The workshop was very interactive as Dr. Bradley asked: “Are you stressed out? Burned out? Is your Giving Well empty?” She noted that the metaphor of filling up a well is a simple way to visualize the process of caring for one's self. Participants wrote down how they felt when their wells were empty, followed by a list of what kinds of things fill up their wells. Many common themes resonated with people feeling tired, frustrated, angry, sad, and self-pity when their wells were empty. Things that filled up a person’s well were varied, and included reading, praying, sleeping, shopping, cooking, and getting massages. Interestingly enough, what filled up one person’s well, for example, shopping, could be the same thing that drained the well of another. The topic of obstacles that prevented workshop participants from filling up their wells was briefly discussed and included feeling guilty, not entitled, being socialized as a people pleaser, or having difficulty saying no to requests. Suggestions to move through obstacles were related and practical suggestions offered by the presenter as well as workshop participants. For instance, one workshop attendee noted that she sets aside an evening a week for self-care while another goes to lunch and an afternoon movie with a friend occasionally, which does not require additional child care arrangements.
Workshop participants left with a clearer understanding of what fills their wells and what happens when their wells run dry as well as a commitment to take action soon to fill up their wells with an activity they defined as being a well-filler. Dr. Bradley is working on a written component for her workshop curriculum that will soon be available. Interested individuals can contact Dr. Bradley by contacting the Women’s Resource Center at (713) 743-8156.
Cougar Women at Work
Look at Our Great Speakers and Topics set for Fall 2008!
Date Topic Speaker
October 30 Ready! The New Later Motherhood Dr. Elizabeth Gregory
November 20 Share your hobbies, interests, or businesses All Staff Members
December 11 UH Staff member and author presents her book TBA
The group usually meets on the last Thursday of the month in the Women's Resource Center, University Satellite, room 7. Cougar Women at Work (CWW) is an educational, networking group for female faculty and staff on campus and male staff and faculty are welcome to join us. The event is a brown bag lunch, so bring your lunch, or buy one at the Satellite and join us to network and learn. Meetings start at 12 noon and last until 1pm. Hope to see you there!
Call (713) 743-5888 for more information.