Before I started getting really sick, I was lucky enough to serve as a teaching assistant and student teacher in an elementary/middle school for two years. That period of my life sometimes feels like a strange detour from what I started doing after college and what I've done off and on for the past four… Continue reading Lesson 10: Treat yourself like a child
When I fully recover from what ails me, I will credit at least 10% of my recovery to Japanese pop music. J-pop is the aggressively upbeat artificial sweetener of the music world. I was in college the first time I heard it, and there was something about it that stuck with me. You know, like candy.… Continue reading Lesson 9: Whatever it Takes
Last week I checked something off my to-do list that's been sitting there for a couple of months: organizing our workshop area in the basement. It's the kind of thing I love to do, but I needed some help with the physical part, and—to be honest—the "focusing" part. I was reluctant to ask for help… Continue reading Lesson 8: Ask for Help
I don't know whether I'm an introvert, an extrovert, an introverted extrovert, or an extroverted introvert. I've taken those online quizzes before. They haven't helped. I do know this: being around people is necessary for me. Sometimes it's difficult, sometimes it's wonderful, and sometimes it's both of those things. Before I started getting sick, all… Continue reading Lesson 7: Be with People
Remember when you were little, and learning how to tie your shoes was a big deal? Or writing your name? Or riding a bike? Or drinking from a grown-up cup? Maybe you've had children and you remember the small achievements that seemed so big to them—and to you. I have a habit of glossing over… Continue reading Lesson 6: Celebrate Small Victories
I've looked for answers to my mystery illness in doctor's offices, in books, and—big surprise here—on the internet. Sometimes I discover something helpful, but most of the time I'm left with more questions than answers. The most helpful approach has been trial and error, or a much looser and less rigorous version of the scientific… Continue reading Lesson 5: Experiment
Today I woke up with a headache, feeling slightly groggy. By mid-morning, I felt a little better. In the afternoon, I was tired and foggy in the head, but I couldn't seem to nap. My limbs started tingling, which happens from time to time. That went away before dinner. Now I'm feeling decent. Everything changes.… Continue reading Lesson 4: Everything Changes
