I talk and write so much about the difficulties with para-transit service, but I also need to mention when the service works well. For two Saturdays in December I volunteered to work the will call desk for Chorus Austin - first for their "On A Winter's Eve," holiday concert, and then for the "Sing it Yourself Messiah." In both cases I needed a manicure before I handed tickets to concert goers. Nail polish does not stay on my fingernails long, because I often use the nails and tips of my fingers to open things.
On both Saturdays I went to Walmart before heading to the church. A few nail salons operate near my apartment, but I chose the one inside Walmart because I knew I could get food and use a restroom there if I needed to. In both cases, my rides worked out very well. On the first Saturday, I was finished with the manicure early enough to jog across the parking lot to Panera and have a hearty bowl of turkey chili before my ride arrived. The second Saturday was colder and a little wet, so I stayed inside Walmart and bought the holiday cards I needed. I had food with me, so I didn't buy any, but I eyed a turkey wrap that looked tasty.
On both weekends, I didn't have to wait long for my connecting ride to the church, and I was transported directly to my destination. I was thirty minutes early in each instance, but that was okay. The church was open, singers were arriving for their call time, and other volunteers were setting up for the concerts. On both Saturdays I received compliments on my manicure and coordinating sweater. I was festive and giddy with the spirit of the holiday season, and a feeling of satisfaction that my schedule had been successful not just once, but twice!
It feels so wonderful when transportation works well for me. That doesn't happen very often, unfortunately. It is especially helpful that there are other places I could have walked to near Walmart if I had time. There are various eateries besides Panera in that shopping complex, including a Middle Eastern and a New Orleans-style restaurant. There's also another nail salon, a hair salon, and a frozen yogurt establishment. Maybe one day I'll take a day and get my hair cut, my nails polished, have a nice meal, and do a little shopping, all in one para-transit excursion. Getting the timing right would take some planning, but I'm up for the challenge!
librarianintx
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
What to do when you feel like shit (article)
Fifteen Easy Things You Can Do to Help When You Feel Like Shit
http://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/15-easy-things-you-can-do-to-help-when-you-feel-like-shit/
1) Get a drink of water
2) Make your bed
3) Take a shower
4) Have a snack - not junk food!
5) Take a walk
6) Change your clothes
7) Change your environment
8) Talk to someone - not on the Internet - it can be about anything
9) Dance to an upbeat guilty pleasure song
10) Get some exercise
11) Accomplish something - even if it's something tiny
12) Hug an animal
13) Make a "done" list instead of a "to-do list"
14) Watch a YouTube video that always makes you laugh
15) Give yourself permission to feel shitty
End of list
My comments:
I've only posted the main ideas here - read the article for more information. I am a big proponent of all of these - I have done them all at some point, and they all help. When you feel bad, for whatever reason - short-term illness, chronic illness, depression, anxiety - having the motivation to implement any of these activities can be a daunting task. But hopefully it will help to know that all of these possess the power to make you feel better, at least for awhile.
Here are a few other ideas that have worked for me:
1) Do something for someone
If you can get out of the house, volunteer somewhere, offer to babysit, house sit, dog sit, etc. If you can't get out of the house, or aren't able to volunteer on a regular basis, then consider being a pen pal, a mentor, someone who checks in on someone else, etc. Use pen and paper, telephone, or the Internet to communicate and focus on someone else, instead of ruminating on yourself and your problems.
2) Practice mindfulness
The basic principle of mindfulness is to live in the moment, not thinking about the future or the past. Live just for today. Sometimes when I'm having a particularly bad day, I don't think about the entire day, because it seems too overwhelming. So I say to myself, "Just get through the next hour (half hour, minute, etc)" I remind myself that I have felt this bad before, and it always gets better. In fact, that should be it's own bullet point:
3) Remind yourself that IT ALWAYS GETS BETTER. How you are feeling at one particular moment of the day does not mean that you will always feel that way. Feelings are transient. Moods are transient. Physical and emotional pain are transient. They come and go, ebb and flow, rise and fall.
