Some Days Just Ask More of You

I’ve been sick since Monday.

A sinus infection and a stomach bug decided to team up against me, so I spent a couple of days at home trying to recover. When I finally convinced myself I was feeling well enough to go back to work, my stomach had other plans.

The morning was a blur of running back and forth to the bathroom, trying to convince myself I’d make it through the day.

I work with children on the autism spectrum, and every day is different.

This day started with a hard hit across the chest before I’d even had a chance to settle in. Later, another child spit in my face. The student I work with one-on-one wanted to be attached to my side all day. Normally, I don’t mind. But with my body already fighting to keep up, every touch, every sound, and every demand felt just a little heavier than usual.

I was overstimulated.

I was nauseated.

I was exhausted.

There were more than a few moments when all I wanted was to go home, crawl into bed, and pretend the day never happened.

But I stayed.

Not because I felt particularly strong, and definitely not because I wanted to.

Sometimes you stay simply because the day still has to be lived.

By the time I finally made it home, I headed straight for the shower. I let the hot water wash away as much of the day as it could, climbed into bed, turned on Bailey Sarian, and finally let myself exhale.

It wasn’t productive.

It wasn’t inspiring.

It wasn’t one of those days that changes your life.

It was just hard.

And sometimes, making it to the end of a hard day is enough.

Until next time,

— Destiny

P.S. What’s something that helped you make it through a hard day recently? I’d love to hear about it.