Yeah, any kind of extended illness can take it out of one. You just have to looking for the positive even when you're feeling weak and tired. Laughter helps --- watch funny movies, or the comedy channel, or even read the funnies in the Readers Digest. The latest has this little story about what a little girl has to say about her cousin on their first day of school. I am still chuckling about it every now and then.
Find the Funny!
Me:57 H:52 M:28 Got another lawyer last year and filed. D35,S/D twins28,D22 EA4/04 End? Who knows? "Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." — Peace Pilgrim
In general, when I'm stretched thin, small things can trigger anxiety attacks, even when I was in a good mood. For example, before I started eating better and exercizing, losing a few hours of sleep would trigger a panic attack the next day. I think the flu got you so run down, small things tipped you over the edge.
In addition, don't discount the effect that helping others going through marriage problems can have on you when you are stretched thin. Sure, sometimes helping others can be a tonic of sorts. But sometimes, there's only so much pain we can drink in before it starts to debilitate us.
For what it's worth, I was reading the Gospel of John this morning and I was looking at Jesus' discourses in chapters 14-17. I was struck with his desire for us to experience the joy and intimacy he has with the Father.
Yes, it can be taxing emotionally at times, especially when I'm tired. I'm approaching the two year mark in my separation and that stirs up my own stuff so having to deal with someone who is freshly wounded can be a challenge. I saw the psychologist this week and plan to go back next week, just to have an hour that is for me to blurt out whatever I need to! As far as anxiety attacks, I don't really have "attacks" but I have anxiety that comes and goes and can be triggered by many different things, I've noticed it's mainly when I'm feeling fatigued. As you say, little things can feel overwhelming when you're kind of beat. The trick is to keep a balance between rest and activites. I keep up my activities because too much dead time leaves time for obsessive thinking yet too much activity keeps you tired and can allow that thinking an entry point. Ah well, we shall overcome...one way or another!
I know how you feel, Wii! I get so tired when on the chemo, and yet have to find a way to keep busy enough not to obsess. Different scenario, but I just want to empathize with you regarding one's health vs emotions. Going back to uni has helped a lot, as I bet being back as work has been. Something else to focus on.
Take care.
Me:57 H:52 M:28 Got another lawyer last year and filed. D35,S/D twins28,D22 EA4/04 End? Who knows? "Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." — Peace Pilgrim
Thanks Being Me! I went to a Pentecostal Church service tonight, I'd never been to one before. It was just like the church I go to now but I imagine the Sunday morning Healing services would be where the difference would be. They also have a Divorcecare program on Sunday nights at this church. I've always wanted to go to one but any church I've gone to either didn't have one or it wasn't presently operating. I suggested one for my church and although the church tried to start one there were no takers. So, maybe I'll go tomorrow night and check this group out. Yes, one more activity. I must say though, I just keep on swinging!
I went to my first Divorce Care group tonight and enjoyed it. There were five of us and it was kind of nice to be in the same room with your "own", people who've had their hearts ripped out and stomped on! Wow, it's amazing how many people come home to find their spouse has moved everything out. Anyway, I've always wanted to get into a Divorce Care group but it just never seemed to work out. It's like God's hand was guiding me last night. I'd never been to a Pentecostal church and for some reason last night I decided to go and therefore came across the Divorce Care group that was starting. It goes for about 13 weeks. We'll see how she goes
I'm still doing the AD...they saved my life. Weaning off, now - hope to be free and clear sometime after the holidays. That will be about 3 years on them for me.
You have to take care of you...just use your best judgement, as you know your body best.
