It’s ‘too hard’ to find time for your own spiritual needs

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the demands of other people that you forget to live your own life? Your “To-Do List” is so crammed with stuff for other people that you find no room left to add your name. Your deep spiritual and emotional needs are relegated to your ‘Too Hard” basket…and there they seem to stay.

 

The demands of others can leave your soul feeling depleted

I too found myself living a life so filled with the demands of others that the demands of my soul became depleted. I was running on empty. Always busy. Always tired. Always denying my own needs.

I remember having young children, working full-time, and deciding to do a bit of volunteering. What I had envisaged as an interesting hobby and a way to meet new people soon became a living nightmare. An overenthusiastic chairwoman kept piling unreasonable demands and deadlines onto me. I felt intimidated and obligated to answer her relentless requests. Working till the early hours of each morning only to be greeted by her next demand. Finding myself on an incessant treadmill… kids, work, volunteering…kids, work, volunteering… Feeling enslaved by the relentless demands.

 

You’re not alone. 74% of women are unable to cope 

Why would you willingly subject yourself to unreasonable, selfish demands from others? Why should you accept the notion that loving yourself and answering the truth of your soul makes you selfish? That the sacrifice and denial of the self is, okay?

Like the 74% of people who, according to research by the American Institute of Stress, have felt so stressed that they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope, I became so strained that I ended up in the hospital from pure exhaustion. No support or encouraging messages arrived at my bed. Just a short message on my phone from the chairwoman, reminding me to pick up a donation on my way to the next meeting!

I dared to reclaim my truth and, I quit.

 

Choose to surround yourself with the right people

Don’t waste your precious time dancing to the hollow tune of another’s drum. Bravely, dare to honour that which brings you joy. Surround yourself with people who respect you. People who inspire you. People who offer mutual support as you face life’s ups and downs. People who delight in holding your hand as you turn your frown upside down. People who make you feel as if you “belong”.

 

Take my hand. Come, sit down, and feel the warmth of your place in the circle.

Scrolling through social media I chanced upon the “Virtual Women’s Village”. Daring to have a closer look, I found supportive arms welcoming me to take up my place in the circle. Sisters who empowered me to honour my truth. Sisters who reminded me of my right to belong.

Take my hand. Come, sit down, and feel the warmth of your place in the circle. Come, feel the joy of knowing you belong. We have been waiting for you. Welcome home.

Love and Light,

 

Estellé Woods
Virtual Women’s Village Member 
and Author of ‘Daring to Claim my Bespoke Pathway’

 

 

Other supporting blog articles:

• Your Dream Life is within Reach
• International Women’s Day Event: 3/8/2022
• Do you Outsource your Truth?