Thanks to those of you who emailed about the launch of my new book. The book is designed as a coffee table type gift book and you can find links to order, here. There are a couple of important events coming up in January about the book.
Until then, mark the first class, Wednesday, January 7th, pm ET, in your calendar! Until then, mark the first class, Wednesday, January 7th, pm ET in your calendar! Every book I write presents me with a challenging and unexpected opportunity to practice what I teach. Once I signed on to write about Extreme Self-Care, my husband became very sick. During surgery to have a small lump removed from his ear, he had a complication that affected his health in a serious way for more than two years.
The timing was particularly bad. As Michael found himself less able to monitor, and put energy into, the project he was making critical decisions regarding the design of the house , I was faced with taking over some of his responsibilities in between doctor and pharmacy visits, as well as giving him the emotional support he needed to survive this very difficult time.
When hit with an unexpected life challenge, most of us revert back to the old coping strategies that kept us safe as kids. For example, you may have taken refuge in your bedroom to avoid dealing with parents who always fought. As an adult, when faced with a chaotic situation such as losing a job or dealing with challenges in your own marriage, you now find yourself isolating from others as a way to escape the stress.
Instead, you suffer in silence. I made long to-do lists in an effort to keep myself on track. I flitted from one thing to another in a state of perpetual multitasking and often woke in the middle of the night feeling anxious, ruminating about all that needed to get done. As my stress level increased, I started using food to stuff my feelings of resentment and frustration-a common response for caregivers who are always on call for someone in need.
