Day 36: Helping Others

"Don't get tired of helping others.  You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up."  Galatians 6:9
The blogs are beginning to take on a nature of their own.  What started out as a blog on overcoming food addiction has evolved into a holistic, cathartic daily practice of releasing thoughts and feelings, and contemplating options.  I often wonder if I should hold back from posting personal information.  Many therapists choose not to blog because they do not want to open a state of vulnerability with potential clients.  While I appreciate and respect their perspective, I value my need to "keep it real".  I do not post anything that would jeopardize my professionalism, or my clients, family or friends confidentiality.  That being said, today, I am exhausted because I went to help a friend and her young adult son work through an emotional crisis at 3 am.  I fell right into coach/counselor mode and, over a three hour period, I was able to help them process months of difficult accumulated emotions and trauma.  After they developed a plan for moving forward, I went to the bathroom.  When I returned, they were embraced, crying and expressing their love for one another.  My heart literally melted, and once again, God affirmed not only my profession, but my spiritual gifts. 
Regarding my food addiction, I did submit to a small piece of chocolate cake today.  Ugh!  I noticed that my exhaustion has depleted energy, including "will power" energy.  I'm sure I could reference a research study on how sleep deprivation inhibits positive decision-making, but I don't have the energy to even look.   What I do know, however, is that being tired will not prevent me from helping others.