"I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost
300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.
I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Michael Jordan
September 30, 2013
I Always Called it Dumb-Ball
Football lovers beware, this post will offend you.
I have never liked football, in fact I have always called it
dumb-ball. Why? Because I could not, and do not, understand
the appeal of watching big dudes, many of them grossly out of shape, run into
each other with their heads. I never saw
this as sport, and recognize that in a three hour game, each player actually
moves for about 6 minutes. How athletic
(I mean pathetic).
Okay, okay, simmer down.
I can see that some of them are sweating under those helmets, and to be
honest I don’t even understand the game.
I should not knock something I have not tried, take no interest in, and
don’t get, but alas I will continue.
I think the recent NFL player award of $765 million for those
with brain injury resulting from football proves my point. According to one article, “under
the settlement, individual awards would be capped at $5 million for men with
Alzheimer's disease; $4 million for those diagnosed after their deaths with a
brain condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy; and $3 million for
players with dementia”. They indicate
that there are 18,000 players affected (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000235494/article/nfl-explayers-agree-to-765m-settlement-in-concussions-suit).
Other articles talk about this as a “drop in the bucket” and
an award very unlikely to have any impact on the NFL at all. I know that the economy lives on supply and
demand, and it somewhat saddens me that there remains a “demand” for this type
of sport via spectators that pay big bucks and derive pleasure from watching
this idiocy.
I love this article from Grantland: What Would the End of Football Look Like? (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7559458/cte-concussion-crisis-economic-look-end-football). In this, they speak of pending football
lawsuits and that the end result is that “more and more modern parents will
keep their kids out of playing football, and there tends to be a
"contagion effect" with such decisions; once some parents have second
thoughts, many others follow suit.”
I can tell you that I work with people with brain injury,
Alzheimer’s Disease, concussions and post-concussion syndrome. These are not easy injuries to live with, or
to treat. Dizziness, visual disturbance,
excessive fatigue, cognitive difficultly, physical and emotional challenges…not
fun. Why as a parent would I sign my
kids up for that, or the likelihood of that, when there are other sports like
tennis, volleyball, swimming, baseball and golf that are more classy, often
more athletic, and clearly more safe?
What is interesting is that a few years back I was at a
conference on Spinal Cord Injury. At my
table, there was a researcher from the US.
He was talking about impact data being collected from sensors inside
football helmets. He said they were
astonished at the high velocity of impacts being measured, and said the numbers
were so severe they “could not even release the data as the outcome would
result in public outcry and a drastic change to the sport”. Well, we wouldn’t want an outcry, would we?
The bottom line is that society’s values are changing. Parents are going to be less and less
interested in exposing their children to sports that are more likely to cause
injury, and to have long-term disabling effects. Sorry dumb-ball, I think your days are
numbered. Golf anyone?
September 27, 2013
Weekly Mind Bender
Two mothers
and two daughters go shopping. They have $21, which they split equally between
them. How can this be possible?
September 26, 2013
A Lesson on Leafy Greens
September 25, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
“When pain brings you down, don't be silly, don't close your eyes and cry, you just might be in the best position to see the sun shine.”
Alanis Morissette
Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First
If you have ever traveled by air you are familiar with the
drill. Instructions on how to buckle and
unbuckle your seatbelt, where the life vest is located, emergency exits, and
“should cabin pressure change, an oxygen mask will fall from the overhead
compartment...passengers should always put on his or her own mask before
assisting children, or a disabled passenger”.
I read a mommy blog the other day that called this the
“airplane example” and the writer related this to how moms should approach
motherhood. Ultimately the message is
this: as a mom, put your own health
first because you are useless to your kids and spouse if you ignore your own needs. Really, you can’t help a child with an
emergency escape from a crashing plane if you pass out helping them with their
mask.
While I do agree that mothers (and fathers for that matter)
need to consider their own needs in providing for the family, this is also true
of people that provide care to a disabled person. My experience is that often caregivers do not
really “elect” that role. They are not
trained to be a caregiver, and really just try to do their best with the skills
and resources they possess. However,
where many fall short is maintaining their own health and well-being in
dedicating their physical and emotional time to another person: a person with
challenging and multiple needs. The job
of a caregiver is often 24 hours, and resources don’t often permit, nor does
the government provide, sufficient relief from this responsibility. Caregivers are often sleep deprived, suffer
from muscle and joint pain in fulfilling their role, and can become isolated
and depressed due to the changes they have made to take on these new
responsibilities. Sound familiar? This very closely mimics motherhood
(especially for new moms).
