October 10 - Today's Question on Receiving in These Foolish Things

How often do l feel emotionally drained or resentful after helping others?

I honestly don’t - at least not right now. That may change in the future, but for now, I feel energized and thrilled that I’m able to help others.

Take right now, for example. I’m still here at this Airbnb with Dad (Day 5 of a 6-day help session) while he gets his infusions for his illness. Granted, I can’t really imagine being a full-time caretaker, but I’m so grateful to be able to do what I’m doing this week with Dad.

And yes, I’m sure I would feel fatigue (emotionally and physically) if I did this for much longer.

Dad is so funny because he acts like he’s taking care of everything, but he does need to be fed and his laundry needs to be done and I find myself walking behind him, cleaning things and picking things up. I don’t think he has a clue.

I also remember when he came to “take care of me” after my colon cancer surgery and I vividly recall making his breakfast and doing all of the same things even back then. I loooove that he wanted to come take care of me, but I spent more of my recovery time making sure he was comfortable!

My mom is a whole other entity since she’s never happy with anything anymore. Don’t get me wrong, she’s fairly deliriously happy most of the time, but things you have to prepare for, like meals? She’s never, ever happy or satisfied.

But those are my parents and I do feel a sense of obligation as far as they are concerned.

I also love my monthly volunteer events. And they make me feel good too.

I suppose all of the above are selective opportunities and I volunteer to do these things.

I can’t really recall a recent time where I felt like, ugghhh, I don’t want to help with …whatever. Like, it just seems like things that are going on have never seemed like an absolute burden.

Maybe that will change?

But right now I feel so lucky that I have space to give and/or help.

xo,
GS