Thank goodness for meds.
I'm now on the couch (I know....again). I'm not totally incapable but I'm resting and warming up so I can (hopefully) get going again in a bit.
Some days, (well, most days) I consider falling on the floor/laying helpless on the couch "The Pathetic Position". It's a way I try to lighten a serious chronic condition that isn't really funny because it's disabling. What'ya gonna do? You either laugh or cry.
The thing about feeling helpless is that it is a self-fulfilling feeling. If I decide that I am pathetic today, I will be. If I decide that I'm going to have a good, productive day despite obstacles my body gives me, I do. It's mental.
Not the weakness part. If that had an ounce of mental correlation, I would NEVER end up on a dirty, hard floor. Only freshly vacuumed carpet for me :)
However, I can have a productive mindset, no matter what my body is doing.
Enter this blog. I'm weak, I'm not able to stand, walk, run, get things like that done. Here I am, getting something else done. I'm writing for myself. I'm writing for others with struggles. I'm recording this journey of life-keeping with what I have.
This isn't the only way I am productive. Let's look at some options for when you are pathetic.
1. Work on Education
From full-on accredited university programs (here are some of the top ones in the nation) to just learning a new skill on YouTube, use time when you are weak, in pain, or otherwise out of commission to learn. I've taught myself how to crochet, knit, even enhanced my cooking skills just sitting on the couch, watching tutorials and taking notes. When you can't do what you want to do, re-asses. Maybe you can do something you've never dreamed you'd have time for!!
2. Earn Money
Yup, when you are out of commission, you can earn money. Find a job you can do from your bed. I worked for years as a remote market analyst. Although I usually sat up to a desk in my home office, on really poor days I could take my laptop to the couch or bed and be just as productive at research, RFQ writing, etc. Making a professional wage from home requires some sacrifice. You have to be really good at what you do, which takes time and hard work (and education, see above). You have to provide extra value to your team and be a go-getter. You also have to not use your condition as an excuse. Don't miss deadlines, don't slack off. Most of my coworkers didn't even know I struggled. Why? Because my work was beyond reproach- it just didn't show.
Here are some other cool ways to earn money from the couch. True, they aren't all going to earn you a professional wage, but hey, if you are going to sit around, why not get a little bit of compensation?
I run Swagbucks and Earn Honey all the time. True, I'm only making pennies per hour, but if I feel horrible, letting these apps run on my computer isn't hurting me and if I make $10 a month, I can use that to pay someone to come in and clean house for an hour. DONE!
3. Become a Better You
Meditation, scripture study, prayer, reading an inspirational book, etc. There are so many wonderful ways to improve yourself. You are more than your physical abilities. Regardless of your circumstance in life, you have the ability to choose your attitude, your response to life. Do it in glorious fashion by becoming a better person. Use physical limitations to study kindness, empathy, and other attributes that will make you a joy for others to be around because despite your difficulties you are a better person. People like people who are good, not in a stuck-up way, but in a humble, teachable, caring way good. I know I do! So when life throws you lemons in torrential rainstorm fashion, study Buddha, or yoga, or anything that teaches you the difficult task of self-discipline and self-love and rejoice in the gift of being able to become better. Here is a book to get you started: Get out of your mind and into your life.
4. Serve
Become a penpal for someone in need. Whether it's an inmate looking to make a change, a member of the armed forces, or maybe just a lonely relative or friend. Writing a note to someone takes little energy or ability, but means so much to the recipient. Bonus, it can be therapeutic to talk to someone about life! Just be sure not to add to the burden of someone already burdened.
Index names for family search. People love knowing about their ancestors. Help people around the world by reading old documents, and typing the information for use online. It's an easy task, but you are making a difference recording the history of those who've lived before. It's also a great way to get some perspective on life and how quickly it flies by.
Those are just four out of many things that you can do, despite difficulties that are thrown at you. Being pathetic is a choice. You may be unable to do what you want with your body, but as a human being you always have control of your mind and you can decide to keep that going strong!
See 31 days to a Chronic Clean.
