You know what JC??? I don't think that there is such a thing. I think the best we can hope for is the ability to do what we can on whatever day, in whatever moment we are in.

I have been trying really hard to find that same balance too. I rest as much as possible but, the moment I do anything I enjoy--I have over done it. Sometimes, simply getting out of bed is way too hard on me. Sometimes, like today, I have done a little baking (cinnamon rolls) and some light housework and, I feel like I am going to die right now. I haven't even made dinner yet.

IMHO, balance is really about NOT letting CP keep me from trying to do anything anymore. I could stay in bed, never do a thing, stop doing anything that hurts...However, then I would not be living at all and I might as well cash in my ticket to life on earth.

I hope you can find it...then you can tell me where you found it and how to do it!

In support!

Jan and Ducky, I am so with you all...I wish I had answers but I don't....obviously by my posts lately....I am going to read my notes that I took at the seminar I went to at my church in January about this very topic and if I find anything I will post it and/or message you.

But I do agree with Superduck, you gotta keep on keeping on and not let it ruin your day....and that is not said to make anyone feel bad...Jan you seem to have been dealt a big blow and I know it is hard. Brandi, you have too, and yet you both contribute so much to our group and our special support group too.

I am going to give this some thought, tonight...

Love to you both,

MH

JC I don't know what you are capable of doing now, but I feel I've accomplished something if I get up and just get the basics done. Cleaning myself, fixing a meal and maintaining my home to a reasonable degree.

I've learned to pace myself alot, but I can overdo it at times. I also have learned if I'm having a real bad day to treat myself good and to rest all day in the hopes that the next day or two i'll be better so I can accomplish more things.

I use to write down things that I wanted and needed to get done, knowing that they didn't have to get done in one day. That helped alot. I don't do that much any more as I have that list in my head.

I know it is frustrating that what you do creates more pain, but by pacing yourself and taking many breaks you will be able to do more. Yes this requires PATIENCE! LOL Hey I had to learn it why shouldn't you! Wahoo!

You can do this! and have a less stressful life that is more fulfilling!

Hugs,
Toni

Melinda please post your info I'd love to hear this too.

Everything that has been said! I agree with! But, I'd say your attitude is going to help you immensely, you seem a vibrant soul. Learning to get to know the new me with counseling has helped me find pace and peace, but I still get knocked down.......but I still keep getting up again too! Looks like. This is it! If it's as good as it gets, beats the alliterative! Expressed with sincere smile on my face! X

I definatly understand this one, and i've been struggling with trying to find this balance for 8 years and just recently figured out it cant be done! LOL and made myself nuts in the process.

what helped me realize this and accept was the vocational rehab doc had me make a list of everything i could ever want to get done for the day if i was healthy. Then catagorize it A: things that absoulutly have have have to get done today B: things you would like to get done today C: things that you would like to get to but could wait till tomorrow or the next day or even a week down the road

writeing down even the smallest things like "wipe down table" or "put shoes by front door" helps cause when your cheking things off you feel like you've accompished more, and you have cause its alot for us with CP

I did that untill like irocet said i have the list in my head.

I understand and just want you to know your not alone!

big understanding hugs