SHORT AND SWEET

At least I think it’s going to be short and sweet. I have a blog I’m working on, but I think I’m going to save it for tomorrow.

It’s been such a busy weekend, and I really didn’t get anything accomplished (in reality, I’m always busy). I think I’m dealing with caregiver burnout. I know I am. My first thought when I woke up this morning was “I have to work tomorrow.” Not a good sign. I’ve cut back on my hours (was working 20-30 hours a week, now 22 – just picked up 8). My Sunday client is in rehab, so I’m back down to 17. I honestly think it’s time for me to focus fully on my photography and writing, or move on to something else. I know I can do it (photography), it’s what I went to school for. Photography is my thing, and so is writing…usually. I know I’ll get through this, I just need some time.

So, What is caregiver burnout?

Some common signs and symptoms are:

-having much less energy than normal

-seems like you catch every cold, bout, or flu that’s going around

-you’re constantly exhausted, even after taking a nap, break, or sleeping

-you neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore

-your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction

-you have trouble relaxing

-increasingly impatient and irritable

-feel helpless and hopeless

I’ve been dealing with most of this for a while (a couple of months), that’s why I decided to cut my hours back and start focusing on my photography. I probably shouldn’t have agreed to pick up the extra hours. But I did.

I went to school and got my BA in photography.

I love what I do as a photographer!! I’ve been passionate about it (and art) since I was a teenager. Maybe even since I was a child.

I’m going to end this here, hopefully on a positive note.

I really just wanted to let you know that I have been working on a post, just won’t be posting it til tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll feel better tomorrow.

“Let’s save tomorrow’s troubles for tomorrow.” – Patricia Briggs, Raven’s Shadow