| The phone was ringing and I couldn't find the | | | | lowest I knew the necessary tasks were taken |
| energy to answer it. I knew I should answer, | | | | care of. |
| needed to answer, but couldn't summon the | | | | If your kids are old enough you can "outsource" |
| strength necessary. I'd been fighting the | | | | some additional chores to them while you're |
| discouragement and frustration of a lingering illness | | | | healing. My six-year old was such a great source |
| for months and didn't see any end in sight. | | | | of hope and help to me. By helping me more than |
| Doctor's said I'd see an improvement within six | | | | usual with tasks like laundry, vacuuming and even |
| months of beginning this new medicine, but a | | | | cooking (she can put crescent rolls on a cookie |
| month in and nothing felt different, in fact, I felt | | | | sheet better than any other six-year old I know), |
| worse. I couldn't imagine how my business was | | | | she felt like she was assisting in my recovery. So |
| going to survive if something didn't change soon. | | | | often our kids feel helpless, like there is no way |
| Dealing with sickness as a mom is always | | | | that they can help us when we're ill. This was a |
| challenging. When you add in the responsibilities of | | | | wonderful way for her to feel needed and helpful. |
| a business it can feel downright impossible. As I | | | | Let your family help. |
| dealt with my health problems over the course of | | | | During the months that I dealt with health |
| the last year, I've found a few ways to keep my | | | | problems, my family played a crucial role in |
| business afloat while I'm healing. | | | | keeping my business afloat. My husband would |
| Schedule your time in small chunks. | | | | often take the kids out to dinner or simply |
| During the toughest weeks of my illness, I would | | | | outside to play, giving me time to rest and work |
| set daily goals like "work for one hour" and "work | | | | if I felt up to it. |
| on laundry." By giving myself small goals like these | | | | Grandma, too, comes in especially handy if she's |
| I was almost always able to achieve them. It is | | | | available and willing. Although, a neighbor or good |
| amazing how crossing things off from my to-do | | | | friend may be willing to help out when needed. |
| list helped me to feel productive. My efficiency | | | | Don't take on too much. |
| was a far cry from what it normally is, but I felt | | | | Even when you're feeling your best it's important |
| encouraged by these accomplishments. | | | | to learn the art of saying no. Know your limits and |
| It's also imperative to schedule specific times to | | | | don't go overboard - even with good activities. |
| rest. Despite the fact that I was sick, I felt guilty | | | | When you're dealing with sickness, it's imperative |
| for feeling so tired all of the time. By penciling in | | | | that you be honest with yourself about your |
| fifteen minutes or so at a time to rest, I was | | | | limits. Don't try to take on all that you would |
| freed from the guilt. It became one more item to | | | | were you well. |
| check off of my daily to-do list. | | | | When faced with making a decision about a new |
| The extra benefit was that scheduling it in helped | | | | project or other activity you're considering, write |
| my three-year old to adjust to these short nap | | | | out your schedule and take a close look at it. Can |
| times. I would lay on the couch and rest and he | | | | you afford to add anything? Is there anything |
| would sit with me and watch a movie or play the | | | | that can be cut? |
| Wii. This way I always knew where he was and | | | | Be nice to yourself. |
| he knew I was there for him if he needed me. | | | | Take the time to treat yourself to a small reward |
| Outsource as much as possible. | | | | near the end of each day. This can be something |
| My virtual assistant (VA), without even being | | | | as simple as taking a bubble bath or going out for |
| aware of it, was crucial to me during this time. | | | | fast food instead of cooking. Don't let guilt |
| She was able to take on some of the tasks that | | | | overwhelm you. Remember, the better care you |
| I do on a regular basis. What a relief to know that | | | | take of yourself, the more energy you'll have for |
| I could count on her to do the things that HAD to | | | | those tasks like cooking and laundry that now |
| be done. Even the weeks when I was at my | | | | seem exhausting. |