I am so drained tonight that I don't feel at all like myself. This has been an exhausting few days. My book release has been an exciting whirlwind, and I'm grateful for every moment... yet I'm running on empty. When I'm tired, I can't concentrate, I can't completely connect with other people, and I definitely can't safely operate heavy machinery. And sometimes when I'm tired, I think random jokes about heavy machinery are funny. Sorry about that.
I found myself in this position quite often in 2008 when I was knocking myself out to follow Oprah's ideals. When I began the project, I honestly didn't think it would impact me in such a profound manner. I thought I would be able compartmentalize Oprah's advice during an hour or two of my day, and then I'd go about life as usual. What I didn't understand is that when you take on the suggestions of a talk show host who offers solutions ranging from spirituality and relationships to diet and style to finance and philanthropy you're going to feel a little ragged at times.
I think this happens in the real world in a less noticeable manner. I believe we're deeply affected when we're inundated with advice, pressure, and expectations from outside sources. It's impossible to be bombarded on a daily basis without it chipping away at the psyche and self-esteem. Absorbing this force saps our energy, even if we don't always digest or act upon it.
I have to wonder how much of my valuable time and energy has been spent knocking myself out, trying to fulfill our culture's ideals of beauty, success, and happiness, instead of trusting my own?
My spiritual bootcamp began with an Oprah's Book Club pick, Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth. I read it with the assistance of the required 3M Post-it Flag Highlighter. Oprah told her audience this was a must.