Things are tough around here. Lots of days in bed. Lots of sleepless nights. A lot of leg pain. A lot of crazy nauseated cravings. And a bit too much feeling faint.
They are really piling the work on thick right now. Doing a BA (Hons) Degree is no laughing matter. A few of the ladies in my class that I really admire for their strength, kindness, goodness of heart and work ethic are crumbling under the pressure (like thinking about getting a form for a deferral!)- so it's no wonder that I completely lost it yesterday. Sickness is not a fun thing to live with. It just makes everything 10x harder. Like- you think it's hard, then something makes it harder.I like to keep things positive on here, but without missing out the imporant downs that make the ups feel so good. So- here's to making the most of those crappy days- getting the tears out and not giving up!
Some things which have been helping me a little bit: PRIORITISE. Sticky notes on the wall. Doing your best. Planning rests. Friends who make Veggie Curry for me. A fresh sketchbook. Fresh Pineapple. Knowing that you aren't going to get everything done perfectly. Spending time on my own to re-coup. And savouring those good moments.
Like (no matter how sore you are, or who you weren't patient enough with, or how greasy your hair is) when there is always a pair of knitting needles and a kitty cat waiting for you to come home to. <3Remember the good moments, Kimxo
You're one of the bravest people I know <3
Posted by: Amy | April 21, 2012 at 06:25 AM
One day at a time :)
xo
Posted by: Rhi | April 21, 2012 at 11:52 AM
aw sweetie, sounds really tough. I like the above comment - one moment at a time - and sometimes I break difficult days into 'one step at a time' - and I have your postcards around the house to keep me on track with that! I almost took a year out of my degree between years 2 and 3. I found it so hard to find my mojo. IN the end I got it back and the rest is history...but I know lots of people who deferred and went on to have a really great year 3. ON reflection I wish I had taken the year. I forced myself through the last year and it could have been so much better. But this is all in retrospect, and we can only ever choose what is right for us at the time. I don't believe in regrets anyway, all is for a reason.
Some things that have helped me:
- wrap your body in thoughts of love and comfort
- reach out to trusted friends
- try not to isolate for too long
- journal
- take gentle exercise when able
- get a massage or something soothing like that
- watch some good comedy to trick the body and mind into feeling better
- watch crap telly (mine are Judge Judy and Border Patrol!) haha
Lots of love and hugs coming your way x x
Posted by: Nicola Tingey | April 21, 2012 at 12:48 PM
I don't know how many times during my degree I just wanted to quit because it was so hard. Being chronically ill and studying is exhausting but it means when you finish you can feel so much more proud of yourself. When I first got ill I never dreamt I'd ever get a degree and I finished my BA Hons in February ( had to do an extra term)
You can do it!
Posted by: Beth | April 21, 2012 at 12:48 PM
I know how you feel. It's all I can do to just keep moving these days. At least we are not alone in this, yes?
Posted by: Hannah Clare | April 21, 2012 at 02:21 PM
Hope you feel better soon. I spent a big part of the day in bed too, but that's because it is Saturday and possible.. Keep your head up :)
x
Marielle
Posted by: Marielle | April 21, 2012 at 02:55 PM
Thank you for writing this, I need reminding at the moment. Degrees are no joke! (and don't I know it, haha). Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: Laura | April 21, 2012 at 05:47 PM
So good to know Im not alone, hope everything will be ok for you, it sounds like you are dealing with it well though, knitting usually helps with anything!
Had a massive panic/stress/failure fear yesterday, and dealt with it by cleaning my whole room and writting a load of lists, lists can really help dejunk your brain. It will be ok!
Posted by: Charlotte | April 21, 2012 at 07:29 PM
I hope you're feeling better. I like your blog!
Posted by: Nina Rae Bishop | April 21, 2012 at 08:02 PM
i think you deal with your illness ridiculously well, 80% of people would probably rationalize it very differently ! lovely photos, as always
Posted by: samantha c | April 24, 2012 at 10:18 PM