With something for everyone, visit http://dal.ca/dalrespect to learn what’s scheduled for Respect Week at Dal, September 26 – 30, 2016.
This year’s theme is Pride. Safety. Inclusion. Cake, discussion, burgers, reflection…..
Be a part of the conversation and help advance Dalhousie as a safe and inclusive campus we can all be proud of.
I have learned (the hard way, naturally) that in order to live a Function Centred Life, that I need to ‘manage my energy;’ a shift from ‘managing my time.’ It’s about balancing my personal and professional responsibilities, needs and wants in a more mindful way. Otherwise, I fear I will drop the ball, make a mistake, make a bad choice/decision or won’t be my chipper ol’ smiley self. All of which can and will affect me at home and at work.
As a result of following this approach, there are some occasions now when I have to say ‘No.’ And as a Type A, restless, people pleaser, with generally lots of gas in the proverbial tank, it is actually a very challenging thing to do. I have also discovered it can be confusing for others when they are used to hearing a ‘Yes,’ especially when they can’t see your Pain and you don’t want them to see your Pain! I constantly grapple with finding the right words to communicate intent and reason, without causing undue stress. To complicate matters, when I am having a rough patch, the ‘No’ may come during a time when I may have otherwise said ‘Yes.’
So what is this Function Centred Life? It puts me in the driver’s seat in living with Pain. And it took me a while (and a few blunt conversations) to really understand what it meant and what role I needed to play. (Here is one version: http://prc.canadianpaincoalition.ca/en/self_management.html) By working through this approach, I feel at least more prepared for the road ahead and more in-control (most of the time, at least!).
I end this post with a quote I happened upon which I rather liked: “Don’t allow your wounds to transform you into someone you are not.” – Paulo Coelho
Take Care,
Angela
In HR, we talk about ‘Champions’ a lot. We talk about needing Champions for Recognition, for Diversity, for Change…people who are leaders, big picture thinkers, are dedicated to the cause, are not afraid to use their voice and will perform to high standards. Someone with ideas, passion and committment. There are champions in sport, health, environment, community – I am sure you can name a few.
I was referred to my Champion of Pain Management (for lack of another term) almost 10 years ago, and we’ve been together ever since. He is relentless on finding a solution, a fix, a cause…or being a source of hope. Although he is a trusted leader, he doesn’t hesitate to refer to others when puzzled. He is a respected mentor, coach and teacher. I have heard the many stories.
At first, I felt I wasn’t doing my part in my relationship with my Champion. Perhaps I was naive, scared, intimidated, but, because of my natural curiosity, I started to read how to make the connection better. Plus, I wanted to find some way to demonstrate my appreciation for his time and work. (Words just don’t cut it).
So, I put myself in the driver seat and took my role more seriously:
**ask questions, ask questions, ask questions – about everything – I learned that Doctors need and want you to be involved in your care and its through your story they are best equipped to do their jobs.
A recent visit sparked this blog as I found myself once again feeling grateful to have him in my corner. But I can’t talk about this Champion without also sharing my gratitude to the many other leaders, researchers and health care practitioners, all Champions too, that have provided guidance and support along my journey.
As fortunate as I may be, I recognize that so very many continue to struggle to find their own Champion/leaders/partners/voices. Everyday the paper, tv news or social media is filled with heartbreaking stories of cries and pleas for help and resources; people looking for many levels and different kinds of care. I remain ever hopeful for some creative solutions by all those impacted.
Best,
Angela
Dad moves into a seniors complex on Friday. It is a stressful process for anyone. I am struggling to reconcile years of accumulation with the square footage available in a one-bedroom apartment, but the equation just won’t work out. I know that the “extent to which I resist will be the extent to which I suffer” (read that somewhere), so I am trying to be more accepting and less fussy.
I am self-medicating with chocolate. Sure, it would be great if I meditated more or exercised more, but I won’t. Rather than adding to the emotion of the situation by feeling guilty about what I “should” do, I am going with it. I am conscious of what I am doing and why. I am not in a downward spiral. This is temporary and I know what I will do to get back on track next week. Just need to get through the next few days and I know I will be fine. I am making good use of the desensitizing effects of sugar to get through a trying time and I am okay with it.
Question: How are you? Answer: “Great, everything is going well, keeping busy, thanks! How are you?”
I have great relationships in my personal life. I love what I do, where I work and who I work with. I have what I need and am motivated to do well in all things. You will most always find me laughing and smiling (especially at my own jokes!).
So why do I quietly hestitate to the question “How are you”? Because like many other faculty and staff, I identified in Dalhousie’s recent Quality of Work Life Survey as grappling with Pain. And sometimes, I have my moments. And I’m conscious not to let them show.
This is my first blog of a series – and I am feeling brave about putting myself ‘out there’. My plan is to share information/resources on what works, what doesn’t (in my own voice) as I deal with a life complicated by Pain. But this is in no way meant to serve or take the place of professional or medical advice. Besides, Pain is a very individual experience.
With that being said, I’ll leave you with this article as a good read to get us started.
https://www.workhealthlife.com/Article/Read/Living%20with%20Chronic%20Pain
Angela
Oh, and a PS – don’t stop asking the “How are you”. I’m still me.