Dear Girlfriends,

Exhausted. Bored. Frustrated. Unfulfilled.

These are the words that best describe me when I'm burned out. When I'm used up. When I'm at the end of my rope. Or when I feel like I'm trying hard but not getting anywhere. 

I can feel it coming on like a bad cold. But rather than pull the covers over my head, I want to fight it. I want to catch this condition of discontent or frustration before it's too late. So how do I revive myself? In describing resuscitation, Wikipedia states that "CPR is unlikely to restart the heart, but rather its purpose is to maintain a flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and the heart, thereby delaying tissue death and extending the brief window of opportunity for a successful resuscitation without permanent brain damage." Yes. Exactly. I want to thwart any more brain damage when dealing with family, work, and self!

If the objective is to stop our physical or emotional exhaustion - or worse - apathy, before it occurs, I think we should consider and address a few of the root causes. Over the next few weeks, I hope you'll join me in a discussion on the driving forces behind our burnout and ways we can reinvigorate a bored body, a frustrating job, an unfulfilled spirit, and an exhausted heart.

 
Not waiting for the paramedics,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on February 4, 2008 12:37 PM  |  Category: One Breath Away From Burnout

Ellen, I knew this was going to be on the news, but I forgot to watch it....I'm so glad it's on your website! You look wonderful! Great interview! You definately give all of us girls a lot to live up to.

I miss the Bible study classes and all the friends I met there, but my husband and I have joined another Bible study class closer to the house and it's fun going with him.

I will keep up with you and hope to see you around...maybe at Popolo's again. Keep up the good work....you inspire all of us!

Gayla Hickman

Posted by gayla hickman | February 4, 2008 2:18 PM

Ellen,

I'm so glad you were able to link the Channel 5 interview on your website. You look great! I especially liked this letter because it hits close to home, especially for young women who are high achievers at the college level. My roommate actually made the comment tonight that she can see why people age, it's because life is exhausting! Thanks for your e-mails that always make me take the time to slow down. Take care!

-Sonya

Posted by Sonya | February 4, 2008 8:30 PM

Thank you for the time you take to put this site together and the wisdom you share. I have shared this site with my sisters and nieces.

I also saw your interview which is what lead me to your site. I am so glad I did.

Thanks,
Sherry

Posted by Sherry | February 5, 2008 6:16 AM

Looking forward to the upcoming discussions and suggestions to help with burnout.

Thanks for sharing your insight and friendship.

Posted by Eileen | February 6, 2008 4:18 PM

Thank you for your cleverly worded and positive thoughts that many of us can relate to and need to have verbalized and put into words.

Posted by Jodi | February 10, 2008 3:16 PM