4) Don't forget to breathe. Pain and anxiety can cause you to hold your breath or breathe shallowly, which can exacerbate the symptoms you already have. You don't have to necessarily take a lot of deep breaths or learn any kind of technique, although being aware of your breath through meditation or yoga can definitely be helpful. Also look into relaxation exercises. When I'm tired, anxious, and/or stressed, I often hunch my shoulders and clench my legs, which can contribute to my pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
5) Don't compare yourself or your life to anyone else's.
I am a big fan of social media, but it can definitely have it's drawbacks. If you are feeling bad about your life, it might be time for a break from Facebook, or at least a mini vacation. Instead of spending hours there, just check in a few times a day, and if reading posts makes you feel frustrated and sad about your life, close the application, and do something else. Understand this: Facebook can make everyone's life appear better / happier / more successful than yours. That is a fallacy. Sure, some people do have great lives. But everyone has problems. EVERYONE.
6) Find something to focus on.
I understand how hard that can be when you are in physical or emotional pain, or suffering from fatigue. But having a hobby or interest can take your mind away from how you're feeling. Anything is better than ruminating. Play a game, binge watch a show, read a book, get lost in YouTube, journal, cook or bake something, etc. Many times I have been anxious, tired, worried, etc, and when I've been able to focus on something, I'll suddenly realize that time has passed and I'm feeling a lot better.
7) Organize
This is a big one for me. I feel much better when I'm organized and my surroundings are less cluttered. If I'm feeling bad or anxious, cleaning or organizing something can really help. I'm also a list maker. Getting thoughts out of my head and down on paper or in an app helps me tremendously, especially when I'm very busy, preparing to travel, etc.
8) Practice gratefulness
Every negative aspect of your life can be turned into a reason for gratitude. Negativity is a choice, and so is positivity. The person who has to work three jobs to make ends meet has two choices. He can grumble and say, "Its not fair that I have to work so hard and other people hardly work at all and have plenty of money." Or he can say, "I'm thankful that I'm strong enough to work so hard, and that I have a roof over my head and food to eat." The harried mother can say, "All I do is cook and clean and no one appreciates me" or she can think to herself, "I'm happy to be able to take care of my family and make sure they are fed and have clean clothes." It's true, life isn't fair. Some people do have it easier than others. Comparing your life to others will never make you happy. Finding contentment with your existence, while always striving to improve your situation, will be the key to your success.
librarianintx
http://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/15-easy-things-you-can-do-to-help-when-you-feel-like-shit/
1) Get a drink of water
2) Make your bed
3) Take a shower
4) Have a snack - not junk food!
5) Take a walk
6) Change your clothes
7) Change your environment
8) Talk to someone - not on the Internet - it can be about anything
9) Dance to an upbeat guilty pleasure song
10) Get some exercise
11) Accomplish something - even if it's something tiny
12) Hug an animal
13) Make a "done" list instead of a "to-do list"
14) Watch a YouTube video that always makes you laugh
15) Give yourself permission to feel shitty
End of list
My comments:
I've only posted the main ideas here - read the article for more information. I am a big proponent of all of these - I have done them all at some point, and they all help. When you feel bad, for whatever reason - short-term illness, chronic illness, depression, anxiety - having the motivation to implement any of these activities can be a daunting task. But hopefully it will help to know that all of these possess the power to make you feel better, at least for awhile.
Here are a few other ideas that have worked for me:
1) Do something for someone
If you can get out of the house, volunteer somewhere, offer to babysit, house sit, dog sit, etc. If you can't get out of the house, or aren't able to volunteer on a regular basis, then consider being a pen pal, a mentor, someone who checks in on someone else, etc. Use pen and paper, telephone, or the Internet to communicate and focus on someone else, instead of ruminating on yourself and your problems.
2) Practice mindfulness
The basic principle of mindfulness is to live in the moment, not thinking about the future or the past. Live just for today. Sometimes when I'm having a particularly bad day, I don't think about the entire day, because it seems too overwhelming. So I say to myself, "Just get through the next hour (half hour, minute, etc)" I remind myself that I have felt this bad before, and it always gets better. In fact, that should be it's own bullet point:
3) Remind yourself that IT ALWAYS GETS BETTER. How you are feeling at one particular moment of the day does not mean that you will always feel that way. Feelings are transient. Moods are transient. Physical and emotional pain are transient. They come and go, ebb and flow, rise and fall.
