Last week was Invisible Illness Awareness Week , sponsored by Rest Ministries. The panel discussion was very good. If you missed it you can still listen to it at Blog Talk Radio ( Monday 9/13’s program )
During the discussion, the topic turned to house cleaning. To most people, vacuuming, doing the dishes, laundry, dusting, etc. isn’t the most enjoyable job; however, it’s not a big deal. Yet, to those of us who live with chronic pain and or illness, house cleaning is a very big deal.
Have you tried to vacuum while using crutches or a cane? Have you tried to empty the dish washer when you can’t bend the waist? Or tried dusting when you can’t lift your arm above shoulder level? Or tried to clean the tub/shower when you can’t stretch to reach the wall? Or tried to do any chores when your body is screaming out in pain?
One thing which I am learning is the difference between an “EXCUSE” and a “LEGITIMATE REASON”. Am I putting off cleaning the kitchen, because my pain is just too high to accomplish that task at this moment? Or would I rather simply put off the chore because I’d rather watch TV or be on FaceBook? If I really cannot do that task at this moment, than I need to give myself permission to rest. However, if I simply don’t want to do the task, then I need to change my thinking.
I guess I look at it this way. If I am having a “better moment” and I’m able to clean the kitchen, but am avoiding it because I don’t want to do it… then I’m not being responsible. If I really can’t do the chore at this moment, I need to give myself permission to rest and “reschedule” the chore for a later time.
One thing I’ve learned about living with chronic pain, is that I can’t clean the entire apartment in one day. Oh, I used to be able to do that, before my injury. But now, I have to break down the house work into sections and I try to do a little each day. I am also leaning to give myself permission to change the schedule, if my pain level is just too high.
Excuse or legitimate reason?
It all depends on the moment.
When the apartment is clean and in order, I feel so much better. There is nothing like enjoying a clean home. If I overdo the cleaning, than my pain level becomes too high to enjoy the end result. Being responsible includes taking into account what my body can do, and what needs to be done.
The only way to create a positive day
is to be honest with myself
as to whether I’m making excuses,
or have legitimate reasons.
Rhonda Sawtelle lives with chronic headaches and pain due to failed back surgery syndrome. Her philosophy is “Create a positive day!” She enjoys watching football (Go FL Gators; Go Chicago Bears!), digital scrapbooking, and reading. To read more about how Rhonda creates a positive day, even while living with pain, visit her blog: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com .
I was sent this site by a friend who faithfully prays for me inspite of her auto-immune illness more severe than mine. I appreciate this article so much, “Good excuse, or legitimate reason! That house is dirty”. All my friends and family always comment on our spotless home. I am conpulsive about cleanliness of our home! It just makes me feel so good to see it so nice and to hear my husband say, “The house looks really nice, honey”. However, years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyagia and most recently arthritis,(having surgery on both feet because of it). Along with that I have chronic fatigue seasonal effective disorder, benign tremors. I’m not complaining these things have brought me closer to my Lord and Savior and makes me more compassionate to others. And I give thanks for everyday with or without pain. I know other bare much more than myself. With that said, I sometimes feel guilt when my husband works all day I think he would like coming home to a nice clean home. Although he tells me everyday as leaving our home; “You rest today, don’t work too hard and don’t worry about the house.” But, I put myself into pain trying to keep up. This article helped me see things in a different light. Thank You so much. I also love this site and get so much out of the daily email. Thanks once again. Love In Christ Jesus, to all our brothers and sisters, Roxanna
Roxanna, I am so glad this was helpful. Who would have thought there would be a day when we would WISH we could so easily clean up our house as we once did, huh? I have rheumatoid arthritis pretty badly and an 8 year old son (and husband). My biggest hardship is trying to get everyone to pick up their “stuff”– hot wheels, wrappers, little part of things that I don’t know what they go to. But i could have an empty home without any family… and it would be clean… and lonely. We are both blessed to have amazing spouses, so allow yourself to rest in his grace.