The healthcare system (in the U.S.) feels so scary.

That’s a strong statement—and it seems odd to put it in writing when most healthcare workers (many of them empaths*) have the best of intentions, not to mention all that they have been through over the past year.

But these days, I have a greater awareness of my emotions—and when it comes to the healthcare system, I’m noticing a lot of fear.

It’s not just concerns around finding a doctor, or whether insurance...

What do you call yourself?  Do you have a title that your clients/employer refer to?  Do you go by a specific role (daughter, mother, brother, wife...) so others know what to expect from you? 

These names, titles, roles have their place.  Sometimes they are helpful so that the right people can find you - turn to you, and yet, a particular title, or role, can also turn into the hooks of expectations and obligations that can lead to overwhelm and exhaustion. ...

I've met children and adults who are just so funny.  They have the gift of bringing laughter to a room - breaking up any serious, dense energy that's been there for a while.  They can offer relief from all that is going on - relief from the chaos above the calm. 

But sometimes the gift of being funny (or performing, or pleasing, or fixing, or soothing...) can be a way of making everything "right."  The result? Your gift, if applied in the context of making everything...

I haven’t felt like doing much lately.  My energy level goes up and down, but most of the time it’s slow moving - anything I do takes twice as long as it “should."

I can also feel the tension in my low back which makes everyday chores more delightful (Not!), and did I mention that I just got my period?

When my body feels like it doesn't want to do anything, sometimes I'll listen.  I'll lay down to actually do nothing, until my mind starts doing something. ...

People are exhausted and drained. They are tired of all the doing - doing what is expected, and doing it within the expected timeframe. 

Can you relate?

Meeting these expectations is often done at the expense of being your authentic self - lit up and filled with power - including the power to ask yourself what you need and want so you can experience more ease and joy.

Some will say that turning inward to ask what you need and want is selfish, but if you are sacrificing...