4) Don't forget to breathe. Pain and anxiety can cause you to hold your breath or breathe shallowly, which can exacerbate the symptoms you already have. You don't have to necessarily take a lot of deep breaths or learn any kind of technique, although being aware of your breath through meditation or yoga can definitely be helpful. Also look into relaxation exercises. When I'm tired, anxious, and/or stressed, I often hunch my shoulders and clench my legs, which can contribute to my pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
5) Don't compare yourself or your life to anyone else's.
I am a big fan of social media, but it can definitely have it's drawbacks. If you are feeling bad about your life, it might be time for a break from Facebook, or at least a mini vacation. Instead of spending hours there, just check in a few times a day, and if reading posts makes you feel frustrated and sad about your life, close the application, and do something else. Understand this: Facebook can make everyone's life appear better / happier / more successful than yours. That is a fallacy. Sure, some people do have great lives. But everyone has problems. EVERYONE.
6) Find something to focus on.
I understand how hard that can be when you are in physical or emotional pain, or suffering from fatigue. But having a hobby or interest can take your mind away from how you're feeling. Anything is better than ruminating. Play a game, binge watch a show, read a book, get lost in YouTube, journal, cook or bake something, etc. Many times I have been anxious, tired, worried, etc, and when I've been able to focus on something, I'll suddenly realize that time has passed and I'm feeling a lot better.
7) Organize
This is a big one for me. I feel much better when I'm organized and my surroundings are less cluttered. If I'm feeling bad or anxious, cleaning or organizing something can really help. I'm also a list maker. Getting thoughts out of my head and down on paper or in an app helps me tremendously, especially when I'm very busy, preparing to travel, etc.
8) Practice gratefulness
Every negative aspect of your life can be turned into a reason for gratitude. Negativity is a choice, and so is positivity. The person who has to work three jobs to make ends meet has two choices. He can grumble and say, "Its not fair that I have to work so hard and other people hardly work at all and have plenty of money." Or he can say, "I'm thankful that I'm strong enough to work so hard, and that I have a roof over my head and food to eat." The harried mother can say, "All I do is cook and clean and no one appreciates me" or she can think to herself, "I'm happy to be able to take care of my family and make sure they are fed and have clean clothes." It's true, life isn't fair. Some people do have it easier than others. Comparing your life to others will never make you happy. Finding contentment with your existence, while always striving to improve your situation, will be the key to your success.
librarianintx
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Hashimoto's Disease
I have this, but my levels aren't to the point where I need medication yet, according to my doctor. I have many of these symptoms, but I also have other conditions, such as an inner ear disorder, that can cause some of these symptoms. Anyway, this article describes me well, unfortunately. Not completely, but I definitely can relate. Like the author, I keep going as best I can. Every day.
I'll be seeing my doctor in January. Maybe it's time for medication, and maybe it will make a difference in my life.
librarianintx
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/vicious-cycle-hashimoto-thyroiditis-070749538.html
The Vicious Cycle of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is my immune system attacking my thyroid gland, thinking it is an invader. This has lead to hypothyroidism which means those attacks on my thyroid have now caused damage. This results in my thyroid’s failure to function properly and produce thyroid hormone. Everything in my body is negatively impacted like metabolism, energy, bowel movements, emotions, skin, hair, nails, memory, concentration, muscles, joints, menstruation, and the list goes on.
Compare it to a bicycle. The person going uphill with fully pumped tires will have much better success than the other person who has flat tires, or even worse, no tires. Individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism have an internal “bicycle” which is the latter; a bicycle with deflating tires, losing more and more air the further it goes.
Now that I’ve experienced the “highs” from being on prescribed medication for two months, to the “lows” of no medication, which is the way I have been feeling for two years now – I realized I had actually felt close to normal. Everything I had been feeling wasn’t just in my head.
