After much deliberation, during the summer holidays I wrote an email to my manager regarding coming back to work, and what I felt I could realistically do. As always, she was totally amazing and so understanding. She was more than happy for me to come back two mornings a week. I was so happy as I’ve been going stir crazy at home and need to focus on something else other than what I can’t currently do.
First week ☑
This First week was tough, mostly because I find it really difficult to not be my usual izzy, whizzy self. I want to be as helpful as I possibly can, but I’m so slow. Trying to navigate myself and a walking aid, while trying to remind myself to smile, and not get too distracted about what I must look like. Also, am I helping enough? as well as feelings of self doubt, I also worry that my colleagues are thinking – oh dear, well this is going to be fun… NOT.
In all honesty, everyone has been so amazing and I feel very lucky to have such a supportive team around me. I feel so welcomed. Now, I just need to work on giving myself a break and do the best I can without breaking.
What has helped me this week..
1. Getting up early to give myself time to get ready, take medication and eat something healthy and filling for breakfast.
2. Decaf coffee (I love the coffee bags from M&S)
3. Research on natural pain relief and alternative medicines.
4. Online food shopping
5. Seeing friends
6. Epsom salt baths
7. Reading like minded Blogs
I know that some find it impossible to work due to the nature of this illness, even the thought of navigating and managing work can be exhausting for some. Others, are still doing 40hr weeks and are at the point of breaking because they have no choice but to continue due to financial commitments. I love my job, like many of you do. It gives me a sense of purpose and I love to be helpful. I want to continue to do my job, but if it does become almost impossible what else can I do, other than write this blog, which is fulfilling in its own way. I hope it brightens someone day in some way.
I would love to hear about your stories with regards to work. How are you managing day to day? What works for you? What helps?
I hope you all have a great week! C x
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