Monday, August 04, 2008

Musings for Monday...

I have another quote to share this morning.

"If we did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." -Thomas Edison.

This resonates with me for a number of reasons. I have always held myself to a high standard and although my mom always told me I should do the best I could I always wondered if I could have done better. I'm sure that's a thought that I share with many people. While we can look at each other and give praise and admire another person work or accomplishments and be happy for them we are seldom able to do that for ourselves. Our to-do lists are a mile long and behind that are things waiting to get on the list. I am constantly searching for ways to make the most of my time. One of the things that has been getting in my way of doing more is my own tired and exhausted body. Since Owen was born I've been taking very poor care of myself. I eat the wrong things, don't get much exercise, and don't sleep well. This has been going on for over 2 years now and I finally decided to go to the doctor.

We have a wonderful doctor. She listens and answers questions and then does something. She doesn't just say I have to live with it or get more exercise or try to eat better. While I've been trying to get more exercise and lose the weight I've gained it has been made difficult by the stress I feel as a SAHM. I don't sleep well and I worry about lots of irrational things and have frequent headaches. She listened kindly and then we talked about the poor sleep, my regular back pain, and a few other things and she thinks that all of this is a manifestation of the stress I experience day to day. She put me on some medication for my anxiety and worry, as a temporary measure to help me get out of my poor habits, she prescribed a sleep routine which includes relaxation yoga before bed and I am to go back in a month for a physical when we will address further what's going on with my body.

First, I don't like to go to the doctor. I have never found them to be all that helpful. Until this doctor. She genuinely wants to help and I've not experienced that with any other doctor. I don't like to have blood taken or get shots. I get all clammy and light headed and I'm just a big baby about it. But when I left on Friday I really felt like it was possible for me to feel better.

This past week I've been getting exercise everyday and eating better and drinking more water. I've cut way back on my sugar intake, which is huge for me. I am a bit of a sugar junkie and my body doesn't deal well with that. I've still been tired but I can't fix everything in one week. It's a process. So little by little I'm trying to do more of what I'm capable of.

10 comments:

Sandra Collins said...

I too worry about all the little things and have been on medication for panic and anxiety for eight years now - good luck with all that is going on for you

mborrero said...

Take a moment each day to breathe. Remember worry accomplishes nothing. Let me put in terms that i think you will really hear every time you worry you are reducing yourself and the others around you. you will have nothing to give if you are sick. A headache means you are not treating yourself right. a backache means you maybe worrying about money. Anxiety means you are not trusting the process of life and feel some need to know the future or control it. Love yourself and trust life. Say this aloud all day in your head.. I trust the process of life and I am safe..... the anxiety will go away.. no pills necessary. Take it from someone who has been there.

namaste

living creating & appreciating
my blog

Lily said...

Wow, I could copy your post word for word. I struggle with the same issues of exhaustion. In my case it makes me mean. Which leads to guilt over the way I treat those around me. I find if I start off with a good breakfast and exercise it makes things so much better. I'll hold your hand through your personal journey if you'll do the same for me?

This is me: Sweet Pete said...

Good for you! It is a process and don't beat yourself up if you slip up. Life is a about balance and not everyone was born with that internal knowledge so be patient with youself. Hey, you did the first step, you went to the dr. It can't be easy when your stubborn! *wink*
=)

jillconyers said...

Heather I truly love that quote. I'm going to use it in a mini I'm planning/working on. TFS!

After reading your post I realized we have so much in common. It may be hard for us to see at times but it does get better. I say that from from the heart and from experience :)

emily said...

A good doctor who REALLY listens is wonderful. How good that you have found one. Keep doing what you need to take care of you. It is hard to put your needs ahead of others some days but remember what they say about oxygen masks in planes...you need to put yours on first...

renee said...

Good for you on taking control and doing what your body needs. How awesome that you worked out everyday this week. I am still working on that. I can do the other things, it is just soooo hard for me to work the exercise in.

Janet said...

What a great post. Thank you for sharing all of what you're going through. I've been through something similar. You're doing the right thing getting on top things! One day at a time and you will start to feel better. {hugs} to you.

Janet said...

P.S. I left a little something for you on my blog. :-)

Noelia said...

You have been blessed with a good doctor that will listen and then help you get better. You know what works for you and trust that. I hope you start to feel better soon but like you said, it's a process.