Burnout is…and antidote breakthrough is…
Burnout is that feeling in your stomach lying in bed the night before a shift adding the hours before you can wake up and stay home
It feels like watching the last leaf tumble to the ground, part sadness, part acceptance
Burnout is opening the refrigerator and seeing all the ingredients without one idea of what to make for dinner
That deep exhale and shoulder slump with eyes closed when the defeat hits so deep
Burnout is the lyrics on repeat of the sweet song that reminds me of a time when I had lightness and hope.
Antidote breakthrough is the acknowledgement of a co-worker who says here we go, we are already behind and we giggle as we share the reality that is the work we chose, enjoy and struggle with.
Antidote is using my superpower of intention as I pause, take a deep breath in, 2, 3, 4 and out, 2, 3, 4 as I pick up the next chart and reset my mind.
It is the attention to details as I walk and see the heart shape in the trunk of the tree, what in the world I think, that is amazing, the gift of seeing the beauty.
Breakthrough from burnout is the hug from a co-worker, the text “thank you” for the note, the smile and laugh as we all share a win from our weekend during huddle.
Burnout is real, intense and pervasive, breaking through using an antidote is magic, healing, and possible.