Assertiveness Series Part 7: The Client

When Amy enrolled in the Assertiveness for Life and Leadership course, she was mad. She was resentful, brittle, and exhausted. “I don't think I even care any more,” she confessed, arms crossed in front of her chest. “I don't think I have the energy to set a boundary, let alone concern myself with the outcomes.” In the course, Amy discovered that she was “an empath in trouble” - someone who deeply felt and cared for others, and as such lost herself in their needs and wants. Over time, through her over-functioning she had taxed her nervous system so much that she went into chronic shutdown. So she, and everyone around her, assumed she was mean and difficult. In the course, Amy learned to heal her nervous system. She learned how to validate and care for herself, and in doing so, she blossomed. 

1. Have you become brittle and exhausted? Chances are you over-function. How can you challenge yourself to pause before following the compulsion to help, aid, fix or rescue?

2. What we sometimes label as generic stress is actually our nervous system maxed out on giving, helping, putting ourselves last.

3. Who do you need to disappoint today?