Self-Sustainability. Finding Balance Between Passion and Personal Care
I was listening to a client/friend’s podcast episode today Nonprofits Are Messy. (she’s the CEO of The Nonprofit Leadership Lab), and I was deeply struck by the theme of personal sustainability – boundaries, burnout, and self-care. I had always thought of sustainability in terms of environmental, social and economic concerns, but not at all as it applies to us as individuals, humans, women…and specifically to me. In the podcast they referenced the beautiful poem “Fire” by Judy Brown. The space between the logs enables the fire to burn.
As a women’s strength coach, my purpose is simple: I want to help women feel strong, function at their best, and achieve their personal health and fitness goals. If we’re working together you know I care. Whether it’s guiding clients through strength training, nutrition coaching, or supporting them through the transitions of perimenopause or postmenopause, I’m deeply passionate about the work I do. It’s something I love so much that I would do it for free if I could—just to see the positive changes in my clients’ lives.
I am a person – a woman too. I have a huge family, and in the midst of my love of spending time with them, advocacy work in my city, and dedication to my clients, I sometimes forget about me. It’s easy to constantly make myself available for others, because one of my guiding principles in life is “say yes”. It’s sometimes a completely instantaneous response, and maybe not always the best decision at the moment. I love to “show up” for my kids, grandkids, my clients, and community whenever I’m needed, in-person, or mentally, and emotionally, but if it includes too rarely allowing “off” time, it can become unsustainable. I am responsible for my own sustainability.
I aim to empower others, but I can do better – learning that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Boundaries are essential to allow us to stay present, energetic, and focused, while also ensuring time to nurture ourselves, and prioritize our own health. It isn’t easy, and it takes constant awareness of each issue as it arises. But we can learn to protect our time while still giving to others.
“A fire grows
simply because the space is there,
with openings in which the flame
that knows just how it wants to burn can find its way.”
So being a strong, functioning, self-sustaining woman, a coach, a mom, a grandmother, and a community advocate means allowing space between the logs so the fire can burn – taking care of myself so I can continue to burn brightly with energy, enthusiasm, and expertise.
So, to you my clients, I also encourage you to do the same—create a balance that supports your personal well-being and every other passion in your life.
Tell me, does this resonate for you?
x
Polli
