Many say that running a home program is a marathon, not a sprint.
Pace yourself. Don't burn your energy all at once. But those of us who have run programs for some time know how important every minute is. Time marches on. In reality, we have to put it on, all our energy, and hope we can tolerate the tempo. We have to stay strong, no matter how long our programs may run.
- Number one rule for staying strong is DON'T lie to yourself. Don't pretend you are in anything less than you are...a battle for your child's life. We truly weaken ourselves by trying to make this less than it is.
- Just as important to staying strong is balance. While you may be putting every ounce of energy you have into your program, be sure you are giving each part of your program (administration, consultant, therapists, etc) approximately equal attention. I say approximately equal because one may take more time than another for a brief period.
- You have to recognize when you've pushed yourself too far. Are you forgetting things? Are your irritable more often than not? Are you starting one project and then not finishing it? Look at your priorities and see what you can cut out. You cannot do everything.
- You have to recognize when you are under achieving. We can spend so much time worrying, we don't get work done. Again, be honest with yourself as you analyze your day to day routine. How are you using your time? Chart your time spent on projects. No one else needs to know if you need some "fixin". You can check yourself and make changes.
- I've stressed this before but it cannot be said too many times. Take care of yourself. Physically, emotionally, socially...etc. You may have to schedule time for exercise or coffee with a friend but you must have breaks. You must, for instance, eat. I'm quite serious here. We can get so busy with our programs, we neglect ourselves. If you are running an extended home program, we won't be able to do it if our bodies can't hold out. And a reminder: if you are struggling with long term depression, not sleeping, or any other symptom that makes you think things are not right with you, seek medical attention. You are under so much stress. Your body feels that stress.
Dear friend, I know what it takes to keep your program running. I know the day to day details of running a home program and the toll it takes when months run on to years. You must take care. You are precious.
My heart is with you,
Katherine Lee