Socialized for Support

[mlerules]

It feels as if many folks, certainly many females, seem socialized to provide support and/or to fall into supportive roles rather than (and/or perhaps as the primary mode to) take charge of our own lives. (Yeah, yeah - grammar issues abound. This is, however, a blast outta the brain-writing time, where flow matters more than prettiness.)

Some search for a focus, a pole, a place/person to put at their center and revolve around, providing support as needed. What's up w/this? Is there a need to be needed? Or is it more that it's considered selfish to put oneself in the middle of one's own focus/life? What about when support's no longer needed?

Comments

[vonvoncake.livejournal.com]

I've often had this conversation and both a "carer" (someone who is programmed to take care of people) and a minister/priestess, where my JOB is to take care of people. The question always comes down to "Who cares for the carers?" or " Who ministers to the minister?" The answer is, of course, other carers/ministers...if they are allowed. Sometimes as carers we get so wrapped up in that outward view that we forget to look inward, to view ourselves as worthy of or needing care. That's where burnout is born.

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

Once again, mindfulness and self-awareness become oh-so-important.