‘Just do it.’ (thank you Nike) Choosing to say no to someone and yes to my own needs was difficult. Already packed after agreeing to a visit to my younger brother’s new lake house, one where I’ve never been and am unlikely to visit due to PTSD issues, my email went out this morning:
Stevie,
Spirit is willing, body is not. Not sleeping last two nights, and chest is tight with real concerns over the many challenges of taking a trip. Can’t be anywhere but home, and near familiar medical services too. My body can become very ill overnight. Last time over a red pepper flake. Sick for two weeks needing an antibiotic. Also, long car rides are hard and scare me.
But more so, my being is not home inside myself unless home. I become disconnected easily.
I want to so much, my bags are already packed, pills for morning and night and other stuff to keep it running right.
Did this to Shane too. Booked a week in the woods and had to bow out.
I must accept my limitations with a little grace. Just can’t do what comes so easily for others. A life of cortisol bursts, and adrenaline rushes over simply someone coming up behind me causes a blood curdling scream to escape my lips taking a long while for my body to calm down. That drains a body over time, and mine is such.
I am content, and happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life. So I am OK. But I cannot take this on no matter how much I want to. It is just too much. It’s only been about three weeks now where there’s been better sleep. Upsetting the new miracle of good sleep on most nights is too risky.
Samuel wants to come despite knowing how hard it is for me. It is hard for others to understand. But I need to take care of my body.
Love you,
Patricia
My body unwound, shoulders relaxed, and the vice on my chest let go. So hard to meet my own needs over his. His deep pain is so raw and evident drawing me to meet them. His loneliness as vast as mine once was. His interest in me is having warm bodies around to admire him.
Can’t. Really can’t. Just do it, care for my own needs over another’s.
Patricia J Grace 
Bravo!!
I haven’t been able to travel across country for the past few years to the beloved little seaside cottage I share with my safe brother, but wanted to go this summer. He wants me to visit as well. And after a few days this spring of feeling well I told him I was planning to visit. But I just don’t have the energy right now. I’ve gone back and forth with myself, debating internally, but the moment I let myself off the hook I felt worlds better. I haven’t told him yet, but I will likely do so soon.
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Exactly, the world felt better immediately. It took a few restless nights to see that the decision should, could, and would be reversed That is such an important thing I’ve learned. I can change my mind…
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Good for you! So hard, but the immediate physical relief you felt after sending the message tells you it was the right decision.
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Oh yes. Sad fact to accept, yet this summer I’ve had to face that earlier by bowing out of camping in the woods with my son. We’ve gone there since he was little. He went with friends with kids their ages and had a great time. We cannot keep up! So this time I wondered, why agree to another similar trip which is as hard as that one would be? My spur of the moment tendencies found the right answer with time.
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