posted
I've had a long road. I've been sick for 15 years now. I've learned that while I love my work. I need to go home before I get too tired, at some point it's making me feel worse, and I'm not effective anymore. While work might distract me from my pain, there's limits to how long that is a bonus and not just destructive. I'm very stubborn, and that's been a blessing not a curse. I appreciate sunsets, and being able to walk, days that I don't have severe pain. I notice when people go out of their way for me, and that honey works a lot better than vinegar. Asking for help when I need it, I'm still working on, I find it very hard to ask for help. But once I do, later on that's going to be a great skill. Right now my body is forcing me to admit I have limits. Acknowledge that I'm not perfect and won't be no matter how hard I push--but that's okay. And that I do have something to contribute and can do just as much as everyone else at work, even if I'm sick. But to do that I have to take care of me first. And planning ahead makes life manageable. At least herxing is predictable, unlike many other things.
To trust my insticts.
It's a growth opportunity.
Posts: 207 | From san francisco, ca | Registered: Mar 2005
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
burnbitter, I'm glad you know your limits. I only wish I would of done things differently starting 6 yrs ago.
I pushed and pushed myself at my career because I thought that was who I was. I knew there was a promotion coming for me. They don't give promotions to people on sick leave. I also knew that this job was only for one year and then I was going to get the promotion of my life.
The position I set my sites on 15 yrs before was going to come true. All I had to do was work, work and work. I ignored my health. Put the company first and in the end I lost it all with this position. 29 year career!
I knew in my gut & heart that I was doing the wrong thing. But how could I pass up this opportunity?
I finally walked (really I crawled) away from that career in Dec 01. It was time for me to heal. If only I had stopped in the beginning and passed on those promotions, things might of been different.
I'll never know. What I do know now is I'm finally healing and some day, maybe soon, I will find my second career. I 've learned so much about me in the last 3 yrs and found there's no career more important than me, my husband, my family, my faith, my health. My spiritual, emotional/mental and physical health guide me now.
Take care, Pam
Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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Hope your physical side is as good as your mental!
oops! 
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