I often wake up a bit stiff and sore. Does that happen to you too? I can blame age for that.
In retrospect, the year I got rear-ended three times probably had an impact too. I was on a roll that year or rather the driver’s behind me were – rolling stops and distracted drivers (with eyes on their phone and not the wheel) were to blame. My seatbelt hugged me tight but the first unexpected jolt from behind injured my vehicle, my pride and some soft tissues.
The incident, or accident as my insurance company preferred, landed me in a grueling physiotherapy regime. For months, I attended physio appointments several times a week to treat my neck, shoulder and low back.
I was awarded my first decent office chair in the settlement, and thanks to an ergonomic assessment, I learned a lot about the human body. Your work set up matters a lot more than your employer may like to acknowledge though I’m quite sure they are aware…
The physiotherapist explained that my core muscles were weak and the accident was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I guess I was the camel?
I recovered from those ordeals, mostly anyway, though I’m sure there are lingering effects on my body, mind and nervous system from the adventures and misadventures. Looking back … it was a lot to deal with.
Life can still give me whiplash. Things are moving fast – changing so quickly – it’s almost impossible to keep up.
We can do our best to prepare but life will still throw curveballs like a job loss, a health crisis, the death of a loved one, etc. Life is difficult and no one is immune to its challenges.
I was naive when it came to burnout and I pushed harder and for much longer than I should have. I had no idea the damage I was doing to my brain and body.
My therapist concluded there has been little improvement to my cognitive function in the last year.
It was a difficult diagnosis to accept but it’s true. I noticed an event coming up that I was interested in. I started to order tickets only to discover I already purchased some months ago.
Memory loss from trauma and burnout is no laughing matter.
Last week, I completed a cognitive assessment to determine if my workplace disability claim will continue. I was subjected to a grueling series of testing that included memorization, puzzles, addition and subtraction, and multi-tasking. On and on it went for 4.5 hours. When I was finally released, my brain was swimming.
My mind felt like a computer that was no longer computing and I was exhausted. I’m still struggling to recover a week later. That testing took a lot out of me. It was cruel.
Worse, my livelihood hangs in the balance.
While I detest almost every aspect of this uncertain path, the news isn’t all bad. I have made some progress – even a year ago, thoughts of such an assessment would have sent me spinning. It still could – if I let it.
Mind over matter.
The appointment was scheduled a few months ago and was hanging over my head like a dark cloud. The worst is over but now I’m left waiting for the decision.
I continue to occupy my time with people and activities that make me feel like I’m moving forward – even when the world seems determined to hold me back.
Can we better prepare ourselves for life’s inevitable ups and downs?
Much like the physiotherapist pointed out so many years ago, it starts with a solid foundation. A strong core.
It’s on us to develop the necessary tools to not just survive this life but flourish despite what comes our way.
My future is a question mark. Worry doesn’t help with concentration or focus so I do my best not to.
When I feel the spiral beginning, I remind myself that “Life always works out for me”. And it does. Maybe not the way I envisioned but it works out.
One day at a time. Isn’t that all we’ve got anyway?
Getting outside helps. Soaking up a few rays of sunshine can change my mood. Walking eases restlessness. Even a few deep breaths will reset the body and mind.
Writing is my godsend. We carry so much junk in our head and we need a place to dump it. Daily journaling and blog entries help me make sense of the world.
Talking things through with someone you trust can be beneficial.
Supplements like Magnesium, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha may help. A cup of herbal tea like chamomile or roobios can soothe anxiety.
Speaking of, I protect my nervous system at all costs. I listen to my intuition. If something or someone feels off, there’s no second-guessing anymore.
Even with tools in the toolbox, can life still feel overwhelming? You want to believe it. We are living in uncertain times. It’s a lot for anyone to handle.
How do you cope with the dizzying pace of life? Let’s talk!
Do you have a story to share? Drop me a line!
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