A Big Week.
It’s been a big week here in my little corner of the world.
Actually, it’s been a big fortnight.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago I was looking to change jobs. Fortunately I have been successful in this regard. I will admit that I am extremely relieved to be starting a new job next week – still within the same company, but in a different building and in a role that is much more suited to my skill set.
I suspect I might even enjoy it. This is a huge weight off my shoulders, as my previous role was a major source of stress, tension and vast unpleasantness.
My youngest daughter broke her foot about two months ago. This has been causing her a lot of pain and frustration given that she is a very active 11 year old. It has resulted in a large amount of time spent driving to and from multiple doctors, physios and medical specialists for me and my wife.
Last weekend, however, my amazing daughter made the huge mental and physical leap of throwing away her crutches and taking off her big moon boot. She was sick and tired of it all and has decided to get moving again. Her foot is still causing her pain, but now it is taped up and her mobility is improving.
My father-in-law is getting old, is very unwell and is struggling. His adult children and children-in-law have been looking after him as best we can, but this has been a challenge for him and for us. We are at the age now where we are responsible for both our own children and our parents.
Meanwhile, last week my wife had an operation on her eye.
At the risk of sharing just a few too many gory details, the surgeon drained her eyeball of its entire contents, scraped around the insides with sharp objects, stitched it all up and pumped it full of gas. This means that she needs to be lying down on her side and turning over every hour for 10 days…. As I write this we are on day 7 of this 10 day process. Five separate eye drops every four hours, plus tablets have bombed her out so much that she has spent most of the last week sleeping.
She should regain the sight in her left eye enough to drive in the next fortnight or so. She is on the mend, which is really good.
Fortunately I was able to co-ordinate having two weeks off between finishing my old job and starting my new one. I have spent this time looking after my family.
I have also spent this two week period, mostly indirectly, trying to look after myself.
Being able to deliberately not worry about some things yet being able to deal with other things has been the change in routine and change in mindset that I needed.
(Although some more sleep would be good, as would a Lotto win !!)
I do not mention all of this to complain, or brag.
I am not suggesting that what I have done in this unfortunate coincidence of illness and injury that has befallen my family is good or bad or better or worse than what you might do in the same situation.
I am merely trying to say that we all do the best we can in any situation.
As well as looking after my family, I have been lucky to snatch a few minutes here and there doing the things that I enjoy.
I have written an article or two for this boog. I have almost completed the setting up of a Calming Music Shop for this website.
I have been able to get a few musical sessions in too.
I am part of the band in a local semi-professional theatre group that has been rehearsing recently, with the shows planned for early September. I am writing this in the theatre space during my first of two visits here tonight… my 14yo daughter is in the “junior” production (rehearsing now) while I am in the “senior” production (rehearsing later tonight, after I’ve taken my daughter home, cooked dinner, then come back again).
A band I play with has been auditioning bass players and it would appear that we have found one who will fit in well… our first rehearsal with our new bass player is planned for this weekend.
I find playing music of all kinds very enjoyable, very relaxing and a great way to de-stress.
My brother-in-law is having a similarly stressful time too.
His wife (my sister-in-law) is about to have a hip replacement and his daughter (my niece) is having some not insignificant orthodontic surgery which will require hospitalisation. His job is very stressful at the moment and his father (my father-in-law) is taking up a lot of his time as well – just like it is for me and my wife. And, to top it off, he has a monster case of the flu.
My brother-in-law enjoys building things and the “outdoors”.
He has been deliberately going for rides on his bike and is taking the opportunity to renovate his bathroom.
He also is trying to find a 24-48 hour window to fit in a quick trip to Jamieson, where he also has a holiday house. Regular readers will know how much I love Jamieson… my brother-in-law loves it even more than I do.
So, again, the point I am trying to make is that when faced with tension and stressful situations, it is important to try to take some time out to do something that you find relaxing.
Read a book, go for a walk, play a musical instrument, have a soak in the bath, listen to some music – calming music or otherwise – make yourself a cup of tea then sit and drink it.
Anything to turn your mind off from the stress you may be facing, even if only for a few minutes.
This gives you, your mind and your body the time and space to calm down.
In turn, this allows you to think more clearly and plan your next move or next step logically and carefully.
So, when you have a big week or two like I have had (and like my brother-in-law as well), make sure you look after yourself.
Yes, it is stressful at the time. However, by making the effort to look after yourself, you will find that it all becomes just that little bit easier.
Thanks,
Matthew
Calming Music Blog – https://calmingmusicweekly.com/blog
P.S. We are still looking for writers and musicians. Please let us know if you think that perhaps we can work together 🙂
Photo Credit – Stephen Poff
