The importance of evaluating our lives and moving forward

For the most part many of my posts have been about being diagnosed with tinnitus and hyperacusis, testing, specialists, and day to day happenings.

Now we enter the 'second phase' of the journey. Where I share more indepth details about what has helped me live with hearing sensitivity due to having tinnitus and hyperacusis.

I highly recommend you pick up a notebook, daily planner, and get ready for the really tough part of the journey... TAKING YOUR LIFE BACK.

First, I want you to write down an hour by hour account of what your day is filled with. Start with the basic MUST DO like waking, brushing your teeth, eating, sleeping, caring for your child. Then NEED TO things like work. Don't forget to add any appointments you may have. I also want you to write down things you  FEEL OBLIGATED to do household chores, social events you feel you can't get out of but want too. Lastly, add  WANT TO listing of things you do and enjoy like watching a movie, spending time with family, hobbies.

No one wants to be a victim of their condition. During this phase you will decide if you are ready to take back your life or not. 

Before we start, I want to make it clear that it's okay if you realize you're not ready yet.

Acceptance of your condition is a MUST at this point. There is no right or wrong time to enter this phase.

You can slow down the process as much as you want or even stop. The important thing here is to move forward without causing as little or no flareups at all while doing it. We want you to be comfortable, not in pain, or feeling stressed like you have to do this.

Once you've made you daily list look it over and see if there's anyway you can adjust adapting it to your needs.

EXAMPLE: Could someone else help with household chores, lightening your load. You might even realize due to your health the PTA meetings might not be the best way to help your child but homework help gives you one on one time and works better supporting your child.

The object is to free up time for your health needs, reduce stress, and gain control over your schedule so that you can start moving forward in a positive way. By all means, recruit family members to help. Maybe someone else can go to the store while you grab a shower or soak to relax.

I'm a mom of THREE, and my day is never ending. Once I started this phase people began to see me and my condition differently.

They began to understand it wasn't just going to magically go away. I was seen as a person fighting a condition I never asked for and using my voice, advocating for myself was the best thing I ever did.

Please feel free to share your findings with us as you begin this phase.

wspickerman@yahoo.com