Exhaustion and Grace
Living through two major hurricanes in 3 weeks, I am exhausted. Start with the stress of danger and damage from the storms, then add the extreme physical labor of moving furniture, carrying sandbags, and about 1000 trips up and down the stairs at our B&B. We are plum tuckered out!
I don’t like feeling this way, though it would be obvious to anyone why I would be tired. But I have a history of judging myself pretty harshly and expecting myself to do better. I’m trying to do that differently this time.
I’m trying to give myself grace.
I need grace around my exhaustion. I need grace around my frayed nerves. I just don’t have the patience or perspective I normally can muster. And I need grace for those around me who are also struggling.
Steve and I came through the storm in good shape. Although our property flooded, there was no long-term damage and our house never took in any water. I credit my husband Steve’s strong sandbag game in keeping the water out of all entrances to the house. I took the role of schlepping things around, and he placed them carefully, wrapped in plastic, to seal things off.
As I write this, many are still without power or have lost their homes entirely. Many have great damage. So our struggles are more from the exhaustion and the intense stress of living through this experience….Twice! I’m very thankful that we’re okay and that our property is okay. And I’m giving myself grace when possible. I’ll take those extra naps and allow myself time to read and rest. The work will be there when I’m ready.
So if there is a delay in a response from me, or I seem a bit foggy from my “hurricane brain,” please have grace and patience with me. I’m working on my recovery.
For many of you reading this, you likely are working in the marching arts and are nearing the end of the season. This may be a time when you start to feel your exhaustion. Or you may have also just come through a difficult weather event or be facing other issues. I encourage you to recognize the exhaustion, then give yourself grace around it. This too shall pass. For now, you need to take care of yourself. Schedule time to stop, rest, and include those things in your day which you know rejuvenate you. It is not a waste of time to soak in the tub, go for that walk, bake that cake, read that book, play with your dog or your kids, or set aside time to be with your favorite person. This will allow you to return to your work with the energy and perspective you need to do your best work.
Tim Hinton
October 16, 2024