I thought I was just an exhausted adult, and referred to my bouts of depression, anxiety and exhaustion as my “bad brain days.” Putting on the show is the most draining part. Having to smile, converse, be alert and be social is so tiring when I actually feel so fake because I just want to be at home in bed sleeping, or rather, trying to sleep.
August 2017 was when my family doctor diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. After thoroughly researching the thyroid system and how it works, I finally had an explanation as to why I felt so messed up inside. I know most probably haven’t taken a moment to read into it, or open the various links I’ve sent trying to help them understand. And I totally get that. But that’s why I felt this was fitting, so people can finally somewhat get this.
As I’ve said, Hashi’s affects me from head to toe.
The emotional aspect is the hardest. I go from numb, to irritated, to angry, to sad, to annoyed, to guilty, to embarrassed, and then back to numb, all day every day. Then there’s the forgetfulness, mumbling and lack of concentration. People often look at me with questioning looks. On days when I can’t tolerate myself, how am I expected to tolerate society?
Then there’s the physical effects which can be just as traumatizing. The dry skin around my face constantly making me look sick and unhealthy. Dry and brittle hair. Fragile dry nails. A body temperature of the arctic. Not being able to fall asleep, and not being able to stay asleep once I finally do. Completing four or five tasks which exhaust me within two hours, encouraging napping by early afternoon. Nausea creeping up at the most uncomfortable timing, while bowels aren’t cooperating either. And not to mention the menstrual issues. The list goes on.
When I decline an outing, it’s not because I don’t want to go, it’s because I’m not mentally and physically prepared to leave the emotional safety that my home provides me. I wish I could do the “normal people things” as easily as others, but most days I just can’t.
It’s a vicious cycle in every way; my mental health is affected by my physical health and vice versa. Hashi’s creates such a feeling of isolation and I don’t think anyone really gets it, myself included.
Everyday is a battle between my head, heart, and well, my immune system. I do want to help myself and heal myself, but this is so huge and new to me. I don’t even know where to begin.
Think about your last cold, and how icky you felt all week. Think about your anxiety sitting on a roller coaster waiting for it to start. Think about how you felt trying to fit in first week of high school. Think about your last morning after a horrible sleep. Think about the guilt you felt last time you let someone down. These are the things I feel every day, and they just spring up on me with no just cause. Sure there are times when smiles and laughs distract me from the negatives, but that general feeling of just not being well is always lingering. Think about those two cyclists from the beginning of this, and how different they are going to feel, both mentally and physically, after their own journeys up that hill.
All I want from friends and family is their
patience, empathy, understanding and unconditional love. I just need you
to listen, give me space when needed, but be close when things get
rough. Don’t take things I say or do personally. Try to understand how
I’m feeling. Know that what I say isn’t being “over dramatic,”
‘”paranoid” or “lazy.” What may not seem real for you is complete
reality to me. Hashimoto’s is real, and does make a difference to
quality of life. All I ask, is you try to understand it with me.
End of article
I'll be seeing my doctor in January. Maybe it's time for medication, and maybe it will make a difference in my life.
librarianintx
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/vicious-cycle-hashimoto-thyroiditis-070749538.html
The Vicious Cycle of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Most people who are close to me
now know of my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis diagnosis. People ask me how it’s
treated, to which I respond, “A pill a day for the rest of my life” –
and that’s that.
Your thyroid is a gland in your neck responsible for
major bodily function from head to toe. That means this disease has been
affecting me from head to toe.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is my immune system attacking my thyroid gland, thinking it is an invader. This has lead to hypothyroidism which means those attacks on my thyroid have now caused damage. This results in my thyroid’s failure to function properly and produce thyroid hormone. Everything in my body is negatively impacted like metabolism, energy, bowel movements, emotions, skin, hair, nails, memory, concentration, muscles, joints, menstruation, and the list goes on.
Compare it to a bicycle. The person going uphill with fully pumped tires will have much better success than the other person who has flat tires, or even worse, no tires. Individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism have an internal “bicycle” which is the latter; a bicycle with deflating tires, losing more and more air the further it goes.
Now that I’ve experienced the “highs” from being on prescribed medication for two months, to the “lows” of no medication, which is the way I have been feeling for two years now – I realized I had actually felt close to normal. Everything I had been feeling wasn’t just in my head.
