I am not patient enough.
I do not hand out praise lavishly.
I am not sympathetic enough.
I admit these things publicly not because I am looking for support to the contrary. In fact, I believe the reason these things don’t come naturally to me is because these are not things that I seek out or need. I admire people who can respond with just the right supportive comment when talking to Dave. Admittedly, I usually attach the caveat that “others don’t have to deal with this all day, every day” so it’s EASIER for them to be encouraging.
I admit these things publicly in the hopes that being self-aware will help me self improve a little.
Coming off of a successful work week prior to Spring Break and an amazing trip over the break, I had high hopes that things were swinging back to a more normal phase. So, this week has been a pretty big downer. No work for Dave. Counseling appointment cancelled. And these texts from Sam.
I handled the situations with Dave poorly and a little better with Sam. I am not superhuman, and I definitely am not beating myself up over this. I am just reminded that there is always room to grow. Patience, Praise, Sympathy.
xoxo,
Robyn
Goodness, we are so similar! I put it down to being a realist and a no-nonsense-coper. Also I have far more sympathy for others than myself or my own family – isn’t that terrible? Your caveat stands though; not many of us have had to deal with what you have had. Perhaps you need a little more patience, praise and sympathy yourself? Streuth, I certainly would, in your position.
N xxx
I’m with you on this – I have a hard time giving more sympathy than I myself require. I can’t count the number of times I’ve told my kids to suck it up when they got a little bump. And poor John – when he throws his back out, I just have NO sympathy for him at all because I manage to run around and get things done facing the same kind of pain.
Pay for Sam to get a massage from a clinical therapist. Here’s one I found on a search of the Association of Bodywork & Massage Professionals (which is THE association recommended by my professor). There are trigger points that could potentially be released and give her significant relief from pain without the medication. If a “muscle relaxer” is being prescribed, then a muscle treatment would be more effective at treating the cause and not just the symptom.
Mary Magnusen
Level: Certified
Newport News, VA 23606-2622
(757)286-1402