Life happens…and sometimes it throws you a curveball. When that happens, how do you react? Do you face it head on? Do you dive into the deep end? Or do you retreat to your safe place? Do you want to run and hide?
No major problems
Overall, I’ve had a pretty amazing life. I have an incredible family, a job that I love, friends that accept me for who I am, etc. I’ve never really been faced with many problems. No, my life isn’t perfect, but I would consider most things that I deal with are minor compared to things that some people have to handle.
#reallife happens
In May, I had a health scare that kind of threw me for a loop. I had been at a principal’s meeting and began to feel my heart pounding in my chest. My left arm started getting so tight, like it had a blood pressure cuff attached to it. My left shoulder started aching and I knew that something was wrong. My school nurse checked my blood pressure and told me that I should go to the hospital. I didn’t want to admit anything was wrong, but I kept thinking about my precious grandchildren and they are the reason that I finally went to the doctor.
Weak and embarrassed
After having several tests run, I was admitted to the hospital. I didn’t want anyone to know, not even my own children or my parents. I didn’t even let the assistant principal tell my staff what was going on for several days. I felt weak because I should’ve been able to handle the stress of my job. It took me awhile to accept that I was stressed out and needed their prayers. I really just wanted to sit in a quiet, dark hospital room with no one around. Of course, my husband stood by my side the entire time and he let my parents and children know what was going on even though I asked him not to. I was embarrassed to be in the hospital because I always prided myself on being able to handle my stress level at work. Why couldn’t I do it now?
Stress can kill you
The doctor explained that stress can kill you. You can handle it for years and then, all of a sudden, your body says, “hold on, sister! Slow down and take some time for you!” If you don’t listen to your body and change some things, it will kill you. My diagnosis was minor and can be controlled by meds, but it changed me. It really put me in a funk. I had to admit that I had to change some things and that I wasn’t super woman!
Summertime plans
Summer came around and I was super excited about having some time off from school. I had big plans to complete a few projects around the house and write several blog posts. However, after my hospital stay, I could not get motivated to work on any projects, write a blog, post to Instagram or even finish my blogging course. I just wasn’t into it. What was wrong with me? All I wanted to do was sit in the recliner, eat, watch endless hours of tv, eat some more and sleep. I didn’t want to leave the house and I wasn’t interested in being around people. I think it’s the first time I felt depression hit me. I didn’t handle it well. I didn’t get any of my projects done and I ended the summer by gaining 15 pounds, having a still messy closet and was no further along with my blog than I was in May.
Back to what I do best
It is now August and I’m back at work. I’m where I belong and things in my head are getting back to normal. When #reallife hit me square in the eyes, I think it did something to me. It made me realize that I’m not super woman. It reminded me that I am weak (but He is strong)! I realized that I need to get control of the stress in my life and that I need to count my blessings and be thankful that my health is as good as it is. I also realized that I’m not ready to retire because school is where I feel most useful. However, I know that I have got to control my stress level. It doesn’t mean that I lose control if I ask for some help. I need to remember that the school will be there long after I am so it doesn’t need to control my life. I have to remember to listen to my body and when I begin to get overly stressed, I have to find a way to deal with it.
What are your struggles?
So what is your #reallife experience that you are dealing with? Do you have problems with a relationship? Are you dealing with health issues? Are you struggling with the feeling of self doubt in the workplace? Is your eating disorder out of control?
Being a woman is tough. We have a lot on our plate. No wonder we get down in the dumps when #reallife hits. Whatever #reallife issue you are dealing with, realize that you are not alone. Reach out to someone to talk about it. Your friends won’t judge you. If you don’t want to share your problems with your family, reach out to me. I promise to listen and be there for you. I know you would do the same for me. And maybe together, we can figure out how to let go of some of the stress in our lives and realize we don’t have to be a superwoman!
Be blessed,
I completely understand!! I had a very similar experience in June!! Mine ended up being extremely low iron. I’m on supplements, but I’ve read that it will take months to get my iron levels back up. My symptoms were very severe! I think when we have been healthy most of our lives, it really does throw you for a loop when a health situation slows you down. I am STILL not able to run. I am STILL tired a lot of the time!– not fun. Hang in there, and remember that none of the other things of life matter is our health won’t let us enjoy them!! I’ve missed your blog and want to encourage you to get back at it!! I am trying to do the same!!!
Great words of advice, Sis!!! Love ya!!
I sort of had the same issues when I was teaching, taking care of Nolan, keeping his truck running, dealing with insurance, therapists, doctors and lawyers and trying t be a mom and Grammi. I woke up one day and realized something had to give. So I did retire. Nolan’s situation was not changing, yet, and the truck had to run so I let go of teaching. But unlike you, I was easily replaced. I wasn’t the leader. You are right. Listen to your body. Rest.
Gosh…..I had no idea you went through all that. These words really hit home for me Vickie!!! It’s time to let go of somethings and let God handle it!!!! He can do way better than we can anyway!!!! Love you friend!!!!
Life can sure knock us for a loop, can’t it, Vicki! I am so glad that things are better and you’ve found some peace and answers to your pain. Needing a break from stress is Universal!! You are a wonderful, kind person, and I hope you find the right “balance” in your life!
Dear Vickie, thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure many if not all the ladies who read you blog can relate to much if not all of your experiences and feelings. If you ever want to chat, laugh, or unload any burden you let me know. I and your many friends, colleagues, and family want to be there for you! You are not alone. You don’t always need to be the “Superwoman Giver”, be the courageous “Receiver” too. I feel blessed to have you as my principal but am gifted more with your encouraging generosity and friendship as well. Let’s be in it all together! That’s what Church really is! Love you. Maura
I’m so sorry you went through any of that. I’m grateful for your thoughts and opening up to help others. I can do totally relate. I don’t ever want to admit that I can’t do something or that I’m stressed. I’m reading a book right now called Uninvited by Lisa TerKeurst. Just got through chapter 1 “Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what’s been said to me.” I’m hoping to let go of the lies Satan whispers to me and the stress I heap upon myself. Thanks for your wisdomspot blog!
Great advice friend! I needed to hear it!
I have a different viewpoint of when to share about serious illness.
When I was entering a health issue I didnt tell family or friends until after tests were in and I had my first appointment with the specialist. Having this time to just focus on me and adjust myself to the situation was what I needed for me. I did not want to spend a single moment concerned about how my loved ones were doing. I chose what I needed.
It did make for a long day when I did tell family and close friends . When possible I wanted to share in person and wanted all to know on the same day. After I shared I knew for sure waiting had neen the right choice for me.
It has been a year and I have no regrets about waiting to share. Only one person mildly complained about not knowing sooner. Treatment is mostly over and Im on a lifelong check in schedule.
I am so glad to hear that you are back where you belong. Sometimes we just need to take time for ourselves but as teachers it is hard to take the time we need. I pray as the new years starts that we each take more time for ourselves and realizes we can’t do everything.
Love this- prayers for a wonderful, healthy year at the Blue Roof! May all the staff and teachers learn and have together! Funny – the boys have this idea I can make all these changes like A September start date on school board! ? I keep telling them that’s not what school board is about and I don’t make all those decisions and changes! Blair said, “Mom please don’t change anything about my school because I LOVE it!” ? makes my heart so happy to see kids loving their school and wonderful teachers and principals!!