Why do I write these posts? It’s time consuming and there’s the pressure to post consistently to keep readers engaged. Every so often, someone asks me why I do it — and every so often I ask myself.
After all when you have limited energy, you have to be strategic and use it wisely. Isn’t that what I suggest here?
Maybe I’m wondering more this week because I’m taking a week vacation with my husband and I’m sick with a miserable chest cold. It’s not an MS flare, eye disease, allergies, no broken bones. Just the kind of sick even healthy people get — coughing my brains out. But as is typical for MSer’s, a virus wipes me out. My kayak lies quiet on the dock as my husband paddles away.
But don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining because it’s been lovely to be here together and mostly unplug from the routine and work of life. Then today, I remembered I had a blog to get out. Typically, I write it in advance so it goes out scheduled – – but I ran out of time last week.
So I tore myself away from reading The Bridge: the Life and Rise and Barack Obama (terrific – have you read it?) Which led me to the question I posed at the opening of this post. Why do I do this? And that’s when I figured I’d share what I realized in this process.
I write because I have heaps to say on the topic of work while living with chronic illness from decades of doing so. And I write because it’s a source of personal empowerment when my body disappoints.
I have a hunch that living in a debilitated state so much of the time can leave you needing to juice your sense of impact — your personal power — maybe more than you would have had you been healthy. — your personal power. And I know I’m not alone. Here’s a paraphrase from an email I got this week: “No matter how badly my body disappoints me, working gives me a sense that I still have something to add. I never realized how important it is until I got sick.” He’s a father. grandfather and happily married. But satisfying work is what makes the difference when his body slides down.
I don’t glorify work – – it can be toxic or just a slog. But when it’s even just satisfying, that can be enormous. And there are many ways to create satisfaction and a sense of competence even with a body that’s a source of dissatisfaction.
Do you know what gives you that juice? Can you tap into it?
Laurie Erdman says
Rosallind,
Thanks for sharing this. I totally get it. Writing is very empowering for those with CI or not. And I feel it’s an important part of anyone’s life, whether they make it public or not. Great post. And I hope you are feeling better.
Laurie
Rosalind says
Thank you, Laurie. Chronic illness and wellness – all the same in the end, isn’t it?
Jason Reid says
I think you bring up some interesting points about energy Rosalind. Living with a chronic illness for so long has made me really aware of my (often limited) energy level. Sometimes our natural response is to cut back and do fewer and fewer things that require energy.
With this attitude, it can be very easy to start eliminating the very pursuits that give us energy and purpose in our lives. When we cease to have purpose, or interest in life’s fulfilling activities, it can sap our remaining energy and damage our self-worth.
The right type of work, even if it’s volunteer work, can feed our need for accomplishment.
Rosalind says
As usual, Jason, you filled in the gaps I didn’t cover. Thanks!
Vanessa says
Thanks for the honesty about the energy. Writing is where I have gone and am going for empowerment, and am working towards the goal of income.
Rosalind says
Income is key, no doubt, and it seems as if you’ve got your priorities. I wish you well.
Aimie says
Thank you for riting this. It really helped
Rosalind says
I’m delighted to hear that!
Jennifer says
Keep writing Rosalind. You and Jason nailed it right on the head.
I’ve been reading your posts for years and find them to be very insightful and realistic.
Thank you. Love your book too.
Rosalind says
Thanks, Jennifer. I do recognize your name over the years and love hearing from you. It’s funny -I’m never sure what ‘s going to resonate with people but it’s always helpful to see waht does. Thanks for the feedback and delighted you like the book!