I know it’s a strange idea to think of the thing we try so hard to avoid, as a force that might help us. But over and over, in my work helping groups stop burnout and get re-energized, I’ve seen how burnout has helped people. It’s made them change. It’s clarified what’s important to them. It’s set them on a new course.

My past year has been full of activities surrounding the publication of my third book:  “Joy Unleashed:  The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog.” In fact, I’m speaking more now about the book than I am about burnout. At first I felt upset that my work had shifted. But now I see that my dog’s wonderful work comforting others, has deepened my understanding of why it’s so important to not let burnout eclipse our gifts. So, yes, burnout can be a friend, as long as it’s a friend you  pay attention to. As long as you don’t get stuck.

Here are the key lessons I’ve learned about self-care from my energetic (that’s the nice word for “crazy”) working dog:

• Surprise yourself. Sit when you’d stand, stop when you’d go. Mix it up.
• Ask questions and the answers will come
• Small shifts lead to big changes
• Help comes from surprising places:  a child, a dog, a stranger
• Pay attention
• Give thanks even when you don’t feel like it
• Grow in curiosity and giving back
• Travel light–see what you can get rid of and see how that makes you feel
• Cast off resentment–it just gets in the way
• Don’t be afraid of uncertainty or emptiness:  wait, sing, a path will open.

Not bad lessons from a dog! Be brave and share your thoughts. That will help all of us have the best year ever.