When You Finally Say “I’m Done!”

 

240px-Statue_of_the_Tired_ManRecently, I met with a fellow WOBO woman who said, “I’m done!” and promptly left her successful professional career. Her mind, body, and spirit were utterly depleted. We discussed the factors that led to her exhaustion—lack of self-care and self-awareness—and I provided ideas for her WOBO recovery.

A young woman at a neighboring table caught my attention and said, “I’m sorry, but I have to admit that I was eavesdropping. I’m finishing up a work sabbatical, and I’m terrified to go back. It’s been three months, and I’m more exhausted now than I was when I left.” Although her boss offered the sabbatical as a way to retain a great employee, this young, WOBO woman realized she was, in fact, “done.” She needed to radically change her life. Welcome to the club, I thought.

What’s behind this declaration of “I’m done”? When a WOBO woman says, “I’m done,” she has hit the wall—a terrifying place for a WOBO woman. She feels lost, frightened, and fragile. However, the wall can also be an incredibly empowering place—a place where she can take control of her life and health. “I’m done,” means I will no longer live a life based on stress and struggle. I will teach myself to enjoy success while I improve my health, energy, and happiness. As I told the young, WOBO woman, the road to recovery from “I’m done” to “I’m happy” is paved with small acts of loving yourself to wholeness.

What does it mean to love yourself to wholeness? In her book Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach defines loving yourself to wholeness as pampering yourself with simple pleasures and small indulgences. I’d also include nourishing yourself on a regular basis with the basics of nutritious food, physical activity, good sleep, etc. What small acts of self-love can you do to start you on your road to “I’m happy”?

  • Shift your energy. Say this affirmation daily, “I commit to living perfect health.”
  • Take a news sabbatical. The negative stories in the news drain your brainpower and emotional energy. Spend time on activities—like reading a novel or listening to music— that increase your emotional energy.
  • Ask a friend to join you and take that painting class you’ve been putting off
  • Regularly go for a walk in Nature. It’s called forest bathing and it’s great for your health!

What activity do you think is too indulgent? Now go do it!

It is extremely difficult for a WOBO woman to commit time and energy to herself. I know, I’ve lived it. I’m a recovered WOBO woman, and when you work with me, you will be too. I’m committed to helping every WOBO woman regain her health and reinvigorate her life so she can really live. I want her—I want you—to experience struggle-free success, energy and joy.

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to ask questions too.

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