Acceptance

Absolutely it makes sense and almost describes my situation in that I am slowly learning my limitations in the winter. I'm gradually changing how I work in that I am keeping my job that takes me out of the house to two days, whilst retraining and working for myself at home, as I find my home environment easier. Up to a point I can choose when to see clients. They rarely want to come at my worst times of day in any case. At the moment I'm not sure how this will work out, but hoping I can sort it out. I don't push myself during January at all, as this is usually my worst month. If I could choose never to have the Christmas celebration in my home I think that would suit me just fine, unless I could just be here with my dh, dd, ds. I'm really quite content with someone else taking the strain at that time of year.

Having said that, we were 15 here on Christmas day for sit down meal and 11/13 for meals on Boxing Day. I did New Year for friends, so that was 13 that night as well. Off the hook for a couple of years I hope.

Sorry, rambling.

Acceptance is one of the most important ways of dealing with this illness. I used to beat myself up about not being able to "cope" during the winter. I used to feel like I had burnt out and was physically and emotionally wiped out. Now I set myself limitations and like yourself try to only work approx 4 hours per day. That way I can maintain a bit of a normal life at home as well. Also if I need a sleep which I usually do I can have one late afternoon which gets me through till bedtime.

so that's not your @r*e then? You must be a Mr OBE! WHoops, should behave myself. Naughty OBE daring to be humorous here of all places.

You will be disappointed to hear OBE, that it isn't my profession. Not exactly sure what I should call myself.

Makes sense to me too Eccentric.

Amalthea, has you GP discussed graded excercise with you? This is very important. You should not push yourself too hard as you will hinder your recovery not help it. Pacing is also very important. This is how I have come to the position of acceptance I am at now. It took me years but I have finally got there and believe me it's like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Hi Heather,

when you say 'walking in place', do you do this at home, outside, inside, at the Gym? what? Just interested.

The ceiling in our new room is open to the roof and very high, I was wondering if I could manage to skip (jump rope?) in here!

Thanks for all your replies, I think really unless I emigrate to a sunny place I'm stuck with this thing no matter how many light boxes I try. No more pretending to the boss I'm ok when I really want to be alone, I've gotta find a career/lifestyle that gives me less social contact when I need it.