Chapter 1: The Journey of Support Work

Throughout my professional life, I have dedicated myself to being a support worker. This role has been fulfilling yet demanding, leading to transformative experiences.

Looking back, starting this challenging work at a young age revealed many profound truths about life. I believe my natural empathy and kindness enabled me to excel in this field. However, I must admit that I eventually experienced burnout, largely stemming from the absence of support in my own life.

Another significant factor contributing to my burnout was the realization that there is a limit to how much I can assist others, alongside the constant pressure to do even more. While some of the help I provided was essential and tangible, other aspects felt much more nebulous.

This often led me to self-reflection. I frequently questioned my effectiveness: "Am I truly helping this individual?" As my career progressed, I began to wonder if I was sacrificing my own boundaries and values to assist them. Is that what I should be doing?

Support work, much like other professions, often goes unnoticed and undervalued.

This brings me to a pivotal chapter in my life—one that I still navigate today. I consider it a transformative phase, akin to a rebirth.

My struggles—physical, mental, and emotional—have taken me to dark places where I doubted my ability to endure. Yet, here I am, having discovered gratitude and faith. I’ve learned the importance of walking my own path and fully embracing my life.

I’ve delved into my patterns of rescue and examined my co-dependent relationships. I finally began to face the most challenging work—the kind I had previously avoided.

I am learning that there is rarely a "perfect" moment to confront our breakdowns or unravel the complexities that have shaped us. While the timing may never feel right, readiness eventually presents itself.

If we need to learn lessons or reconnect with lost parts of ourselves, the universe will align circumstances to immerse us in these challenges. This journey allows us to navigate the rocky terrain toward our desired future and enables us to create that future in small, meaningful ways.

In my previous support roles, I often recalled my internal dialogue: “You haven’t faced real struggles, Camille; you haven’t suffered.”

Whenever I encountered difficulties, I would tell myself to "toughen up and push through." This mindset certainly helped me excel in my jobs and socially, but I eventually reached a breaking point.

My inner critic had been dominating my thoughts and actions while I attended to the pressing needs of others. In hindsight, it’s clear I was heading toward burnout all along.

I had buried my own pain and struggles so deeply, convincing myself that I needed to prioritize practical matters over personal healing. Back then, I was oblivious to the benefits of self-care.

Now, I can trace many of these beliefs back to societal conditioning—especially as a woman, where the message to prioritize others often prevails.

I once believed it was my duty to help others, likely because that was my job. I took my responsibilities seriously, but I lacked the knowledge to care for myself, leading to blurred boundaries in my relationships. I felt my sole purpose was to support others, and even then, I believed I was falling short.

I had internalized the notion that we are meant to look after one another. Back then, I would have dismissed concepts like self-care and self-love as selfish.

I often wondered why no one was there to take care of me, mistakenly thinking it was my fault.

Now I realize that I needed to mature, and having done so, I've discovered that the one who needed to care for me was, ultimately, myself.

Deep down, I always sensed I was meant to serve others, as I believe we all are. However, I confused this with the idea of neglecting my own needs. I didn't allow myself the opportunity to explore my talents and abilities, instead making it my mission to help others find theirs.

Today, I am compensating for that lost time by fostering endless curiosity within myself.

I now understand the distinction between what is my responsibility and what is not.

To sustainably support those around us, we must first prioritize our own well-being. What could be more mature than this?

A commitment to lifelong self-discovery is essential for understanding our role in supporting others and doing so effectively. We must learn to care for ourselves first.

Additionally, I’ve had to learn to be more open to others and to seek help when needed. Breaking down my fiercely independent walls has been challenging, especially since I was often praised for this trait.

However, the experiences I've had since embracing vulnerability have been incredibly enlightening and humbling.

I am actively working on fostering deep, loving connections and nurturing healthy, reciprocal relationships.

Now, more than ever, I recognize that each person must follow their own path and lead their own life.

Supporting others is a noble endeavor that the world desperately needs, but remember to ensure that you are also taking care of yourself.

The first video, Am I Ready to Help Others? | Eckhart Tolle, delves into the importance of self-awareness and readiness before extending help to others. It emphasizes the necessity of self-care as a foundation for effective support.

The second video, Nine Lessons the Olympics Taught Me That Help in Academia, discusses valuable lessons learned from the Olympics that can be applied to academic life, highlighting the significance of resilience and support.