A gentle reminder for all those who need it
At the start of every year, there’s always talk of goals and resolutions. What are you going to strive for? What’s your new year’s resolution? Whatever change or plan someone has decided, it usually starts off strong, but things happen, and before long motivation loses its steam. When that momentum becomes disrupted, it can be hard to get back on track and in the swing of things, which can negatively affect how we feel. And while it’s disheartening, it doesn’t have to be the end.
Because at the very least, you can say you made it to the end of the year. And yes, I know that sounds pretty deep compared to a simple new year’s resolution goal, but it’s still important. Things are becoming more difficult each year as time goes on. An ongoing pandemic definitely constitutes as a constant obstacle. One that’s not exactly going away anytime soon.
And then of course, there’s the stress from other things going on in our daily lives, whatever those may be. All of that is overwhelming. So when we do manage those victories, no matter how big or small, they’re still significant and we should let them count as such.
The purpose of me writing all this isn’t for it to just be some inspirational post about never giving up and thinking positive thoughts. Goodness no, I’m writing this because it’s something we should really keep in mind for ourselves. And with the upcoming winter, and new year, approaching, now is especially a good time since seasonal depression is in full swing along with busy holidays.
Now take a moment to consider, really consider, what accomplishments you’ve made this year. Whether it’s taking care of appointments, sketching a few parts of your artwork, finishing a series (book, manga, tv show, take your pick), or making a meal when you’ve had the energy, those should be remembered. Especially when good days may not always come as often as we’d like.
And, if you’d like, share these achievements with those close to you. It can be nice, maybe even reassuring, because you don’t feel completely alone. But don’t make comparisons or hold one success above another. These are your victories and they’re all just as precious, so be proud.
I mean for me, the fact that I was able to get this blog off the ground is something I feel good about. Despite only posting once a week when I can, this is an accomplishment I’m proud of myself for. I’ve wanted to start for a couple of years but didn’t know how until I eventually just dove in headfirst on my own. Sometimes that’s all it takes, but beginnings can also be hard too.
One goal I’ve tried to be consistent with since I started actively writing again, was to write at least 100 words a day. Anything counted, whether it’s a personal vignette, blog post, or story, just as long as I could write something. And I have. Of course, I’d like to write as much as possible, preferably with the word count being in the thousands, but it’s not always easy and that’s okay. I’ll take what I can get.
I’ve also started a new drug to help with my SMA. It’s called Evrysdi and it’s a medicinal liquid I take orally once a day. It’s supposed to make me stronger since it delivers proteins my body doesn’t have enough of. Things have been going fine overall, despite falling in the 17% of people who experience an upset stomach as a side effect. While unfortunate, and annoying, it’s manageable at least. I haven’t noticed any significant changes or improvements, but it’s only been a month, so it’ll take some time until anything really happens.
Any sort of medical appointments and related phone calls that I’ve made this year, I count as small wins too because those are exhausting. Everything I’ve listed, I accept as progress for myself.
So as the year draws to a close, this is something I wanted to make note of and essentially tell myself and others personally. Making note of the pieces of positivity is good to keep in mind for every day that passes because with each problem that rears its head, it’s another battle to be fought or thing to add to the ever-full list of stuff to handle. If there are more positive moments to remember, it can hopefully at least help a little when going forward.
Any accomplishments you’d like to share can be posted down below, but regardless, I’m still happy for you. And I’ll more than likely post updates every so often regarding the new medicine, especially since everyone has a variety of different results and reactions to it. Also, I’ve heard mixed answers about the taste, but for me, it’s like a strange, sugary fruit punch. That’s the best way I can describe it. But if you’d like to ask me questions about it privately, then you can send me an e-mail at thedisableddryad@thedisableddryad.com
Now that we’re in the last month, let’s get to the finish line of 2022 ~So Says The Disabled Dryad~
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