Wise Words – Time To “Arch Hart”

Dr. Archibald Hart…aka Arch Hart… was on the faculty of the School of Psychology and Marriage and Family Counseling at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California for over 40 years. For many of those years he not only taught but was the Dean of the the School of Psychology.

He was a master communicator and gifted leader and storyteller who wrote about, and spoke often about, the importance of avoiding burnout and depression especially for those in “helping” professions.

At a commencement address some years ago he touched on this topic. He spoke about recognizing “burnout” before it was in full display in one’s life, after acts of sacrifice or hard work and helping. Some dear friends were at the graduation and heard Dr. Hart’s commencement address. They came up with a nickname or phrase to label these days of regrouping that they heard him speak about in his address to those graduating. They used Dr. Hart’s name as a verb when referring to the day after a major event or project. One of them would say to the other, “I’m going to need to ‘Arch Hart’ tomorrow.” They both knew exactly what that meant.

The first time we heard them make this reference to Dr. Hart using his name as though it was a verb rather than just as his name, we asked what they meant. When they explained, it made perfect sense and his name became a wise phrase that immediately caught on.

What do you need a break from to recoup and regroup and refuel to find the energy to keep going? Today is the day after a major holiday. If you hosted a big gathering or were the helper for others in your family or circle of friends perhaps today would be a good day for you to “Arch Hart” too. There is so much wisdom in putting aside the guilt of taking time for yourself to rest. You will be so much better at virtually all aspects of your life, and more valuable to those around you, when you are rested and refueled and ready to begin again the work in front of you that you’ve been called to do, whatever your calling is.

We think Dr. Hart would be delighted to know that his name is being used to convey these ideas about taking good care of yourself. For some of you today is a very good dy to “Arch Hart”!

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