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✨ My Biggest Takeaway – Burnout Sneaks Up

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✨ My Biggest Takeaway – Burnout Sneaks Up

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The most powerful thing I learned from the readings is that burnout and compassion fatigue don’t hit all at once—they build slowly, often unnoticed until they become overwhelming. I resonated with "Stumbling Blocks to Counselor Self-Care" and the reminder that helpers naturally push through, thinking they’re fine until they’re not. That hit me hard—because I’ve done that in my past career. Now, I know self-care has to be proactive, not reactive.

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🌿 Reflection: Why Self-Care is Sacred to Me

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🌿 Reflection: Why Self-Care is Sacred to Me

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Self-care isn’t just a checklist—it’s spiritual work. As someone pursuing holistic mental health counseling, I believe my energy, spirit, and emotional balance directly impact the space I hold for clients. You can’t guide someone toward healing if your own well is dry. Staying connected to my mind-body-spirit is non-negotiable.

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One of my primary self-care strategies is reconnecting with nature. Barefoot grounding, caring for my plants, or sitting outside with my rescue cats brings me peace. Nature resets me emotionally and energetically. It reminds me that healing doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, it’s as simple as breathing fresh air.

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🖋 Strategy #2 – Dream Journaling & Automatic Writing

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🖋 Strategy #2 – Dream Journaling & Automatic Writing

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Dreams have always been my spiritual compass. Journaling my dreams and thoughts helps me process subconscious stress and stay aligned with my purpose. This practice keeps me self-aware and prevents emotional buildup—a quiet way I care for my mental health.

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🔮  Strategy #3 – Energetic & Spiritual Hygiene

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🔮  Strategy #3 – Energetic & Spiritual Hygiene

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I’ve learned how important it is to cleanse my space and energy regularly. I plan to sage my office, use sound bowls, or take salt baths weekly. These spiritual rituals help me release what I absorb from others and protect my peace—something I learned the hard way during my paralegal career.

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✅ Weekly nature walks
✅ Daily emotional check-ins
✅ Dream journaling 2-3 times a week
✅ Bi-weekly energy clearing
✅ Saying no when needed—guilt-free

This self-care plan is a living document—what works now might evolve as I grow. But one thing I know for sure: protecting my energy is how I protect my purpose.

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The article "Who's Taking Care of Superman?" stuck with me. Counselors, like Superman, often feel like they have to save everyone. But no one is invincible. It reminded me that seeking help, resting, and saying "no" is part of being a strong, ethical professional.

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I reviewed the Professional Quality of Life Scale and realized how important it is to regularly assess where I am emotionally. I plan to use this tool to check myself throughout my counseling journey—so I catch burnout signs early.

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“The healer also needs healing. The listener also needs to be heard.”

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“The healer also needs healing. The listener also needs to be heard.”

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"You can’t pour from an empty cup. Healing others begins with healing myself."
I’ll repeat this to myself whenever I feel guilty for resting or setting a boundary. ✨It does not matter if the cup is half-empty or half-full, either way it needs a refill. ✨