Do you feel like everywhere you turn someone needs something from you?  Do you have to balance an impulsive toddler or teenager, an elderly relative who doesn’t want to be a burden but you worry about anyway, texts after hours from your boss with his or her hair on fire, and the ever present question:  what’s for dinner?

Plus, have you ever noticed that as soon as you start taking care of your parents, you realize that now you really have to be the adult, but suddenly you feel nine years old again?

If you are a member of the “sandwich generation” and feel like you are on what I’ve heard described as the “hamster wheel” of meeting the needs of other people, maybe it’s time to climb out of the mayhem of the habitrail for a bit and take stock of your own needs.

Oh, those. Where do those fit in?

You might not be able to change the fact that you are in a time of life when lots of people depend on you, but you can change how you engage with the situation.

Counseling can help you establish some boundaries, bring your own needs into the mix, and explore the opportunities and the growth edges inherent in being part of of the sandwich generation. It can help you live with intention instead of going through your life just reacting to other people’s needs. It can make you a happier person AND a better caregiver.

I know, who’s got the time? I get it. Not only is your calendar jam-packed, but it can feel kind of selfish or self- indulgent to stop everything to take care of yourself. And yet…think of the possibilities. Once you make yourself your own priority, you might be surprised how everything else starts to fall into place.