The answer? Put on
your own oxygen mask first. What can you
do to breathe easier? What helps you to
feel clear-headed, energetic and optimistic?
What gives you that ability to stay positive, appreciate and take on
your responsibilities with some enthusiasm?
The answers are often different for all of us. In the end, figuring out how to wear your
oxygen mask first requires you to be honest about your abilities and skills, to
utilize the resources available, and to ultimately ask for help if this is
needed.
And for us health care professionals? We need to be very careful of the responsibilities
we place on caregivers. This is
especially true in the medical community where we repeatedly discharge people
into the care of family, without family really knowing what the
responsibilities will entail. As health
care providers our responsibility is always to the client, yet we need to take
that extra time to check in with the caregiver, talk about how they are coping
and managing and if needed, offer them an oxygen mask.
September 24, 2013
Heads Up! Be Aware of Concussions
Hockey season has arrived.
Boys and girls, men and women of all ages are already lacing up for
tryouts and practices. No matter the age
of the player, concussions in hockey are always a risk due to body contact and the
fast, hard falls that can occur. The
following video created by Think First discusses how parents and coaches should
handle hard hits or falls and what signs to look for if you are worried about a
concussion. Think First encourages you
to play safe!
For more information visit Think First's website, www.thinkfirst.ca
September 23, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life."
Steve Jobs
Alzheimer’s Disease
I learned early in life about the perils of impaired
cognition. I worked for Scotiabank for
many years as a customer service agent. In
this role, I would assist many clients who I now assume had dementia with their
finances. I remember having to call family
when one elderly woman replaced her visa card six times in one month. The family found them all in the lettuce
compartment. Or, the other lady that
paid the same roofer three times. She
was being taken advantage of. In school,
I read the book “The Man That Mistook His Wife for a Hat”. What a great way to understand dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease.
It is national Alzheimer’s week so I thought I would take
some time to talk about this very sad and difficult illness. Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias,
impact 1 in 11 Canadian’s over the age of 65, with three quarters of these
being females. It is expected that
within a generation, this will double, to around 1.3 million people (http://www.alzheimertoronto.org/ad_Statistics.htm).
Signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia include:
Judgment: such
as forgetting how to use household appliances.
Sense
of time and place: getting lost on
one's own street; being unable to recognize or find familiar areas in the home.
Behavior: becoming easily confused, suspicious or fearful.
Physical
ability: having trouble with balance; depending
upon a walker or wheelchair to get around.
Senses: experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to
temperatures or depth perception.
Assessment
of this is often done medically by eliminating other factors that could explain
these problems (such as poor sleep, medication use, other conditions, stress,
etc). Also, an Occupational Therapy Assessment in the home is very helpful at
determining how the noted problems are impacting function, how these can be
addressed or treated, if the person is safe to be at home (with or without
supports), and what care is required.
Following the assessment, the Occupational Therapist can make
recommendations regarding devices, strategies, and supports that can help to
reduce the impacts of the disability, improve safely, promote independence, and
ensure the caregiver is trained to provide the necessary support. Such suggestions could include ways to:
- Remove hazards at home.
- Prevent unwanted wandering.
- Safeguard medications.
- Reduce physical barriers that impact mobility.
- Improve visual perception through aids, devices and care techniques.
- Reduce against risks of unsafe food and beverage preparation or consumption.
As
with most things, early diagnosis and intervention is key. Seek medical attention and ask for an OT
in-home assessment to gather information about how to improve function, and to
safely prevent premature losses that can result from lack of information about
the condition and its management.
September 20, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
George Bernard Shaw
Weekly Mind Bender
The first is needed to make quotes you see, and it often sticks up when it's time for noon tea.
The second's biggest distinction is found, bearing the symbol of love that is bound.
The third should be biggest but that can depend, never standing alone or it may offend.
The fourth is oft used when making a selection, or if you should need a gun for protection.
The fifth is the fattest and oddest by far, and can sometimes be found in a wrestling war.
What are they?
The second's biggest distinction is found, bearing the symbol of love that is bound.
The third should be biggest but that can depend, never standing alone or it may offend.
The fourth is oft used when making a selection, or if you should need a gun for protection.
The fifth is the fattest and oddest by far, and can sometimes be found in a wrestling war.
