My Recovery Plan

1. Recognize my limits
2. Say no when I’ve reached my limits
3. Don’t feel guilty when I say no
4. Spend time doing nothing

I am working hard on #2. In the past 2 weeks, I’ve de-committed on several things I had on my too long list of activities for this summer and the guilt didn’t last long. And I didn’t sign up for anything new: I sat on my hands and didn’t volunteer at Connor’s Ice Cream Social for new incoming IB high school students when they asked for parent volunteers for the IB Parent committee. I didn’t budge when Connor’s 8th grade class needed parent chaperones to Elitches (can you think of anything worse??). I didn’t plan more fundraising events for this summer when I thought of 34 more ideas to do so.

I was forced into #4 when I came down with an intestinal virus on Wednesday evening. One of those that comes from out of nowhere and knocks you flat on your back and makes you wonder if you’ll ever eat solid food again. 4 days later and I can finally sit upright for more than an hour. Steve and I walked at the middle school track so I could get some fresh air – 2 slow laps around the track and I was beat. One thing about being sick though, is you do sit and do nothing. I’ve had lots of hours to do nothing but think….

There are things I won’t give up though; things that give me energy, things that ground me and things that bring me a sense of calm. I won’t give up exercising, spending time with good friends in good conversation, or volunteering for causes I believe in. I’m anxious to get my strength back so I can get back on my bike and ride. I am still committed to the Bike MS and riding my 150 miles to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Having been stripped of my strength from this virus, I certainly have more empathy for those with MS whose energy and strength are compromised every day because of this disease. Help me help them by donating: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=4432348&pg=personal&fr_id=10973