A few weeks ago I finished two books: The Sacrificial Mother by Carin Rubenstein PhD and Satisfaction by Gregory Berns MD, PhD.
Both had really great points— not sure I’d re-read or recommend either for someone with limited time… I’m glad I did so I can share a few highlights. There was some weirdness that I won’t go into here… perhaps another time.
First, I felt a connection with the notion of The Sacrificial Mother; the name was off-putting and I originally wanted to rebel and say, ‘nah, that’s not me.’ BUT I’ve seen her in the mirror and in my clients.
It’s the person who gives a blank stare when you ask: what’s one thing you could do for yourself today that would give you joy? It’s the look when you know and they know they simply haven’t considered that in quite awhile.
They’ve been busy— really busy— taking care of everyone else as priority #1 .
It’s the caretaker (mom/healthcare worker/teacher/counselor, etc) who is busy at work, really busy at home and simply not making herself a priority. Because who has that kind of time 🙁
But it’s also the person who feels like a shell of her former self these days. She knows there is something more “out there.”
And perhaps she’s quietly resenting the life she worked so hard to build. Because on the outside, she has is all.
But on the inside, there’s something missing.
All the sacrifice — is it getting you what you hoped it would?
Or are you just continually feeling sacrificed?
Or overlooked?
Overwhelmed?
Or like your wants and needs don’t matter?
Hop over to Facebook or Instagram: @doctorsempowered: Tell me where you are feeling the biggest sacrifice in your life right now. I’d love to know where I can help.
I promise, you’re not alone in that struggle.
The book Satisfaction has one point I’d like to bring here: novelty and challenge often bring us satisfaction. Our brains crave it. I’ve found this true personally and with clients. Perhaps the migration from sacrificial to satisfaction can be filled with something novel and something personally challenging?
Coaching was that for me. And it first started with time.
Maybe you are ready for a Reinvention? Something to ditch the sacrifice and start feeling satisfied…
