Let’s Talk Health

I’ve been a bit quiet this year, and I’d love to say it’s because we’ve been busy. Yes, we’ve had some great adventures:

But the adventures aren’t the only thing that’s keeping me away.

This year has been a year of struggle. It started with being frustrated at work, which boiled over into the rest of my life. One day, I realized if I didn’t get a break, I’d “bite someone’s head off”. So I owned up to how I was feeling and took a one week mental health stay-cation. That was the best decision I think I’ve made this year because it, our Alaska trip and all the small trips in between, have kept me going with a mostly level head.

I say “mostly” because I’ve learned this year that my constant imbalance symptoms are due to permanent inner ear damage. I’m all over the place!

There’s other things I’m learning that are going on, too, but that doesn’t matter at the moment. The real point I want to make is about learning your limits and doing what’s best for you. Here’s some top takeaways I’ve learned this year:

1.) Listen to yourself. Are you quick to anger and grumpier than normal?

2.) Admit when you need a break. Self-awareness is extremely important. Be real and admit when “something’s gotta give.”

3.) Take time for yourself. Figure out a time frame to step away from your normal routine. Do something that will help you rest and rejuvenate.

4.) Accept help from others. Is someone offering to help? Take them up on the offer.

5.) Seek help. Is something going on where friends and family can not help? I found out I needed balance therapy… it’s working wonders!

6.) Step away from the noise. What does that mean? If possible, stay away from anything that does not bring positivity to your life. (This does not pertain to your spouse or kids. Ha! Can’t use this against me hubby!)

7.) Set a goal. For me, it’s walking 4 miles a day. But I’m in search of finding another goal that will bring joy and accomplishment to me.

8.) Look toward the future. Understand what is happening now and work through it so you can get to that future goal just peaking over the horizon.

I put a bumper sticker on my car a year or two ago as a type of mantra. It’s from Sarah J. Maas’s book “A Court of Mist and Fury”. It says, “Don’t let the hard days win.” 

I’ll end this with, no matter what is going on in your life, listen to yourself and remember, “Don’t let the hard days win.”