LIFE

Time Out...

You will probably have noticed that I've not posted for a few days.  It's called Life.  Last week, Life handed me a full plate of eye and head pains and demanded that I sit and devour every morsel.  By the end of the 'meal' that lasted several days, I feel 'sick', really unwell. My head is too big for body, my right eye is constantly tearing and feels as heavy as lead.  So, I'm not coping as I should.  Little else than the essentials are getting done and my best efforts to be a freelance writer and contemporary homemaker are under attack.

All of those lovely platitudes spring to mind - when life gives you lemons, made lemonade. The truth is I don't have the energy to make lemonade and there is no's sugar anywhere to be found.  So, I have decided that the best thing that I can do is to allow the illness to run its course and accept the dishes that Life hands to me.  Now, I'm not saying that I like doing this, but I believe that I need to stop fighting my instincts to 'get up and get on' and let my body heal.

Life often comes around and disrupts our daily schedules.  While we can organise, structure and plan, ensure that our diaries are updated regularly, when Life unexpectedly arrives, sometimes we have no choice but to take what's on offer. And that means a disrupted schedule, often an unkempt appearance and a home that's more about comfort than class.  

And that's alright.  That's fine, if you don't cope for a while, because you are human and you have a right to timeout while your body is healing. As a Contemporary Homemaker there will be days that you will not look or feel at your best.  You may work outside the home and have a job where sick leave, except for life-threatening ailments, is not an option.  Of you may have a part-time position and you need the money in order to 'make ends meet'.  And then there are those of us whose main base is our home.  This means that we either work from home as a contractor or we are the primary manager of the household. Whatever your circumstances, you may find it challenging to get some time for yourself to heal.  

TIP OF THE DAY

Be honest with people about how you are feeling.  Don't just sit in silence allow yourself to wither away. This doesn't mean that you have to brag about your illness, just be realistic about the limitations that you currently face.  Inform family, friends and even colleagues, especially your boss, of the challenges that you are facing, especially, if you, like me, have a long term condition.  It may be possible for your organisation to make 'reasonable adjustments' to accommodate you, but this won't happen if you simply don't take time out to let them know. And remember, illness doesn't define you, but what does ultimately change the way you respond to challenges, even if for a short time.  So be kind to yourself, take time out and ask for your help, when needed.  

Happy Homemaking!