What’s a lesson I learned the hard way? Hmmmmmm, which lesson do I choose? There are so many possibilities.
A lesson I keep learning… the hard way… is that exercise makes a difference. Another lesson? That my diet makes a difference. It’s like I know what I am supposed to do, but my brain says otherwise. Take my meds everyday at the same time, manage my stress, manage my time… there are so many things I know I should do. So I guess I haven’t really learned my lesson(s)… yet.
I would have to say the biggest lesson I have learned is the “overdoing it” one. I am much better about stopping when I should, not over committing, holding back when I want to get something done. I realize the consequences of my decision mean I will be out of commission for days on end if I don’t restrain myself.
My perfect day on Sunday, we went to the zoo. Normally I would take my cane, but I knew there was no way I could make it from the car to the entrance without my pain making it so uncomfortable it would start the day off badly. I used a wheelchair. This is letting go of my pride to the infinite degree. I really just had to accept this was the only way I was going to get through the day and have fun. I can tell you, I was simply exhausted at the end of the day. The wheelchair saved me, but it didn’t alleviate the pain or exhaustion. I thought I’d experience less pain, but I didn’t allow it to ruin my day. I also didn’t overdo it. I had my perfect day.
It’s so easy for all of us to overdo it. Overdoing it can mean vacuuming the house or washing the clothes or making dinner. It could mean working a normal 8 hour day. Living within our boundaries is not easy. Trading one activity for another could mean working and not participating at our child’s sporting event. It’s not fair, but these are the decisions we are faced with. We need to feel okay about it or we tear ourselves up for it. I am not a bad mom, a bad wife, a bad employee… I’m not a bad person. I am someone living with a health issue and I’m doing the best I can.
The lesson I learned (and continue to learn everyday…)? Balance. I can say I’m sitting about even, feet dangling off the see-saw. I definitely have my up days … and my down days. I have learned, but the actual daily practice of this balancing act is crazy hard.
What about you?
Thanks for stopping by.
Tamiko
my foggy brain 
My goodness, yes! You just described me to a tee. I used to keep an immaculate home. I am not afraid of work, in fact, I have been known to have three jobs at the same time. Now, I feel like a useless boob and it drives me to depression. My home is slowly over the years becoming more and more cluttered (not good for ADD), and less clean. What I wouldn’t give to afford a house keeper once or twice a week!
Clutter… that’s a hard one for me! I hate it but it seems to love me. The worst part about it is… AFTER I clean up and put things away I have zero idea 1) where I put it and 2) I even had it in the first place. Lost forever in both location and mind. On the bright side, it generally means it’s a gift when I see that lost item again. :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Tamiko