It can sometimes feel like every time we turn around there is an article, post or news report highlighting wrongdoings or transgressions by some in our Church.  Certainly, with the rapid rate at which news travels, the multitude of news platforms and the fact that we are virtually "connected" 24/7, we can allow ourselves to be continuously bombarded.  Before long, we can become overwhelmed and even burnt-out from the negativity that surrounds us.  This is not only unhealthy for us, but for those we minister to and with as well.

Here are a few tips on recognizing and combating negativity and burnout:

RECOGNIZING BURNOUT 

• Burnout results from prolonged stress, overextension and hurriedness.
• A kind of tired that a little (or a lot of) rest does not cure;  a constant state of exhaustion.
• There’s a lack of care, an avoidance of work, even in what used to be enjoyable.
• Cannot recover from work or find the motivation to take on new tasks or, even to get enough rest.
• A feeling of “so what?” causing mediocre work or a sense of worthlessness.
• Developing a sense that the ministry that you participate in will cease without your participation.

 WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT 

• Begin and end all things with prayer. Let God perform the work, using us as the instruments.
• Rest, renew and remember why we do what we do. The ministry that we participate in is not about building our own kingdom, but that of God.  When it becomes about us, it is no longer ministry.
• Give something up before taking on something new. We can only spin so many plates in the air before they come crashing down.
• Learn to say "No."  Be realistic and responsible with what you can manage and do well.
• Listen to your body's stress warning signals, such as headaches, backaches, dizziness, insomnia, and unexplainable fatigue.
• Focus on the GOOD!!  Don't get pulled down by the negative.  Allow yourself to be lifted up by the positive!  Share the good news you receive!  For example, below is an excerpt from an email one of our directors just received from a major campaign donor. 

 Remember why we do what we do and, focus on the good!

 "After praying about your request, we wanted to let you know that we will be pledging at the level you invited us to. Your personal invitation to pledge at this level made us realize this amount, though sacrificial, is in fact possible for us, and we were quickly at peace with the decision. The Gospel passage that came to mind as we were praying about this was that of the rich man, whom Jesus looked at with love, inviting him to sell everything and follow him.  We both had a sense that if we didn’t accept this invitation, we, like that man, would go away sad.  Sad at our decision to trust in ourselves rather than in God, to cling to material wants rather than to the Lord, and failure to accept the invitation to rely on Him to provide.  Too often, it seems, when people complain that they don’t see God at work in their lives, it is partially because they have trusted entirely in themselves and failed to even give God the opportunity to work. Thanks for the opportunity to meet with you, and the invitation to give to our faith community and deepen our trust in God."                      Parishioners, Stillwater, MN