Listener's Journal

[listener1987]

Hey guys! I have to be honest: At the moment I am not struggling with my diagnoses (GAD, bipolar, and depression) because of the awesome meds I'm taking. And even in the last few years, I haven't experienced bouts of chronic symptoms, thank God!


But I still have a ton of things I'm working on that affect my daily life, so I want to share my journey (journal? get it?) with you.


What am I focusing on lately? Developing very, very small routine. I have a problem with not sticking to things, so even a consistent small victory is fantastic.


I am rather proud to admit that for the last two weeks, the first thing I do upon waking is to put my retainer in denture cleaning solution, and brush my teeth. Normally I'd go straight downstairs, set my retainer on the counter while I eat breakfast (and leave it there all day,) and often not brush my teeth because I don't want to go back upstairs.


Since I've been good about this, I'm trying to think of some other things I can add. One thing I did for a while that really benefited me was staying off screens for the first hour after I woke up. I heard this saying once: "An ounce of morning is wroth a pound of afternoon." It's so true; I have much more stamina right after I wake up. Why not save my computer time for later, when I'm done with the energy-sucking activities?


So for my benefit, I want to make a list of the things I can do during that hour:

• Um, housework. I always, always have housework.
  
• Making breakfast besides cereal.
  
• Organizing a drawer or a cupboard (they're stuffed with crap to keep things hidden and give the illusion that my house is tidy)
  
• Reading inspiring or educational material (working on a book about monetized blogging right now)
  

Anything that doesn't involve screens, I can do!

 

[kgord]

I am a bit like you however, I seriously don't think I could be doing housework as soon as I get up. although I have done a bit here and there. I have thought of doing more however, or taking a walk..being on the computer is something that both excites and relaxes me so I don;t think I am going to give up my AM computer time. I do always take a break though around mid afternoon and work on some of the activities you have been talking about. I do sometimes make breakfast that is beyond cereal,,,maybe I can get points for that... :smile:

 

[listener1987]

I am a bit like you however, I seriously don't think I could be doing housework as soon as I get up. although I have done a bit here and there. I have thought of doing more however, or taking a walk..being on the computer is something that both excites and relaxes me so I don;t think I am going to give up my AM computer time. I do always take a break though around mid afternoon and work on some of the activities you have been talking about. I do sometimes make breakfast that is beyond cereal,,,maybe I can get points for that... :smile:

You certainly do get points for making breakfast! LOL! I'd love to see you start a journal of your progress too  :wink:

 

[listener1987]

I've been away the last few days, so haven't posted =) Today is my "free" day, and I'm booked up the rest of the week. Plus, things are going to get even busier as programs start up (I volunteer at church things, mostly childcare.)


I do want to share a joyful time I experienced last week. My church did an outreach event, a free "block party" that included freshly made kettle corn, a shave ice truck, tons of bouncy blow-up toys, a dunk tank, henna, face painting, live music, and other things - all free. I ran the cotton candy station, operating the machine and giving it out (mostly to kids!)


I do a LOT of childcare and babysitting, so I'm used to being the bad guy. "No." "Stop doing that." "Take a time out." (I know my tone on here sounds mean, but I'm actually a "nice mean" person and kids love me for the boundaries I set."


But that day, I got to say "Yes" to kids. They asked for cotton candy and I gave it to them and they were all smiles! It was so fun to get to be the "good guy" and not have to monitor behavior! Gave me a lot of joy. I came home covered in crystallized spun sugar and I was exhausted. But it was the most fun I've had in a while!


Just wanted to share that moment with you!