One Day At A Time

~ FEELING OVERWHELMED ~


The social workers have named a new syndrome. It’s called “compassion fatigue.” Why does it sound so familiar?

–Anne Wilson Schaef



For most of my life I have always cared for others, and have always been in the caring professions. I didn’t think that was a bad thing until I was brought to my knees and arrived at my first program meeting. One of the character defects that I found I had was people pleasing. Because I was always trying to help and fix others, I also knew that I had a problem with control and lack of acceptance.


One of the things I am learning in the program is that, because for so many years I had hidden my emotions in food, there are still many layers of the onion that I haven’t even begun to peel away. The amazing thing is that it is only when I reach a rock bottom of some sort that I am forced to look deeper at many issues that I have blocked for years. What I realize now is that I have spent so many years of my life taking care of others that I have forgotten to take care of me. No wonder I feel so overwhelmed!


I’m a compulsive caregiver, but in doing that, I have often neglected to see to my own needs. I am so grateful that I have become open to looking further into why I have always put others’ needs before mine, and to being able to detach with love from many issues over which I am powerless, so that I can take better care of me.


One Day at a Time . . .

I will remember that in order to be able to care for and love others, I must first learn to care for and love myself.

~ Sharon S. ~