Disability, Chronic pain, illness Forum

Jean,

Here's another one from me ((((((HUG))))))!!!!! We all know just how you feel sweetie. I look around my house and see things that need doing and then angry at myself because I feel like I've wasted a lot of time doing nothing. It does make you feel useless at times. BUT.....We ARE NOT useless. We can contribute to our family and other people in ways that don't require us doing something physical. A kind word, a shoulder to lean on, really listening to someone, or all the other things that make us caring people. No, we can't get everything done. The spirit is willing but the body says "NO WAY!"

I don't worry about dishes that aren't done in a day or two. I rinse them and lay them in the sink. I don't worry about a little dust on the furniture. I don't worry if the house is spic and span anymore. I do what I can when my rheumatoid arthritis is calm and nothing when it isn't. I refuse to feel guilty about doing nothing on those days when it's bad and try my best not to feel useless. Depression goes hand in hand with chronic illness. Why make it worse by blaming ourselves for something that is out of our control? We simply have to understand and forgive ourselves just as we would if it were someone else we know.

Think about it...Would you ever tell someone you know that they were useless if they had a chronic illness and couldn't get things they wanted to do done? No. I don't think any of us would. Next time you are feeling useless remember that. Take care sweetie and do what you can. To hell with the rest!