Posted by F43 on March 14, 2009 at 11:30:06:

In Reply to: Re: Overactive Mind posted by lulubelle on March 13, 2009 at 12:34:05:

I just feel like I've slipped into a warm bath, reading your post. I recognize myself in most of what you write. I too need to learn to be more gentle with myself. And to listen to my soul.

My therapist said to me not too long ago, "you have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility." It's why I embraced the work of caring for my mother, managing the estate, the property--and took pride in doing it well. I knew my parents would be pleased. I had such a strong sense of duty to them. This was my last duty to them. It gave me such pleasure to take care of everything, but I knocked myself out. I've recognized that I've been compensating for my sister all my life, but especially in managing their deaths. I knew my parents were counting on me to be the responsible one and manage everything, even though it was never stated. Big shoes: I filled them, and it gave me a sense of peace and satisfaction that I can't compare to anything else, but the pressure I put myself under cost me.

Do you know, when I found out my mother was dying and I went out to my parents' house, I couldn't find her power of attorney or her will. Mom was on narcotics for her pain and couldn't tell me where she had placed them. I called her lawyer and asked for a copy of them. He said, "you're not my client; she is, and unless she gives me written consent, I can't release them to you." I was frantic. Can you believe it.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Overactive Mind lulubelle 16:06 3/14/09 (1)
  • Re: Overactive Mind F43 16:39 3/14/09 (0)

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