I thought I was just an exhausted adult, and referred to my bouts of depression, anxiety and exhaustion as my “bad brain days.” Putting on the show is the most draining part. Having to smile, converse, be alert and be social is so tiring when I actually feel so fake because I just want to be at home in bed sleeping, or rather, trying to sleep.
August 2017 was when my family doctor diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. After thoroughly researching the thyroid system and how it works, I finally had an explanation as to why I felt so messed up inside. I know most probably haven’t taken a moment to read into it, or open the various links I’ve sent trying to help them understand. And I totally get that. But that’s why I felt this was fitting, so people can finally somewhat get this.
As I’ve said, Hashi’s affects me from head to toe.
The emotional aspect is the hardest. I go from numb, to irritated, to angry, to sad, to annoyed, to guilty, to embarrassed, and then back to numb, all day every day. Then there’s the forgetfulness, mumbling and lack of concentration. People often look at me with questioning looks. On days when I can’t tolerate myself, how am I expected to tolerate society?
Then there’s the physical effects which can be just as traumatizing. The dry skin around my face constantly making me look sick and unhealthy. Dry and brittle hair. Fragile dry nails. A body temperature of the arctic. Not being able to fall asleep, and not being able to stay asleep once I finally do. Completing four or five tasks which exhaust me within two hours, encouraging napping by early afternoon. Nausea creeping up at the most uncomfortable timing, while bowels aren’t cooperating either. And not to mention the menstrual issues. The list goes on.
When I decline an outing, it’s not because I don’t want to go, it’s because I’m not mentally and physically prepared to leave the emotional safety that my home provides me. I wish I could do the “normal people things” as easily as others, but most days I just can’t.
It’s a vicious cycle in every way; my mental health is affected by my physical health and vice versa. Hashi’s creates such a feeling of isolation and I don’t think anyone really gets it, myself included.
Everyday is a battle between my head, heart, and well, my immune system. I do want to help myself and heal myself, but this is so huge and new to me. I don’t even know where to begin.
Think about your last cold, and how icky you felt all week. Think about your anxiety sitting on a roller coaster waiting for it to start. Think about how you felt trying to fit in first week of high school. Think about your last morning after a horrible sleep. Think about the guilt you felt last time you let someone down. These are the things I feel every day, and they just spring up on me with no just cause. Sure there are times when smiles and laughs distract me from the negatives, but that general feeling of just not being well is always lingering. Think about those two cyclists from the beginning of this, and how different they are going to feel, both mentally and physically, after their own journeys up that hill.
I may
look OK (makeup does wonders), but the things going on inside my body
and head are a whole other world that I’m just finally exposing to
others, and exploring more of for myself.
End of article
Word of the Day: Hope
Hope goes hand in hand with other important words to me, like resiliency and motivation. If you aren't motivated and resilient, then you can often feel hopeless, or less hopeful.
I was especially thinking about hope on Tuesday night, when Democrat Doug Jones defeated Roy Moore in the race for the Senate seat from Alabama that was vacated by now Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Alabama hasn't had a Democratic Senator in 25 years. The state is typically very red. But the fact that the Republicans were trying to push through an admitted racist and bigot, and accused child predator, combined with the failing policies of our current President, has turned the state blue, at least for the Senate. It has been a strong defeat for Trump and the Republicans, and a big boost to the Democrats. There was a lot of hope on Tuesday night. Much rejoicing and excitement.
But the good feelings are tempered by the fact that Jones barely won. It was an extremely close race, much tighter than it should have been, considering who was running. In fact, at the time I am writing this, on Thursday morning, Roy Moore has yet to concede. He's attempting to contest Jones' win. Also, there is talk that Republicans, and Trump, will try to push through important legislation, including the terrible tax bill, before Jones can be sworn in, to make sure his vote won't count. Just like when the Republicans refused to even give a hearing to President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court. They stalled for so long that it was President Trump who was ultimately allowed to seat a new Supreme Court Justice.