What are they?
September 19, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration -- Terry Fox
Earlier this week, millions across the world took part in the annual "Terry Fox Run" to raise funds for cancer research. Terry started his "Marathon of Hope" in 1981, but died before finishing his cross Canada trek. Terry's spirit has inspired others to carry on his legacy and the annual Terry Fox Run has become the world's largest one day fundraiser for cancer research. See more about this inspirational Canadian hero here.
Don't Forget The Broccoli!
Broccoli has long been hailed a fantastic food for many
health reasons. New research from the
U.K. is showing that broccoli can help to ward off painful and sometimes
debilitating arthritis. Check out the
following article from Web MD on the latest research and remember to "eat your
baby trees!"
Web MD: Broccoli Could Help Fight Arthritis
Web MD: Broccoli Could Help Fight Arthritis
September 18, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key."
"Already Gone" by The Eagles
Find on iTunes
Julie’s Picks
I will be honest. Most
of my “leisure” reading is in the form of MBA textbooks, online research, and
class notes. However, every once in a
while I get the chance to pick up a book that I would consider “interesting”
even if still relating to my job as a health professional, my interest in
wellness, or my role as a business owner.
Instead of trying to summarize these books in a book report, I thought I
would provide “Julie’s Picks” for great reading about business, health, and
keeping things in perspective.
How Will You Measure Your Life – Clayton Christensen. My entrepreneurship prof recommended this
book to our class. And what a
treasure. This is a quick read, and
relates business strategy to relationships.
My favorite part is when the author talks about how as parents we need
to make “deposits” into the bank account that is our children. Without regular “deposits” we will have
nothing to withdrawal when we need it.
We cannot expect our bank account to be plentiful if we have not added
to this over many years. This is a
lesson I have carried forward into my own life – even if it is just pennies a
day, I need to build my fortune with my children and spouse now, so my
relationships are rich later.
Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg. This is a wonderful book about women in
business. And not a girly book. Sheryl
has experienced immense business success in the male-dominated corporate world
and talks about how women need to “sit at the table” and “lean in” to their
careers while encouraging husbands, dads and partners to “lean in” at home.
The Fire Starter Sessions – Danielle Laporte. A friend, and fellow entrepreneur, suggested
this book. Not only is it funny,
informative, and forthcoming, it has worksheets after each chapter that
encourage reflection, goal setting, and some deep thought. The quotes in this book are inspirational,
while also being somewhat unconventional and often “hit you in the head”
obvious. Danielle asks you to explore
how you want to feel in life and then encourages you to do those things that
make you feel that way.
A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle. This book was the topic of an earlier blog. As the book used for a post-program study for
Hamilton’s Chronic Pain Program, I witnessed the impact this book had on people
who were experiencing significant disability.
I read this in awe. While having
some very heavy content, this is mixed with practical and real stories that explain
the importance of “presence” and highlight how people need to transform
negative into positive thinking in order end conflict and suffering.
I will continue to share my picks as I find them. Please feel free to also share yours.
September 17, 2013
I Just Got In An Accident... Now What?
Car accidents, unfortunately, are a common occurrence. From fender benders to large collisions and
pedestrian accidents, it can happen to anyone, anytime. Are you aware of the right steps to take
after an accident? The following from
the Insurance Bureau of Canada gives you step by step tips, and even a
checklist to keep in your car just in case.
September 16, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
“It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.”
Terry Fox
Terry Fox – The Legacy Continues
“It took cancer to
realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try
and help others.” Terry Fox
I was 5 when Terry Fox began his epic journey across
Canada. I remember watching this on a
television with bunny ears and no remote.
He would run in the rain, fog, and cold, with his prosthetic limb and
very distinguishable gait. Even in a
world without the internet, Facebook, email and Twitter, news of his journey
spread and touched millions of Canadians. Unfortunately, Terry died before he
could complete his journey, at the way-too-young age of 22.
What I find so incredible about Terry’s story, however, is
that it didn’t die with him. Even 33
years later Canada remains committed to continuing his legacy through education
about Terry, his disease and his mission, and by continuing to promote and
encourage others to run as Terry did, and to donate. My children will again participate in the
Terry Fox Run this September, as I did in school before them.
According to the Terry Fox Foundation, to date they have
raised over $600M for cancer research.
