downer blog?

OK, looking back at the past several posts, I realized just how depressing they might be. Like why don't I just call this thing "downer blog" and get it over with?!

Which, of course, I couldn't just leave alone as a stand-alone observation. It made me start to reflect on the areas of stress in my life. Clearly, my job can be one of them. It used to be that my job stressed me out because I questioned my own competence. That is no longer the issue, really. Now it's more the sense that I know I can do my job reasonably well, but there's only so much that I can do. Which brings its own kind of helplessness.

And then there's the simple effect of hearing all the stories. Which is an honor, really. I mean, to have someone trust you enough to share that kind of thing...it's almost mind boggling. But there's also a slow emotional toll of hearing story after story of pain, of loss, of tragedy.

It's that sort of worn down feeling that makes me acutely aware of my need for things that recharge me.

So my hope is to make more of a priority, more of a commitment to things that nurture peace, joy, and happiness in my heart and soul. I pray that in doing so I will also nurture my ability to bring those things to my family, my clients, and those good and patient folks who read and comment on my blog.