talkhealth Blog

“The six W’s: Work will win when wishing won’t”- Todd Blackledge.

I’ve chosen today’s quote for one reason and one reason only. It’s the work you put in that provides you with that essence of satisfaction. Work isn’t necessarily about monetary terms it’s about reaping what you sow and putting the legwork in to get what you want from life.

Growing up my family imprinted a work ethic onto me that showed itself approximately twelve years ago. My mam in particular always told me that “There was nothing in life that came for free” and apart from receiving advice from the ones I love then yes she was right.

Unfortunately not all of us can work for many reasons ranging from disabilities to high unemployment. People think that because you aren’t working doesn’t mean that you cannot want anything for yourself however this is so untrue. We are all entitled to something from life. We all have dreams to which we wish for something great to happen. It’s the putting the wishing into practice that makes it all worthwhile.

Entering my first job as a part time sales assistant at 17 was something that frightened me incase my Epilepsy interfered with it however as time went on and job roles changed I started to realise that Epilepsy shouldn’t have prevented me from living my life and excelling in the job my employer believed I had the capability of doing.

My life should have been a priority that and gaining the independence I now have. After believing I hit my sales targets and went on my merry way.

Wishing for my condition to diminish was never going to happen. Today I’m extremely fortunate that although not shake free and cured entirely that I have been seizure free for over 4 an a half years now and are now thinking to myself that whatever episode may arise in the future that I have been very lucky to be seizure free for as long as I have.

Whilst flicking through my twitter timeline I noticed this quote and questioned my life against it. A question for you. Have you ever felt like you’re trying your best but not actually moving anywhere? I know I have on more than one occasion.

I had a moment like this at work on Friday. The build-up to Christmas is something that I long all year for. The Christmas shopping, the endless food that you seem to eat from the moment 1st Deccember hits and the smiles on everyone’s faces knowing Christmas is due to arrive is something that makes me beam with delight.

On Friday I had a moment that I haven’t had in a very long time. Within half an hour of looking at my work I felt like my heart couldn’t stop racing, that the room was caving in and that my anger levels were soaring.

Although I knew in myself that there was work to do, meetings to attend, a weekend to plan and family to ensure were feeling better I got up off my seat and threw a complete wobbler. Immediately my mind went into overdrive and I thought I was going to convulse. I didn’t shout at anyone, I walked out and was frustrated at myself. I was disappointed in what had just happened particularly when lately I know I’ve come a long way.

My immediate reaction following this was that I was behaving childish and couldn’t cope. After speaking to my work colleagues and discussing this later with my mam I realised that we aren’t superhuman and that as much as I wanted everything to be completed yesterday that evidently this was never going to be the case.

In times like these it’s not a matter of Rome has to be built on a Friday it’s a matter of accepting that you can’t be expected within yourself to do everything at once therefore should this situation happen to you then sit yourself down, breathe and tell yourself that whatever you don’t achieve can be left till tomorrow. You know why? Because there is a tomorrow.

To this day I can only put down Friday’s experience as being a mini anxiety attack so to speak. What I’ve never understood is why I allow myself to get that way. Maybe it’s what happens to us all this time of the year who knows. What I do know is that I hope not to be entering that situation in a hurry! Cue coffee time!

Yesterday we saw the end of Epilepsy awareness month in which millions of people have given their input to a personal cause very close to many of you reading this. Whether it be via social media, word of mouth or fundraising each person contributing has their own battle to face against this condition to which you should be extremely proud for providing others with that advice in order to help themselves.

For those reading this should remember that we all have to start somewhere. Whether it be looking in the mirror and telling yourself what you want from yourself, taking a chance and opening up to others or if you can’t get to that point coming onto social media and speaking to people with your condition can be the release you need. By you having faith in yourself can allow others to have faith in you.

As for the remainder of the week.

Food- Dipped in and out of chocolate so I’m not even going to lie saying I’m eating healthier. My food chart is on my fridge so today I’m making a sunday dinner with no Yorkshire puds, roasties or mash.

Exercise- This has taken a downturn too. Exercise is planned for this morning so I’ll be slimming in 6 for sure. I exercised mid week only to have my tracksuit trousers to rip down the seam. Cue embarrassing moment. Thank god only Benny was there to witness this!

Shopping- I’m nearly done. The madness of any shopping centre on the buildup to Christmas is absurd however yesterday I was on a roll! I felt like I was on roller skates weaving between the hoards of people standing there chatting over everything and nothing! Black Friday on the other hand should be called barmy Friday the amount of sodding people flapping over bargains and acting like whingey kids in the aisles is something that isn’t pretty!

Family- We are all getting there and are doing well. My mother on the other hand is living it up in NYC as we speak. Don’t worry she has a list as long as my arm therefore hoping for at least a couple of treats on her return.

To conclude today’s post. Don’t wish just go for it!

Make your day start with W however before you say anything out loud ensure that you put your best interests at heart. In times of worry focus on one thing and concentrate on that for a minute. By all means wish but help yourself in the process. Do what you can with what you have. Believe in you.

+1158

  

Saz

Overcoming worry, anxiety and learning to cope with epilepsy. I dedicate this blog to my family and to all those people out there who thought the possible was impossible. Life isn’t about doing everything yesterday it’s about finding acceptance and taking your time. This blog has been created to document my findings and to allow others to understand that they are not alone. I have tried my best to collate these concerns for others to read should they wish. The intention is to not only address my concerns of my condition however I also intend to address my daily struggles whilst giving an insight as to what my days entail.