Recently, I read the quote:
“Stop setting yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.”
That's pretty powerful, right? I know! And, yet...so often, this is exactly what we do. We sacrifice our needs. Dim our desires. We play small. Just because that's what we are "supposed to do" as women. Do you feel me? Does this strike a chord with you? Good. It should. That means you're in the right place!
You have deep, impressive dreams and desires.
Here's the thing...you are ready for more. You are ready to step out and take a risk. Maybe it's a new business venture. Maybe it's a big move to the city of your dreams. Perhaps you've decided you want to become a single mother by choice or want to avoid having kids altogether. Or, you've made the courageous acknowledgment that your marriage or relationship is over, and you are going to pursue your true love. You've decided to make a choice for yourself. YOUR life. You want to diverge from the norm and carve an unconventional path. Yet…you’re terrified of being judged, especially by your family. You already feel like an anomaly as a highly sensitive, introverted woman. Why would you want to stand out more?
Let's talk about the phoenix for a minute...
Are you familiar with the mythology of the phoenix bird? Yes, the one who sets itself on fire, dies, and is reborn from the ashes?
In case you don't know what I'm talking about, here's a quick synopsis: The phoenix is a large bird, similar to a peacock in size and general shape. According to myth, the brilliantly colored bird will live and die in a perpetual cycle. Depending on the culture, these cycles of death and rebirth can last 500, 1000, even 10,000 years. But whatever their length, those ancient stories are a never-ending cycle of strength born anew, again and again, told as much about life as death. The phoenix symbolizes renewal and resurrection, and it has been used to represent many themes over the years.
“When it feels its end approaching, it builds a nest with the finest aromatic woods, sets it on fire, and is consumed by the flames. From the pile of ashes, a new Phoenix arises, young and powerful." ~ from "The Phoenix in Egyptian, Arab, & Greek Mythology" by Tina Garnet
What does the phoenix have to do with naming what you want?
Well, you probably already know that. What does this symbol mean to you? For me, it's all about the strength it takes to take a risk and go for what you want. As many times as you need to. You can be done setting yourself on fire for the purpose of keeping someone else warm, making someone else comfortable. Instead, you can blaze your own trail. Create your own nest. If you have to set yourself on fire to do it, fine. But, you will be doing so knowing that you are going to emerge from the ashes more powerful and beautiful than ever. You can embrace the true strength of your sensitive, introverted nature; never feeling ashamed for having different needs. If this post spoke to you, you may also find my posts on living life on your own terms, no longer hiding your shine, and risk aversion in HSP women helpful.
Therapy for Sensitive, Introverted Women in Florida
You, my dear, are a phoenix rising. Your potential, your life, and your fire should not be hidden from the world! I am a licensed therapist and a sensitive introvert myself, and I offer online therapy in Florida for women who want to name what they want and go after it without shrinking. If you live in Florida and see yourself in this post, I would love to support you. To get started:
Reach out to me and share a little about what you are looking for
Decide together whether online therapy in Florida is a good fit for you
Spread your wings and fly, honoring your needs and desires as a sensitive introvert.
