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Balancing act: Thoughts on work, home life and hula hooping
by Erica Stotler*
*just one of many articles contributed like ChronicBabes just like you!
I gave this article a lot of thought and wasn't sure how to tackle it as it is such an important topic, and can be a source of inspiration to others in similar yet comfy shoes. Focusing on the events of last week seems like a good place to start.
I work a full time job sitting at a desk for the majority of my day. For the longest time I didn't let most co-workers know I have several chronic illnesses (arthritis, connective tissue disorders...you get the picture). I didn't want any special treatment! My pride is insane and is the biggest thing getting in my way (ask for help, what's that?).
Last week I had a client in town for staff training. I worked a 12-hour day and had to return to the office early the next day; to say I was tired was an understatement. But sometimes you push through the fatigue and pain, you just make it happen, you say yes. I daydream of things like lazy days, comfy chairs, fashionable pain-free shoes...not warm beach vacations.
Miraculously it becomes Thursday. The weekend is now in sight and I can catch up on laundry, spending time with my husband and our three-year-old. The work of a mom with a chronic illness is thrilling and filled with coveted downtime, which helps me make it through each work week. The life and career of someone who is newly diagnosed doesn't have to be doom and gloom.
After my crazy busy week, I rewarded myself by signing up for six weeks of hula hoop classes: a new adventure, new friends and reclaiming my childhood that I refuse to let a chronic illness claim. I hooped like a carefree child, leaving behind my work schedule and laughing every time I dropped my hoop! For that hour I was none of those labels we hate to hear: disabled, sick, ill! The next day I would be spending five hours in a recliner with an IV in my arm, pumping new drugs into my system. It would be plenty of downtime.
I don't like my chronic illness to define me or dictate what I can't do. As I prepare to start a new work/life week, I leave you with the idea that life isn't all work and no play. Say yes to smelling the flowers, pick up a hula hoop, blow bubbles. Find the balance of work, work, work, Live, live, live, laugh laugh laugh! Be willing to try new things, new experiences.
Ask me in six weeks how my hula hooping classes are going, or my latest project at work! I am so much more than a chronic illness!
Posted: 4/6/2010 in Careers | Also posted in: Coping
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