Do we ever truly recover from burnout?
When we have extended ourselves beyond our normal boundaries and simply have nothing left to give, what does recovery truly look like?
This week, we’re talking about the cycle of recycling: a beautiful and sustainable way to make sure that we get the best out of life, and enjoy the bonus reward of our material things having an extended life of their own.
In last week’s blog we touched on a friendly reminder that not every cycle is one we end up stuck in. An obvious example here is the cycle of the seasons and how it invites, sustains, and recycles life of all shapes and sizes, down to every tiny leaf and seed that eventually makes its way back into the soil to sustain new growth in the coming year.
When we hit burnout, especially as women, it’s often because of the unhealthy cycles we are pressured to adhere to – like keeping quiet, undervaluing our opinions, and generally tip-toeing any which way to avoid rocking the boat.
When we recycle our perspective of ourselves, letting go and properly burying old habits to break down in the soil, it shows us that we are as capable as Mother Nature of sustaining our lives to the fullest. The more we recycle, the more we give ourselves opportunities to sustain our own growth.
Take your favorite piece of clothing for example. It makes you feel amazing because it’s a cute and comfy way to express yourself while you go about your day. There’s nothing like the boost of confidence from an outfit that feels uniquely and beautifully you! But one day, or perhaps over time from so much love, that piece of clothing gets a hole or rip. Do you throw it out? Or do you figure out how to repair or repurpose it?
In the moments when we find ourselves with nothing left to give, it is never because we have nothing to offer. It means we’ve been worn through to the point of needing a few stitches, or a new purpose altogether. Burning out is not the ultimate end – it’s simply part of a cycle that doesn’t serve you.
Recovery is only part of the healthy cycle that sustains us when we hit that wall. What truly elevates us out of unhealthy cycles is a shift in perspective: we owe it to ourselves and the other women in our lives to consistently care for our wellbeing and be the champions of our own boundaries.
Just like your favorite sweater, you are adorable and lovely and a joy to be around. Likewise, sometimes you may need a loving stitch or two to support your structure, and that’s perfectly okay. Or, perhaps you have served your purpose so well and for so long, that you can now recycle that purpose into something new. You are capable of fulfilling every purpose that calls to you, as long as you yourself are properly sustained.
Speaking of sustainable, since we’re focusing on the theme of Tending in the month of May, we have a few awesome recycled clothing resources to share!
@brandedinbutler | @brandedinkent
These small sister business located in Ohio and Pennsylvania have reduced textile waste by over 1 million pounds, and their goal is to hit 1 million more! Check them out for recycled vintage pieces and consider them your new thrifting besties.
This awesome activewear brand has clothing made from recycled materials as well as gently used branded items. They also directly offer opportunities to sell your own pieces online for store credit, and when you shop you can select a non-profit partner at checkout to donate 1% of your total purchase! Sizes here also range from XXS to 6XL.
%5 of proceeds from each purchase is donated to education in the United States, and you’ll find a fabulous collection of boyfriend skirts for your new favorite Spring outfit.
Handmade scrunchies and bags from upcycled materials that add a light, elegant, and feminine touch to every outfit!
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