So hope is usually balanced by reality. But hope is still a vital part of one's life, one's psyche. You have to have hope; you have to believe that bad times are fleeting, you have to understand that improvement is not only possible, but probable. And you have to use the hope you cultivate and nurture within you to make that success happen. Have faith in what you want, fight for it, and attain it.
librarianintx
I was especially thinking about hope on Tuesday night, when Democrat Doug Jones defeated Roy Moore in the race for the Senate seat from Alabama that was vacated by now Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Alabama hasn't had a Democratic Senator in 25 years. The state is typically very red. But the fact that the Republicans were trying to push through an admitted racist and bigot, and accused child predator, combined with the failing policies of our current President, has turned the state blue, at least for the Senate. It has been a strong defeat for Trump and the Republicans, and a big boost to the Democrats. There was a lot of hope on Tuesday night. Much rejoicing and excitement.
But the good feelings are tempered by the fact that Jones barely won. It was an extremely close race, much tighter than it should have been, considering who was running. In fact, at the time I am writing this, on Thursday morning, Roy Moore has yet to concede. He's attempting to contest Jones' win. Also, there is talk that Republicans, and Trump, will try to push through important legislation, including the terrible tax bill, before Jones can be sworn in, to make sure his vote won't count. Just like when the Republicans refused to even give a hearing to President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court. They stalled for so long that it was President Trump who was ultimately allowed to seat a new Supreme Court Justice.
So hope is usually balanced by reality. But hope is still a vital part of one's life, one's psyche. You have to have hope; you have to believe that bad times are fleeting, you have to understand that improvement is not only possible, but probable. And you have to use the hope you cultivate and nurture within you to make that success happen. Have faith in what you want, fight for it, and attain it.
librarianintx
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Word of the Day: Festive
First, an update on motivation from yesterday:
1) I made the chili.
2) I worked on cleaning out the closet, but I didn't finish the project (it's a big one).
3) I read an audio book while I waited for my afternoon ride (nearly 30 minutes) and on the way home (about 45 minutes).
4) I took my medicines for the day.
5) I got my clothes and food ready for today early and didn't wait until closer to bedtime, when I'm tired and sometimes feeling rushed.
And now on to today:
FESTIVE!
Happy Hanukkah everybody!
Tonight begins the eight night Festival of Lights.
My menorah and candles are ready at home.
I am attaching a picture of my small display at work.
I am excited to give gifts to my family and friends this season.
It's going to be fun!
I hope everyone is feeling the holiday spirit this year.
librarianintx
1) I made the chili.
2) I worked on cleaning out the closet, but I didn't finish the project (it's a big one).
3) I read an audio book while I waited for my afternoon ride (nearly 30 minutes) and on the way home (about 45 minutes).
4) I took my medicines for the day.
5) I got my clothes and food ready for today early and didn't wait until closer to bedtime, when I'm tired and sometimes feeling rushed.
And now on to today:
FESTIVE!
Happy Hanukkah everybody!
Tonight begins the eight night Festival of Lights.
My menorah and candles are ready at home.
I am attaching a picture of my small display at work.
I am excited to give gifts to my family and friends this season.
It's going to be fun!
I hope everyone is feeling the holiday spirit this year.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Word of the Day: Motivation
A new week, and a new theme for the blog: Word of the Day.
I know I won't have time for this every day.
But I'll write when I can.
And I'm still planning to resume the 30 Day Writing Challenge too.
I think I'll have more time when I'm on vacation.
Anyway...
The word of the day is motivation.
Ways I've been motivated so far today:
1) I pushed past my fatigue and immediately put in my earbuds when I got in the van. I listened to an audio book on the way to work. I didn't give up, even when the driver and other passengers were talking. I paused the audio book a few times and waited for them to finish their conversations. They didn't talk much today. The driver was concentrating on the traffic. And one of the passengers fell asleep fairly quickly. The other passenger didn't sing out loud as much as she often does, so I was able to concentrate. My morning commute lasted more than 90 minutes today.
2) It has been a successful work day so far. I have completed a number of requests and mailed about ten packets.
3) I have been eating and drinking consistently in an effort to combat the fatigue.
My goals for the rest of the day:
1) Put my earbuds in before I leave my desk so I can listen to the audio book while I'm waiting for my ride, and on the way home.
