takecareofyourself

so it was the cities Christmas market today and after a pretty busy week, I felt up to going, with the new all weather coat and my work boots (steel toes) we walked uphill and down dale, it was a bit damp but nice to get out and get some Christmas treats, and as we got back to where we parked, embaressingly, i had to be helped off the bus..mortified..when we got in the car, he asked how long have you been in pain..my answer: after the first hour..so hubby drove us home, made me go to bed (im in work tonight) and brought me pain killers and a hot water bottle. Im still learning this but..IT IS OK TO TELL SOMEONE WHEN IT HURTS..IT IS OK TO SAY "i need a rest"..christmas is only going to get busier, take time for you too xx #Christmas #takecareofyourself #Fibromyalgia #Pain

There was a time a few years ago when I would have (and often did) put my employer before my health. If I was asked to do something beyond my reasonable ability I would say yes because I didn't want to disappoint the boss or company. That mentality is partially why my health is so bad today.

Well, I am proud to say that I have finally learned to stand up for myself and to ensure my health comes before my employer's wishes. Turning 30 really did something to my brain! :)

I work as a unit clerk in a hospital part-time (two 12 hour shifts a week). I can occasionally pick up a shift here and there, but I have made it very well known to my managers that I cannot work three 12 hour shifts in a row, as it would be detrimental to my physical and mental health.

So far, this hasn't been an issue. Until now. Because we have lost a few full time clerks, my manager had to put me on Team A for the hurricane (before/during), instead of Team B (after). This happened less than a week ago, and means that I have to work and sleep here (on the floor) for as long as the storm is here. A couple of days would have been fine, but the way it has worked out they were wanting me to work today, tomorrow and Thursday, while sleeping here tonight and tomorrow night.

I knew that this would cause me a whole host of issues, so I finally stood up for myself. I informed my manager that I am part-time for a reason, and that I would be happy to work today and tomorrow, but I will not work Thursday. I anticipated push-back, but was pleasantly surprised when she agreed to work with me on it.

All of this is to say that you have to be your own advocate. If I left this job they would have a replacement almost immediately, but my health would remain the same. I love my job and don't want to lose it, but I'm only 30 and I've got a lot more life left in me.

Take care of yourselves! <3 #takecareofyourself

#CheckInWithMe

My tattoo has healed, but my heart hasn't. Michael's death was a huge trigger for me, but I'm doing my best to take care of myself. I encourage you all to do the same. Everybody has something to talk about. Take care of yourselves. Not sure how many more people I can handle losing, I'm quite tired of it. Call that counselor you've been meaning to call for the last few months, call that friend that you haven't talked to in awhile or maybe you just talked to yesterday, wave at a passerby, smile at the cashier ask them how their day is going. Don't wait for somebody else to help you or make the first move, you be the one to take initiate and do it. #takecareofyourself