a difference in this world, on this earth, one person at a time, which is indeed true. However, who heals the healer?
I make sure that I give myself the opportunity to heal via other healers in my community. It can vary from massage therapists, to chiropractors, to energy healers and pretty much anything in between. I find that their contributions to my own well-being is essential. But even so, there was always something missing. There was always a wondering as to why at the end of my 3-day weekends I was still tired and running on less than full? Now I know. Without that time to re-charge on an actual holiday that energy reserve will always be low. I have actually had some clients tell me that I am “not allowed” to take a holiday because they need me to be here for them. I take a deep breath and let what they just said have a moment to sink in. Those who are aware will get it. Those who don’t or who don’t want to now get an education about it. After that they are HAPPY that I take my time off. That way they know that I am recharged and raring to go!
I have another few days off coming up in just over a week. I won’t be going anywhere right away, but I am looking forward to spending at least a couple of days at the lake cabin. Hopefully this time we will get lots of sun!