Yesterday I had a breakdown.  I was extremely sick and felt completely out of control of my body.  I know now that I could never be a fall down drunk—I hate not having control of my faculties, let alone my entire body.  As I began to shut down, I panicked.  The sicker I felt, the deeper I sank into the feeling of no control. I could feel myself getting dizzier and I was nearly at the point of passing out. I could hear my body saying this is it; you’re losing it (mind you that this was all brought on by a severe wave of nausea). It occurred to me after a little bathroom time and a little thought, that there was more to my sinking feeling than the physical illness.  I have always been a person that when I’m sick, I’m really sick.  Now I know why.  My body went in to shut down mode because it was tired and stressed.  A lot of people rely on me. They use me for advice and support and guidance. Normally, I’m able to take everyones problems in stride and be my best advising self. Yesterday, it was as if there was a stone wall of issues coming to crush me.  Before 10 a.m., I had received three disturbing phone calls from people who had problems much bigger than I could assist with.  I was overwhelmed and the sickness didn’t help.  My body and mind went into shut down mode—rendering me useless to everyone.

Today’s Task: Know when to say when.  Your body will tell you when it’s time to take a break. Listen to it.  If you don’t, you may teeter near the u of a breakdown.  It is okay to offer your time, your ears, your heart, and your expertise to the people you care for. But if you don’t take time to recharge your battery, all of you efforts will be and vain because no one can take advise from a person who’s passed out on the floor.