I went to the third annual HealthEVoices Online Advocacy conference this past weekend.  I learned a lot that I want to share with you over the coming weeks. But probably the most important thing I learned is that I don’t have to be everything to everyone, all of the time. I Love the advocacy work I do. I love helping parents just starting down this horrific road not have to navigate the same disasters that we had to navigate. I love getting big companies to stop doing things that perpetuate stigma.

I want to do more of those things. But I get mired down in having to “friend” everyone on Facebook, answer every email and messenger request, and respond to every tweet. And, frankly, being “on” all of the time is really wearing.  I end up burnt out and not doing the things I really love, like working directly with parents and writing my blog and other articles.

So, I’m going to stop.

I’m not going to accept friend requests on Facebook from advocates I haven’t met. I’m going to let some comments and trolls go by on Twitter.

And them I’m going to do.

I’m going to write more. I’m going to finish that goddamned book. I’m going to attend more IEP meetings with frightened and confused parents.

I hope you’re ok with that.

I hope you’ll do the same.  Tell me how you will change up what you do to care for yourself better.

“Relax” by Scott Leslie is licensed under CC BY 2.0