Rest

Knowing when to push yourself and when to take a rest isn't always easy to decide. I believe it is my fighting spirit and desire to do as much as I can that keeps me going. However, there are occasions when I'm exhausted, worn to a nub as my friend would say, and simply need to sit or lay down to rest. It's not in my nature to lay in bed, and therefore I find it difficult to take an afternoon nap when my body is calling for one. Being able to pace one's activities is important, and I'm far better at telling others to do this, than follow my own advice. Sometimes I get carried away, wanting to finish whatever it is that I am doing, so that I will feel some sense of accomplishment, but end up pushing myself too far. Then with my family's words of "I told you so" ringing in my ears, I end up paying the consequences of my actions. I don't push myself to the limits out of stupidity or arrogance, but out of frustration at what I am no longer able to achieve. Adjusting life to my present abilities is extremely hard, and with much reluctance on my part, I have to make changes and allowances. Mornings are the best time for me, but by lunch time, I am already past my best, like a food item that has passed its "sell by date". As the afternoon and evening approach, my energy level and abilities decline, and by 10 pm I can hear my pillow calling out my name. It's a fine line between doing all you can and keeping as active as possible without over doing things and making the situation worse.