2) Make chili for dinner
3) Clean out / organize the bottom of the hall closet. It is a mess of paper bags, party bags, tissue paper, and wrapping paper. Part of my motivation is I'm looking for birthday wrapping paper. The other part is I just want to organize that stuff. If I know what I have and where it is, I'll be more likely to use it, not waste it, and not buy more, thinking I don't have what I need at home.
Fatigue, illness, anxiety, depression are impediments to motivation.
Motivation is a key component of success.
When you are motivated, success is more likely.
librarianintx
I know I won't have time for this every day.
But I'll write when I can.
And I'm still planning to resume the 30 Day Writing Challenge too.
I think I'll have more time when I'm on vacation.
Anyway...
The word of the day is motivation.
Ways I've been motivated so far today:
1) I pushed past my fatigue and immediately put in my earbuds when I got in the van. I listened to an audio book on the way to work. I didn't give up, even when the driver and other passengers were talking. I paused the audio book a few times and waited for them to finish their conversations. They didn't talk much today. The driver was concentrating on the traffic. And one of the passengers fell asleep fairly quickly. The other passenger didn't sing out loud as much as she often does, so I was able to concentrate. My morning commute lasted more than 90 minutes today.
2) It has been a successful work day so far. I have completed a number of requests and mailed about ten packets.
3) I have been eating and drinking consistently in an effort to combat the fatigue.
My goals for the rest of the day:
1) Put my earbuds in before I leave my desk so I can listen to the audio book while I'm waiting for my ride, and on the way home.
2) Make chili for dinner
3) Clean out / organize the bottom of the hall closet. It is a mess of paper bags, party bags, tissue paper, and wrapping paper. Part of my motivation is I'm looking for birthday wrapping paper. The other part is I just want to organize that stuff. If I know what I have and where it is, I'll be more likely to use it, not waste it, and not buy more, thinking I don't have what I need at home.
Fatigue, illness, anxiety, depression are impediments to motivation.
Motivation is a key component of success.
When you are motivated, success is more likely.
librarianintx
Thursday, December 07, 2017
Illness
During the past few days as I've battled a virus and bad cough, I've tried to live in the moment and be mindful. Instead of being frustrated and upset and scared, as I usually am when dealing with a cough, I have endeavored to stay positive and remember, "This too shall pass." I want to focus on the good instead of the bad:
I have medicine and cough drops to combat the symptoms.
I have hot tea with honey to soothe my throat.
I have a cozy bed with plenty of warm blankets.
I still have the ability to cough, even though its difficult.
I have so far avoided pneumonia.
I have sick leave at work, and understanding supervisors.
I use a machine to aid my respiratory muscles and help me feel rested even when the nights are rough.
I have a roof over my head and shelter from the cold and rain.
Being sick is tough. It's a natural reaction to get depressed and feel like you're never going to get well. But I will. And a resilient attitude can help.
librarianintx
I have medicine and cough drops to combat the symptoms.
I have hot tea with honey to soothe my throat.
I have a cozy bed with plenty of warm blankets.
I still have the ability to cough, even though its difficult.
I have so far avoided pneumonia.
I have sick leave at work, and understanding supervisors.
I use a machine to aid my respiratory muscles and help me feel rested even when the nights are rough.
I have a roof over my head and shelter from the cold and rain.
Being sick is tough. It's a natural reaction to get depressed and feel like you're never going to get well. But I will. And a resilient attitude can help.
librarianintx
Friday, December 01, 2017
"Be on Time Chronicles" 12/1/17
Sometimes when I get in the vehicle in the morning I'm just too tired to read or listen to music or try to write in my journal. I hate sitting there and doing nothing, vaguely watching cars and dwellings and businesses roll by. I want to be productive in some way during these often long commutes.
Today I was tired, but I made the effort to put my headphones on, adjust the volume on my phone, and tap into the audio book I'm reading. And for about five minutes, it was nice. My ear buds were in and comfortable, the volume was at a good setting, and I was able to concentrate on the story. Success! I wasn't wasting time. I was doing something. Something that I enjoy.
