What Keeps Me Shining: Recovery Reflections

Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses to my last update, Sunrise or Sunset: Where Am I Now. I’m happy to report my sun is still rising!

What’s helping me?

Here’s one thought that inspired me to keep shining this week:

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. — Samuel Ullman

Yikes! Who wants a wrinkled soul?

Staying enthusiastic is important, for sure. It plumps us up with energy while keeping our hopes filled with possibilities.

But how do you stay enthusiastic when life goes sideways?

For me, I’ve had to recalibrate my expectations.

On this dang 17-week post-sepsis adventure I’m currently navigating, I now set small goals for myself, aiming low (GULP–so foreign to me) to increase the likelihood for success. I under-commit, leave gaps in a once jam-packed calendar, and accept invitations with a wimpy, “if my body is behaving” caveat.

For every day that I’m out of the house, I allow at least one full day at home—a no make-up, stay-in -my-PJs day, with an early bedtime, and extra snuggle time (so therapeutic!) with my faithful companion, Tripp.

Each week, I do a little more, but still allow time for extra rest. I’ve learned the hard way that if I slip and overdo, there’s double recovery to pay.

I’ve also started a new journal where I jot down pressing concerns, my mood at the moment, and current activities. When I look back at my notes, I often surprise myself with something to truly be enthusiastic about: evidence of progress!

Let me be clear, though. This is not fun.

I detest this self-management game that I’ve been forced to play because of a life-changing experience that I didn’t cause and I can’t quickly cure. Last year at this time, I was beginning a flurry of eight book events, traveling, and writing weekly. I can’t imagine that pace now.

I’m not ME yet, and it’s frustrating.

But, am I going to let something outside my control affect something inside my control?

Do I want wrinkles in my soul?!

Of course not.

So I play the game. I set minuscule goals. Celebrate trivial successes. Create my own brand of enthusiasm.

And yes, heal.

How about you? What do you do to generate enthusiasm through periods of recovery or struggle? What keeps you shining? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

Thanks again for your encouraging words and patience with me in this recovery process (and new bi-weekly pace for my Thoughtful Thursdays.) You are helping me heal, and I am grateful.

And on we go.

P.S. Join me in participating (body willing) by REGISTERING for the Pathfinders for Autism Run Wild for Autism 9/29/19 OR if you can’t make it, you can still DONATE to our team that honors Madison.