Something that comes along with working with a chronic condition (at least for me) is the need to use cliché phrases over and over and over again. Sometimes I feel like I’d rather slam my head into the wall rather than have to write “I’m sorry, it’s been a rough week” one more time.
I’m blessed that I can work from home, but it doesn’t mean working is easy for me! The past few weeks have been particularly brutal between the non-stop migraines dragging on for over two weeks followed by the now side-effects from getting back on my medications (which I trust will help me in the long run). In fact, I almost started my post about setting realistic goals with “I was going to share my 2015 goals, but it’s been a rough week,” but I cringed and decided to go with what I really wanted to say.
That’s what it boils down to, though. Am I going to say something appropriate or just lay it all out there? I can’t tell you how many emails I have sent over the past few weeks with “I’m sorry for the late reply” followed with something along the lines of “the week got away with me,” or “I’ve been under the weather,” or “it’s been a busy week,” or “I haven’t been feeling well,” or yes, “it’s been a rough week.” I even found something called “Canned Responses” for Gmail so you can reply to an email and choose from a premade list of response. If I could get it to work correctly I would have totally been using it over the past couple of weeks!
Clearly my responses aren’t dishonest. It has been rough and I haven’t been feeling well, and the week (weeks really) have been getting away with me, but I am just SO tired of having to say that over and over again. Sometimes I just want to say “I’m sorry for the delay, for the past two weeks I have felt like I’m being stabbed in the head over and over again and every time I move my head pounds. The thought of looking at the computer screen makes me want to run and hide because I know I will be in agony for a few hours afterwards and most likely won’t get much sleep. I’m tired and my body hurts all over.”
Of course, that would be absurd! Would people be understanding? Sure, but you can’t just say! When I feel this way, though, it’s so easy to get behind – to let days slip by and not even realize that email I moved to “Urgent Action Needed” was 3 days ago. I really WANT to answer my emails in a timely manner and complete everything that needs to be done as quickly as possible. I really, really do, and it makes living with my condition even harder to accept because I have to accept that I have limits. I have to accept that I have to just shut down and disconnect right this minute or risk being down for a couple more days because I pushed my body too hard.
Sometimes when I’m being particularly hard on myself I wonder if I have to accept that I’m just not good at this – at what I do – blogging – my job. I can’t do it every day like I used to. I get behind. I’m setting more realistic goals and expectations this year knowing my health has been challenging and I’m finally taking better care of myself like I’ve needed to do for so long, but it still nags me sometimes because, well, that’s what happens when you’re faced with challenges. Can I really do this? Can I keep pushing through this? Can I still succeed at this? Lately, I haven’t been too sure, but one thing I know for sure even if I have to keep using those cliché phrases I’m going to keep trying!
Of course you can succeed – and this post proves it. You ARE good at your job – trust me, I read all the blogs as though I were going to be tested on them. You just need to pace yourself, as with everything in life. And as for cliches (sorry for the lack of accent mark!), they becomed clicheed (sp?) because they are true. Be true to yourself – that’s the recipe for success! And…..((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
LOL I studied French for years, so I had to learn how to type all the symbols – that’s the only reason I used it because now it looks weird to me without it! haha And thank-you! 🙂
Emilee recently posted…Fun Hymns and Songs Activity Kit for Kids
Sorry to hear about your migraines.. I have them to and I know they make day to day things challenging. You are doing a great job. Keep your head up 🙂 and like my daughter tells me all the time. Keep calm and flutter on 🙂
What a fun quote! I love it!
Emilee recently posted…Fun Hymns and Songs Activity Kit for Kids
Believe me, Emilee, you are doing a terrific job! I know how days can just wiz right by you! I have the pain as well and with Hubby’s latest surgery, I’ve been staying up at night way to late (sometimes not getting into bed until between 4 – 4:30am!) I get up and start again! Being a “nurse” and “go for” for hubby has been challenging for me! He can’t drive or do much of anything just yet and I have to do it all! It’s really gotten to me! I’m constantly tired and have already fallen asleep right here at the table in mid sentence! I don’t know about severe migraines, however, I do know about bad headaches! It’s been so cold and dreary outside which, I believe, has a lot to do with my mood and pain as well! All of us who follow you, know that you have problems and are sympathetic to them. We all believe that you’ll get back on track once you are able to! Just keep your head up and with your faith in God and your followers here, you will be doing just fine! It’s O.K. to vent every now and then as well and we all understand! Keep up your good work, feel better, and blog, blog, blog! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us! I know that I appreciate it! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
Michele Ash recently posted…Fun Hymns and Songs Activity Kit for Kids
Thank-you so much Michele. I am continuing to pray for your family. I know how hard it is to be a caretaker when you have pain as well.
Emilee recently posted…Fun Hymns and Songs Activity Kit for Kids
i am so sorry you are not feeling well. i too have miagraies that seem to hang on. i think it might be because i dont have the time to really deal with it. i hope everything wooks out well for you.
Thank-you. I pray everything does for you as well!
Emilee recently posted…Fun Hymns and Songs Activity Kit for Kids
I think most of us can relate to your words. Life can be really challenging sometimes – especially when there are health issues involved (I understand this). Keep going, it is clear you have done very well with your blogging!
Diane recently posted…Wordless Wednesday