The brief contentment was interrupted by a passenger boarding the bus, and an immediate conversation ensued between her and the driver. A rather loud, boisterous interaction. Two apparently morning-type personalities, cheerfully talking over the noise of the short bus engine and the heater. The perfect volume of my audio book became a muffled, often incoherent voice, but I struggled to pay attention. I knew it was going to be a long ride, and I didn't want to give up on my activity.
And then we picked up another client. I don't know her name, but I ride with her a few times a week now, since she lives in a nearby apartment complex. I'll give her the nickname "Christmas Music Girl." Because for at least the past two weeks, every single time we pick her up, she immediately opens her phone and starts playing Christmas music. Without asking permission from the driver. Without asking the other passengers if they want to listen to Christmas music. And of course without offering or thinking to use headphones.
Radios were taken out of the Metro Access vehicles years ago, evidently because one or more clients complained about music or talk radio stations that were played by the drivers. I detested having to listen to Rush Limbaugh on some afternoons, but I wasn't one of the complainers. Other clients have asked to play music on their phones or portable devices, and the drivers have told them they need to wear headphones. No driver has told Christmas Music Girl to put on headphones. Because who would object to Christmas music, right? Everyone loves Christmas music!
So I had to abandon the audio book. I opened my Spotify app and revved up my "Empowerment Playlist." I managed to listen during the remainder of the journey, even though Natasha Beddingfield's "Unwritten" and Sara Bareillis' "Brave" had a tough time competing with "Feliz Navidad" and the Chipmunk's Christmas song, whatever the hell it's called.
I don't hate Christmas music. And I'm not always a Grinch during this time of year. I just want people to be respectful of others - of people's time, feelings, interests, etc.
Don't assume that everyone likes a genre of music.
Ask.
Be understanding if you don't get the answer you hoped for.
Plan ahead.
Bring headphones.
And use them!
Happy Holidays! 😇
librarianintx
Today I was tired, but I made the effort to put my headphones on, adjust the volume on my phone, and tap into the audio book I'm reading. And for about five minutes, it was nice. My ear buds were in and comfortable, the volume was at a good setting, and I was able to concentrate on the story. Success! I wasn't wasting time. I was doing something. Something that I enjoy.
The brief contentment was interrupted by a passenger boarding the bus, and an immediate conversation ensued between her and the driver. A rather loud, boisterous interaction. Two apparently morning-type personalities, cheerfully talking over the noise of the short bus engine and the heater. The perfect volume of my audio book became a muffled, often incoherent voice, but I struggled to pay attention. I knew it was going to be a long ride, and I didn't want to give up on my activity.
And then we picked up another client. I don't know her name, but I ride with her a few times a week now, since she lives in a nearby apartment complex. I'll give her the nickname "Christmas Music Girl." Because for at least the past two weeks, every single time we pick her up, she immediately opens her phone and starts playing Christmas music. Without asking permission from the driver. Without asking the other passengers if they want to listen to Christmas music. And of course without offering or thinking to use headphones.
Radios were taken out of the Metro Access vehicles years ago, evidently because one or more clients complained about music or talk radio stations that were played by the drivers. I detested having to listen to Rush Limbaugh on some afternoons, but I wasn't one of the complainers. Other clients have asked to play music on their phones or portable devices, and the drivers have told them they need to wear headphones. No driver has told Christmas Music Girl to put on headphones. Because who would object to Christmas music, right? Everyone loves Christmas music!
So I had to abandon the audio book. I opened my Spotify app and revved up my "Empowerment Playlist." I managed to listen during the remainder of the journey, even though Natasha Beddingfield's "Unwritten" and Sara Bareillis' "Brave" had a tough time competing with "Feliz Navidad" and the Chipmunk's Christmas song, whatever the hell it's called.
I don't hate Christmas music. And I'm not always a Grinch during this time of year. I just want people to be respectful of others - of people's time, feelings, interests, etc.
Don't assume that everyone likes a genre of music.
Ask.
Be understanding if you don't get the answer you hoped for.
Plan ahead.
Bring headphones.
And use them!
Happy Holidays! 😇
librarianintx
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