So I was talking to my energy coach JoAnn Manzella today for our weekly session and this phrase came up: "Healer, Heal Thyself." And we got to chatting about how this phrase really is a conundrum for most energy healers, therapists, counselors, and caregivers out there.
Where can we find the time for ourselves, if we are so tied up with putting out everyone else's fires?
If you are called to serve and heal others in this lifetime, that means you get the good, the bad, and the yikes with that gift. As a healer, your focus is constantly externally occupied - you derive meaning from others' well-being, and tend to neglect your own.
Be kind to yourself - you're not alone out there. 🙂
We all have been socialized and trained to believe that being selfish is a bad thing, and that selfless service to others is admirable and honorable. But ask yourself this - are you, honestly, realizing your true potential during this selfless act, or are you deciding to give in and be a doormat?
You'll know the answer by how you feel reading that question.
If you find yourself giving in and allowing people to walk all over you, consider re-framing your internal conversations around "selfish" behavior to "self-nurturing" behavior. Self-nurturing behavior has clear boundaries, balance, and flow. Selfish behavior has reactive boundaries, is erratic and stifling.
So if you are an awesome but overwhelmed therapist or "Overgiver" (instead of "caregiver" lol) reading this, I want you to know that I feel you.
I feel your pain. frustration. anger. exhaustion. resentment. anxiety. fear. stagnation.
I invite you, right now, to decide to SHOW YOURSELF the same level of love and care you pour into others every day. You can start right now by doing the free healing meditation on the homepage.
Ready to take your self-care to the next level? Then clear a Monday or Thursday night in your calendar and attend one of my weekly meditation groups, so you can jump-start your healing journey! And remember, good energy is best when shared. Send this post to someone you love, who could use a little encouragement.
<3
Victoria
P.S. - Tell me what YOU think about the phrase "Healer, Heal Thyself" in the comments below!
I’m thrilled that you addressed this topic. When I attend my personal/private sessions, I often wonder who takes care of My caregiver. As I journey on a new path to help others, it becomes more and more apparent that I must first care for myself to be able to help others. Its like they say on every flight – Apply YOUR oxygen mask FIRST, then assist others.
You got it! That analogy is exactly right – you can’t help anybody in the long run if you don’t know how to take care of yourself. A healthy caregiver inspires health in the ones she cares for. The glowing therapist’s energy spills over into his clients’ lives, in ways he isn’t even aware of – I can’t tell you how much my students’ respect deepens for me when they learn what my personal care regimen is and how I would never suggest they do something that I myself am not already doing now. Lead by example!
Love and light,
Victoria <3