Whoa! Kim, I feel like you have soooo much to add to this conversation w/ that background. I'm sure your work at that time was a bit infuriating. And I love hearing from former SAD to AIPers. Thank you so much for commenting here.
I feel you on so many levels. You have given me a lot to think about. I am taking a short course on burn out and immediately thought, "I see myself." I must take a moment to process all that you have written. Much love to you, my friend.
I appreciate the vulnerability and bravery needed to do this. Thank you for documenting your ideas and reflections. I look forward to reading the next installment of your journey.
I came for AIP and stayed for the politics, the human, and her work. I'll be following along. Thank you for being such an important voice in my world for so many different subjects that intertwine.
Ugh, I’m so f***ing proud of you. The vulnerability, humility and authenticity you embody are inspiring. I am lucky to count you as a close friend and our community is lucky to count you as a leader. The space you are creating and conversations you are contributing to, will help countless others to step up and step in as we collectively reframe our mission, purpose and meaning. I love you.
I don't think I will ever be able to articulate just how influential you have been in my life - not just professionally, but personally as well. All I can say is, thank you and I love you.
Love you too, Friend. My confidence in this decision would literally not be possible w/out you. Thank you for the respect & friendship. And for taking it further.
Thank you & everyone you listed for all you do. I feel this so much. I became AIP certified 2 years ago to integrate the teaching with my many counseling clients with autoimmune diseases. The pandemic has burnt me to a crisp as well, despite using all my therapeutic tools, expanding my practice to add more clinicians. I am so here for any conversations on change at the community level. You are onto a much bigger picture here sister! Thank you for your work & vision. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.
Alicia, thank you for your work. Counseling in this time is a level of service to your community that is just beyond . . . I'll take all the sisters I can get in this community care conversation.
I thank you for all that you have done for the AIP community, but also all that you have done for ME! I have always told my now adult children, "Do what drives you passionately". That may mean career changes, multiple times! When we get stuck in a job or career that no longer drives us passionately, we get stuck in everything we do, socially too. Learning to please ourselves, is not something we are generally taught by this society. I still struggle to make time for me.
I went back to school (with no money to do so!) when I was 49, to become an NTP, a couple of years later AIP Certified Coach was one of several further education things I have done. For me, I am driven to help others prevent a lifetime of AI illness and simply surviving vs thriving. It took me 43 years to get there myself, due to the medical system in the USA.
I am forever grateful you were still there as I went through the AIP course. I also understand burnout and the need to change things up! I have no doubt that all you do will be rewarding, because making such a big change, comes with great strength. Enjoy life, even the little things, there is great beauty and hope in being able to simply say, "I am alive"!
Thank you for all you have done and whatever you decide to continue to do. I believe only good things will happen for your authentic self! I have been on the autoimmune roller coaster for 12 years and appreciate all you have done to shed light on the problem. Diet and mindset have changed my life, but I still require medication (that i both love and hate) I love the validation in this is not a individual issue but a community problem. Your writing is so inspirational and TJmax will be lucky to have you LOL.
I had to chuckle at TJ Maxx. I wouldn't suggest applying during the holidays. 😂 But seriously, I worked construction as a laborer for a year in 2019 at the age 53. Long story but I wanted to get out of the house, the contractor that built my house needed help so I jokingly volunteered. He said he thought I could do it. I was the only female laborer in our entire county. The looks I got on construction sites. I worked hard and earned the respect of every male that I worked with. I actually loved the work b/c I loved being outdoors all day long. But what I loved the most is that my brain got a break. It's the kind of job that when my butt hit my car seat, I was clocked out. I got home and my time was mine and my family's. Ultimately, it triggered more autoimmune issues due to the repeated stress on my hands and with the pandemic shutting us down, my rheumy felt that was the end of my construction career. 😂
With health coaching, I have not found a way to turn it off. It's so much easier when you leave your house and return in the evening to shut it off. I'm struggling to find that balance. And I love learning so I can spend all day with clients (private and work clients) and then spend all evening pursuing my educational passions but my brain never gets a respite.
Maybe we can work at TJ Max together. I can get a discount on the dog winter sweaters.
Sybil, you have had just some really amazing work experiences. We need exchange stories some time, because I've worked at sawmills, auto body shops, trucking companies . . . crazy experiences. And yes, there is a major upside to that type of work. You work hard while on your shift & then your brain rests. The kind of work we do now means being always on. I'm grateful for all you've done & all you've dedicated to learning so you can support others in healing. And yes, let's grab those TJ Maxx jobs so we can get awesome discounts!
