Keep on going, and going, and going.

I was chatting this morning with a mom who’s 16-year-old daughter has the same syndrome as our Nick.  She said that just when she thinks that she can’t do anymore, then somehow she keeps on going, just like the Energizer Bunny.

I have an Energizer Bunny Christmas tree ornament that reminds me that I can keep on going when the road seems overwhelming.

My friend mentioned that at her last meeting with the neurologist, he brought up concerns like estate planning and guardianship, trust funds and state ID cards.  It was a great idea on the doctor’s part as getting the ball rolling to have these things set up needs to be started about 6 months before the child is 18, but the presentation of the information kind of shocked this mom.

I find that even the most logical and expected events can put me in a tailspin.  This surprises me. I’m puzzled at the times that I am strong versus the times that I fall apart.  I can’t seem to find a logical explanation for either response.

It helps for me to try to look a little ahead to try and anticipate what might be down the road for our family.  It helps as long as I don’t let myself get consumed with worry and concern about how it all will work out.  So I have to find the balance between considering likely probable outcomes and overwhelming myself with all of the possibilities.

One thing is crucial for me.  I need to make sure I am caring for my physical and emotional needs.  When I start down that overwhelm road, I ask myself questions like:  Am I getting regular nutritious meals and enough sleep?  Am I taking time each day, even a few minutes, to stop and meditate?  Do I spend time each day with someone who loves and cares about me, so I feel that human connection?

I have learned that the honest answers to these questions will often point out to me where I have let myself down.  At different times, I have used other tools that are available to me as well such as counseling and medication.  Sometimes life’s burdens are difficult to carry and I find that if I don’t care for myself, I am not able to care for Nick.

I have heard it said that we must fill our own well so that we can give buckets of water to others.  I like that analogy.

What do you do to refill your well?

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