But above the massive amounts of money raised, and the heroic action of
being one man, all alone, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for an important
cause, Terry set an example. He became a
poster-boy for overcoming challenges and to have hope. He paved the way for others (Rick Hansen
included) to do epic things to raise awareness, and money, to fight for
important causes. He demonstrated, as his
quote indicates, that being self-centered does not progress a Nation, nor does
it raise a generation of loving youth committed to the greater good. The answer is to help others. In some way, or some form, to give back and
make your existence matter. This can be
as simple as a kind word or friendly gesture, or as significant as donating
time, money or careers to worthy causes.
We have a lot to learn from Terry Fox – still – even if he is only here
in spirit to teach us.
September 13, 2013
Weekly Mind Bender
I'm light as a feather, yet the strongest man can't hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?
September 12, 2013
Go Nuts for Nuts!
Nuts have long been hailed as beneficial to your
health. Despite the recent rise in nut
allergies and stricter regulations in schools and public places, there are many
who are able to continue to consume nuts at home and in the work place. The following article by The Daily Meal
discusses the best nuts for your health and the benefits you can reap from
indulging in these tasty snacks!
Daily Dose of Inspiration
After losing his parents, this 3 year old orangutan was so depressed he wouldn't eat and didn't respond to any medical treatments. The veterinarians thought he would surely die from sadness.
The zoo keepers found an old sick dog on the grounds in the park at the zoo where the orangutan lived and took the dog to the animal treatment center.
The dog arrived at the same time the orangutan was there being treated.
The 2 lost souls met and have been inseparable ever since.
The orangutan found a new reason to live and each always tries his best to be a good companion to his new found friend. They are together 24 hours a day in all their activities.
They live in Northern California where swimming is their favorite past time,
although Roscoe (the orangutan) is a little afraid of the water and needs his friend's help to swim.
Together they have discovered the joy and laughter in life and the value of friendship.
They have found more than a friendly shoulder to lean on.
Long Live Friendship!!!!!!!
I don't know...some say life is too short, others say it is too long,
but I know that nothing that we do makes sense
if we don't touch the hearts of others... while it lasts!
May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And Friends who Care...
...even if they are a little hairy at times.
September 11, 2013
Evolve or Die
A few years ago I volunteered at Hamilton’s Chronic Pain
program by assisting with the after-program book study. This involved a group of program graduates
getting together weekly to read and discuss the book A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
I was amazed at the transformations in attitude, beliefs and thoughts
that came from people reading and discussing this very impactful novel. In fact, some of the benefits we witnessed,
and the things people discussed were revolutionary, and I would even argue evolutionary.
Recently I picked up this book again. Despite some heavy content, some of the
examples are life-changing and the messaging vital. In one section of the book, Eckhart talks
about the need to “evolve or die”. How
true. In fact, this is always our choice
when faced with any change, uncertainty, or interruption in how we manage. People seem to so strongly fight change, but
change is both constant and inevitable.
Why resist?
I have witnessed hundreds of people in my career that were
faced with this same challenge – evolve or die. The ones that were able to overcome adversity,
who could find, cherish and expand on ability, who were open to suggestions,
coaching and change, faired far better than those that resisted, clung to the
past, and refused to adapt. I remember
one client, many years after her accident, talking to me about her chronic
pain, depression, and physical appearance.
She said “I used to be a gymnast”.
My response was, “So was I – 30 years ago”. She laughed.
Identifying that she continued to live in the very distant past helped
me (and her) to understand where she was getting stuck, and explained why she
was not progressing in the rehabilitation process. Once she could accept her new “normal”, she
started to make significant progress in resuming things she used to enjoy, while
also finding new meaningful and productive activities she never imagined trying.
Here is an example that relates strongly to my role as an OT who
works with people who are suddenly and significantly injured in an auto
accident (page 57): “whenever tragic loss occurs, you either resist or you
yield. Some people become bitter or
deeply resentful; others become compassionate, wise and loving. Yielding means inner acceptance of what
is. You are open to life. Resistance is an inner contraction, a
hardening of the shell of the ego. You
are closed. Whatever action you take in
a state of inner resistance (which we could also call negativity) will create
more outer resistance, and the universe will not be on your side; life will not
be helpful. If the shutters are closed,
the sunlight cannot come in”.
So, given the choice between evolve or die, let’s not only
choose “evolve”, but let’s also make an effort to live that way. Evolution is difficult – it requires an open
mind, hard work, and a positive and accepting attitude. It often needs people to accept new opinions,
ideas and even help. This is not our
nature, but if we can wrap our head around the fact that we are “evolving”, it
makes challenges seem surmountable. It
can let the light in.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"When your day is long, and the night, the night is yours alone. When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on..."
