It would be an understatement to say that this week got off to a very rough start. Pain levels have been pretty high. Work was stressful. And to make my Monday even better (insert sarcasm) I got a call from my parents that my grandmother has had a stroke. By the time bedtime came I was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. Yesterday was a fail on multiple levels so I’m working very hard to get regrouped today and put myself in a positive place.
I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I was making the conscious decision to fight and not let chronic illness have the best of me. This desire to fight has become even stronger when thinking about my Grandma this week. She is such a strong woman of faith and is truly a fighter. While she may not have the physical strength she used to, she makes up for it in her faith and determination. I would like to think those traits have been passed down the gene pool and I have decided that if she can be a fighter, then so can I!
In addition of choosing to fight against chronic illness, I want to regroup how I view myself. I need to make better use of my time. This blog is very important to me and you readers mean more to me than you ever know. I want to focus on taking time to write quality posts. I’ve bookmarked so many helpful posts and I need to make the time to read them and implement them.
The other way I want to regroup how I view myself is in my appearance. Its so funny that when I dropped off doing the What I Wore Wednesday posts, I quit caring how I looked. I went back to frumpy and comfortable. I think taking that time putting outfits together really helped how I felt about my body. Especially since I’ve gained weight back, I really need that extra push to actually appreciate my body versus beating myself up when I looked in the mirror. I restarted Weight Watchers today and it is really something I need to do for myself.
I also need to regroup family time. I understand that (at least for now) I am going to hurt and there may be times because of chronic illness that I absolutely will have to go to bed but I need to think of a way to spend more time with my family. Even if it means crashing on the couch so I can watch Abby play. I am so lucky to have the most wonderful husband in the world and I need to be more conscious of our time together and while we may not be able to add to the quantity of time, we can most definitely work on the quality of time we have together.
Just like my tagline states, I’m going regroup so that I may see the abundance of life that God has granted me and fight chronic illness with everything I’ve got.
via Spiritual Inspiration
Good post Jamee! Praying for you. Keep fighting. You can do it!
What an awesome post! I too struggle to maintain quality time while balancing so much else. Personally I cut out work, in hopes that I can keep the house from being so crazy we’re all stressed.
Crashing on the couch is a nice idea. I try to do that as well altho partially it’s because my hubby is a 3rd shift worker and I don’t wanna disturb his sleep. I find I stay sorta in the loop with chores getting done and can help my 9yo with her homework still. If I can manage someone else cooking I also put on a movie and force my 6 and 8 yos to cuddle.
Sometimes we also read our scriptures from the couch when I simply can’t make it to their room for our family reading. It’s confusing and different and full of feline distractions, but we still get to share the word and feel closer.
I haven’t followed you long but I did look thru some of your posts and I hope to see more of your Wednesday outfit posts. *soft hugs*
I love it! Having some style to my wardrobe while still not setting off the RSD (which reacts to even the slightest touch) is quite the challenge. I love seeing how others manage to work through it.
I really admire your spirit and the way that you’re pushing through in spite of everything. It’s tough, isn’t it?
Many prayers for your grandmother’s recovery.
Sometimes it is good to stop and take stock.
Hugs and prayers,
Have you followed Ashley’s journey on Lil Blue Boo? I highly recommend reading her story and the Choose Joy page on her website. I find her story to be highly inspiration and has been motivation to me to stay positive during a very tough time with my tumor removal and the loss of my grandmother this past month. High stress leads to high pain levels, and sometimes it’s hard to dig out from that. Thank goodness for supportive family!
Praying for you sweet friend! Keep fighting!
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. You’re facing all of your challenges with courage — I hope that you come through the worst of it soon.
You are in my prayers, Jamee! I haven’t had the greatest week either (hence my latest blog post), but I have decided to keep pressing forward in the strength that He provides. I’ve already made it further than I ever thought possible and with His strength I will finish strong… wherever that finish line may be. May God give you strength as you seek to live for His glory. 🙂