It’s a hard day today, the last day of my three-month leave from work.
I know, I know, I am incredibly fortunate to have had this leave. The non-profit I work for has been nothing but accommodating and patient. I even got paid for the time (thanks to having not taken much of my paid leave for years). I got to rest, to take care of physical and emotional needs, to take a wonderful trip. My job in varied and interesting, and I have a lot of committed, smart colleagues.. What do I have to complain about?
Yet the cloud of dread billowing around me today is so smothering that I hide under the covers in bed until noon. I’m sure it’s mostly the return to work and a worry that all my emotional gains are too precarious to withstand the fast-paced demands of the job. I’ll be able to do the job, but at what personal cost?
I missed a dose of my Effexor-Wellbutrin cocktail yesterday, and that doesn’t help, of course. Without the daily dose of Effexor, I have psychedelic dreams. The colors are deep and vibrant, constantly evolving with the shifting shapes in front of my eyes. Even when I’m not asleep, I can close my eyes and see them. The images aren’t frightening at all, but they are intense, and my sleep isn’t restful.
And when I’m awake, my thoughts are compelled to revisit–again–painful, shameful memories. I remember allowing myself to be assaulted. I remember humiliations from my ex-husband. Why am I doing this? Is this just my go-to mental place whenever I have a bad feeling? Or is this anticipation of tomorrow evening’s session with E., when we will continue our processing of the assault?
The urge to hurt myself is stronger than it’s been in months. I wonder if burning myself will give me relief. But what a step backward. Besides, I’d still have to go back to work tomorrow. And the unresolved shame will still be waiting for me.
At any rate, it’s a hard day. Some days are going to be hard. I remind myself that it’s okay to feel whatever I feel. I take a deep breath and pull myself out of the bed. I take a shower, style my hair, make the bed. I make a cup of hot chocolate, spicing it up with cinnamon, chili powder and a cap of tequila. I go out and throw the ball for my puppies to chase in the snow.
These sensory pleasures open the door to calming my mind. I decide to re-read a series of Buddhist quotes to see if something feels fitting. At first I’m looking for something too specific, something that will speak to all the disparate pieces that disturb my peace today. Nothing seems to fit. I suspect I am expecting too much. Maybe I am too ashamed, too worldly, too distracted, for quiet wisdom.
And then I find the one that speaks to me today:
Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
Then I remember that, long-term, I’m learning not to hate myself. I’m learning to bring love and compassion to myself, no matter what I’ve done or experienced. That is a long-term journey, and the lessons are things I will need to learn again and again. Returning to work, facing some of my deepest shame, or whatever I’m afraid of doing, these are all just different opportunities to practice replacing hate with love.
Sage Burning 
Feliz año nuevo querida Q. I think you’ve had a significant amount of time to put into practice being kinder to yourself and more attentive to your needs and boundaries that I see tomorrow as a success already.
I hope you have a safe space to take a breather when necessary and maybe bringing a list of reminders with you of how you want things to go.
Buenas noches lovely. Be well xx
LikeLike
Gracias, guapa. I think the “safe space” is a good idea, literally. I’m going to see if I can plan a 15-30 minute retreat every day to get away from the demands of others and let myself think.
Thanks for the good wishes. Likewise I hope 2016 will bring you only good things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thinking of you and wishing for a peaceful return xo
LikeLike
Thank you – that’s my wish too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for writing this.
LikeLike
Hello, dear Q. Today is your first day back at work. I hope it is going well and that you are able to take of yourself and the Girl. Thinking of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually ended up getting an extra day because of the weather, so today (Tuesday) was my real first day back. I was very surprised to have flowers and balloons and posters welcoming me back! It was so touching. And it made it a bit easier to sit in meetings all afternoon. 🙂
LikeLike
It doesn’t surprise me at all that you were actively welcomed back by your colleagues. You seem like such a lovely person. So glad to hear it went well!
LikeLike
How did it go? I was thinking of you all day today. I’m a fan of the Buddha, and the quote you put in your post. Bringing compassion to ourselves, in any situation or circumstance, surely gives us the best shot at making the most helpful and healthy decisions for ourselves. You have so much insight now, I really think you won’t even have to think too hard of what you need to do to care for all the parts of you in work. Think about how you handled that doctor and the procedure; you didn’t need to take much time to cancel the procedure and move it to later this year. I think you will respond to any issues at work with the same intelligent and compassionate response.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a very sweet welcome back to my job, with lots of hugs and (to my surprise) festive decorations. I also had a series of meetings that reminded me it will be challenging to keep from being quickly overloaded again. Firm boundaries and time for reflection will be crucial–I hope I can make it work! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It’s such a boost to read them from blog readers who know the “real” story of how I’m feeling. So different from what I project to others at work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those boundaries are definitely crucial. I am so glad you had a warm return, I am sure everyone missed you (and not just for the work you do, but for you). I’m rooting for you and your continued efforts at those boundaries and tuning into your needs. And like you said in your ’10 rules’ post, if the job ends up not working, there are always other options and paths to take.
LikeLike
I hope going back to work went ok for you. I think on the healing paths we’re on there will always be a lot to learn. XX
LikeLike