"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
Find on iTunes:
September 10, 2013
Ah The Good Old Days
Author Toni
Bernhard had the life she always wanted with a good career and family life,
until 12 years ago she was struck with illness and had to give up a great
deal. Toni learned to adapt to her new
lifestyle, however, finds herself from time to time suffering from what she
calls "The Good Old Days
Syndrome" which often brings on sadness and depression. Good Old Days syndrome can strike when
reminiscing of the past or feeling nostalgic.
Bernhard states that "romanticizing the past can make us feel bad
about the present." Although it is
good to take trips down memory lane from time to time, it is good to remember
that you live in the present, not the past or future, and it is so important to
make the most of each day we have.
September 9, 2013
Do You Value Your Health?
Cinderella (the band, not the princess) is right…”you don’t
know what you got til’ it’s gone”.
Perhaps you have to work in health care, or experience ill health, or
watch a friend or family member go through a medical problem to appreciate how
important wellness is.
Several months ago I attended a seminar. Towards the end we were asked to rate our
five most important values from a list of 35 words. Most people rated things like “success,
honesty, trust, happiness, family, integrity”.
These are all things I also value, but what amazed me was that I was the
only one in the seminar to put “health” on my list. What?
These people don’t value their health?
Not really, it is just that when you are well, the concept of “health”
is off your radar.
Now there is a difference between valuing your health on
paper and actually living that way. I
know, despite having a health problem that can at times level me for days, I still
take my health for granted. Just like I
take it for granted that my car will start each morning, hydro will stay on,
water will be clean, and that my community is a safe place for my family. Perhaps knowing what you take for granted is
the first step to not.
But the question remains, if you value health, then do you
live that way? Or, if wellness is not on
your radar, should it be? The secrets of
wellness are well known. Exercise your
mind and body by engaging in daily physical and cognitive challenges. Consider meditation. Analyse your diet and pick out the weaknesses
so you can slowly improve your eating to reduce your risks. Look at your stress. What causes this? Can you safely sustain the demands you are
facing? What are your coping mechanisms?
There is now so much information available online and in the media about
health, and while this can be good (depending on how much time you have to sort
through it), it is also overwhelming.
But I truly believe that we all know when we are making bad health
decisions. We don’t need the internet,
magazines or television to tell us what we intuitively know we are doing
wrong.
I am going to assume that everyone values “health” but I know
not everyone lives that way. Maybe it is
time that we all visualize a life without our health to appreciate this and to
make positive behavioral changes. After
all, integrity, honesty, success, family and happiness are difficult to value,
if one is too ill to enjoy them.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
Helen Keller
September 6, 2013
Weekly Mind Bender
Mom and Dad have four daughters, and each daughter has one brother. How many people are in the family?
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly."
Lanston Hughes
September 5, 2013
Men Are From Earth... So are Women!
It has been well discussed over time that men and women are
different. The classic "Women are
from Venus, Men are from Mars" approach has pointed out the many
differences between men and women, boys and girls alike. However, the following article from psychology
today points out the many similarities or "overlaps" of men and women
and suggests that focusing on the similarities, and not just the differences,
can help to overcome the behavioral differences we often observe.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
Diana Nyad, a 62 year old endurance swimmer recently accomplished her lifelong dream of an 111 mile swim from Cuba to Florida through shark infested waters. After 5 attempts, Diana has accomplished this incredible feat and shared her wisdom with the world: "You're never too old to chase your dreams."
September 4, 2013
Pin the Tail on the OT!
I dream of the day when Occupational Therapy (OT) becomes an
understood profession and is a conversation at the dinner table (“maybe an OT
could help?”). I feel that the internet,
Facebook and You Tube will help this to become so. I love the inspirational videos and stories
that are being posted online. Stories of
people overcoming adversity, showing how attitude and ambition mixed with
creativity can conquer challenges and overcome barriers. I thought instead of talking about OT, I
would show its power.
Watch this video and know that OT is:
- Helping people to maintain a positive attitude, and to have hope, despite personal circumstances.
- Overcoming the “can’t” to become the “did” – no matter what that “did” looks like.
- Showing people how to open the door of a fridge, car, microwave and building when they can’t use their arms.