When I started reading this letter, I had a hunch it was going to move into the problem with The System. The system definitely does not want us to rest. It does not care if we are burned out. It doesn't care if we are ash. And it knows community and connection are the antidote to the world the system has created. You'll be missed but I'm excited for this new direction for you!
Thank you so much for reading, Üma. And yes, "the system" is something I'm really ready to dissect here. Everything you said about it is correct from my vantage point.
I have appreciated the emails from you all immensely and I understand burnout. I also understand being sick of being told that no matter the choices you make or what you do, 'it's all your fault'. I'm so over that. It's like being boxed in by some invisible voice or people you've never met face to face. DONE. I would love to recommend to you Jeff Brown. An amazing writer, down to earth guy who's been to hell and back probably several times and he's no nonsense. He's probably the only person I know of at this point, who is truly on our side. He takes all that guild and blame other's heap on us and takes it off. Breaks it into a million pieces and sends us on our way while waiting in the wings (books, fb, courses) to continue to encourage us and break through all the mental BS dumped on us by "them". Who are they? Geez.
Anyway, you will be missed. Change is hard for many of us but it's necessary. Love and blessings on your new path.
Christine, I really like what you said here about "being boxed in by some invisible voice." It does feel that way. I don't know the work of Jeff Brown, but I'll try to make time to see what he's about. Thanks for the kind wishes on the new path!
Felt every word! Burnout is very real and exactly why we need ro slow down, stop, and rest. It is scary but I know that your calling will take you to great places. God doesn't lead where He won't protect. ❤️
Holy smoly!! You make me cry♥️ First, it’s for me when I discovered you and Mickey and the community that helped me to understand what was going on with my body. And next for you as you rise up out of the ashes and become the most beautiful version of YOURSELF with all its vulnerabilities. Your words have always resonated clearly and I’m ever so grateful to have crossed paths with you, even if it has only ever been virtually. With so my gratitude and love🙏
Whoa! Kim, I feel like you have soooo much to add to this conversation w/ that background. I'm sure your work at that time was a bit infuriating. And I love hearing from former SAD to AIPers. Thank you so much for commenting here.
I feel you on so many levels. You have given me a lot to think about. I am taking a short course on burn out and immediately thought, "I see myself." I must take a moment to process all that you have written. Much love to you, my friend.
So much love back, Sybil. Thank you for reading & commenting. I'm so invested in furthering this conversation as you process.
I appreciate the vulnerability and bravery needed to do this. Thank you for documenting your ideas and reflections. I look forward to reading the next installment of your journey.
Thank you so much, Patti! I deeply appreciate the support.
I came for AIP and stayed for the politics, the human, and her work. I'll be following along. Thank you for being such an important voice in my world for so many different subjects that intertwine.
Danielle, I am so grateful for your longtime support.
Ugh, I’m so f***ing proud of you. The vulnerability, humility and authenticity you embody are inspiring. I am lucky to count you as a close friend and our community is lucky to count you as a leader. The space you are creating and conversations you are contributing to, will help countless others to step up and step in as we collectively reframe our mission, purpose and meaning. I love you.
Oh man, now I'm crying. Love you. Your bravery, esp. in terms of love, is a very powerful example, Brother. Let's reshape this world!
I don't think I will ever be able to articulate just how influential you have been in my life - not just professionally, but personally as well. All I can say is, thank you and I love you.
Love you too, Friend. My confidence in this decision would literally not be possible w/out you. Thank you for the respect & friendship. And for taking it further.
Thank you & everyone you listed for all you do. I feel this so much. I became AIP certified 2 years ago to integrate the teaching with my many counseling clients with autoimmune diseases. The pandemic has burnt me to a crisp as well, despite using all my therapeutic tools, expanding my practice to add more clinicians. I am so here for any conversations on change at the community level. You are onto a much bigger picture here sister! Thank you for your work & vision. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.
Alicia, thank you for your work. Counseling in this time is a level of service to your community that is just beyond . . . I'll take all the sisters I can get in this community care conversation.
I thank you for all that you have done for the AIP community, but also all that you have done for ME! I have always told my now adult children, "Do what drives you passionately". That may mean career changes, multiple times! When we get stuck in a job or career that no longer drives us passionately, we get stuck in everything we do, socially too. Learning to please ourselves, is not something we are generally taught by this society. I still struggle to make time for me.
I went back to school (with no money to do so!) when I was 49, to become an NTP, a couple of years later AIP Certified Coach was one of several further education things I have done. For me, I am driven to help others prevent a lifetime of AI illness and simply surviving vs thriving. It took me 43 years to get there myself, due to the medical system in the USA.
I am forever grateful you were still there as I went through the AIP course. I also understand burnout and the need to change things up! I have no doubt that all you do will be rewarding, because making such a big change, comes with great strength. Enjoy life, even the little things, there is great beauty and hope in being able to simply say, "I am alive"!
