But as Carol Adams, patrice jones and many other advocates have said… It’s very important to maintain your physical and pyscological health. Burn out comes swiftly when you neglect your needs… I’m realizing that and have begun to “force” myself to take time for “just me”… I think all activists need to do this to continue to be effective. I don’t want to reach “burn out”.

I think an activists needs to “active” enough to respond when the responding might make a difference. One need not advocate all the time – if it’s clear that nothing is to be gained… There were many times (in the beginning) where I felt I just had to say “something” – even though I would have been better off just saving my energy for a better situtation…

I’m trying to get back to my easel – which would be “selfish”… I also enjoy an occassional good movie — I like relaxing in my backyard with the chickens; Love playing with my dog and my cats. (gosh I hate saying “my”)

Oh yeah… And I like to do yardsales – And that’s for my “selfish” reasons of advocacy… You’d be amazed at how many VO brochures you can give out to “captives” in their own homes!

I think burnout would be a bigger problem if we didn’t have the immense support system we have… And I think all advocates would agree that it’s totally understandable if someone needs to step away to refuel… Live to fight another day.
.-= Bea Elliott´s last blog ..Why I Don’t Drink Cow’s Milk or Eat Diary – Get Weaned – Go Vegan =-.