- Providing equipment to facilitate driving when the traditional steering wheel, gas and break, cannot be used normally.
- Teaching people how to use a computer, and designing a conducive workstation, when their use will be unconventional.
- Designing, sourcing, and providing equipment to facilitate independence in: eating (or dressing, grooming, showering, anything), lifting and carrying personal items, washing a car, or managing in the community.
- Helping people with unique challenges to find a suitable profession, secure a job, and sustain work.
- Creatively solving problems to participation (i.e. riding a bike).
- Fostering mental health through participation, engagement and function.
- Reducing dependency on others through facilitating independence in daily activities.
These are just a few examples. Really, OT is everywhere. Many people actually “OT themselves” by
finding new ways to overcome challenges.
We all might do this every day even if we are not disabled. OT is a great profession – why struggle to
solve problems of function, take longer than needed to complete tasks, rig up
unsafe solutions, or become unnecessarily dependent on others? Consider OT.
We are here to help, and love nothing more than sharing our skills and
knowledge.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
“Let me fall, let me climb. There’s a moment when fear and dreams must collide.”
Josh Groban: "Let me Fall"
Find on iTunes:
September 3, 2013
Homework Help Guide
There is a great debate among parents, educators and the
general public on the validity of homework and whether or not it is too much
for our young children. Many feel that
school work should only be done at school and we should let kids just be kids
once the school day finishes. Whichever
side of the fence you sit on, depending on the school board, individual school
or teacher, homework may be a part of your child's life ... and yours. It is natural and good for parents to be part
of their children's education and helping with homework is a great way to be
involved. However, parents need to know
when to step in and help and when it's time to step back and let your child
complete the work on his or her own.
Homework is a great way to foster independence and self esteem, if you
handle homework time right. The
following article from Today's Parent gives great tips on when and how to help
your children succeed without becoming overly involved.
September 2, 2013
Stress-tember
Apparently September is second only to December on the list
of the most stressful months. Why? Because it is a month of reorganization, a new
schedule, and change. For me personally,
September is a period of “adjustment” as the routines of the summer (or lack
thereof) dissolve, and new patterns emerge.
I always start with the best intentions. I make and post signs to cue my kids to my
expectations of them in the morning and after school. Alarms are set to make sure that people are
getting up, dressed, and to the bus without skipping breakfast. A lunch chart is made (by them, with
parameters of course) so that I can shop for the food they will eat, and know
that most of the stuff I send won’t return uneaten. Closets are cleaned and organized, and their
clothes have been inventoried, shuffled, and replenished as needed. The fall and winter gear have been surveyed
to see what is needed before the first cold-front strikes. My husband and I have had “the talk” about
who is doing what, who is working when, and who will get the girls here, there
and everywhere. Everyone has been
registered for all their fall activities, after checking our calendar and
determining that we, as two parents with four kids, can manage the organized
chaos that is extracurricular activity.
Okay, I see why September is stressful.
There are many ways to try and manage the stress that is
created during this period of transition.
Personally, my planning for September starts in July. Yes, it’s true…our kids are barely out of
school and I am planning for their return.
Similar to planning for Christmas I suppose, being ahead of the crowd
can go a long way. For example, stress
can be reduced when a list of “to dos” is created, and time is set aside, week
by week, to accomplish each task.
Involving the kids in the planning is not only a valuable way to
delegate some of the responsibility, but also a way for them to learn the
skills of organization, and to be part of the return to school process. For example, our kids clean their own closets
and inventory their own clothes, they sort through the school supplies from
last year, and they always come shopping with us for back to school items as
this reduces the returns.
But like joining a gym, these new routines will be difficult
to maintain and it will take perseverance, dedication and effort to try and
develop and sustain the new schedule and any accompanying mental, emotional,
and physical anguish that comes from change.
It will take at least four weeks for the stress of the new schedule to
subside, and for everyone to find their groove.
This is the part I call “adjusting” and is defined as the time when I
get quiet, more focused, and need some extra sleep.
But even more important than planning and organizing early,
is knowing what you are capable of handling, and making sure you do not bite
off more than you can chew. Everyone
varies in their ability to plan, organize, look ahead, and tackle change. If these are struggles for you, then take it
slow, reduce the demands, start early, and ask for help. After all, soon after we survive
stress-tember we be engulfed in the most stressful month of all – dread-cember:
my personal nemesis.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Harriet Tubman
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