Elaine, thanks for this meaningful comment and for your work to serve our fellow autoimmune patients.
You said it all so beautifully! Excited to see where your passion will take you!
Thank you so much for all the support. You're the best!!
Thank you for all you have done and whatever you decide to continue to do. I believe only good things will happen for your authentic self! I have been on the autoimmune roller coaster for 12 years and appreciate all you have done to shed light on the problem. Diet and mindset have changed my life, but I still require medication (that i both love and hate) I love the validation in this is not a individual issue but a community problem. Your writing is so inspirational and TJmax will be lucky to have you LOL.
Hahaha! Maybe I'll use my TJMaxx breaks to keep writing. ;-) I am so happy to know my work made a difference for you. Thanks for commenting here.
I had to chuckle at TJ Maxx. I wouldn't suggest applying during the holidays. 😂 But seriously, I worked construction as a laborer for a year in 2019 at the age 53. Long story but I wanted to get out of the house, the contractor that built my house needed help so I jokingly volunteered. He said he thought I could do it. I was the only female laborer in our entire county. The looks I got on construction sites. I worked hard and earned the respect of every male that I worked with. I actually loved the work b/c I loved being outdoors all day long. But what I loved the most is that my brain got a break. It's the kind of job that when my butt hit my car seat, I was clocked out. I got home and my time was mine and my family's. Ultimately, it triggered more autoimmune issues due to the repeated stress on my hands and with the pandemic shutting us down, my rheumy felt that was the end of my construction career. 😂
With health coaching, I have not found a way to turn it off. It's so much easier when you leave your house and return in the evening to shut it off. I'm struggling to find that balance. And I love learning so I can spend all day with clients (private and work clients) and then spend all evening pursuing my educational passions but my brain never gets a respite.
Maybe we can work at TJ Max together. I can get a discount on the dog winter sweaters.
Sybil, you have had just some really amazing work experiences. We need exchange stories some time, because I've worked at sawmills, auto body shops, trucking companies . . . crazy experiences. And yes, there is a major upside to that type of work. You work hard while on your shift & then your brain rests. The kind of work we do now means being always on. I'm grateful for all you've done & all you've dedicated to learning so you can support others in healing. And yes, let's grab those TJ Maxx jobs so we can get awesome discounts!
When I started reading this letter, I had a hunch it was going to move into the problem with The System. The system definitely does not want us to rest. It does not care if we are burned out. It doesn't care if we are ash. And it knows community and connection are the antidote to the world the system has created. You'll be missed but I'm excited for this new direction for you!
Thank you so much for reading, Üma. And yes, "the system" is something I'm really ready to dissect here. Everything you said about it is correct from my vantage point.
I have appreciated the emails from you all immensely and I understand burnout. I also understand being sick of being told that no matter the choices you make or what you do, 'it's all your fault'. I'm so over that. It's like being boxed in by some invisible voice or people you've never met face to face. DONE. I would love to recommend to you Jeff Brown. An amazing writer, down to earth guy who's been to hell and back probably several times and he's no nonsense. He's probably the only person I know of at this point, who is truly on our side. He takes all that guild and blame other's heap on us and takes it off. Breaks it into a million pieces and sends us on our way while waiting in the wings (books, fb, courses) to continue to encourage us and break through all the mental BS dumped on us by "them". Who are they? Geez.
Anyway, you will be missed. Change is hard for many of us but it's necessary. Love and blessings on your new path.
Christine, I really like what you said here about "being boxed in by some invisible voice." It does feel that way. I don't know the work of Jeff Brown, but I'll try to make time to see what he's about. Thanks for the kind wishes on the new path!
Felt every word! Burnout is very real and exactly why we need ro slow down, stop, and rest. It is scary but I know that your calling will take you to great places. God doesn't lead where He won't protect. ❤️
Thanks so much for "getting it" & having so much faith I'm heading in the right direction, Friend. Means so much to me!
Thank you Angie, for your words, your authenticity and commitment to unlearning and caring for your community. Congrats on the next brave thing 💗
Thank YOU, Nicole. Your work has helped me feel so much more certain that unlearning & caring are absolutely the right direction.
Holy smoly!! You make me cry♥️ First, it’s for me when I discovered you and Mickey and the community that helped me to understand what was going on with my body. And next for you as you rise up out of the ashes and become the most beautiful version of YOURSELF with all its vulnerabilities. Your words have always resonated clearly and I’m ever so grateful to have crossed paths with you, even if it has only ever been virtually. With so my gratitude and love🙏
Susan, thank you so much for sharing this. I am so glad my work has connected w/ you in all these ways.