Q: Hi Valorie,
I am a twenty-three year old woman who has always strived for high levels and goals. From the outside everything looks great: twenty-three years old in the masters program, working full-time, financially independent, boyfriend, God-loving, but on the inside I feel like I' m drowning. Even with all of my accomplishments, I still feel unfulfilled. I feel like I'm running in circles and there is no end. My life is so overwhelming that I constantly find myself getting sick. In the last six months I have been diagnosed with endometriosis, have had food poison, asthma attacks, constant break-outs, colds, you name it, I've had it! I feel like my body is trying to tell me something but I'm not getting it. I feel like I have so many problems that I should go to see a psychiatrist. Please help me, I feel like I'm too young to be going through this. Is my drive to succeed making me sick?
Signed,
Tired and confused
A: Your body is trying to tell you something. Are you going to listen? You are living in what I call “chronic overdrive.” You have an overloaded lifestyle and are always in a rush to achieve one big goal after another. Take a moment to stop and listen to what you life is trying to tell you. What would make you feel fulfilled? Goals are great, but only if they are aligned with your purpose in life. When we ignore the desires of our spirit long enough, it will do what it is has to in order to make us slow down – even if that means physical ailments. Ask yourself some questions and write down your answers. What is your purpose? What brings you joy? Are you pursuing the career you most want? What would you like to get rid of in your life? You have created the life you are living right now and you have the power to change it. The key is to make a decision that you deserve a more fulfilling, less stressful life. When you get sick of being sick, you’ll take action and do the things that bring you fulfillment and let go of the things that do not. You just might be amazed at how quickly your symptoms disappear. And yes, by all means, make an appointment to see a medical doctor – and be sure to tell her not just about your physical symptoms, but the psychological pressure you are feeling.
Warm wishes,
Valorie
Professional life coach Valorie Burton is the author of several books, including her latest, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence. Subscribe to her free, weekly e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
