Chapter 2 STAGES
As rescuers, we go through stages. We learn new things, try them out, show or teach others. We think it will change the world.
Then it doesn't.
So we try harder. We learn more new things, try them, tell others, teach them. And we think it will change the world.
Then it doesn't.
Some people can repeat the same cycle endlessly. Or, more likely, succumb to exhaustion and burn out.
Then begins the anger-guilt feedback loop.
We get angry that we succumb, we feel guilty over not accomplishing our goals. (It doesn't matter that they may not have actually been attainable.) Or we feel guilt over backing off or quitting, which is generally a matter of self-preservation, consciously or not.
Guilt over limitations can be hard to accept.
Then we may lose all hope, become pessimistic, jaded, skeptical, disillusioned, disheartened. Physical, mental and emotional exhaustion sets in, resulting in compassion fatigue, the latest term for burn out.
We look for answers, solutions, that may not even exist. We wait, paralyzed, unable to move on, hoping for that push, that spark that will ignite us again.
If it doesn't come, it may mean it's time to let go, accept limitations and move on. It may be time to build a new fire, with a new spark, nurture a new flame, to find a way to do what we did before, to provide warmth, light and energy, but in a different way.
No more anger.
No more guilt.
No regrets.
As rescuers, we go through stages. We learn new things, try them out, show or teach others. We think it will change the world.
Then it doesn't.
So we try harder. We learn more new things, try them, tell others, teach them. And we think it will change the world.
Then it doesn't.
Some people can repeat the same cycle endlessly. Or, more likely, succumb to exhaustion and burn out.
Then begins the anger-guilt feedback loop.
We get angry that we succumb, we feel guilty over not accomplishing our goals. (It doesn't matter that they may not have actually been attainable.) Or we feel guilt over backing off or quitting, which is generally a matter of self-preservation, consciously or not.
Guilt over limitations can be hard to accept.
Then we may lose all hope, become pessimistic, jaded, skeptical, disillusioned, disheartened. Physical, mental and emotional exhaustion sets in, resulting in compassion fatigue, the latest term for burn out.
We look for answers, solutions, that may not even exist. We wait, paralyzed, unable to move on, hoping for that push, that spark that will ignite us again.
If it doesn't come, it may mean it's time to let go, accept limitations and move on. It may be time to build a new fire, with a new spark, nurture a new flame, to find a way to do what we did before, to provide warmth, light and energy, but in a different way.
No more anger.
No more guilt.
No regrets.
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